The United States has rejected Iranian assertions that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed, saying commercial maritime traffic continues to pass through the critical energy waterway as diplomatic talks between the two countries are expected to take place in Switzerland.
US Central Command said merchant vessels continue to transit the strait, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments flow daily. The military statement directly contradicted comments attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps suggesting restricted access or heightened risk for vessels operating in the area.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints, linking Gulf oil producers to global markets. Any disruption to traffic in the waterway typically raises immediate concerns over energy supply stability and price volatility.
Separately, diplomatic sources said US and Iranian delegations are expected to meet in Switzerland for discussions aimed at stabilizing a fragile ceasefire framework and addressing broader security issues, including nuclear-related tensions and regional conflicts. The timing and structure of the talks remain fluid, with both sides maintaining competing narratives over prior commitments.
Iranian officials have accused Washington of failing to fully implement aspects of a reported interim arrangement, while warning that continued tensions could affect regional energy flows. US officials, meanwhile, have maintained that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains unaffected and commercially active.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid heightened regional volatility, including ongoing tensions involving Israel and Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, where reported ceasefire violations and continued exchanges of fire have been documented by local and international monitors.
US officials have expressed cautious optimism that negotiations could advance discussions on ceasefire arrangements and nuclear-related issues, although significant gaps remain between the two sides over implementation and verification mechanisms.
The talks in Switzerland are expected to continue over several days, with mediators seeking to prevent further escalation across multiple interconnected conflict zones in the Middle East.