Iran’s military has shut down the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway responsible for roughly 20-25% of global oil shipments. The closure, announced on June 20, came in direct response to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that Lebanese health officials say killed at least 32 people.
What triggered the closure
Iran’s state media framed the decision as a response to what Tehran called a “clear breach” of US commitments and violations of a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. That ceasefire had been established just one day prior.
Here’s the thing: this isn’t Iran’s first time weaponizing the strait. The waterway had only recently been reopened earlier in June amid fragile diplomatic talks.
US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that talks with Iran are still expected to continue despite the closure.
