On Wednesday, April 8th, according to Iranian state media, Iran has closed the Hormuz Strait due to ongoing Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt responded by saying that President Trump had been informed that the reports of the closure of the Hormuz Strait were “false”.
Levitt mentioned during a White House press briefing that the President had taken note of Iranian state media reports claiming that Iran had closed the Hormuz Strait in response to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.
She stated, “Before I stepped up to the briefing podium, the President was already aware of these reports.”
Levitt deemed the possibility of the strait’s closure “completely unacceptable” and noted that the Iranian regime had issued contradictory messages.
“This once again proves that their public statements are vastly different from what is said in private. Today, we’ve seen an increase in traffic flow through the strait. I will reiterate the President’s expectation and demand – that the Hormuz Strait must be reopened immediately, swiftly, and safely. This is his expectation. He has been privately briefed that the situation is as such, and these public reports are false.”
Throughout the conflict, Iran’s blockade of the Hormuz Strait has disrupted the global oil and natural gas markets. As efforts are made to convert the temporary ceasefire into a long-term peace, the issue of passage through the Hormuz Strait has become one of the most challenging for negotiators. Iran seeks to continue controlling this crucial waterway, whereas U.S. allies in the Gulf region strongly oppose this. The Hormuz Strait is a key passage for approximately 20% of global oil shipments.
As part of the ceasefire agreement with the United States, Iran has agreed to allow ships to pass through the Hormuz Strait safely.