Lucerne, Switzerland. Uncertainty deepened ahead of planned US-Iran talks in Lucerne as confusion surrounded the possible arrival of US Vice President JD Vance and tensions rose over threats involving the Hormuz Strait and ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Negotiations face renewed uncertainty
The article said the 60-day phase of negotiations between Washington and Tehran had lost momentum despite both sides having recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding remotely. It also said President Donald Trump had publicly highlighted the agreement at the Palace of Versailles.
The reported expectations surrounding the talks had previously helped push energy markets lower, but the article said the current deadlock before the talks was mainly caused by Israeli operations in south Lebanon and Hezbollah attacks against forces in border areas.
Hormuz Strait tensions rise
The United States and Iran were also described as escalating rhetoric again over the Hormuz Strait. According to the article, Trump said that if no comprehensive deal emerged over the next two months, he would impose a toll in the area, describing it on Truth Social as a “Guardian Angel” for Middle East countries.
The article added that Trump also said, “There will be no tolls during negotiations”.
Iranian warnings and US response
The article said the Revolutionary Guards had earlier announced the closure of the strait, in what it described as diplomatic pressure on the United States ahead of the talks.
According to the article, the Guards said, “We are closing down the Straits again, as Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon”, and added that Israeli operations violated the agreement protocol with the United States and the “enemies commitments”.
The article further said Iranian officials warned that additional measures would be designed and implemented to “persuade our adversaries” and also warned ships in the strait not to attempt a crossing.
The article said the US vice president rejected the Revolutionary Guards’ claims.
