Iran Reimposes Strait of Hormuz Closure as 55 Ships Passed and Lebanon Fighting Jeopardizes 60-Day Talks
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 20
Iran Reimposes Strait of Hormuz Closure as 55 Ships Passed and Lebanon Fighting Jeopardizes 60-Day Talks
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 20
Summary
Iran on Saturday reclosed the Strait of Hormuz and the IRGC warned commercial vessels to stay away, saying their security would be at risk.
Tehran tied the move to alleged U.S.-Israel violations of the memorandum of understanding, citing Israeli troops still in southern Lebanon and continued Israel-Hezbollah exchanges despite a reported ceasefire.
CENTCOM had just said 55 commercial vessels moved through the strait on Saturday carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil, while JD Vance said he saw no evidence of a closure shortly before Iran's announcement.
Switzerland talks now appear back on despite the flare-up: Pakistani mediators said U.S.-Iran negotiations will begin Sunday, with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner already there and Vance planning to follow.
The renewed Lebanon violence — including Israeli strikes that killed more than a dozen people overnight — has become the first major test of the 60-day U.S.-Iran framework, including future nuclear talks.
As US and Iranian forces face off in the Strait of Hormuz, how close are we to a wider regional war?
Beyond oil, how will this closure trigger a unique crisis by severing critical tech and fertilizer supply chains?
The 2026 US-Iran Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Causes, Economic Fallout, and Geopolitical Consequences
Overview
In June 2026, the United States and Iran achieved a major diplomatic breakthrough by signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, following intense conflict and a recent escalation in Lebanon. The agreement, finalized with input from both sides, established a 60-day ceasefire and required the immediate, toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. This move was widely seen as a crucial step toward easing global tensions and stabilizing energy markets. The memorandum also included commitments to respect sovereignty and refrain from interference, setting the stage for further technical negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.