In a dramatic escalation that threatens global oil markets, Iran has announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing US and Israeli violations of a newly signed agreement just days after the historic deal was sealed .
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued the warning over maritime radio channels on Friday, June 19, accusing Washington of failing to fulfil key provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, June 17 .
Strict Warning to Vessels
The IRGC issued a stern warning to all commercial and private vessels: "Since Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met" .
The military body further threatened that any vessel that defies this directive will be targeted, requesting all ships for their "security and safety" not to approach the strategic waterway .
Nuclear Talks Postponed
The announcement came just hours after the planned US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Switzerland on June 19 were cancelled . The postponement marks a significant setback for the diplomatic breakthrough that had raised hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East.
The US has not officially provided a reason for the postponement . However, regional sources claim hardliners within the Iranian regime had been arguing against attending the ceremony until Israel removed its troops from southern Lebanon .
Dispute Over Agreement Terms
The disagreement appears to stem from ambiguities in the wording of the memorandum of understanding . The deal promised the US would lift the naval blockade in phases over 30 days, meaning the process was not expected to be completed immediately upon signing .
Simcha Brodsky, president of the open-source intelligence organization OSINT613, told the New York Post: "What we're seeing is a direct result of the wording in the US-Iran MoU. The deal lifts the US blockade in phases ('fully within 30 days'), so the US is mid-process by design. Iran is using that gap: It says the strait stays closed until the blockade is 'completely lifted,' so it can claim the lift isn't done and call this a re-closure" .
Israel Factor Complicates Deal
Adding to the tension, Iran has linked the Strait closure to Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon . Shortly after the IRGC announcement, a US official claimed Israel and Hezbollah had reached a ceasefire agreement . However, this directly contradicted statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared that Israeli forces would continue operations to "restore security and prosperity to northern towns" .
The Israel Defence Forces further published a new map showing an expanded zone of occupation, deploying troops more than 6 miles across the Lebanese border, including north of the Litani River . This appears to directly violate the MOU's commitment that the US and Iran, "along with their allies," would respect Lebanon's territory and sovereignty .
New Regulatory Framework
Meanwhile, Iran's newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority has introduced new "terms and conditions" for ships . While the MOU prevents Iran from charging transit fees during the first 60 days, Tehran "reserves the right to introduce" new charges in the future . The regulations require all vessels to obtain permits before transiting the strait, representing a major departure from previous arrangements where ships moved freely through the international waterway .
Oil Market Implications
The re-closure comes as US gas prices had just fallen below $4 per gallon for the first time in over five months following the initial agreement . The earlier closure had cut off roughly 20% of the world's oil supply, sending crude prices sharply higher . A US naval blockade of Iranian ports had been in place for two months prior to the agreement .
Uncertainty Continues
The situation remains highly fluid as both sides appear to interpret the agreement differently. The original 14-point MOU, signed on June 17, reportedly includes provisions for a 60-day negotiation window for a final agreement, with the US committing to withdrawing forces only if a final deal is reached .
With the case now returning to court in July, it remains to be seen how the government will proceed with its case against the native doctor, who maintains significant public support in Nnewi and surrounding communities.
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