Iran on Wednesday shut the Strait of Hormuz following renewed Israeli attacks on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, raising concerns over the stability of a fragile ceasefire reached less than 24 hours earlier.
The closure came as both Iran and the United States had earlier declared victory after brokering the agreement, which initially drew relief from global leaders. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly as fresh drones and missiles struck Iran and Gulf Arab states, while Israel escalated its offensive in Lebanon.
Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential areas in Beirut without warning, leaving at least 112 people dead and hundreds injured in what has been described as one of the deadliest days in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Iranian state media reported that the Strait of Hormuz was shut “in the wake of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon,” signalling a sharp response to the escalation. Reports described Wednesday’s bombardment as among the most intense of the war so far, with as many as 800 people injured.
Authorities in Iran also issued a warning to vessels near the strategic waterway. According to a radio transmission obtained by The Wall Street Journal, ships anchored in the area were told they must seek permission from Sepah, a special operations unit under the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, before passing through. The transmission warned that any vessel attempting to transit without approval “will be destroyed.”
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Earlier in the day, Iran had indicated it would reopen the strait during the two-week ceasefire, noting that this would be done “with coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.” U.S. officials also said American forces could assist in managing maritime traffic, although details remained unclear.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said in an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl that he was open to a “joint venture” with Iran to impose tolls on ships passing through the strait, amid reports that Tehran had already begun seeking payments from vessels in recent weeks.
Despite diplomatic efforts, signs of strain quickly emerged. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a role in negotiating the ceasefire, said violations had already been recorded on Wednesday, casting further doubt on the agreement’s durability.