Trump threatens new strikes as Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz again

The high-stakes meeting in the Buergenstock resort, hosted by Qatari mediators, was intended to solidify a memorandum of understanding reached just a week ago. That agreement aimed to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz and halt hostilities, including the ongoing Israeli invasion of Lebanon. However, the diplomatic effort is fraying; Tehran announced a fresh closure of the strait, citing Washington’s failure to secure a meaningful ceasefire in Lebanon. While U.S. officials questioned the veracity of the closure, commercial shipping data suggests an immediate impact, with tanker traffic plummeting to near-zero levels.

Inside the summit, Vance attempted to project confidence, dismissing the persistent violence in Lebanon as a "messy" phase of the transition. Despite his optimism, the reality on the ground remains volatile. While some residents have begun returning to southern Lebanon, local authorities reported 20 deaths from Israeli strikes on Saturday alone. Military units are currently working to clear massive, unexploded munitions from residential areas, a grim reminder of the destruction that has left many towns resembling the ruins of Gaza.

Tehran has signaled that substantive discussions—including the future of its nuclear program—are off the table until it receives promised economic relief and a total cessation of hostilities. President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed hope that the talks could eventually unlock frozen assets, but the looming threat of U.S. military escalation hangs over every negotiation. With global oil markets set to reopen, the renewed blockage of the strait threatens to undo recent price declines and destabilize an already fragile economy.