[93264] Iran reports the closure of the Strait of Hormuz; storm in the US over the responses

[93264] Iran reports the closure of the Strait of Hormuz; storm in the US over the responses

Tension in the Persian Gulf: Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz

Over the past day, it has been reported that Iran has decided to close the Strait of Hormuz to vessel transit "until further notice." According to reports shared on Daphna Liel, 301 News Arab World, and Israel Hayom, the decision was made in response to what Iran defines as "violations of the memorandum of understanding" by Israel following its recent strikes in southern Lebanon.

While Israeli media outlets presented the move as a strategic threat, the issue has sparked diverse reactions in the American arena. Daphna Liel and Ziv Rubinstein point to a controversial interview with Vance on the Fox News network. In response to a question about reports that the Revolutionary Guards are forcing ships to turn back in the strait, Vance suggested that it might be an Iranian attempt "to prevent them from hitting a naval mine."

Vance's interpretation was met with harsh criticism from parties critical of current US policy. Ziv Rubinstein, who presents an editorial line critical of the American administration, defined the statement as a sign that "America is on its knees." Conversely, Daphna Liel expressed amazement at the style of the American response, noting that "one has to read twice to believe" Vance's words.

At the same time, 301 News Arab World, an anti-Israel oriented source reporting from the Arab perspective, emphasized the Iranian narrative that Israel is directly responsible for the escalation that will lead to the closure of international shipping lanes.