Iran arrives, Vance en route for talks as Hormuz remains shut over Israel

The United States and Iran have resumed high-stakes negotiations in Switzerland, but one major issue continues to dominate the talks — the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the recent memorandum of understanding, Tehran has maintained restrictions on commercial traffic through one of the world's most important energy chokepoints. U.S. Vice President JD Vance joined senior American officials for the negotiations as Iran arrived at the table with significant leverage. Iranian media and IRGC-linked outlets argue that Hormuz should remain closed until frozen Iranian assets are released, sanctions relief is implemented, and Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon.