Iran once again closed the Strait of Hormuz today, suspending the 60-day negotiation period following Israel's persistent attacks in Lebanon and continued U.S. presence in the region.
When was the Strait reopened?
The Strait had been reopened following the Islamabad Memorandum, which promised the U.S., Iran and their allies would end all hostilities in Lebanon during the 60-day negotiation period for a final peace deal.
What are leaders saying?
- President Trump: "We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!"
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): “Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met."
Iran suspended the negotiation period and re-closed the Strait, saying the U.S. was in violation of the memorandum of understanding, which was signed Wednesday by both nation's Presidents.
The memorandum of understanding marked the beginning of a 60-day negotiation period until the two nations can create a final peace deal.
"We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!" Trump wrote on X.
U.S. Central Command said Thursday it lifted its two-month blockade on Iranian ports, as part of the agreement with Iran. The also memorandum promised the nations and their allies would end all hostilities in Lebanon during the negotiation period.
However, Israel did not agree with the decision and continued strikes in Lebanon.
“Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met,” a statement from the IRGC obtained by the New York Post announced.
With the Strait of Hormuz re-closed and the negotiation period suspended, the close end to the U.S.-Iran war may be pushing farther away.
