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Iran live updates: Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed over deadly attacks on Lebanon

Iran said the U.S. and Israel violated the memorandum of understanding.

Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 4:44 PM EDT

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.

Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, initial U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan in April failed to reach a peace deal. Trump later announced the open-ended extension of the ceasefire and the continuation of a U.S. blockade until negotiations concluded.

On Sunday, Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran had reached a "great deal." The memorandum of understanding was read to reporters on Wednesday, and the U.S. and Iranian presidents signed it that day, a White House official said.

1:14 PM EDT

US CENTCOM says Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz

After Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is closed, U.S. Central Command pushed back saying it is in control of the strait.

"Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic continues to flow, and U.S. forces are monitoring the situation to ensure this remains the case," U.S. Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins said.

11:57 AM EDT

Iran delegation to travel to Switzerland for talks

The Iranian delegation will travel to Switzerland for talks with the U.S., Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said Saturday.


"We intend to demand the implementation of the other party's commitments and clarify how they plan to fulfill their obligations. If part of the other party's commitments is not fulfilled, the entire understanding will be jeopardized," he said.


"The first clause is the most important in the memorandum of understanding, and the other party has not fulfilled its commitment to compel the Zionist regime to stop its attacks on Lebanon," Baqaei said.

10:34 AM EDT

Iran closing Strait of Hormuz over deadly Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Iran said it is going to close the Strait of Hormuz again due to violations of the memorandum of understanding reached between the U.S. and Iran.

Vice President JD Vance asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is open on Saturday, just minutes before Iranian state media announced that the critical shipping channel was closed as of Saturday morning.

Cargo vessels remain anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos on June 20, 2026, in Muscat, Oman.
Getty Images

Vance confirmed that U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Switzerland as of a few hours ago and said that “things are going well,” and that he would leave to join them there for negotiations in the "next couple of days."

But Vance indicated that the principal officials from the Iranian side had not yet arrived in Switzerland yet.

10:03 AM EDT

Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire despite agreement, possibly prompting Hormuz Strait closure

The ceasefire is already fraying, with Israel and Hezbollah accusing the other of violations, raising real doubts about whether this is a pause in fighting or the start of a new phase. The strikes also raising questions about whether the broader deal will hold, as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff heads to Switzerland for initial talks with Iran.

More than a dozen people are reported killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, less than 24 hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. Local officials say at least 16 people were killed in the Nabatieh district and seven in neighboring Saida, with others wounded, after Israeli strikes hit multiple areas.

Israel said it targeted Hezbollah positions in response to incoming fire, while Hezbollah accuses Israel of striking first. Both sides showing a lack of restraint and testing this agreement.

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