Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing a 'flagrant violation' of a U.S. commitment and ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. The command threatened further measures.
Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters — Iran's supreme unified military command — formally declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to maritime traffic on Saturday evening, citing a 'flagrant violation' by the United States of a commitment not to enforce the first clause of an agreement, and ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon including continued IDF presence there. The command warned it 'will take additional measures to compel the enemy to fulfill its obligations.' The declaration, reported by Kan 11's Arab desk, is the most authoritative iteration of the threat to date.
The formal closure is the culmination of a rapid escalation within the space of a single evening. At 17:52 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported the IRGC Navy announcement of a complete closure, followed minutes later by a separate Iranian announcement citing violations — all from a single channel. By 20:33 Jerusalem, The Zioneer further reported that despite the IRGC declaration, the Pentagon and Centcom denied any disruption, stating that 55 commercial ships carrying over 17 million barrels of oil passed through the strait that afternoon. The current statement from Khatam al-Anbiya, issued after those reports, now shifts the locus of the threat from the IRGC Navy and affiliated media to Iran's supreme military command.
As The Zioneer reported on Saturday at 16:13 Jerusalem, Tehran has linked the blockade to the failure of the United States to enforce ceasefire terms and the continued IDF presence in southern Lebanon. This followed earlier threats from the same command on Tuesday, June 16 at 22:30 Jerusalem, when Khatam al-Anbiya warned of a 'harsh response' over Israeli operations in Lebanon, accusing Israel of 84 ceasefire violations. The U.S. defense establishment has consistently denied significant disruption to shipping.
What remains open is the operational status of the waterway: the Pentagon and Centcom contradict the Iranian declaration, reporting continued commercial transit. The status of ongoing Geneva talks — reportedly involving U.S. Vice President Vance — and whether the closure will be enforced remain unverified. The Iranian negotiating team had earlier indicated it would still travel to Geneva. No independent confirmation of any stoppage has been received.
7 developments
- ConfirmedIran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz as Hezbollah rocket fire continues in south Lebanon
- StrongIran threatens indefinite Hormuz closure, blocks IAEA inspections as Israeli officials warn of shifting U.S. support
- StrongIran reportedly closes Strait of Hormuz as IDF braces for multi-day fighting
- StrongIranian source threatens to attack any vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz
Source and signal
- Internal intake