US-Iran trade barbs over 'Hormuz closure' ahead of Swiss talks

The United States and Iran are locked in a public relations battle over the Strait of Hormuz closure as they prepare for technical negotiations in Switzerland. Iran announced it was blocking passage through the strait, citing Israeli military operations in Lebanon as a violation of a ceasefire agreement. However, the U.S. Central Command has refuted these claims, stating that Iran does not control the strait and that vessel traffic continues unimpeded.

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Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. Ship traffic is continuing, and the U.S. military is monitoring the situation to ensure it remains that way.

U.S. Navy Colonel Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for CENTCOM, asserted that ships are still transiting the strait, with the U.S. military monitoring the situation. CENTCOM reported that 55 merchant vessels passed through the strait, transporting over 17 million barrels of crude oil and significant cargo. Despite these assertions, some reports indicate that at least five vessels altered course or stopped near the strait, suggesting Iran's threats are causing some disruption.

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There would be no tolls on the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day negotiation period, and there would also be no tolls afterward unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America. These tolls would be imposed for services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East for purposes of both past, present, and future reimbursement of costs.

Adding another layer to the dispute, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that while no tolls would be imposed on the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day negotiation period, this could change afterward unless levied by the U.S. for its security role in the Middle East. This statement signals a U.S. intention to neutralize Iran's leverage over the strait.

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We will establish the highest level political negotiation structure for only a day or two in Switzerland. Afterward, working-level officials will remain on-site to continue technical discussions.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway, with high-level delegations from both the U.S. and Iran converging in Switzerland for talks. Discussions are reportedly also involving financial incentives, such as the potential release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds for humanitarian purposes, with the U.S. and Qatar reportedly facilitating this. The negotiations aim to address both the nuclear program and the Lebanon ceasefire, with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance leading the American delegation.

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The two biggest goals for this negotiation are progress on the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire.