Iran said it is closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes, citing what it described as Israeli violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon and Washington's failure to implement the first phase of a tentative agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
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The announcement came as renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified pressure on ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a broader regional settlement.
Strait of Hormuz Closure
Tehran also confirmed it will send a delegation to negotiations in Switzerland in the coming days. US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are expected to attend as mediators work to keep discussions on track and achieve a lasting peace agreement within a 60-day framework outlined in the proposed deal.
Diplomatic efforts have been overshadowed by continued violence in Lebanon.
Renewed Violence in Lebanon
At least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to local reports. Israel said the attacks were carried out in response to Hezbollah operations.
The latest escalation has raised concerns that continued fighting could undermine the diplomatic process and complicate efforts to reach a broader agreement.
Vance Highlights Differences with Israel
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance suggested that Washington and Israel may differ more in their approach than in their ultimate objectives regarding Iran.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Vance said he was unsure whether there was a "divergence of goals" between the two allies but acknowledged there could be differences over how those goals should be achieved. He reiterated that the Trump administration intends to give diplomacy a chance despite concerns voiced by some figures within the Israeli government.
His comments followed criticism he directed at Israel earlier this week during a White House briefing, where he expressed frustration over continued military operations in Lebanon while negotiations were underway.
Vance argued that US President Donald Trump remained one of Israel's strongest international supporters and suggested Israeli leaders should be mindful of the importance of maintaining alignment with Washington.
He also highlighted Israel's reliance on American military support and urged some Israeli officials to recognize the country's strategic realities as diplomatic efforts continue.
Trump's Message to Netanyahu
In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would ultimately have to accept any agreement negotiated between the United States and Iran.
The latest developments underscore the challenges facing negotiators as escalating violence in Lebanon threatens to derail talks intended to reduce tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 June 2026
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