Iran's top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central ‌Headquarters, said on Saturday (June 20) that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to vessel traffic, citing alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement by the U.S. and Israel, according to a statement read on Iranian media.

It said that the closure was the "first step" in response to what it described as breaches of commitments and warned that further measures would be taken if "aggression" continued.

The move by the hardline IRGC appeared to raise the stakes ahead of the talks with the United States, as both sides seek to advance the interim deal signed on Wednesday (June 17) by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to end their almost four-month war.

The IRGC warned ships not to approach the waterway, a vital conduit for global oil and gas supplies, citing what it called Israeli "crimes" in Lebanon and a U.S. violation of commitments to establish a ceasefire. It said vessels' security would be at risk if they approached the strait.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

TEHRAN, IRAN (JUNE 20, 2026) (IRINN - No use Iran. No Use BBC Persian. No use VOA Persian. No use Manoto. No use Iran International. No use Radio Farda. No use Israel)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) UNNAMED IRINN NEWS ANCHOR, SAYING: (OVERLAID WITH IRANIAN ARMED FORCES LOGO)

"The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a statement: In view of the United States’ clear breach of its commitments and failure to implement the first provision of the war-ending memorandum of understanding, and in response to the continuous and ongoing ceasefire violations by the Zionist regime in southern Lebanon, the ruthless killing and displacement of hundreds of thousands of the oppressed people of that land, and also given the failure of the Zionist occupying forces to withdraw from southern Lebanese territory, it announces that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) UNNAMED IRINN NEWS, SAYING: (OVERLAID WITH IRANIAN ARMED FORCES LOGO)

"The statement added that this is the first step in responding to the enemy’s breach of its commitments, and that if the aggression continues, further measures will be planned and implemented to compel the enemy to fulfil its obligations."

GIVEN AS TEHRAN, IRAN (JUNE 20, 2026) (IRINN - No use Iran. No Use BBC Persian. No use VOA Persian. No use Manoto. No use Iran International. No use Radio Farda. No use Israel.)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON, ESMAEIL BAGHAEI, SAYING:

“Look, We did not sign this commitment for it not to be implemented. This commitment was reached after several weeks of very intensive negotiations, through the efforts of the mediators, the goodwill of Iran, and, most importantly, backed by national strength and unity. Naturally, we will spare no effort necessary to ensure its implementation. However, as we have said, commitment in return for commitment. If the other side refuses to fulfil its obligations, the Islamic Republic of Iran will, in turn, take the necessary measures.”

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON, ESMAEIL BAGHAEI, SAYING:

“This trip is, in fact, a visit aimed at demanding that the other side fulfil its commitments. Clause 13 of the memorandum of understanding is very clear. Negotiations for a final agreement will begin when the implementation of the commitments set out in Clauses 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 has started and their implementation continues. Unfortunately, we are not witnessing such a situation. Therefore, during this trip and these talks, we intend to press for the implementation of the other side's commitments and to determine how exactly the other side intends to carry out its obligations.”

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON, ESMAEIL BAGHAEI, SAYING:

“Well, the commitments are very clear. Clause 1 of the memorandum of understanding is the most important part of the parties' mutual commitments, namely ending the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon. We have adhered to our commitments. The other side was obliged to compel those under its influence - specifically the Zionist regime - to cease fire in Lebanon. In this regard, we have seen that they have failed to fulfil their obligations, and this constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire understanding.”