U.S. and Iran open talks in Switzerland as Trump threatens to seize Strait of Hormuz

President Trump said on June 21 that he told Iranian officials the United States could seize the Strait of Hormuz and charge tolls if Tehran shuts the waterway. "You close it and you won't have a country," he said. " He added that Washington might claim one-fifth of the oil passing through the strait as payment for acting as "Guardian Angel" to the region.

The comments came one day after Iran declared the strait closed in response to Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. U.S. Central Command stated on June 22 that safe passage remained intact and traffic had increased.

The Joint Maritime Information Center issued an advisory on June 19 confirming that a southern route along Oman's coast is safe. U.S. and Iranian diplomats opened talks on June 22 at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland.

Pakistan and Qatar are mediating. U.S. naval blockade on Iran.

U.S. Side represented an "outstretched hand" toward the people of Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his country would never abandon uranium enrichment. " Iran's Revolutionary Guard continued to refuse transit permits as of June 22.

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority requires ships to follow a route along the Iranian coast and prohibits alternatives. The authority said insurance is currently free, with all expenses covered by Iran, but reserved the right to introduce fees later. 37 percent, on June 22.

74 percent. S. 19 a barrel. 53 a barrel. 40 per ounce.

U.S. forces remain in the area to support freedom of navigation, Central Command said.