Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again after Lebanon strikes; over 250 killed

Tehran: Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes, less than 24 hours after a two-week ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump, according to reports by state-run Fars news agency.

The move came after Israel carried out more than 100 airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

Iranian officials said the action violated the ceasefire and announced that oil tanker movement through the Strait would be stopped.

The White House has demanded that Iran reopen the Strait immediately. Reports said two ships were allowed to pass before the closure.

Israel has maintained that Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire agreement. However, Iran has opposed this view and called for a complete halt to the conflict, including Israeli attacks on Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups.

An Iranian official said the decision to close the Strait was in response to what was described as attacks on Lebanon and stressed that the ceasefire should apply to all sides.

Despite a pause in attacks by Hezbollah under the ceasefire framework, Israel intensified its military operations across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 254 people were killed and more than 800 injured in the strikes.