U.S. Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for high-level peace talks with Iran as both sides attempt to secure a lasting end to the ongoing conflict, even as tensions remain over Tehran’s claim that it has closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The negotiations come under a 60-day ceasefire agreement, but uncertainty has grown after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been shut in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The United States, however, said commercial shipping through the waterway continues as normal.
Vance, along with second lady Usha Vance, landed at Emmen Air Base at 5.59am local time, according to a spokesperson. He is expected to take part in several days of discussions aimed at easing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues, including the situation in Lebanon.
Speaking before departure from Joint Base Andrews, Vance said he was hopeful that progress could be made on both nuclear and ceasefire-related matters, adding that talks would likely continue over the coming days.
Despite Iran’s claims, U.S. Central Command reported that dozens of merchant vessels continued to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, carrying millions of barrels of oil to global markets, and stressed that maritime traffic remained stable.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route, has been at the centre of rising tensions, with warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards that shipping could be at risk if vessels enter the area under current conditions.
Iran has accused Israel of violating ceasefire understandings in Lebanon, while also blaming the United States for failing to uphold commitments linked to the broader peace framework.
Meanwhile, Iranian Oil Ministry officials have indicated that investment and trade opportunities could be reopened if Western parties comply with the agreement, signalling a potential path forward if negotiations succeed.
The Iranian delegation is led by chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, along with senior officials from security, energy and financial sectors.
The U.S. delegation includes special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reflecting Washington’s push for a diplomatic resolution to the escalating regional crisis.
Elsewhere, regional tensions remain high, with continued exchanges of fire reported between Israel and Hezbollah despite a declared truce, further complicating efforts to stabilise the broader conflict landscape.
The outcome of the Switzerland talks is being closely watched internationally, with expectations that they could determine whether the fragile ceasefire holds or unravels further in the coming weeks.
