Iran's military on Saturday said it will again close the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, citing alleged Israeli violations of a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon that formed part of a recent framework deal between Tehran and Washington.
In a statement reported in Iranian media, the military also pointed to Israel's continued presence in southern Lebanon and said shutting the key waterway for the global oil trade was "the first step" in responding to the "enemy's breach of trust."
It warned that further measures could follow if "aggression continues."
US military to keep strait open
After Iran's announcement, the US military said it intends to continue enforcing freedom of navigation.
Shipping increased on Saturday "as U.S. forces continued operating in the general area to support freedom of navigation," the US regional command CENTCOM said on X. It said 55 vessels carrying, among other things, 17 million barrels of oil had passed through the strait.
CENTCOM said the military remains on site to ensure that all arrangements of the framework agreement "are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect."
Only days ago, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding that included a ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, a halt to hostilities between Washington and Tehran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
JD Vance heads to Switzerland for US-Iran talks
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has left for Switzerland for talks with Iran after days of uncertainty over whether the negotiations would go ahead. "I can only be there for a day or two," Vance said before departing, after which the negotiations would continue at a lower level.
"I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue."
The negotiations with Iran had originally been scheduled to begin on Friday. However, on Saturday, Pakistan announced that talks will begin on Sunday.
Vance confirmed that meetings were already under way in Switzerland and said that Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were already there, dealing with "some of the technical elements of this negotiation."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai also said Iranian negotiators were heading to Switzerland to discuss the framework agreement. Baghai said the US had failed to deliver on a pledge to secure an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, adding: "If the other side refuses to meet its obligations, Iran will not do so either."
Israel, Hezbollah trade ceasefire violation claims
The Hezbollah militia, Tehran's most important regional ally, and Israel have traded accusations of violating the ceasefire, which according to a US administration official took effect on Friday. Iran has called on Washington to pressure Israel to comply with the truce.
The durability of the truce was immediately called into question as both sides accused each other of violations. Israel's military said it would continue to act against any threat to the country and its soldiers, while Hezbollah said it would resist any attempt by Israel to take control of territory in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military on Saturday accused the Shiite militia of firing more than 50 projectiles overnight at Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon.
At least 35 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Saturday alone, according to authorities and media reports. The Israeli military said five Israeli soldiers were killed in separate incidents within the past two days.
Reports: Israel halts strikes outside Lebanon 'security zone'
The Israeli military later halted strikes in Lebanon outside a self-declared "security zone" along the border, according to Israeli media reports citing the armed forces. The move follows instructions from Israel's political leadership, the reports said.
Military operations will continue inside the zone in southern Lebanon, however, including efforts to target what the army described as an extensive tunnel network used by the Shiite Hezbollah militia. Military commanders reportedly also retain the option of striking imminent threats outside the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the military-established security zone as a buffer between Hezbollah forces in Lebanon and residents of northern Israel.
Israel will not withdraw from the area for as long as its security needs require it, Netanyahu has said. The Lebanese government, meanwhile, regards the territory controlled by Israel as an illegal occupation under international law.
Trump: US to impose Strait of Hormuz toll if no deal within 60 days
If the parties fail to reach a final peace settlement, Trump said the United States could impose a transit fee in the Strait of Hormuz as compensation for acting as the region's "guardian angel."
"There will be NO TOLLS after the 60 day period has expired, unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America, should the deal not be completed," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran had largely blocked the Strait of Hormuz after the outbreak of war on February 28. Roughly 20% of global energy trade passes through the narrow waterway. The closure highlighted the vulnerability of global supply chains and had major repercussions for international energy markets.
