U.S. and Iran begin peace talks in Switzerland amid disputed Hormuz closure claims

Negotiators from the United States and Iran arrived in Switzerland on Sunday to start a new round of peace talks, despite conflicting statements about the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian team, led by chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, was joined by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Saturday that it had closed the strait, warning that ships approaching would be at risk. U.S. Central Command, however, reported that 55 merchant vessels transited the waterway that day, carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil, and said U.S. forces would keep commercial traffic flowing.

"I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue," Vance told reporters before departing for Switzerland.

"Iran would press in Switzerland for fulfilment of commitments, citing past failures by the other side to honour agreements," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.

The talks follow a 60-day cease-fire agreed earlier, which is tied to an interim deal brokered by Pakistan and signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Trump posted on social media that no toll would be charged for passage through the strait during the cease-fire, but left open the possibility of a toll if negotiations failed.

Violence continues on the ground in Lebanon, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah exchanged fire after a fragile truce took effect. Lebanese authorities reported civilian casualties, while Israel said it was responding to Hezbollah attacks and would maintain its presence in occupied Lebanese territory.

The negotiations are expected to last a few days, with both sides seeking progress on nuclear issues, the Lebanon cease-fire, and broader regional stability.