The Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces stated on June 20 local time that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to all shipping.
The Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces issued a statement that day, saying that in view of the United States’ blatant breach of its commitments by failing to fulfill the first clause of the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war; and in view of Israel’s continued violation of the ceasefire agreement, its relentless attacks on southern Lebanon, causing numerous civilian deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons; and the Israeli military’s failure to withdraw from southern Lebanon, it is hereby announced: the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to all shipping.
The statement also emphasized that this is only the first step in response to the enemy’s breach of agreement. If aggression continues, further measures will be taken to compel the other party to fulfill its commitments.
Regarding the actual current navigation situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran and the United States have conflicting accounts. The Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces issued a statement saying that due to Israel’s continuous attacks on Lebanon, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the U.S. military side stated that it has not yet observed any military movements by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Fox News Channel, Vance said that there is currently no evidence that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed, and he believes the ceasefire arrangement under the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding can be sustained.
The U.S. Central Command issued a statement saying that navigation in the Strait of Hormuz was “safe and unimpeded” that day, and the volume of commercial shipping had increased. The statement said that 55 commercial vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, “transporting large quantities of cargo and over 17 million barrels of crude oil to global markets.”
As for Israel, the key factor triggering Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Israeli media reported on June 20 that the Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister have instructed the Israeli military to cease fire in Lebanon, but the military will not withdraw from the controlled areas in southern Lebanon.
U.S. Vice President Vance stated on June 20 that he expects to depart soon for Switzerland to hold negotiations with Iranian representatives.
U.S. President Trump warned on June 20 that if negotiators cannot reach an agreement to end the war in Iran, the United States may impose tolls on the vital Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, Trump posted on Truth Social on June 20, stating that during the 60-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire period, no tolls will be collected in the Strait of Hormuz. After the 60-day period ends, tolls will also continue not to be collected. However, he said that if an agreement is not reached, the United States will impose tolls as compensation for the services provided by the United States acting as the “guardian angel” of Middle Eastern countries, to cover past, present, and future related costs.
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