Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid US Peace Talks

The Government of Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2026, citing violations of a 14-point peace agreement by the United States and Israel. The closure follows renewed Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, which Iran claims breach the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 17 between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

U.S. Central Command rejected the closure claims, stating that maritime traffic continued to flow and that U.S. forces are monitoring the waterway. Despite the escalation, high-level delegations, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, convened in Switzerland on June 21 for technical negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. These talks aim to address Iran's nuclear stockpile and secure $300 billion for postwar reconstruction following a conflict that began in February 2026.

Diplomatic efforts intensified as Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Tehran and Mashhad to persuade Iran to maintain its participation in the talks. Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, conditioned further progress on a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen assets. While reports varied on whether some sessions were postponed due to the Lebanese conflict, the Swiss government continue to facilitate dialogue as a protecting power for US interests in Iran.