Iran shuts Hormuz again as Israeli strikes in Lebanon fuel fears of New Oil Crisis
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TEHRAN – Iran announced closure of Strait of Hormuz once again, citing continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and alleged violations of commitments by US. The move heightened concerns over global energy supplies and raised fears of a fresh oil crisis, as the strategic waterway handles a significant share of the world’s seaborne oil trade, as the global oil vessel pathway was cleared after months of tensions. Iran announced immediate closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessel traffic, escalating tensions with the United States and Israel and raising fears of major disruptions to global energy supplies. Iranian military officials said the move was a direct response to what Tehran described as repeated US violations of prior commitments and Israel’s continued military operations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire intended to halt hostilities. “It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic,” Iranian authorities declared, describing the measure as only the “first step” in a broader response. Officials warned that additional actions could follow if what they called ongoing aggression and breaches of agreements continue. Hormuz remained critical gateway for global energy trade, handling big chunk of world’s seaborne oil and natural gas exports. Any interruption to traffic through the narrow waterway has the potential to trigger volatility in energy markets, disrupt international shipping routes, and intensify regional instability. Tehran directly linked its decision to Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon, arguing that continued strikes and targeted operations after the ceasefire undermined the understandings that formed the basis of Tehran’s engagement with Washington. The latest escalation comes just days after commercial shipping had begun cautiously returning to the Strait following a US-Iran agreement that ended nearly three and a half months of disruption in the vital energy corridor.