Vice President JD Vance headed to peace talks in Switzerland on Saturday. Consequently, this signals renewed efforts to keep an agreement signed by President Trump on track. However, Iranian security officials recently stated they had closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s joint military command announced this closing amid new clashes in Lebanon. Therefore, this action undid the main achievement of the recent United States and Iran deal. Furthermore, Iran cited a failure by the United States to stop the fighting in Lebanon as its reason.
Ceasefire Clashes and Strait Traffic
Israel and Hezbollah flared into conflict again just hours after agreeing to a renewed ceasefire. Despite this, Vance expressed hope for making progress on both the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. Meanwhile, the United States Central Command stated that traffic continued to flow in the strait. Moreover, Trump announced on social media that no tolls could be imposed there except by the United States. Even before Iran’s announcement, traffic recovery had been halting. Specifically, Iran demanded that ships register to cross two days in advance.
Delegations and Technical Discussions
The Iranian delegation arrived in Switzerland late Saturday to attend the peace talks. This group includes chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and oil officials. Additionally, United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were already there engaging in technical discussions. The recently signed memorandum of understanding explicitly states that the war on the Lebanese front must end. Consequently, an Iranian spokesman noted their negotiators would press the United States to meet these obligations.
Ongoing Violence in Lebanon
The renewed ceasefire originally took effect at four in the afternoon local time on Friday. Nevertheless, Lebanese state media reported a new round of Israeli attacks around Nabatieh on Saturday. The Israeli military carried out these attacks after Hezbollah fired more than fifty times at their forces. Ultimately, this recent Hezbollah fire killed five Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon. Subsequently, Lebanese health officials reported seven people were killed in these latest strikes. Previously, eighty-three people had been killed and 141 wounded in earlier attacks.
Israeli Stance and New Toll Authority
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz refuse to back down. They stated the country will continue to hold territory in Lebanon until Hezbollah is vanquished. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has vacillated in its messaging to its wartime ally. Trump initially criticized Israel for excessive force but later praised Netanyahu as a warrior prime minister. Finally, Iran created the Persian Gulf Strait Authority and will conduct dialog with Oman regarding future maritime administration. This new authority expects shippers to eventually pay fees, although they are waived for sixty days.
Reference
Dowell, A., & Gramer, R. (2026, junio 20). Fighting flares again in Lebanon despite Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/fighting-flares-again-in-lebanon-despite-israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-4d0ffae8