Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Ghalibaf says Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until US abides by now-expired MOU
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Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, pictured on Iranian state TV, May 31, 2026. (Screenshot)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets the conditions of the interim deal with Iran, including lifting its maritime blockade and sanctions, as well as freeing Iran’s frozen assets, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says in comments published by state media.
The memorandum of understanding, to which Israel is not a party to and which officially expired yesterday, largely broke down soon after it was announced.
Iran then resumed attacks on ships it accused of trying to transit the strait without its permission, leading to US retaliatory strikes.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
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