TEHRAN: Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, citing alleged violations of a recent memorandum of understanding with the United States and continued Israeli ceasefire breaches in southern Lebanon.
According to information received by Diplomat Digital, the headquarters described the move as the “first step in response to the enemy’s breach of trust” and warned that additional measures could follow if the alleged violations continue.
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 18, 2026, by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump through a digital process, with Pakistan facilitating the agreement. The memorandum was intended to halt military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, and establish a framework for negotiating a comprehensive agreement within 60 days.
Under the first article of the memorandum, Iran, the United States and their allies agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations. The agreement also called for respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The memorandum outlined phased economic and maritime measures, including the easing of certain US restrictions on Iran, particularly those affecting oil exports and maritime activities. In return, Iran committed to ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials alleged that the United States had failed to uphold commitments under the agreement. They also accused Israel of continuing military operations in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties, displacement and a failure to withdraw forces from the area as required under the ceasefire arrangements.
On the nuclear issue, the memorandum reaffirmed Iran’s stated position against developing nuclear weapons while opening negotiations on uranium enrichment and sanctions relief under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Until a final agreement is reached, Iran is expected to maintain the current status of its nuclear programme, while the United States is to refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional military forces in the region.
Diplomat Digital has learned that shipping activity through the strategic waterway was affected following the announcement.
