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

[Anchor]

As Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon continue, Iran has announced a re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawing from an agreement with the U.S. to keep the waterway open. Amidst 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 yesterday (June 20) that it is re-blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

This comes just two days after maritime traffic through the strait resumed following the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.

[Iranian State Media: 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 on ending hostilities 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 in a state of 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 as well.

Separate from Iran's declaration to re-block the strait, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran on ending the conflict are expected to proceed.

The Iranian negotiation team arrived in Switzerland, the venue for the talks, yesterday.

U.S. Vice President Vance also indicated that face-to-face negotiations between the U.S. and Iran could take place today (June 21).

[JD Vance / U.S. Vice President (Fox News): We plan to hold meetings as soon as the Iranian side, as well as the governments of Pakistan and Qatar (mediators), arrive.]

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

President Trump has stated that if an agreement with Iran fails, the U.S. could impose tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

(Video Editing: Park Chun-bae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.