Iran uses Strait of Hormuz closure as leverage in Switzerland talks

Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz – announced on Saturday in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon – is now casting a shadow over the broader US-Iran negotiations taking place in Switzerland. Only days after the official signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, Iran's military has reimposed the closure, warning that no ships or vessels should approach the strategic waterway. The IRGC said any ships approaching the strait would jeopardise their security and safety. The Joint Military Headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya issued three clear messages: blaming the US for failing to fulfil its obligations under the MoU to end the war; demanding Israel stop its aggression against Lebanese territories and withdraw its forces; and warning that the closure is just an initial step, with further measures possible if Israel continues its "acts of aggression" against Lebanon. The closure has added a new layer of tension to the ongoing diplomatic talks in Switzerland, where Iran and the US are negotiating a range of contentious issues, including frozen assets, primary and secondary sanctions, oil exports and war reparations. Iran is using its control over the strait as leverage in these negotiations. The future remains uncertain – whether diplomatic engagement can resolve the disputes or whether the region faces another round of escalation.

Al Jazeera's Tohid Asadi reports from the Strait of Hormuz, Iran.

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