Tehran [Iran], June 20 (ANI): Iran on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran. The move was made by Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, according to Fars news agency.
Iran's Response to Ceasefire Violations
Iran criticized Israel's actions in Lebanon, labeling them a "relentless and continuous violation of the ceasefire." In a post on X, the agency stated: "In view of the flagrant bad faith and breach of covenant by America regarding the failure to implement the first clause of the end-of-war agreement, and in reaction to the relentless and continuous violation of the ceasefire by the Zionist regime in southern Lebanon and the brutal massacre and displacement of hundreds of thousands of the oppressed people of this land, and also in light of the occupying Zionist forces' refusal to withdraw from the lands of southern Lebanon, it declares that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to the passage of vessels."
Iran called this the first response and warned of "subsequent steps" if the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) are further breached. The post added: "It is recalled that this step is the first response to the enemy's breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, subsequent steps will be planned and taken to compel the enemy to fulfill its commitments."
Israeli Retaliation and Hezbollah Actions
The Israeli Defence Forces stated on Saturday that fresh strikes in Lebanon were in retaliation for Hezbollah's "repeated and ongoing violations of the ceasefire." The Israeli Air Force (IAF) claimed Hezbollah launched over 50 strikes on Israeli forces, prompting strikes on dozens of "terrorist infrastructures" and terrorists overnight. The IAF wrote: "In several different incidents throughout the night, the terrorist organization Hezbollah launched more than 50 launches toward IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon. These constitute repeated and ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement by the terrorist organization Hezbollah. The IDF will not tolerate harm to Israeli civilians or its forces, and will respond forcefully to any use of force against them."
The strikes targeted rocket launch positions, weapons storage facilities, and command centers in southern Lebanon. The IAF emphasized its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and stated it will continue to "remove any threat" to Israeli civilians and forces.
Hezbollah's Stance
Hezbollah, in a statement, said it attacked Israeli forces attempting to advance in southern Lebanon, asserting that it has "adhered to the ceasefire" since Friday afternoon, according to the Times of Israel.
Casualties
The death toll in the ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh district has risen to 16, including a Lebanese soldier.
