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Iran has declared its intention to maintain control over the vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical point of contention in ongoing Middle East war talks with the United States that recently concluded in Switzerland. Vice President JD Vance described the negotiations as a "very good foundation" for a final deal to end the conflict, noting that Washington had suspended sanctions on Iranian oil.

However, significant issues, including Iran's nuclear program and the administration of Hormuz, a major global oil transit route, remain unresolved despite an initial agreement between Washington and Tehran. Technical discussions following higher-level negotiations have concluded, with working groups to be established for nuclear issues and sanctions, according to Iranian state media.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded an unconditional reopening of Hormuz to marine traffic. Conversely, Iran has strongly pushed back against this demand. "The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war conditions and will be administered by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with international law," stated Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as reported by state media.

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The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war conditions and will be administered by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with international law.

The Strait of Hormuz had reopened last week following an agreement between Washington and Tehran. However, Tehran announced its closure again on Saturday in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Both Tehran and Washington have agreed to establish a communication line "to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels" through the waterway, according to Qatari and Pakistani mediators.

As part of their deal, Washington agreed to release $12 billion in frozen funds to Iran and temporarily suspend sanctions on oil from the Islamic Republic, Iranian state media reported Tuesday. The U.S. Treasury confirmed the temporary lifting of sanctions to allow Iran to produce, sell, and deliver crude oil and related products through August 21. Vance indicated that Iranian assets had not yet been unfrozen and would be used to purchase U.S. goods like soybeans, not to fund terrorism.

The negotiations, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, aim to produce a final document within a renewable 60-day deadline. Diplomacy continued Tuesday, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian scheduled to visit Pakistan, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio planning trips to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to discuss the deal and "efforts to secure full and free safe transit."

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very good foundation