Iran's military announced on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz was closed, warning vessels to avoid the area. This declaration came shortly after an interim agreement was reached between the U.S. and Iran to reduce hostilities. Iran's military cited ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon and U.S. non-compliance with the truce as reasons for the closure. However, U.S.
Central Command confirmed that the strait remained open and that U.S. forces were actively monitoring the situation. The closure threat complicates upcoming talks in Switzerland aimed at solidifying the recent agreement, which includes a cessation of Israeli military actions and the reopening of the strait without tolls for at least 60 days. U.S.
Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the negotiations, noting a significant rebound in tanker traffic, with 16 million barrels of oil transported through the strait recently, a record since the conflict began.
He emphasized the importance of securing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to prevent the country from reviving its nuclear program, while also highlighting the U.S.'s economic leverage in the negotiations