Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again, Cites MoU Violations by US and Israel
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz again, citing alleged violations of the June 18 MoU by the US and Israel. The strategic waterway had recently reopened under a US-Iran agreement.
Iran on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz once again, citing alleged violations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the United States and Israel, according to local media reports.
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The announcement came just days after Iran had declared an agreement to lift naval blockades and reopen the strategic waterway. Iran’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the latest closure was in response to what it described as an “explicit breach” of the first clause of the post-war MoU by the US and Israel, as well as “ongoing violations” of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Explains Closure Decision
According to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that the closure was being implemented because of the alleged failure to comply with commitments outlined in the first article of the agreement.
The headquarters said that in light of the US‘ alleged breach of its commitments regarding the first article of the MoU on ending the war and Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to vessel traffic.
Iran-US MoU Signed on June 18
The report noted that the MoU between Iran and the United States was signed on June 18 through a simultaneous digital process without an in-person ceremony.
The agreement was signed by:
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
- US President Donald Trump
According to Mehr, the first article of the agreement provided for:
- The immediate and permanent termination of military operations between Iran, the US, and their respective allies across all fronts, including Lebanon.
- A commitment by all parties to refrain from future military action or threats of force.
New Vessel Regulations Introduced by Iran
On Friday, Iran introduced new regulations for vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the new rules, ships are required to:
- Register in advance
- Obtain permits before entry
- Secure insurance before entering the waterway
The regulations were announced by the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA).
Persian Gulf Strait Authority Created Under US-Iran Framework
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) was established as part of the framework agreed upon between Washington and Tehran to restore commercial shipping through the strategic passage after more than three months of conflict.
The authority was tasked with overseeing maritime operations and implementing the terms of the shipping agreement.
US Says Maritime Blockade Was Lifted
Earlier, the US Central Command announced that American forces had lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas.
In a statement posted on X, the command said:
“American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All US military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased.”
The command also stated that US warships would remain in the general area to ensure compliance with all aspects of the agreement.
According to the statement:
“US warships will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect.”
Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical Global Energy Route
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, serving as a key passage for global oil and energy supplies.
The latest closure announcement has drawn international attention because of the waterway’s strategic importance to global trade and energy markets.
Current Status
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, citing alleged violations of the June 18 MoU by the US and Israel and alleged ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon. The closure comes days after the waterway was reopened under a US-Iran agreement. New vessel registration, permit, and insurance requirements introduced by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority remain in place.
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing alleged violations of the June 18 Memorandum of Understanding by the United States and Israel, as well as alleged ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon. The decision was announced by Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters despite the recent reopening of the strategic waterway under a US-Iran agreement. The closure affects one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes and comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding compliance with the agreement signed by President Masoud Pezeshkian and President Donald Trump.
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