Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters said on June 20 that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to all shipping and maritime traffic. The announcement was reported by Iran’s Mehr News Agency.
Iran’s Supreme Joint Military Command said the decision was taken because the United States allegedly violated its commitments under the recent war-ending agreement. Iran also accused Israel of continuing ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon.
Iranian officials said the continued military actions in Lebanon have led to deaths, displacement of civilians, and the failure of Israeli forces to withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon. Tehran said these developments were a major reason behind the move.
The military command described the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as the “first step” in its response. It warned that additional measures could be taken if what it called enemy aggression continues.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance said he expects to travel to Switzerland within days for possible talks with Iran, with discussions potentially beginning as early as Sunday. He said Washington remains open to diplomacy and is willing to improve relations if Iran changes its behavior, adding that the U.S. does not want to close the door on negotiations.
Vance also stated that the United States has seen no evidence that Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz and expressed confidence that the current ceasefire can be maintained. According to him, diplomacy remains the preferred path to resolving tensions between the two countries.
He further claimed that President Donald Trump ordered efforts to keep the strait open and said a record 16 million barrels of oil passed through the waterway yesterday. Vance added that Qatar and Pakistan are helping facilitate talks and ensure negotiations are conducted properly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi is expected to travel to Switzerland tonight alongside Pakistan’s interior minister, according to Saudi outlet Al-Hadath. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said a delegation will visit Switzerland to follow up on commitments made by the other side and seek clarity on how those commitments will be fulfilled. Tehran maintains that it has honored its own obligations and says responsibility now lies with the other party to ensure Israel halts its attacks on Lebanon. Iranian officials also warned that if commitments are not met, Iran will take necessary measures in response, stressing that its policy remains “commitment for commitment.”
