Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Legal and International Affairs, stated that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz does not mean it is fully accessible, suggesting it remains partially restricted. These comments come as the status of passage through the strategically vital waterway continues to be a focal point of regional concerns.
On Saturday, June 19, the Islamic Republic Army issued a statement declaring its readiness to defend national security and interests alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating they are prepared to respond to any enemy aggression. The statement also claims that the armed forces' readiness forced the enemy to seek a ceasefire and reconciliation.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on X that the Israeli army bombed 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in the death of dozens of Hezbollah members.
The Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, called on Iranian officials to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and to pressure the United States. The agency urged immediate termination of the memorandum of understanding and advocated for a strong response to prevent further harm to the Islamic Republic and resistance movements.
