Iranian state media reported the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli military strikes in Lebanon targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to unverified claims. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the reports as “false,” stating that President Trump was “made aware” of the allegations prior to her remarks and emphasized an “uptick of traffic” through the strait on the same day.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf characterized Israel’s Lebanon operations as a violation of agreed terms. The White House reiterated its demand for the Strait’s immediate reopening, calling the reported closure “completely unacceptable.”

The remarks occurred amid recent Israeli Defense Forces strikes in Lebanon that injured hundreds, per Lebanese health authorities. U.S. officials confirmed diplomatic efforts to resolve regional tensions are advancing, with President Trump announcing a two-week suspension of military action against Iran contingent on Tehran committing to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING” of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that halting conflict in Lebanon was part of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire framework but clarified the truce did not cover Lebanese territories. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also stated the agreement excluded Lebanon from its scope.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared American and Israeli forces had achieved a “capital V military victory,” claiming Iranian forces no longer posed a significant threat to regional security. Iran countered that it compelled Israel and the U.S. to accept its proposed terms, effectively ending hostilities.