Trump threatens to resume war with Iran amid closure of the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with powerful military strikes if Tehran does not stop the actions of its allies in Lebanon. The statement came as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance began talks with Iranian officials at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, with Qatar serving as mediator. The meeting is taking place under a memorandum of understanding signed a week ago, which provides for 60 days of talks on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions and ending hostilities, including Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon.

The situation sharply escalated after Tehran announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most important artery for transporting energy resources. Iran took this step, accusing Washington of failing to meet its obligations to end the ceasefire in Lebanon, and shortened the agenda of Sunday talks to one day, refusing to discuss the nuclear deal until hostilities come to a complete halt. Despite U.S. officials disputing the blockade, commercial shipping data recorded the immediate halt of tanker traffic. Experts expect the closure of the strait to trigger a sharp spike in oil prices at Monday's market open, undoing their recent decline. On the sidelines of the summit, the American delegation also held a meeting with Pakistan's leadership. The ground situation in Lebanon itself remains unstable: despite the declared lull, numerous destructions have been recorded, and army units are carrying out demining of unexploded heavy bombs.