By Zoila Palma: Today, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed, citing what it described as ceasefire violations following continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned ships not to approach the strategic waterway, stating that vessel safety could be at risk, NBC reports.
Iran’s top joint military command described the closure as the “first step” in response to alleged breaches of commitments by the United States and Israel.
The announcement came as fighting continued in Lebanon despite a deal signed this week that committed to ending hostilities on all fronts. Early Saturday, Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children, according to Lebanese civil defense and media reports. Lebanese news agency NNA reported that several towns in southern Lebanon were hit, while Lebanon’s army said one of its soldiers was killed. A previous wave of strikes on Friday reportedly left 83 people dead, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
The Israel Defense Forces said Hezbollah had violated the ceasefire by launching more than 50 projectiles toward Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon overnight. Israel said it carried out strikes on what it described as Hezbollah targets in response and maintained that “The IDF remains committed to the ceasefire agreement.” Hezbollah rejected the allegation, saying it had “adhered to the ceasefire since Friday evening” and accused Israel of making false claims to justify attacks aimed at “sabotage the agreement” between Iran and the United States.
The renewed violence has raised concerns about the future of ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.
The post International News: Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz due to claims of ceasefire violations appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed, citing what it described as ceasefire violations following continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned ships not to approach the strategic waterway, stating that vessel safety could be at risk, NBC reports. Iran’s top joint
The post International News: Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz due to claims of ceasefire violations appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
