Iran has declared that it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement broadcast on state television on Saturday. Tehran's joint military command cited Israeli strikes in Lebanon and US "bad faith" for the decision, accusing Washington of "its clear breach of its commitments" by failing to bring the conflict to an end. The statement also cautioned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned."
Background of the Closure
Vessels had begun passing through the strait following an interim peace agreement between the US and Iran, which was signed on Thursday. However, the renewed closure comes amid escalating violence in the region.
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
Israeli bombardments on southern Lebanon on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 16 people, including two children. Seven individuals remained trapped beneath rubble after the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatieh and surrounding villages, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
A fierce exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday left at least 47 people dead in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers killed, reports the Mirror. An Israeli military official revealed that Hezbollah had launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight. The army confirmed it had targeted dozens of Hezbollah positions and militants across southern Lebanon, including rocket-launching positions and Hezbollah command centres.
Hezbollah's Response
Hezbollah issued a statement on Saturday asserting that, while it remained committed to the ceasefire, Israel had violated it on several occasions on Friday night. The group further warned that it would repel attacks by Israeli troops.
Casualties and Displacement
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have claimed the lives of more than 3,900 people and left 11,600 others wounded since the current conflict erupted on March 2. Approximately one million people continue to be displaced, while numerous communities in the south have been reduced to rubble.
