Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Halting Key Oil Route

Iran's military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon as the reason for the move. The strait is a narrow waterway in the Persian Gulf that serves as a vital passage for about one-fifth of the world's oil supply. At the same time, Iranian negotiators are traveling to Switzerland for talks with the United States on an interim nuclear deal. The timing of the closure and the diplomatic mission highlights a dual approach by Tehran: military pressure alongside potential negotiations.