Iran Says It Closed Strait of Hormuz; U.S. Reports No Disruption to Shipping

Iran's joint military command announced on June 20, 2026, that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all vessels. The command stated the closure responds to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that it described as a violation of the ceasefire reached earlier in the week.

Iran's IRGC separately confirmed the closure and warned vessels not to approach the waterway, stating their security would otherwise be jeopardized.

The joint military command accused the United States of failing to implement the first article of the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17. The command warned that further measures would be taken if the aggression continues. Iranian state media reported that Iran is closing the Strait of Hormuz and accuses the United States and Israel of violating a ceasefire deal.

Israeli strikes on Saturday killed a family of four in the town of Barich in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media. The Israeli military said it struck dozens of Hezbollah targets after the group fired more than 50 projectiles. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 16:00 local time on Friday, June 19.

The agreement requires the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. U.S. Central Command reported that 55 merchant ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, moving more than 17 million barrels of oil.

It stated safe passage remained intact. U.S. Energy Information Administration. U.S. and Iranian delegations are scheduled to meet in Switzerland on Sunday, June 21.