Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 21: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have instructed the military to halt its firing operations in Lebanon, according to local media reports on Saturday. However, Israeli forces will continue to maintain their positions in areas they currently control in southern Lebanon.
The development came amid fresh tensions in the region after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing what it described as violations of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the United States and Israel.
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that the decision was taken in response to what it called a breach of the agreement's first clause by Washington and continued Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon.
According to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency, the military command said vessel traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz would be suspended due to the alleged failure to uphold commitments outlined in the post-war agreement.
The MoU was reportedly signed on June 18 through a simultaneous digital process involving Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, without an in-person ceremony.
As per the report, the first provision of the agreement called for an immediate and permanent end to military operations involving Iran, the United States and their respective allies across all conflict zones, including Lebanon. It also committed all parties to refrain from future military action or threats of force.
Iran argued that the continued hostilities in Lebanon represented a violation of those commitments and justified the latest restrictions on maritime traffic.
On Friday, Tehran had already introduced a new set of rules governing ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the regulations, vessels are required to register in advance and obtain the necessary permits and insurance coverage before entering the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption in the region a matter of international concern.