JD Vance might have been expected at Lucerne, but the fuzzy details of the US Vice President’s arrival or not at the Swiss resort for crunchtime Iran talks that were set for later today, were not coupled by good omens either, as the 60 day phase of Washington-Tehran negotiations lost its way in misty Hormuz Straits threats and the continued Israel-Hizbollah conflict in Lebanon.
Conditions are more uncertain than ever, just a few days following the long distance signature of a Memorandum of Understanding by both sides, with President Trump making quite the PR show of it at the Versailles Palace.
Despite the expectations and the prospects which led energy markets happily tumbling, Israel operations in south Lebanon and the hefty Hezbollah response against forces in border areas, are the main cause of the pre-talks deadlock.
The US and Iran are also playing huff and puff games with the Hormuz Straits again, with Donald Trump warning that if no comprehensive deal transpires over the next two months, he will impose a toll in the area, calling it a ‘Guardian Angel’ for Middle East countries in a message on Truth Social.
‘There will be no tolls during negotiations’, he added.
The Revolutionary Guards had earlier announced the closure of the Straits, in what was interpreted as diplomatic pressure on the American side in light of upcoming talks.
‘We are closing down the Straits again, as Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon’, the Guards declared, adding that Israeli operations were in violation of the agreement protocol with the US and the ‘enemies commitments’.
The Iranians further noted that other measures would be designed and implemented to ‘persuade our adversaries’, also issuing a warning to ships in the Straits not to attempt a crossing.
«Iran does not control Hormuz, Vns warned»
The US Vice-President refuted the Revolutionary Guards claims.
‘There is no indication that the Straits have closed’, he noted, in response to the Iranian remarks.
Backing up JD Vans, CENTCOM issued a statement according to which 55 commercial ships had passed through the strategic Straits, including tankers carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil.
‘We remain vigilant to secure that the agreement is fully respected’, the US army said.
Iran issues warning
‘The protocol will be endangered’, Iran responded, if its terms are not implemented, making a reference to Israeli army operations in south Lebanon.
Today’s US-Iran talks in Lucerne were described as of a ‘technical nature’ and expectations were played down given the circumstance. Pakistani and Qatari mediators were set to be present.
In Lebanon, Israel and Hezbollah blamed each other for the resumption in hostilities and violations of the agreement, PM Netanyahu said he had given a ceasefire order as a ‘good will gesture’.
Israeli troops will be staying in south Lebanon, ‘defending the country’s northern borders’.