Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Israel-Hezbollah Conflict in Lebanon

Iran on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of failing to uphold commitments under a recently signed memorandum of understanding and condemning Israel's continued military operations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement.

Iran Blames US and Israel for Escalation

According to Iran's Fars News Agency, the decision was taken by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters after what Tehran described as a failure to implement the first clause of the digitally signed Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Iran also accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire through ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon.

"In view of the flagrant bad faith and breach of covenant by America regarding the failure to implement the first clause of the end-of-war agreement, and in reaction to the relentless and continuous violation of the ceasefire by the Zionist regime in southern Lebanon and the brutal massacre and displacement of hundreds of thousands of the oppressed people of this land, and also in light of the occupying Zionist forces' refusal to withdraw from the lands of southern Lebanon, it declares that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to the passage of vessels," Fars wrote in a post on X.

The agency further warned that additional retaliatory measures could follow if the terms of the agreement continue to be violated.

"It is recalled that this step is the first response to the enemy's breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, subsequent steps will be planned and taken to compel the enemy to fulfill its commitments," the post read.

Israel Says Strikes Targeted Hezbollah Positions

The announcement came as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said fresh strikes in Lebanon were carried out in response to what it described as repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hezbollah.

In a statement posted on X, the Israeli Air Force said Hezbollah launched more than 50 attacks against Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon overnight.

"In several different incidents throughout the night, the terrorist organization Hezbollah launched more than 50 launches toward IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon. These constitute repeated and ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement by the terrorist organization Hezbollah. The IDF will not tolerate harm to Israeli civilians or its forces, and will respond forcefully to any use of force against them," the Israeli Air Force said.

Israel said it subsequently targeted multiple Hezbollah-linked sites, including rocket launch positions, weapons storage facilities and command centres.

"In order to remove threats and in response to the blatant violations by the terrorist organization Hezbollah, the Air Force struck dozens of terrorist infrastructures and terrorists from the terrorist organization Hezbollah in southern Lebanon overnight. Among the targets struck were rocket launch positions, weapons storage facilities, and command centers. The IDF is committed to the ceasefire agreement in accordance with the directives of the political echelon, and will continue to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel and IDF forces," it added.

Hezbollah Rejects Israeli Claims as Casualties Rise

Hezbollah, meanwhile, maintained that it had adhered to the ceasefire since Friday afternoon and said its fighters only engaged Israeli forces attempting to advance into southern Lebanon, according to The Times of Israel.

The latest escalation has further worsened the humanitarian situation in southern Lebanon. According to reports, the death toll from Israeli strikes in the Nabatieh district has risen to 16, including a Lebanese soldier.

The developments mark a significant escalation in regional tensions, with Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz raising concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

(With inputs from ANI)