Garut PR- Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are heating up again. Iran took drastic steps by temporarily stopping oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday (8/4/2026), in response to the latest military attack by Israel on Lebanese territory.
This decision was announced amid the Iranian government’s anger at what it called a “major crime”, following a wave of intensive bombings that occurred since early morning.
Also read: Iran is furious! Amid the ceasefire, Israel continues to pound Lebanon until hundreds of civilians are killed
A high-ranking Iranian official, in an interview with Al Jazeera, emphasized that his country would not remain silent in facing this situation.
“Israel is known to often break agreements, and nothing can stop it other than force,” he said firmly.
Threat of Withdrawal from Ceasefire
According to the official, the ceasefire agreement previously reached with the United States actually covered the entire conflict area, including the Lebanese front. However, Israel’s latest attack was seen as a blatant violation of this commitment.
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Tasnim news agency quoted another source as saying that the cessation of fighting on all fronts, including with resistance groups in Lebanon, was part of a two-week ceasefire plan that Washington had agreed to.
“Yet the Zionist entity launched a violent attack on Lebanon this morning, in clear violation of the agreement.” said the source.
Also read: Iranian Ambassador visits MUI, promises to make access to the Strait of Hormuz easier for Indonesian tankers
In response, Iran warned it would withdraw from the deal if violations continued.
Response targets are starting to be prepared
Amid rising tensions, an Iranian military source revealed that the armed forces are now identifying strategic targets as part of a counter plan.
Also read: War costs are soaring, Israel’s economy is suffocating amidst a rain of rockets from Iran and Hezbollah
In Tehran, the view is also growing that Washington is unable, or does not intend, to control Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In fact, allegations have emerged that the United States is providing space for Israel through its military command structure in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is strictly guarded
Iranian media reported that shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz is now under strict control, with significant restrictions on vessels passing through.
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This step sparked global concern, considering that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for world oil distribution. Disruptions in this region have the potential to shake the stability of international energy supplies.
Ultimatum from Washington
Previously, US President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of attacks on Iran for two weeks. However, it requires the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz as well as the implementation of a reciprocal ceasefire.
Also Read: Be Firm! Iran Rejects Ceasefire with US-Israel, World on the Verge of a Terrible Crisis
The statement came less than two hours before a deadline Washington gave Tehran, an ultimatum that warned of grave consequences if it did not comply.
This situation marks a new chapter in the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East. With increasing military tensions and mutual threats between parties, the world is now waiting to see whether diplomacy will still be able to reduce the crisis, or whether the region will be dragged into a wider conflict.***
