Despite Iran’s warnings, senior American officials insist maritime traffic remains fully operational and that global oil shipments continue moving through the narrow waterway at an extraordinary pace.
Vice President JD Vance, who has taken a leading role in the latest diplomatic effort, pushed back against claims that Iran has successfully restricted passage through the Strait.
Speaking during a television interview Saturday morning, Vance projected confidence regarding America’s position in the ongoing negotiations.
“The United States has all the cards. The Straits are now open. The Iranian military is now destroyed,” he said.
The Vice President also emphasized that oil exports remain unaffected, noting that unprecedented volumes of crude continue flowing through the region despite Tehran’s latest threats.
Vance had been expected to travel to Switzerland earlier this week to participate in high-level discussions. However, those plans were postponed as American officials awaited the arrival of key representatives from multiple governments involved in the talks.
According to Vance, he may still travel to Switzerland within the next several days once the primary negotiating teams are assembled.
The diplomatic effort involves representatives from Iran, Qatar, Pakistan, and the United States, with hopes of preventing a wider regional conflict.
Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly arrived in Switzerland ahead of the anticipated meetings. Jared Kushner is also participating in discussions surrounding the broader negotiations.
However, questions emerged Saturday regarding Iran’s commitment to the process after reports indicated that members of the Iranian delegation had yet to appear.
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One expected participant, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, was widely believed to be attending. Yet according to reports, American officials said the Iranian team had not arrived as scheduled.
While diplomats worked behind the scenes, military and security officials closely monitored developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning directed at commercial shipping companies operating near the strategic passageway.
“It is emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and vessels should not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, their security will be at risk,” the IRGC stated through media outlets affiliated with the organization.
The warning immediately attracted international attention because roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically moves through the narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets.
Yet American military officials painted a dramatically different picture.
U.S. Central Command released a statement indicating that commercial activity through the Strait remained robust and uninterrupted despite Iran’s announcement.
According to CENTCOM, merchant traffic actually increased during the previous day as vessels continued safely navigating the waterway under the watch of U.S. forces.
“Commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased June 20 as U.S. forces continued operating in the general area to support freedom of navigation.”
The military further reported that dozens of ships successfully completed their transit through the corridor while transporting massive quantities of cargo and energy supplies.
“Safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today as 55 merchant ships transited, moving large amounts of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.”
CENTCOM also emphasized that American forces remain actively deployed in the region to ensure compliance with existing agreements and maintain freedom of navigation.
“U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect.”
As uncertainty continues to surround the negotiations, global markets and international observers will be watching closely to determine whether Iran follows through on its latest threat or whether diplomacy can prevent another dangerous escalation in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
For now, Iran says the Strait is closed. The United States says traffic is flowing normally. The coming days may determine which side ultimately controls the narrative—and the future stability of the region.
