Iran Claims Closure of Strait of Hormuz Following Israeli Attack, US Confirms Passage Remains Open
Following an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon, Iran has claimed it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route. However, the US military has confirmed that the waterway remains open. Direct talks addressing nuclear issues and a ceasefire in Lebanon are expected to take place on Sunday in Switzerland. US Vice President J.D. Vance and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also scheduled to attend these negotiations. (June 21, Kathmandu)
In response to the Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this proclamation, the US military reported that the shipping lane continues to operate normally, with vessels transiting the corridor uninterrupted. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), 55 commercial ships used the route on Saturday alone. The declaration came less than 24 hours after a new ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was announced, and an airstrike in southern Lebanon that resulted in at least 20 fatalities.
Following Iran’s announcement, US military spokesperson Tim Hockins stated to the media that maritime traffic has continued without disruption. He emphasized that the US military is monitoring the situation closely and asserted that Iran will not control the Strait of Hormuz. Independent verification by the BBC indicated that at least five oil tankers crossed the Strait on Saturday, with some vessels altering their routes. Earlier this week, an initial agreement was signed by the US and Iranian presidents aiming to end hostilities. The agreement includes provisions for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts including Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz—which accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments—and further negotiations toward a final agreement within 60 days. Despite these efforts, mistrust and misunderstandings persist between the parties.
The signing ceremony originally scheduled in Switzerland on Friday was postponed amid rising tensions, yet direct talks between the US and Iran are set to proceed today. Vice President J.D. Vance and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan are participants in the discussions. Vance departed Washington for Switzerland on Saturday to prepare for Sunday’s talks. Although earlier reports indicated his trip might be canceled, international media confirmed his arrival. Iranian officials have also reached Switzerland. Vance expressed optimism about progress on nuclear issues and the Lebanon ceasefire, responding to the Israeli-Hezbollah tension and recent airstrikes in southern Lebanon by stating, “The situation is gradually improving and the violence is decreasing.” He also emphasized that the main goal remains ensuring the security of both Israel and Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized that all parties must fully commit to the terms of the agreement. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif, who has played a mediating role throughout the conflict, will also participate. Earlier this year in April, a phase of talks between the US and Iran concluded in Islamabad. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump warned on social media that, absent an agreement, fees might be imposed on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military justified its decision to close the strait by accusing the US of failing to implement the first point of a 14-point understanding, which calls for the immediate and permanent cessation of all military operations across all areas, including Lebanon.
