Image: BBC
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s continued bombardment of Lebanon. The move raises fresh concerns over global oil supplies and energy prices.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure ahead of US-Iran talks scheduled for Sunday in Switzerland. Pakistan and Qatar are expected to mediate the negotiations.
The latest escalation has exposed growing strains in US-Israel relations. Washington is pushing to preserve the interim agreement with Iran. Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon.
In a statement posted on X, the Iranian Embassy in Ghana said: “NOTICE: Lebanon is still burning. Effective immediately, the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all maritime traffic until full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese soil and complete cessation of military operations. You had one obligation: restrain your bloodthirsty ally. The world’s energy now waits for your conscience to arrive. We don’t bluff.”
US Vice President JD Vance criticised Israeli officials he believes are undermining the agreement. He said actions that jeopardise negotiations run counter to US interests.
President Donald Trump also rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Bibi Netanyahu happens to be a good man, but he gets a little excited sometimes,” Trump said. He urged Israel to avoid actions that could derail the agreement.
Meanwhile, JD Vance confirmed that US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are already in Switzerland. He said he expects to join them in the coming days.
Trump earlier welcomed the interim agreement with Iran. “Let the oil flow!” he said. Just a few days later, Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said “all of Lebanon must burn”. After the agreement, Israel has continued to attack Lebanon, forcing Iran to act.
The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of the world’s oil exports.
