Published on
19/06/2026 - 14:13 GMT+2
Tensions are building once again in the Strait of Hormuz amid reports that Iran has reclosed the waterway, potentially throwing the recently signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding into doubt.
In a post on Telegram on Friday, Iranian activist Ilia Hashemi said there were reports of warning shots fired in the area and that ships had been warned not to approach the Strait, one of the world's busiest energy transit chokepoints.
Hashemi later said that the warning fire had ceased and that vessels were receiving no answer when asking via radio whether the passage was indeed closed.
At the same time, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced that ships that submit "compliant transit requests" would be allowed to transit the Strait "during the announced period".
The maritime authority said crew would have to make their requests "at least 48 hours" before arriving at the Strait. It added that it would not charge ships fees for 60 days.
It comes as Israel and Lebanon traded a series of strikes overnight and into Friday.
The Israeli military reported that four of its soldiers had been killed in the south of the country on Thursday, with five others injured in an "explosive drone impact" on Friday.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would "not tolerate attacks on our soldiers" and promised to "exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah".
Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had earlier called for "all of Lebanon" to "burn" following the attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces carried out strikes across southern Lebanon overnight, targeting what it said were Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. At least 18 people have reportedly been killed in the strikes so far.
It comes as scheduled talks between the US and Iran on implementing their initial peace agreement in Switzerland were postponed.
Read the full article at Euronews →📄Source document: Telegram post by Iranian activist Ilia Hashemi
1 reports
EuronewsIndependentCenter2 days agoTensions have risen in the Strait of Hormuz following reports that Iran has reclosed the waterway, raising concerns about the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding. Iranian activist Ilia Hashemi reported initial warnings and restricted access, though later indicated that the situation had eased. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated that ships submitting compliant transit requests would be permitted to pass during a specified period, with additional procedural requirements. Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon exchanged strikes, resulting in Israeli casualties and threats of retaliation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on events in the Strait of Hormuz without overtly favoring any side. It includes multiple perspectives, including reports from an Iranian activist and the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, and does not employ loaded language or biased framing. The mention of Israel–
Official sources cited
- statement Telegram post by Iranian activist Ilia Hashemi
- statement Persian Gulf Strait Authority announcement
European Union