US challenges Iran's claim to have shut Hormuz Strait over Israeli strikes in Lebanon

TEHRAN – 20 June 2026: Iran's central military command said it would close the critical Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, accusing Israel and the United States of breaching the recently signed US-Iran interim peace deal.

However, the US has challenged Iran's claim, saying the waterway remains open ​and that US forces ​are monitoring the situation to ensure ⁠its continued operation.

The Khatam Al-Anbiya military command cited Israeli "continuous and relentless" violations of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, which have resulted in "the killing and displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent people," as well as the Israeli forces' continued troop presence in the Lebanese territory.

It described the move as an initial response and warned that additional actions would follow if aggression persisted.

Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday reportedly killed at least 20 people, including two children, threatening the recently signed US-Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities “on all fronts.”

The memorandum of understanding, signed by the presidents of the US and Iran, includes restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The first provision calls for the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon."