Iran’s latest statement on the Strait of Hormuz conflicts with U.S. commitments to open the passage. Which one is it?
Iran’s announcement on Saturday that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz reignited speculation in the Persian Gulf, while U.S. officials insisted the vital shipping corridor remained open.
This brings new uncertainty just days before a new round of nuclear negotiations.
Conflicting claims emerged as Iranian and U.S. negotiators prepare to meet in Switzerland for technical discussions on a fragile interim deal struck earlier this week. The talks aim to build on the ceasefire framework negotiated by Iran, the United States and regional allies after nearly four months of conflict.
Iran’s military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a reopening of the strategic waterway, warning ships to avoid the area. Iranian officials said the move was in response to ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon and what Tehran said was the U.S.’s failure to live up to commitments outlined in the recent armistice arrangements.
Iranian state television reported that they were considering additional measures if what officials described as ongoing aggression persisted.
The news comes amid a renewed outbreak of violence in Lebanon. Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people, including two children, Lebanese authorities reported. The Lebanese National News Agency said that after the attack, several people were still trapped under the rubble in and around Nabatiya.
Despite Iran’s statement, U.S. officials insist commercial traffic continues through the strait without interruption.
“Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Central Command spokesman Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins told Reuters. “Traffic continues to flow and U.S. forces are monitoring the situation to ensure that continues to be the case.”
Breaking News: Iran’s Supreme Joint Military Command officially issues a statement closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Full statement: https://t.co/kT6VV5gOAI pic.twitter.com/LcWfob1rkT
— KobeissiLetter (@KobeissiLetter) June 20, 2026
The dispute over the waterway could complicate negotiations due to start in Switzerland on Sunday. The memorandum of understanding reached earlier this week between President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian calls on Israel to cease military activities in Lebanon and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days without Iran imposing tolls.
Despite rising tensions, US Vice President Vance remains confident in the diplomatic process.
In an interview with Fox News, Vance said discussions between special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were making progress and negotiators were working on the technical details of the agreement.
“We actually got 16 million barrels of oil from the Strait of Hormuz yesterday,” Vance said. “This record goes back even before the conflict began.”
Vance also said the focus of negotiations remains on ensuring the security of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities. He added that Washington would still have significant economic leverage if Iran did not comply with the terms of the deal.
