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Iran is threatening to return to the pre-ceasefire status of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel’s widespread attacks in Lebanon on Wednesday.
Iranian state media reported that authorities are treating the strait as still closed, barely a day after the two-week conditional ceasefire brokered by Pakistan.
Iran announced passage for ships would be provided in coordination with its armed forces, but warned that any ship trying to transit without permission would be targeted.
In response to the fresh threat of the blockade of Hormuz, the White House disputed Iran’s state media report, stating that the claim differs from the actual situation.
“Privately, we have seen an uptick of traffic in the Strait today,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing.
President Donald Trump’s expectation and demand that the critical route “is reopened immediately, quickly and safely,” the spokesperson added.
Israel on Wednesday launched what it described as its most powerful attacks on Lebanon, targeting locations in Beirut, southern suburbs, and the eastern Bekaa Valley.
The strikes killed 254 people and wounded over 1,165, according to Lebanon’s Civil Defence and Health Ministry, increasing the casualty figure to more than 1,500 since early March.
The White House and Israel insist Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire, while the Israel Defense Forces has vowed to continue its operation against Hezbollah.
“We will not compromise the security of the residents of northern Israel,” said Eyal Zamir, IDF Chief of the General Staff. “We will continue to strike with determination.”
Iran threatens Hormuz Strait reclosure after Israeli strikes in Lebanon
