Iran Announces Closure Of Strategic Oil Route, US Says Commercial Shipping Through Hormuz Remains Unaffected

Fresh tensions emerged in the Middle East on Saturday after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes, while the United States rejected the claim and maintained that commercial shipping continued without disruption. The conflicting narratives surfaced just as senior officials from both countries gathered in Switzerland for crucial negotiations linked to a recently signed interim agreement.

Iran Announces Closure Of Strategic Waterway

Iran's Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that the Strait of Hormuz had been shut to vessel traffic, citing what it described as violations of commitments connected to a broader understanding reached with Washington.

According to Iranian state media, the move was prompted by Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, which Tehran said breached obligations associated with the ceasefire framework.

"It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic," the military command said, adding that the step was being taken in response to what it called an "enemy breach of promise" and warning that further measures could follow if the situation escalates.

The announcement came as Iranian representatives travelled to Switzerland for discussions with US officials aimed at advancing an interim agreement brokered by Pakistan earlier this week.

US Rejects Claims, Says Shipping Continues Normally

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) disputed Iran's assertion and insisted that maritime traffic through the narrow passage remained operational.

In an official statement, CENTCOM said American forces remained "present and vigilant" while monitoring developments to ensure freedom of navigation in the region.

According to the command, 55 commercial vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, transporting more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.

US officials further stressed that Iran does not control the international waterway and that commercial vessels continued to pass safely through the shipping corridor.

A CENTCOM spokesperson told Al Jazeera Arabic that American forces were closely tracking the situation to guarantee uninterrupted maritime movement and that protecting commercial shipping remained a key priority.

US Vice President JD Vance also dismissed concerns about a complete closure of the route. Before leaving for Switzerland, he said there was no indication that shipping through the strait had stopped and expressed hope that ongoing diplomacy would help preserve the ceasefire and support broader discussions on Iran's nuclear programme and developments in Lebanon.

Lebanon Conflict Fuels Fresh Disagreement

Iran linked its latest actions directly to Israeli military operations in Lebanon, arguing that those strikes violated commitments made under an earlier ceasefire understanding.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned ships against approaching the strait, cautioning that their safety could be jeopardised amid the escalating dispute.

Iranian officials also accused Washington of failing to honour parts of the interim agreement, particularly provisions related to reducing hostilities in Lebanon.

Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, claimed that the United States had not implemented the first clause of the 14-point interim arrangement. He warned that regional energy supplies could remain vulnerable as long as the agreement was not fully enforced.

Diplomacy Continues Despite Rising Tensions

Despite the sharp exchange of accusations, both countries appear committed to continuing negotiations in Switzerland.

Iran's delegation is being led by chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The US team is expected to include Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials involved in the talks.

Pakistan, which played a key role in facilitating the interim understanding between Tehran and Washington, is also participating in the discussions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are expected to attend the meetings.

The latest disagreement over the Strait of Hormuz underscores the fragile state of the ceasefire-linked agreement. With both sides accusing each other of failing to uphold commitments, the outcome of the Switzerland talks could prove critical for regional stability, energy markets and future diplomatic engagement.