US-Iran War News Live Updates: Trump Warns Against Closing Hormuz; Vance Says US, Iran Made 'Great Progress' In Switzerland Talks

Trump said he warned Iranian officials that closing the Strait of Hormuz would have severe consequences for Iran. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Tehran "won't have a country" if it moves to shut the strategically important waterway, underscoring Washington's determination to keep the shipping lane open.

Trump also said his conversations with Iranian officials on the issue were unusually blunt, and that he used strong language while discussing the Strait of Hormuz and the potential ramifications of any disruption to maritime traffic through the channel.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States could take control of the Strait of Hormuz if circumstances require such a move. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Washington may consider taking over the strategic waterway and charging tolls if it deems it necessary.

Trump said any U.S. takeover of the Strait of Hormuz would involve securing access to around 20% of the world's oil flows. The remarks underscore the strategic importance of the chokepoint, through which a significant share of global crude exports passes.

Vance also cautioned that the latest round of discussions would not resolve every disagreement between Washington and Tehran.

He said significant differences remain and acknowledged that additional rounds of negotiations will be needed to bridge outstanding gaps.

Vance said Sunday's meeting with Iranian officials marked the beginning of technical negotiations between the two countries, signalling a shift from broad political discussions to detailed talks on implementing a potential agreement.

He also said the participating nations are now seeking to establish a formal structure for the technical negotiations, including mechanisms and working groups that will address specific issues as part of the broader diplomatic process.

The talks are expected to focus on areas such as nuclear commitments, sanctions relief and implementation timelines.

Commenting on regional tensions, Vance said he felt "great" about the current situation regarding Lebanon, signalling confidence that the issue was moving in a positive direction as part of broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

Vance also said Washington is prepared to fundamentally transform its relationship with Iran if Tehran gives up its nuclear weapons ambitions.

He reiterated that any broader normalisation of ties would depend on Iran abandoning its pursuit of nuclear weapons and complying with agreed conditions.

JD Vance said he expects additional progress in talks with Iran in the coming hours, expressing optimism after the latest round of negotiations in Switzerland. Vance said discussions had moved forward and indicated that further breakthroughs could be achieved soon.

Vance said US President Donald Trump had instructed his team to "turn over a new leaf" in regional diplomacy, signalling a renewed push for negotiations and a broader settlement following the latest talks with Iran.

Vance also stressed that it was not Washington's preference to return to previous approaches to dealing with regional conflicts. He said the administration was seeking a different path to address longstanding challenges in the Middle East.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said significant progress had been made during talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland, adding that negotiators had achieved substantial advances over the last few hours.

Speaking after the meeting, Vance said the key question now is how much more can be achieved in the Middle East through the ongoing diplomatic process. He suggested there remains considerable scope for further progress in efforts to stabilise the region.

Pezeshkian also said US President Donald Trump had recognised rights previously denied to Iran. "Our $6 billion in Qatar will be returned," he said, adding that measures outlined in the preliminary agreement would affirm the rights of the Iranian people and nation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the preliminary agreement with the United States to end the war includes the return of $6 billion in Iranian funds currently frozen in Qatar.

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, Pezeshkian said all provisions of the memorandum of understanding are in Iran's favour and that the benefits of the negotiations would become increasingly evident.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry announced the start of the Lake Lucerne summit in Switzerland, marking the beginning of a new round of high-level discussions aimed at advancing the implementation of the recently agreed memorandum of understanding.

The ministry said follow-up committees have been formed to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the MoU.

The committees are expected to monitor compliance, address outstanding issues and lay the groundwork for subsequent negotiations on a final agreement.

Qatar said technical committees have been established to work out the terms of a final agreement\, according to Bloomberg.

The committees will address detailed aspects of the deal, including sequencing and implementation mechanisms, as negotiators seek to advance the talks towards a broader and lasting settlement.

High-level talks between the United States and Iran have formally begun in Switzerland, Qatar said, marking the start of negotiations aimed at translating the recently signed memorandum of understanding into a comprehensive agreement.

The discussions are expected to focus on implementing key provisions of the interim accord and resolving outstanding issues between the two sides.

Israel has reiterated that it will not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, according to comments made by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz in a statement, according to Bloomberg.

Katz said Israel would continue to maintain its presence in southern Lebanon, reaffirming the government's position on the issue amid ongoing regional tensions.

The remarks underscore Israel's stance that its security considerations remain paramount in determining its military deployment in the area.

Iran has warned that any continued Israeli presence in Lebanon would effectively void its agreement with the United States, according to Iran's ISNA news agency, which cited an official from the presidential office.

The official said Tehran considers a complete halt to hostilities in Lebanon, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, as essential to the implementation of the US-Iran deal.

