JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
By Ayo Kehinde
Fresh tensions have erupted across the Middle East after Iran announced the closure of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a major disruption to global oil supplies.
Iran’s military on Saturday said the vital sea passage had been closed to all shipping, accusing the United States and Israel of violating a recently brokered ceasefire agreement intended to halt hostilities on multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
In a statement, Tehran blamed what it described as “America’s blatant breach of promise” regarding a 14-point deal negotiated to end the broader conflict between Iran, Washington and its regional allies.
Iranian authorities specifically highlighted the first clause of the agreement, which called for “the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.”
According to Iranian officials, continued Israeli military attacks in southern Lebanon shortly after the ceasefire announcement constitute a direct violation of the agreement, which led to the decision to close the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest escalation follows reports that at least 23 people were killed in new Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon less than 24 hours after US officials announced Friday a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese local authorities said 16 people were killed in Nabatieh district, while seven others died in nearby Saida following renewed Israeli shelling.
The Israeli army confirmed that the ceasefire agreement had entered into force, but insisted that military operations would continue where “immediate threats” existed.
In a separate statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had struck “dozens” of Hezbollah positions after the Lebanese militant group reportedly fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces operating in the area.
However, Hezbollah rejected some parts of the ceasefire agreement.
A senior Hezbollah official told international media that the group does not recognize the ceasefire announced by American officials, insisting it rejects Israel’s stated goal of maintaining freedom to conduct military operations inside Lebanese territory.
Since the ceasefire was announced, both Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged accusations of repeated violations, raising fears that diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict may have failed almost immediately after implementation.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical choke points, serving as a major transit route for crude oil shipments from major Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Following Iran’s announcement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) sought to calm growing fears, insisting that commercial traffic through the waterway remained active despite Tehran’s statement.
In a statement released Saturday, CENTCOM said the movement of commercial vessels through the strait actually increased during the day, with 55 merchant vessels successfully transiting the waterway.
“Commercial vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased on June 20 as U.S. forces continued to operate in the general area to support freedom of navigation. Safe passage through international waterways remained intact today as 55 merchant vessels transited, moving large quantities of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets,” CENTCOM said.
The U.S. military command also said that American forces remain deployed in the region to ensure freedom of navigation and that all aspects of the Iran deal remain “in full force and effect.”
Despite Washington’s assurances, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintained that the strait had been closed to all shipping, reiterating accusations that both Washington and Tel Aviv had violated ceasefire pledges reached during efforts to contain the broader regional war.
Post views:
159
