Iran’s military announced the closure of the key oil shipping route, though the US denied the claim ahead of diplomatic talks.
Iran’s military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the Strait of Hormuz closed on Saturday, warning vessels to avoid the critical oil transit chokepoint. The move follows escalating tensions after Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 16 people, including two children, and days after a fragile truce between Tehran and Washington was brokered.
The US military rejected Iran’s claim, stating the strait remained open and operational. Iranian officials cited US “bad faith” and continued Israeli military actions as justification for the closure, threatening further steps if aggression persists. Technical-level talks between US and Iranian negotiators are set to begin in Switzerland on Sunday.
Markets remain on edge as the strait handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. No immediate disruptions to shipping were reported, but the rhetoric raises concerns over supply chain stability in the region.