Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Citing U.S. and Israeli Violations Ahead of Switzerland Talks

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, alleging violations of a truce by the United States and Israel. This declaration comes as U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicated plans to travel to Switzerland for negotiations with Iran. The IRGC’s warning to ships not to approach the vital waterway raises tensions ahead of the anticipated discussions aimed at solidifying an interim peace agreement.

The IRGC cited what it termed “Israeli crimes” in Lebanon and U.S. breaches of commitments to establish a ceasefire as reasons for the closure. They asserted that the security of vessels would be compromised if they entered the strait, a crucial route for global oil and gas supplies.

U.S. Forces Monitoring the Strait of Hormuz

In response to Iran’s claims, the U.S. military denied that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed. A spokesperson from U.S. Central Command, Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, confirmed that the waterway remains open and that U.S. forces are actively monitoring the situation to ensure the continued flow of maritime traffic. Hawkins stated, “Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic continues to flow, and U.S. forces are monitoring the situation to ensure this remains the case.”

The IRGC’s announcement has cast uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which is intended to facilitate deeper peace talks.

Preparations for Iran Talks ‘Going Well’

Vice President Vance expressed confidence in the ceasefire established in a recent 14-point agreement between the U.S. and Iran. He noted that he had not observed any evidence supporting Iran’s claim that the strait was closed. Vance indicated that he expects to depart for Switzerland in the coming days, emphasizing the complexities of diplomatic coordination.

U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have already arrived in Switzerland to address technical aspects of the negotiations. Vance reported that discussions are progressing positively, based on his conversations with Kushner and Witkoff.

Iran’s foreign ministry announced that its negotiators would also depart for Switzerland later in the day. A key condition for initiating 60 days of U.S.-Iranian talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and related issues is a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.

Ongoing Violence in Lebanon

Despite the ceasefire agreement, violence has persisted in Lebanon. The Lebanese Civil Defence reported that 16 individuals were killed due to Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, shortly after the truce took effect. Israel stated that these strikes were in response to attacks from Hezbollah, which has vowed to prevent Israeli forces from operating freely in Lebanon.

Israel, which is not a participant in the U.S.-Iran negotiations, maintains that it will continue its military presence in the Lebanese territory it occupies. A U.S. official confirmed that the ceasefire took effect at 4 p.m. (1300 GMT) on Friday, with both Israeli and Hezbollah sources corroborating the agreement.

Reports from Lebanon’s state news agency indicated that Israeli warplanes and drones targeted locations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, known strongholds of Hezbollah. The civil defense service confirmed the fatalities resulting from these airstrikes.

An Israeli military spokesperson stated that Hezbollah had launched over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting retaliatory strikes against what were described as Hezbollah targets. The military reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire while also asserting its right to respond to any threats.

Switzerland’s Role in Facilitating Talks

Switzerland has positioned itself as a neutral ground for the upcoming discussions, providing a “discreet and reliable setting” at the mountain resort of Buergenstock. The Swiss foreign ministry has indicated that it will not disclose further details regarding the participants or the content of the talks, citing confidentiality.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with estimates indicating that at least 8,000 people have died, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. The war has also contributed to rising energy prices, exacerbating global inflation. Hezbollah has not released its own casualty figures.

The interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran includes provisions for sanctions relief, the unfreezing of billions of dollars in assets, and immediate waivers for Iranian oil exports. Additionally, it outlines a $300 billion reconstruction fund and various incentives.

As reported by www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-06-20 20:59:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk