Mayur MohtaTehran’s top adviser threatens to choke off regional energy supplies unless Washington honors ceasefire terms. Iran again shut the Strait of Hormuz, blaming the US for Israeli strikes on Lebanon, even as both sides confirm delegations have left for fresh talks in Switzerland this Sunday.
Iran’s Adviser Issues Stark Energy Warning
Mohammad Mokhber, senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, has threatened to completely halt the flow of energy resources across the Middle East. He said this would happen if Washington fails to honor the terms of a recent memorandum of understanding.
“The US understands the language of economics and cost-benefit analysis better than anything else,” Mokhber wrote on social media platform X. “Our negotiators will not rest until every obligation is fully met and our nation’s rights are respected.”
His warning lands at a tense moment in US-Iran relations.
Strait Of Hormuz Closure Announced Again
Earlier today, Iran’s military command once again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed. Tehran accused the United States of violating the ceasefire through Israel’s continued military activity in Lebanon.
However, the US Central Command insists ships are passing through without obstruction. The conflicting claims have added fresh uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance stated there is no evidence shipping lanes have actually been blocked. He confirmed American negotiators have already arrived in Switzerland to continue discussions with Iranian counterparts.
Iranian Delegation Heads To Switzerland
Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed its delegation has also departed for the talks. Still, the ministry urged Washington to act urgently against Tel Aviv. Officials warned that failure to do so could put the entire memorandum at serious risk.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry, which is mediating the negotiations, said technical-level consultations are scheduled for this Sunday. Islamabad has played a quiet but crucial role in keeping both sides talking.
Vance Urges Israel Not To Sabotage Deal
Last Thursday, Vance publicly urged Tel Aviv not to undermine the agreement between Washington and Tehran. He warned Israel against “attacking” Donald Trump, calling him its last remaining ally in this process.
Trump himself claimed he could persuade Israel to hold back from striking Lebanon. He said this was possible because he is “respected in Tel Aviv.”
Israeli Strikes Continue Despite Ceasefire
Despite these assurances, Israeli attacks have continued unabated. The Israel Defense Forces claim their strikes are responses to “repeated violations” of the ceasefire by opposing forces.
Iran’s foreign ministry placed the blame for these violations squarely on the Americans. It warned of serious consequences for peace across the wider Middle East region if the pattern continues.
Memorandum Signed Remotely On June 18
The US and Iran signed their memorandum of understanding remotely overnight on June 18. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the terms require an immediate end to military action on all fronts including Israel’s ongoing operation in Lebanon.
Whether the fragile agreement survives this weekend’s talks in Switzerland remains to be seen.
Akshay Didwaniya
Aditya Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
