Strait of Hormuz tensions persist as Iran-U.S. talks begin in Switzerland

Chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi lead the Iranian team, which includes senior security and central bank officials. Their arrival coincides with escalating rhetoric from Tehran, where the IRGC warned vessels against approaching the vital oil conduit, citing Israeli operations in Lebanon and alleged U.S. failures to uphold ceasefire commitments. Despite these threats, U.S. Central Command confirmed that 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, carrying over 17 million barrels of oil.

Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly accused the U.S. of violating the deal’s first clause, which mandates a ceasefire on all fronts. This skepticism is mirrored on the ground in Lebanon, where the truce remains tenuous. Despite the agreement, Lebanese Civil Defence reported 20 deaths from Israeli strikes on Saturday. Israeli officials maintain they are responding to Hezbollah fire and have indicated they will not withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism regarding the diplomatic process, noting that negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are already in Switzerland addressing the technical foundations of the 60-day talks.