Iran Declares 'Re-blockade' of Strait of Hormuz; Negotiators Head to Switzerland

[Anchor]

As Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon continue, Iran has announced the re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, effectively withdrawing from an agreement with the United States to keep the waterway open. Amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, negotiation teams from both sides are gathering in Switzerland.

Report by Park Chan-bum.

[Reporter]

Iran announced on Friday (June 20) local time that it would once again blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

This comes just two days after the resumption of passage through the strait, which followed the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.

[Iranian State Television: The Iranian Navy has warned that vessels must not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in grave danger.]

The MOU included provisions guaranteeing the territory and sovereignty of Lebanon, and Iran has taken issue with Israel's continued attacks on southern Lebanon.

The U.S. stated that the Strait of Hormuz is not currently under blockade and that it will remain vigilant.

U.S. Central Command reported that as of yesterday, 55 merchant vessels had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with over 17 million barrels of crude oil transported.

Despite Iran's declaration to re-blockade the strait, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are expected to proceed.

Iran's negotiation team arrived in Switzerland, the venue for the talks, yesterday.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also indicated on Saturday (June 21) local time that face-to-face negotiations between the U.S. and Iran could take place.

[J.D. Vance / U.S. Vice President (Fox News): We plan to hold meetings as soon as the representatives from Iran, as well as the mediating governments of Pakistan and Qatar, arrive.]

Some analysts suggest that Iran's move to play the "re-blockade" card is a strategy to gain leverage in upcoming nuclear negotiations with the U.S.

President Trump has stated that if an agreement with Iran fails, the U.S. may impose transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz.

Reported by Park Chan-bum | Video by Park Chun-bae
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.