Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz once again, citing the continued presence of United States forces in the region and Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon, according to a report by the New York Post.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) disclosed the decision via maritime radio channels on Friday, warning vessels to avoid the strategic waterway.
The IRGC accused the United States of breaching a memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran earlier in the week by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
It claimed that key conditions of the agreement included Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the lifting of a naval blockade, and the removal of US forces from the Persian Gulf region.
“Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met,” the IRGC statement said.
It further warned that vessels approaching the waterway could be targeted, advising ships to stay away “for the sake of their security and safety”.
In a separate statement, Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC, said the continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon meant the agreement had effectively collapsed, adding that future negotiations should be cancelled.
“The continuation of Israeli crimes and the occupation of Lebanese land signify the death of the agreement,” it stated.
The development comes as Switzerland reportedly announced a postponement of follow-up talks linked to the agreement aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The deal had been expected to trigger a phased de-escalation process, including a 60-day negotiation window on Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security issues.
It also coincided with renewed Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, according to military updates.
Under the agreement, Iran was also expected to receive a $300 billion reconstruction package from the United States.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, writing on Truth Social, said the conflict had weakened Iran and insisted that Washington was not acting out of desperation.
He added that Iran was “finished” in the current standoff and confirmed that the US would allow the negotiation timeline to proceed without offering financial concessions, stating that Washington would not provide “ten cents” in funding.
