The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the Relevant Secretariat meeting with Oman, in which Iran concluded a temporary transit agreement, further fueling uncertainty over one of the world’s most vital waterways.
The strait would be completely re-opened only when the United States fulfills its commitments under a memorandum of understanding, Gharibabadi said. He made the comments as relations remain strained between Tehran and Washington and a worry about the flow of commercial shipping through the strategically-important water route.
US President Donald Trump, on the other hand, asserted that all mines had been purged and blown from the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, which borders the Persian Gulf from the Gulf of Oman. He also threatened Iran for its plan to drop any new mines in the water course would have “severe consequences” and ships would be “destroyed”.
The situation around the strait is under close watch as any disruption might have impact on international transport and energy markets.
Meanwhile, there’s also unrest in southern Lebanon. The news agency reported that Israeli troops raacked in Majdal Zoun.
An Israeli drone is believed to have dropped an explosive onto al-Mansouri. Israeli troops have likewise been reported to have set houses on fire in the town of Bayt al-Sayyad.
The developments come against the backdrop of continuing regional tensions involving Israel, Iran and armed groups operating in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is still on the brink of war and violence is ongoing in southern Lebanon, raising the risk of further outbreaks of violence in the region.