US–Iran Peace Talks Begin in Switzerland as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Shapes Negotiations

Top-level negotiations between the United States and Iran have begun at the Buergenstock resort in Switzerland as both sides attempt to build a lasting framework to end months of conflict. The talks are being led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar also present.

The meeting follows a 60-day ceasefire agreement intended to open space for broader negotiations on nuclear issues, regional security, and energy routes.

Strait of Hormuz Becomes Central Issue

A major focus of the discussions is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. Iran has claimed it closed the strait in response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon, although the U.S. military reported that commercial shipping continued and dozens of vessels still passed through.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that ships approaching the area could be at risk, raising concerns over global energy stability. U.S. officials, however, said maritime traffic remained active during the weekend.

Broader Conflict and Regional Pressure

The talks come amid continued instability in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes and Hezbollah responses have continued despite a fragile ceasefire arrangement linked to the broader U.S.–Iran framework.

The U.S. delegation also includes envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran has sent senior officials covering foreign policy, security, banking, and oil sectors.

Negotiators are expected to focus on nuclear limits, sanctions relief, and ensuring uninterrupted global energy flows, with the Strait of Hormuz dispute seen as a key test of whether the ceasefire can hold.