US-Iran Talks Begin as Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens Global Oil Supply

GENEVA — US and Iranian officials have started talks in Switzerland, just five days into a fragile 60-day ceasefire that is already showing signs of collapse. Tehran claims it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes, citing continued fighting in Lebanon as its reason. Washington, however, says the talks focus on ending Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions and securing a lasting end to the broader conflict. The sudden closure of the strait threatens to disrupt global energy markets and raise fuel prices worldwide. Neither side has provided independent verification of the closure. The 60-day ceasefire, agreed upon last week, was meant to reduce tensions in the region. But the new claims and counterclaims suggest the truce may not hold.