U.S. Retaliates After Iran Announces Re-blockade of Strait of Hormuz; Negotiations Begin in Switzerland

[Anchor]

Following continued Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, Iran has officially declared a "re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz." President Trump immediately countered, stating that the U.S. could impose its own transit fees on the strait. Amid this tense situation, both sides have just begun negotiations.

Reporter Park Won-kyung has the story.

[Reporter]

Iran announced the re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz late last night, Korean time (June 20).

Tehran cited the continued Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon as the reason, noting that Article 1 of the memorandum of understanding with the U.S. stipulates that military operations must cease on all fronts, including Lebanon, upon signing.

[Iranian News Anchor: The Iranian Navy has warned that vessels must not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Those who do not follow these instructions will face grave danger.]

However, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that transit is continuing.

U.S. President Donald Trump countered Iran's re-blockade declaration by suggesting that if the agreement with Iran ultimately fails, the U.S. could impose its own transit fees on the strait.

He argued that this would be to recover the costs of the services the U.S. has provided, and will continue to provide, as the "guardian angel" of Middle Eastern nations.

While the two sides appear to be posturing ahead of working-level talks, delegations from both the U.S. and Iran have been arriving in Switzerland.

U.S. lead negotiator Vice President J.D. Vance stated that the core agenda would be the Iranian nuclear issue and a ceasefire in Lebanon.

[J.D. Vance / U.S. Vice President: We look forward to making progress on the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. These are the two core issues we are focused on.]

The Iranian delegation arrived in Switzerland on a plane displaying the number of victims from an elementary school bombing, seemingly intended to highlight U.S. war crimes.

[Esmaeil Baghaei / Spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: In these negotiations, we will strongly demand that the U.S. fulfill the obligations it has promised.]

The U.S. stated that the negotiations are expected to last about two days, while Iran has suggested they will last only one day, indicating that the two sides are already at odds over the schedule.

(Video Editing: Lee Seung-yeol)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.