Iran on Saturday said it has closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, accusing the United States and Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, even as maritime traffic through the strategic waterway shows early signs of recovery after days of disruption.
The announcement, carried by Iranian state media, came shortly after renewed tensions in the region following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that reportedly killed at least 16 people, including civilians. Tehran said the move was a response to “breaches of commitments” and warned of further steps if “aggression continues”.
However, shortly after the announcement, Iranian media reported that the country’s negotiating team was headed to Switzerland “in the coming minutes” for talks, a visit that had originally been scheduled for Friday.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry warned that the agreement signed with the United States could be “in trouble” unless its provisions are implemented promptly.
“The other side must take the necessary measures as soon as possible. Otherwise, the entire understanding will be in trouble,” ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted as saying by IRNA.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Switzerland for talks with US representatives, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. However, the timing of the visit remains subject to change.
Separately, Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has already arrived in Switzerland ahead of the discussions. Qatar has played a key mediating role between Washington and Tehran in recent negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments.
Iran military's announcement
Iran’s top military command, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the closure was being enforced against vessel traffic in response to alleged violations of the ceasefire framework by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Calling the move the “first step”, Iranian authorities said additional measures could follow if ceasefire conditions continued to be breached.
However, maritime tracking sources and shipping officials indicated that limited commercial movement has continued in the region, suggesting the situation on the ground remains fluid.
Also read: Puri assures adequate fuel stock in India
India’s shipping concerns; 13 vessels stranded
India has emerged as one of the most exposed stakeholders in the latest escalation, with 13 Indian-flagged vessels currently stranded inside the Persian Gulf, unable to exit through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) briefing, no Indian-flagged vessel has transited out of the strait since the peace arrangement was signed on June 17.
A Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)-managed LNG tanker, MT Disha, which had crossed the strait on June 15 carrying Qatari LNG, reached Dahej port in Gujarat on June 19, officials said.
Caution despite partial reopening signals
While global shipping data suggests a gradual uptick in traffic, estimated at 40–50 vessels passing through between June 16 and 18 compared to near-paralysis earlier, Indian operators remain cautious.
Shipping companies are awaiting:
- Confirmation of naval mine clearance in the Gulf
- Renewal of war-risk insurance coverage, many of which expired during the conflict
- Security clearance from coordinated naval monitoring mechanisms
The Directorate General of Shipping is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to establish a joint framework to ensure safe passage of stranded Indian vessels.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, given the potential impact on India’s energy supply routes and maritime trade exposure in the Gulf.
Pakistan says US-Iran talks in Switzerland tomorrow
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said technical-level talks on implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on June 21.
The announcement came as diplomatic efforts gathered pace following the ceasefire agreement. Separately, US Vice-President JD Vance said he expected to travel to Switzerland in the coming days for discussions related to Iran.
Follow us
