By Admin 
Just before the start of peace talks between Iran and America, contradictory claims regarding the Strait of Hormuz have created new uncertainty. On one hand, Iran has claimed that it has again closed the strait for the movement of ships, while the US Army says that the movement of commercial ships through this strategic sea route continues normally. This development has also raised questions on the US-Iran talks to be held in Switzerland.
Iran again claims to close Hormuz
According to Iranian state media and state TV, Iran’s Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced that the Strait of Hormuz was being closed to shipping. The military headquarters said that this step has been taken in response to Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the US not fulfilling the promises made under the recent agreement. The Iranian army warned that if the situation worsens, further steps can be taken.
America denied, said- traffic normal
Immediately after Iran’s claim, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected it. Centcom said that the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz continues without any interruption and US forces are continuously monitoring the situation. According to CentCom, 55 commercial ships passed through this route on Saturday, through which more than 17 million barrels of oil were transported to global markets.
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‘Iran has no control over Hormuz’
CentCom also said in its statement that Iran does not control this international sea route and freedom of navigation remains completely intact. Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, a CENTCOM spokesperson said that the US military is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of maritime traffic and maintain the unhindered movement of merchant ships.
JD Vance also expressed confidence
US Vice President JD Vance also said that he has not found any evidence to prove that the Strait of Hormuz has actually been closed. Before leaving for Switzerland, Vance expressed hope that through diplomatic efforts the ceasefire could be maintained and talks would move forward on Iran’s nuclear program and the situation in Lebanon.
Reason given for Israeli action in Lebanon
Iran has linked its decision to close Hormuz to the ongoing Israeli military action in Lebanon. Tehran says that these attacks are a violation of the terms of the ceasefire and the agreement. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned ships that the safety of ships coming close to the strait may be in danger.
America accused of not implementing the agreement
Mohammad Mokhbar, advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, accused America of not implementing the first condition of the interim agreement. He said that as long as this agreement remains only on paper, energy supply and oil trade from the Middle East will continue to be affected.
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Peace talks will still continue
Despite tension and accusations, talks between America and Iran are expected to continue. The Iranian delegation, which includes chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has reached Switzerland. Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials are going to be included in the American delegation.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil routes in the world. A large part of the global oil supply passes through this route. In such a situation, the news of its closure has increased concern in the international energy markets. However, at present the claims of America and Iran are completely opposite to each other, due to which there is confusion about the real situation. Amidst this uncertainty, the entire world is keeping an eye on the US-Iran talks to be held in Switzerland.