Tensions flared as Iran claimed to have closed the critical Strait of Hormuz, a move swiftly denied by the U.S., while Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland for high-stakes talks with an Iranian delegation. The diplomatic efforts aim to advance an interim peace agreement amidst escalating regional conflict, particularly following Israeli strikes in Lebanon. President Donald Trump warned of potential U.S.-imposed tolls on Strait transits if a final deal isn’t secured within 60 days.
Amidst escalating regional tensions, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland early Sunday for critical negotiations with an Iranian delegation, just a day after Iran controversially declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again.
Tehran's military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued warnings to vessels to steer clear of the vital shipping lane on Saturday. However, these claims were swiftly refuted by the United States, which maintained that the waterway remained open and traffic flowed freely.
This latest escalation comes mere days after Tehran and Washington reached an interim agreement aimed at de-escalating hostilities in the volatile Middle East. Iranian negotiators were already en route to Switzerland for technical discussions with U.S. officials slated to commence Sunday.
Iran's joint military command cited ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon and perceived "bad faith" from the U.S. regarding its commitments under the truce framework as reasons for the Strait's purported closure, according to AP. Iranian state television hinted at "subsequent steps" should "aggression" persist.
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children, as per Lebanese authorities cited by AP. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency also reported that seven individuals remained trapped under rubble in Nabatiyeh and nearby villages following the attacks.
The U.S. military, through Central Command spokesperson Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, firmly stated that the Strait of Hormuz was not closed and that U.S. forces were actively monitoring the situation to guarantee continued access. "Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz," Hawkins told Reuters. "Traffic continues to flow, and U.S. forces are monitoring the situation to ensure this remains the case."
President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, asserting the Strait's openness. He further warned that the U.S. might consider imposing tolls on ships transiting the Strait if a final agreement is not reached within 60 days to convert the interim deal. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared, "There will be NO TOLLS in the Hormuz Strait for 60 days during the Cease Fire Period, and there will be NO TOLLS after the 60 day period has expired, unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America, should the deal not be completed," justifying the potential charge as "services rendered."
Iran's renewed attempt to disrupt the Strait significantly raises the stakes for the ongoing Swiss talks. These negotiations are crucial for solidifying the interim agreement brokered last Wednesday between President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, following nearly four months of conflict. The signed memorandum of understanding had explicitly called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military actions in Lebanon and the full, toll-free reopening of the Strait for a minimum of 60 days.
Vance, Iranian delegation convene in Switzerland
Vice President Vance's spokesperson confirmed his arrival with the Second Lady at Emmen Air Base. Vance departed late Saturday, aiming to restart discussions with the Iranian delegation, alongside mediators from Pakistan and Qatar.
Before his flight, Vance conveyed to reporters his hopes for "making progress on the nuclear issue" and the "Lebanon ceasefire issue." He expressed a cautiously optimistic view on Lebanon, noting that "things are actually getting better there... and things are slowing down a little bit," emphasizing the need for continuous management to ensure the safety and security of both Israel and Lebanon.
Swiss authorities confirmed the arrival of the Iranian delegation on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Vance had struck an optimistic chord, asserting that talks were advancing despite Iran's latest threat. Speaking on Fox News, he highlighted the efforts of Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, and special envoy Steve Witkoff in Switzerland, noting that technical details of the agreement were "going well."
Vance also pointed to a sharp recovery in tanker traffic following the ceasefire, stating, "We actually got 16 million barrels of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz yesterday. That is a record going back to even before the conflict started."
He further elaborated on the negotiators' primary focus: securing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to "effectively impossible" for Tehran to reconstitute its nuclear program. Vance underscored the significant economic leverage the United States retains should Iran fail to adhere to the agreement.
— Contributions from CNBC's Azhar Sukri, Reuters, and The Associated Press.
