Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz again, suspends nuclear talks with US

Strait of Hormuz was closed once again on Friday after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran stated that it will no longer comply with the recent agreement between the United States and Iran and keep the strategic waterway closed until certain requirements are met.

As per the IRGC, such measures were adopted due to Israel’s failure to leave Southern Lebanon as well as the presence of US forces in the Persian Gulf region, which according to them, is a violation of the memorandum of understanding signed a few days back.

In a statement made through the maritime radio broadcast, the IRGC said that the reopening of the waterway, the lifting of naval blockade, and the evacuation of US forces from the area were some of the basic conditions of the agreement, and vessels passing through the strait must beware of it.

Despite claims that there have been commercial ships passing through the strait and the confirmation from the US Central Command that its two months’ long blockade of Iranian ports was lifted, the developments took place.

The deal between the US and Iran, signed by President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was expected to de-escalate the situation and facilitate nuclear talks in Switzerland. However, talks were postponed due to re-emergence of military and diplomatic conflicts.

Iran claimed that the United States failed to fully comply with the terms of the deal, especially concerning the phased withdrawal plans and regional security measures related to Israeli activities in Lebanon.

Furthermore, the IRGC contended that the deal allowed justifications for the closing, while establishing additional restrictions on the shipping industry via the establishment of Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, demanding permits for ships to use the passage.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of global energy supplies, as Strait of Hormuz is vital for oil and gas transportation.

So far, diplomatic attempts to save the deal have not brought success, and both sides have firm positions amid increasing tension with Israel and Hezbollah.