The US military said on Saturday it is maintaining a state of "alert" following Iran's announcement that it was again closing the Strait of Hormuz, against the backdrop of Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon — even as the strait had been expected to be covered under an understanding with Washington to end the war in the Middle East.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement: "US forces continue their presence and vigilance to ensure commitment to all terms of the agreement with Iran and their implementation, and to make certain it remains fully in force," adding that "safe passage through the international waterway remained available and unimpeded today."