Tension in the Gulf: Iran announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to agreement violations
[91751] Tension in the Gulf: Iran announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to agreement violations
The military leadership in Iran has announced the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, in a move attributed to claims of violating a memorandum of understanding with the US and Israeli activity in Lebanon. Washington denies the reports at this stage.
Geopolitical tension: Iran declares the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz
During the day, June 20, 2026, many channels, including Times of Ukraine and Україна Online, reported that Iran's military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic. The move comes shortly after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, with Iran accusing the United States of "violating the memorandum clauses" and Israel of continuing military activity in southern Lebanon, according to a report by ТСН новини.
Military sources identified with the Revolutionary Guards, as published in Новини.LIVE and 24 Канал, defined the step as only a "first step," and warned that if what they term "violation of the ceasefire" by Israel or "aggressive conduct" by the US continues, further measures will be taken. The reports triggered immediate concern in global markets over a sharp rise in fuel prices, due to the strait's strategic importance for the transport of crude oil.
On the other hand, American officials are expressing skepticism. US Vice President J.D. Vance clarified in an interview with Fox News (as quoted in ⚔️БРАТЧУК) that "as of now, there is no evidence that the strait has indeed been blocked." At the same time, it was reported in UA Stream that a more moderate position exists within the Iranian Foreign Ministry, emphasizing the country's commitment to the security of shipping routes, which indicates internal friction between Iranian diplomacy and the radical military echelon linked to the Revolutionary Guards.
Experts in the maritime field point out that alongside the threats, administrative actions have been recorded, such as new requirements for maritime insurance for vessels passing through the area, which may indicate an attempt to exert economic pressure rather than a full and immediate military blockade.