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Iran Claims Strait of Hormuz Closure as U.S. Disputes Move, Threatening Fragile Truce

Iran's military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed Saturday and ordered vessels to avoid the waterway. This came just days after Tehran and Washington agreed to an interim ceasefire. The Iranian Joint Command cited ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon and alleged U.S. failure to honor commitments under the truce framework as justification for the action. Iranian state television warned of escalatory measures if aggression persists. The U.S. Central Command rejected the closure claim, with a spokesperson stating Iran does not control the strait and that American forces are monitoring operations to keep it open. The standoff complicates technical-level talks scheduled for Switzerland aimed at advancing the agreement signed Wednesday between President Trump and Iranian President Pezeshkian. That memorandum called for Israel to cease Lebanon operations and Iran to reopen Hormuz without tolls for 60 days.