Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply on Sunday after Iran announced on Saturday the closure of the waterway, citing violations of a ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon by Israel and the United States. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the closure, although U. S.

Central Command reported that 55 merchant vessels carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil transited unhindered on Saturday. Maritime tracking data showed a decrease in the number of vessels crossing the strait, with some ships turning around after the announcement.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Peace talks between the United States and Iran were scheduled to begin on Sunday in Switzerland, while U. S.

President Donald Trump threatened to impose tolls in the strait if a final deal was not reached within 60 days.