Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz Friday instead of heading to Switzerland for nuclear negotiations, citing Israel’s refusal to pull forces out of southern Lebanon and US forces’ ongoing presence in the region.
In a statement read over maritime radio channels, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the US was in violation of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, which President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed Wednesday.
“Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met,” it said. “All ships are requested, for the sake of their security and safety, not to approach the Strait of Hormuz. Any vessel that defies this directive will be targeted.”
Not sure if I understand what you’re trying to say. My read of this MOU is that the US is pulling the plug. Israel is already overextended in Lebanon, and they for sure can not fight Iran without the backing of the USA.
And even if they had that backing, interceptors are depleted and radars destroyed. Dimona got hit with a nuclear-capable rocket loaded with sand, a clear message which they know how to interpret. They’ll keep testing the waters with Trump for a bit, but the US will clarify to them that they really aren’t bluffing with this MOU.
Israel has no right to be butthurt that they didn’t get a seat at the negotiating table. They’re a proxy, not a partner. They are living way beyond their means and that’s coming to an end. Their bluff has been called. Now they need to stfu and do as they are told.