TEHRAN — Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters announced on Saturday that it had ordered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, citing what it described as violations of a recently signed memorandum of understanding with the United States and continued Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon.
According to information available with The Chenab Times, the headquarters described the move as the first response to what Iranian officials called a breach of trust. It warned that further measures could follow if the alleged violations and military actions continued.
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed digitally on June 18, 2026, by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement was intended to halt military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, and pave the way for a comprehensive accord within 60 days.
Under the memorandum’s first article, Iran, the United States and their respective allies agreed to immediately cease military operations and respect Lebanon’s sovereignty. The agreement also outlined steps toward easing U.S. restrictions on Iranian oil exports and other sectors, while Iran pledged to support the safe passage of vessels through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials accused the United States of failing to uphold its commitments under the agreement. They cited continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, which they said had resulted in significant casualties and displacement, as well as the absence of a full Israeli withdrawal from the area.
The memorandum also addressed Iran’s nuclear program. It reaffirmed Tehran’s stated opposition to nuclear weapons and called for negotiations on uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Pending a final agreement, Iran would maintain its existing nuclear activities, while the United States would refrain from imposing new sanctions or undertaking additional military actions in the region.
The Chenab Times has learned that the announcement has already affected shipping activity through the strategically important waterway. The situation remains tense as international observers monitor developments and assess compliance with the Islamabad agreement.
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