Geneva saw a fresh round of negotiations between Iranian representatives and U.S. Vice President JD Vance as both sides sought progress amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The talks began on Sunday in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock, marking the second face-to-face meeting since the outbreak of hostilities that have destabilized the region and affected global markets.

Vance arrived early Sunday, shortly after the Iranian delegation, with optimism about advancing discussions related to Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. Prior to departing the United States, Vance indicated his participation in the meetings would be limited to a day or two.

Initial talks scheduled for the previous Friday were postponed following Israeli military strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, triggered by the deaths of four Israeli soldiers. Although Washington declared a renewed ceasefire on Friday—part of a preliminary agreement with Iran—fighting resumed the next day. Both Israeli forces and Hezbollah accused each other of violating the truce, complicating attempts to stabilize the area.

In response to what it described as a U.S. breach of agreement and ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, Iran’s central military command announced the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic. The Strait, vital for global oil and gas shipments, had been blocked by Iran at various points during the conflict, disrupting international markets. Tehran had previously consented to reopen the waterway as part of a preliminary accord reached last week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Despite Iran’s declaration, the U.S. Central Command reported that safe passage through the Strait remained uninterrupted and emphasized the continued presence and vigilance of U.S. forces in the area.

President Trump later cautioned that if negotiations in Switzerland did not yield a comprehensive peace deal, the United States might impose tolls on shipping through Hormuz. He clarified that such measures would only be implemented by and for the United States.

Additionally, Iran reiterated its stance that it would not engage in broader negotiations with the U.S. unless hostilities in Lebanon cease, highlighting the Lebanese conflict as a critical barrier to progress in the talks.