In a dramatic turn of events, Iran has once again restricted access to the vital Strait of Hormuz, citing recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon as the catalyst. This comes just hours after an agreement was reached to reopen the crucial waterway.
The Iranian embassy in Mumbai announced the decision on social media platform X, referencing a report from Iran’s Fars News Agency. “Due to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, oil tankers will not be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” read the statement, highlighting the geopolitical tensions impacting maritime navigation.
Previously, Iran had issued a stark warning, threatening to “destroy” any vessel attempting to navigate the strait without its explicit permission. The nation is also aiming to establish a toll system, effectively charging ships for safe passage through this strategic channel.
An Iranian official was reportedly captured in audio shared with the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing the severity of the situation: “You must receive permission from the Iranian Sepah navy for passing through the strait. If any vessel tries to transit without permission, it will be destroyed,” the official declared.
This development follows Israel’s airstrikes in central Beirut, which targeted densely populated commercial and residential zones. The attacks resulted in at least 89 casualties and left 700 others injured, as per Lebanon’s health ministry. These strikes came shortly after former President Trump announced a cease-fire with Iran, which was expected to facilitate the reopening of the strait.
However, Israel maintains that the cease-fire agreement between the US and Iran does not extend to Lebanon. The Israeli military has vowed to persist with its “targeted ground operations” against Hezbollah, underscoring the complex and volatile nature of the region’s geopolitical landscape.
