Iran says it closed Strait of Hormuz; US deal hits obstacle ahead of Swiss talks
Iran announced Saturday it has closed the Strait of Hormuz due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, while the US disputes the closure and says traffic continues. The interim US-Iran agreement faces hurdles just before technical talks in Switzerland.
Iran announced on Saturday that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israel's attacks in Lebanon and the US "clear breach of its commitments" by failing to end the war. The interim agreement between the US and Iran, signed earlier this week, aims to halt fighting on all fronts and unfreeze billions of dollars of Iranian assets. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei warned that if key commitments are not upheld, "the memorandum of understanding as a whole will be jeopardized."
The US Central Command disputed Iran's claim, with spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins stating that "Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz" and that traffic continues to flow. According to the military, 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, carrying over 17 million barrels of oil. President Donald Trump responded by threatening to impose US tolls on the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran is not reached within 60 days, calling the fees "services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East."
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people, including two children, on Saturday, despite reports of a ceasefire. Lebanon's National News Agency reported seven people trapped under rubble after strikes hit the city of Nabatiyeh and surrounding villages. An Israeli military official confirmed that five Israeli soldiers had been killed in the past 48 hours in southern Lebanon.
According to the Associated Press, a Hezbollah official said Iran informed the militant group that it will not reopen the strait until Israel publicly announces a "comprehensive ceasefire" in Lebanon and an end to military operations. Hezbollah would commit to a ceasefire if Israel does. An Israeli military official later said the military had received "updated directives from the political echelon to cease fire" but is operating defensively.
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that top negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Switzerland working through technical details for anticipated talks on Iran's nuclear program. The interim deal gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, but the time can be extended. Vance expects to leave for Switzerland in the next couple of days. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran earlier Saturday as part of efforts to revive direct talks.
