U.S. Vice President Vance: Negotiations with Iran in Switzerland Could Begin as Early as June 21

As Iran announced it would re-block the Strait of Hormuz, citing violations of a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) by the U.S. and Israel, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated today that face-to-face negotiations between the U.S. and Iran could take place in Switzerland as early as tomorrow, June 21.

In an interview with Fox News today, Vice President Vance said that Steve Witkoff, the Special Envoy for Middle East Negotiations, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, have already arrived in Switzerland.

Vance added that he also "expects to depart within the next few days," indicating he may visit Switzerland soon for follow-up negotiations with Iran.

Regarding the timing for the start of formal face-to-face talks, he said, "It could start as early as tomorrow," while noting that "these things are always subject to change."

When asked about media reports suggesting that remaining Iranian naval forces were turning ships away in the Strait of Hormuz, Vice President Vance stated, "We see no evidence that Iran is currently blocking the Strait of Hormuz."

He added, "In the last 24 hours alone, 16 million barrels of crude oil have been transported through the Strait of Hormuz," noting that "this is essentially on par with pre-war levels, which indicates that the strait is, in fact, open."

Shortly after Vance’s remarks, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees the integrated command of the Iranian military, announced today that it would re-block the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that the U.S. and Israel had violated the terms of the MOU.

With tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalating just two days after the MOU took effect, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also confirmed today that its delegation for negotiations with the U.S. would depart for Switzerland.

As both the U.S. and Iran have confirmed their willingness to sit down and continue negotiations, attention is focused on whether follow-up talks will proceed as planned despite the controversy over the MOU violations.

The MOU stipulates a cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, but Israel has continued airstrikes against the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah since the announcement.

The MOU also includes a provision for the "opening of the Strait of Hormuz," but with Iran moving to re-block it, citing Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon, critics point out that the agreement is faltering in its early stages of implementation.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.