Iran Closes Hormuz Waterway, Claims US and Israel Undermining Ceasefire Efforts
Iran has alleged that both the United States and Israel have failed to uphold key commitments under a recently brokered ceasefire arrangement, raising concerns that the fragile agreement could unravel amid renewed regional tensions.
The accusations came as Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, while also condemning what it described as continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon despite the ceasefire understanding intended to halt hostilities.
Speaking on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran would use upcoming negotiations in Switzerland to push for full implementation of commitments made by Washington under a 14-point agreement reached earlier this week.
According to Baghaei, Iranian officials attending the talks in Bürgenstock will focus on securing concrete steps from the United States before discussions on any long-term settlement can move forward.
Pakistan, which has played a mediating role in recent diplomatic efforts, previously confirmed that delegations from both countries are expected to participate in the meeting.
Baghaei said Iran’s objective at the talks would be to ensure that all parties honour the obligations outlined in the agreement.
“We will insist that the commitments undertaken by the other side are fully respected,” he said.
He noted that negotiations on a broader and more permanent accord would only begin once several key provisions of the deal had entered into force and were being consistently implemented.
According to Iranian officials, those conditions have yet to be met, prompting Tehran to intensify pressure on Washington during the Switzerland discussions.
The dispute has fuelled fresh uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire, which observers have described as delicate from the outset.
Analysts warn that growing mistrust between the parties could complicate efforts to preserve stability and prevent further escalation.
Despite Iran’s announcement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the US Central Command said maritime traffic through the waterway remained uninterrupted, adding that dozens of commercial vessels had safely completed their transit.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital gateway for global energy supplies, handling a substantial share of the world’s oil and gas exports.
Any prolonged disruption could have significant consequences for international markets and global trade flows.
Attention is now turning to the Switzerland meeting and the response of US President Donald Trump, as diplomats seek to prevent the ceasefire from deteriorating into a wider regional crisis.
