Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz after Israeli strikes in Lebanon; US VP heads to Switzerland
Iran's military announced closure of the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, citing US violations of a new memorandum and Israeli ceasefire breaches in Lebanon. US Vice President JD Vance plans to travel to Switzerland for talks, as a 60-day deal between Iran and the US hangs in the balance.
On June 20, Iran’s Supreme Joint Military Command declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of failing to uphold its commitments under the first point of a recently signed memorandum of understanding. The move also came in response to what Iran called continued violations of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon by Israel.
The announcement was made by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, which stated that the closure marks the first step in breaching obligations under the Iran-US memorandum, according to BBC citing Reuters. The development followed Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on the same day that killed at least ten people, just hours after a ceasefire with Hezbollah had gone into effect at 4 p.m. local time on Friday.
US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that there is no evidence yet that Iran has actually blocked shipping in the strait. He added that he will fly to Switzerland within hours, where Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are already holding technical consultations with Iranian negotiators.
Pakistan, acting as chief mediator, confirmed that the parties will discuss the crisis in Switzerland on June 21. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated on June 20 that the deal with the US would be at risk if all its provisions are not implemented quickly.
Earlier this week, Iran and the US signed a 60-day memorandum of understanding that envisions a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions on Tehran, and the establishment of a reconstruction fund for Iran.
