Iranian and US negotiators prepare for talks in Switzerland amid renewed regional tensions.
Iran raised tensions in the Middle East on Saturday after threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz again, while negotiators travelled to Switzerland to rescue efforts aimed at securing a broader agreement between Tehran and Washington.
The move followed renewed clashes in Lebanon and added pressure to an already fragile understanding between the United States and Iran.
Meanwhile, both sides prepared for another round of talks focused on unresolved political and security issues.
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Iran Links Hormuz Threat to Lebanon Fighting
Iran said it would close the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
Iran’s central military command accused Washington of failing to uphold commitments and criticised what it described as repeated ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon.
As a result, Iranian authorities announced restrictions on vessel traffic through the strategic waterway.
The Revolutionary Guards also warned ships against entering the area and said security could not be guaranteed.
Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Earlier in the week, Tehran had agreed to reopen the passage under the preliminary understanding reached with Washington.
Consequently, shipping activity had started to recover.
However, US Central Command later stated that maritime passage remained secure and said American forces continued monitoring the route.
In addition, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could respond if negotiations failed.
Switzerland Talks Move Forward
Despite rising tensions, diplomatic efforts continued.
An Iranian delegation travelled to Switzerland and included parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Iran’s foreign ministry said officials would seek implementation of commitments agreed under the framework.
Furthermore, Tehran warned that the broader understanding could face difficulties if progress stalled.
US Vice President JD Vance also travelled to Switzerland.
Before departure, he said negotiators hoped to make progress on Iran’s nuclear programme and stabilisation efforts in Lebanon.
US officials Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff remained engaged in technical discussions ahead of formal meetings.
Pakistan and Qatar will also participate as mediators.
Technical-level talks are expected to begin in Bürgenstock and open a two-month negotiation process.
Officials will focus particularly on Iran’s nuclear programme and unresolved regional issues.
Lebanon Ceasefire Comes Under Pressure
At the same time, fighting continued in southern Lebanon.
Israel and Hezbollah accused each other of violating the latest ceasefire.
The Israeli military reported another combat death and said forces were operating defensively.
Earlier, Israeli officials said Hezbollah launched dozens of projectiles overnight.
However, Hezbollah accused Israel of carrying out military advances under ceasefire cover and said its fighters responded.
Lebanese authorities reported air strikes across multiple areas.
Officials also said casualties continued to rise.
Despite renewed fighting, international diplomats continue efforts to preserve negotiations and prevent broader regional escalation.
