Tipsheet

Has Iran Closed the Strait of Hormuz?

Dmitri Bolt
Dmitri Bolt  |  April 08, 2026 1:05 PM

Update:

The White House has denied reports that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, as they continue to argue that much of what Iranian state media is saying publicly is categorically false and misleading.

"Again, this is a case of what they're saying publicly is different privately," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. "We have seen an uptick of traffic in the Strait today. And I will reiterate the president's expectation and demand that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened immediately, quickly, and safely. That is his expectation. It has been relayed to him privately that that is what's taking place. And these reports publicly are false."

However, reports continue to circulate that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, as they cite Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon as their reasoning, putting an already fragile ceasefire deal in jeopardy. 

Israel reportedly expressed frustration with the ceasefire deal, revealing that they were notified of the agreement at the last minute. On Wednesday morning, they launched a large-scale strike against Hezbollah targets.

President Trump confirmed that the ceasefire agreement did not restrict strikes in Lebanon due to the threat posed by Hezbollah, though Iran now appears to be challenging that exemption.

It is unclear how the Trump administration will react, although this marks yet another breach of the ceasefire agreement, less than 24 hours after it began.