Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for shipping transit, citing a violation of the ceasefire by Israel, even as it dispatched a negotiating team to Switzerland for prospective peace talks with the United States.
Military Command Statement
Iran's joint military command stated that the closure is Iran's first step in response to Israel's continued attacks in southern Lebanon, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Saturday. The move comes as cargo vessels remain anchored off the coast of Oman, with oil tankers and landing crafts blocked for several weeks.
Peace Talks Delayed
The start of negotiations over a permanent peace deal with the U.S. had been delayed after fighting in Lebanon intensified. Talks originally scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were postponed due to clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Iran insisted on a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of the interim peace deal finalized with the U.S. this week, delaying the delegation's departure.
On Saturday, Iranian state TV reported that officials were traveling to Switzerland for talks with the U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had planned to be in Switzerland on Friday, remains in Washington. Speaking on Fox News, Vance expressed confidence in maintaining the ceasefire and indicated he expects to travel in the coming days.
Shipping Routes and Risks
Shipping has been crossing Hormuz using two routes: one near the Iranian coast and another south of the waterway by the Omani coast. Iran issued guidance this week that no ship would cross without its permission, and the middle section is believed to be mined. Even before the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, ships carrying millions of barrels of oil daily were using the Omani route at night with satellite signals off. It remains unclear if the latest declaration will affect the southern route, but it may deter risk-averse shipowners with vessels trapped inside Hormuz.
Western naval forces had earlier stated that vessels using the southern corridor could cross at any time with satellite signals on or off.
