US President Donald Trump (Republican Party) stated this Sunday (June 21, 2026) that the United States could impose tolls on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz if peace negotiations with Iran fail.
On the phone with a journalist from the North American newspaper Fox Newsthe head of the White House also said that the country could take control of the maritime passage, if necessary, and act as the “guardian angel” of the strait. According to Trump, Washington could keep 20% of the oil transported via the route. He did not state how the measure would be implemented.
The statements were made in a context of increased tensions in the region. On Saturday (June 20), Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz due to the . US authorities, however, stated that the route remained operational and that commercial navigation was not interrupted.
Trump also stated that the United States has “a variety of options” if the Iranians do not assume “serious commitments” in ongoing negotiations.
NEGOTIATIONS IN SWITZERLAND
Despite the tension over the strait, Iran’s state broadcaster confirmed that a team of negotiators departed for Switzerland on Saturday (June 20, 2026). The diplomatic trip was originally scheduled for Friday (June 19, 2026).
The Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, stated this Sunday (June 21, 2026) that in the last few hours negotiations took place between representatives from the USA, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan, during a meeting in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.
“We’ve already made a lot of progress in just the last few hours, and I hope we make more progress in the hours to come,” said Vance alongside officials from the 4 countries before the talks began.
IMPASSE OVER Ceasefire
Mediation efforts attempt to halt hostilities. On Friday (June 19), the Israeli ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, stated that Israel is committed to an immediate ceasefire if Hezbollah ceases its attacks.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the army hit 150 militant group targets on Friday and promised to keep Israeli forces in southern Lebanon until any threat to Israel is eliminated.
Israeli military spokeswoman Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed that troops continue to operate in a “advanced defense zone”.
In response, Hezbollah declared acceptance of a ceasefire, but blamed Israel for successive violations.
During the early hours of Saturday (June 20, 2026), more than 50 projectiles were fired at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Army blamed the attack on Hezbollah, but the militant group did not claim responsibility for the shooting.
Hezbollah conditions the end of its offensives on the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, a demand supported by Iran.
A new round of negotiations between the Lebanese government and Israel, with American support, is scheduled to take place in Washington next week.
