United News of Bangladesh

US and Iranian negotiators are set to meet in Switzerland on Sunday discuss key details of an interim agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, as tensions remain high over fighting in Lebanon and Iran's claim that it has again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said the strategic waterway was shut in response to continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon, warning that progress in negotiations would be difficult without a halt to the violence. However, the United States rejected the claim, insisting that maritime traffic through the strait remains uninterrupted. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could impose tolls on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz if a final agreement with Iran is not reached within 60 days. Under the interim deal, ships are allowed toll-free passage during the negotiation period. The talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security issues and steps toward a broader ceasefire. US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland alongside senior American negotiators, while Iran’s delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said negotiations on a permanent agreement would depend on all parties fulfilling their commitments under the interim accord, warning that failure to do so could jeopardise the entire understanding. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of contention. Iran’s military command claimed the waterway had been closed because of what it described as a US failure to uphold commitments related to ending the conflict. The US military disputed the assertion, saying commercial shipping continues normally and that dozens of vessels carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil passed through the strait on Saturday. The interim agreement, signed earlier this week by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, provides a 60-day window for negotiators to reach a comprehensive nuclear deal and includes provisions for lifting restrictions on Iran’s oil exports and unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes on Saturday reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children, according to Lebanese media and officials. Hezbollah said it would observe a ceasefire if Israel does the same, while an Israeli military official indicated that forces had received updated instructions to cease offensive operations and remain in a defensive posture. The latest escalation has pushed the death toll in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict beyond 4,000, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Diplomatic efforts to secure a broader ceasefire are expected to continue in Washington next week through US-backed talks involving Lebanon and Israel.