Topline
Vice President JD Vance denied Saturday that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz just days after it was reopened, saying the U.S. is “not seeing any evidence” of a shutdown even as Iran’s joint military command has confirmed the closure and attributed it to Israel’s continued strikes against Lebanon.
Key Facts
Iran’s joint military command declared the strait closed in a statement reported by Iranian state media.
Vance said he was “skeptical” of reporting from The Wall Street Journal that cited Iranian security officials who closed the strait over the U.S. failure to end fighting in Lebanon, a requirement under the memorandum of understanding signed by President Donald Trump and Iran this week.
“We’re not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz,” Vance said.
The vice president said his understanding from talking to special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner was “that things are going well” and “the straits are now open.”
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire Friday that was derailed by Saturday as the two sides exchanged strikes, the Journal reported, noting Israel’s commitment to keep troops in Lebanon until Hezbollah is defeated.
What To Watch For
The rise in tensions comes as diplomats from the U.S. and Iran are slated to meet in Switzerland on Sunday for technical-level talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Vance also told Fox News that Trump is “not going to lose in this negotiation what we gained over the last year and a half of our engagement with Iran.”
Crucial Quote
“It is recalled that this step is the first response to the enemy’s breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, subsequent steps will be planned and taken to compel the enemy to fulfill its commitments,” Iran’s joint military command said in its statement.
Key Background
The strait’s closure is the latest crack in peace efforts between the U.S. and Iran. Trump said Iran was “FINISHED” and would “get no money” out of the peace deal after both sides cancelled a planned meeting in Switzerland on Friday. The agreement establishes a 60-day period for the U.S. and Iran to negotiate outstanding matters and requires military operations of both countries and their allies to cease. The peace deal also required Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz with no tolls during the 60-day period. Trump has faced bipartisan scrutiny over the deal, with lawmakers expressing concern over the lifting of sanctions, $300 billion in funding for Iran’s reconstruction and the country’s nuclear capabilities.
Further Reading
Trump Says Iran Is ‘FINISHED’ After Cancelled Negotiations — As Israeli Attacks Threaten Deal (Forbes)
Trump’s War Now Means Iran Can Shut Strait Of Hormuz Anytime, U.S. Intel Reportedly Finds (Forbes)