Iran has repeatedly maintained that any Israeli military presence or operations in Lebanese territory would constitute a breach of the agreement.

Iran remains committed to "meticulously and seriously" pursuing the implementation of commitments undertaken by the other side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a post on X.

Baqaei said Sunday's meeting in Switzerland was aimed at following up on the implementation of provisions contained in the June 18, 2026 memorandum of understanding on ending the war.

He noted that under paragraph 13 of the agreement, negotiations on a final deal can begin only after key provisions are implemented.

جمهوری اسلامی ایران مصمم است روند اجرایی شدن تعهدات طرف مقابل را با وسواس و جدیت پیگیری کند.

نشست امروز در سوئیس، برای پیگیری اجرای مفاد یادداشت تفاهم خاتمه جنگ مورخ ۲۸ خرداد ۱۴۰۵ است. طبق بند ۱۳ یادداشت تفاهم، آغاز مذاکرات توافق نهایی، منوط به اجرای بندهای ۱، ۴، ۵، ۱۰ و ۱۱ است.…

— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) June 21, 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Switzerland, according to Iran's Tasnim news agency.

During the meeting, Ghalibaf discussed the implementation of the agreement reached with the United States with Qatar's prime minister, the report said.

According to Iran, the ongoing tensions in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah will top the agenda in talks with the United States in Switzerland, including issues such as frozen Iranian funds and country’s oil sales.

“The Zionist regime continues to violate its commitment in Lebanon. This issue will be the main topic of discussion in today’s talks,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a video released by IRNA state news agency.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

Three India-linked supertankers have re-emerged in the Gulf of Oman, indicating an increased bi-directional traffic across the northern and southern routes of the Strait of Hormuz amid conflicting claims over the status of transits continue.

(Source: Bloomberg)

Through the first round of talks with Iran, the United Stated would want invitation for UN inspectors to visit Iranian nuclear sites, which were attacked by the U.S. and Israel. A similar visit took place in June, 2025.

(Source: Axios)

Six Israeli soldiers, including a senior officer have been killed in Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon in the last three days, while more than 20 soldiers have been wounded.
 

(Source: Al Jazeera via Israeli radio)

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Switzerland along with his delegation.

Zürich: 21 June 2026.

Prime Minister and Field Marshal to participate in the High-Level Talks on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding being held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on 21st of June 2026.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in… pic.twitter.com/PGEL9vIVsl

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 21, 2026

In a post on X, Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed the US delegation for the high-stakes talks with Iran.

We welcome the arrival of the Iranian delegation in #Switzerland.

The Iranian delegation is on its way to the Bürgenstock as part of the implementation of the MoU signed between the #UnitedStates and #Iran. pic.twitter.com/5USLCr0h4H

— Swiss MFA (@SwissMFA) June 20, 2026

Five people including a child, a woman, and two elderly people were killed after an Israeli attack on the village of Sohmor in western Bekaa Valley of Lebanon.

(Source: Al Jazeera via National News Agency)

Pakistan’s military chief and top mediator Field Marshal Asim Munir has arrived in Switzerland to participate in the US-Iran talks.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

Iran's side: The delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

US side: Vice President JD Vance led delegation includes Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Mediators: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir will and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani are expected to attend the talks.
 

Trump’s technology adviser Davis Sacks has lauded the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, calling it “a tremendous achievement” and a better way than prolonged tensions.

Discussing on the All-In Podcast on Saturday, Sacks denied arguments to escalate the 'suicide mission', noting that an invasion of Iran would make no sense given its scale and could require as many as a million troops.

(Source: Al Jazeera)
 

The US military denied claimes that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iran, clarifying that key route is open ​and American forces ​are monitoring the situation in the region.
"Iran does not ​control the Strait of Hormuz," ​US Central Command spokesperson Navy Captain Tim Hawkins told news agency Reuters. "Traffic continues to ​flow, and US forces ​are monitoring the situation to ensure ‌this ⁠remains the case."

(Source: Reuters)

JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for high-stakes talks with Iran.

(Source: Bloomberg)

US Vice President JD Vance told reporters before departing from a US base that  the focus of the talks will be on the nuclear issue and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. He noted that while the situation in Lebanon has shown signs of improvement, it still requires careful and continuous management, adding that the aim in Switzerland is to establish a structured framework for negotiations and ensure that fighting pauses long enough to advance a ceasefire.

(Source: Bloomberg)
 

In a post on Truth Social, US President Trump said, "There will be NO TOLLS in the Hormuz Strait for 60 days during the Cease Fire Period, and there will be NO TOLLS after the 60 day period has expired, unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America, should the deal not be completed, for services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East for purposes of both past, present, and future reimbursement of costs."