Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Nuclear Talks

Iran announced Saturday it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and what it called U.S. "bad faith." Negotiators from Iran were en route to Switzerland for talks, but officials suggested little progress was likely until the U.S. upholds its commitments.

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if the aggression continues, further measures have been planned

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, confirmed that technical-level discussions were set to begin Sunday in Switzerland with Qatari mediators. Iran's joint military command stated the strait's closure was a direct response to Israeli aggression and the U.S. failure to end the war. The statement warned of further measures if the "aggression continues."

Despite the announcement, Iran's state television reported that its negotiation team was heading to Switzerland for previously scheduled talks. The delegation reportedly includes the Parliament speaker, foreign minister, and representatives from the central bank and oil sector. However, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicated that the visit's purpose was to demand the U.S. fulfill its obligations, suggesting that a final agreement would only commence once key commitments were met.

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the purpose of this visit is to demand that the other party fulfill its obligations

In Washington, Vice President JD Vance confirmed that U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were already in Switzerland. Vance told Fox News he expected to travel there within two days, acknowledging the delicate coordination involved. Meanwhile, U.S. military officials stated that commercial maritime traffic continued through the strait on Saturday, with 55 vessels transiting and carrying significant oil volumes.

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it is always a delicate coordination process