Advertisement

Politics
Politics Saudi Arabia
Saturday, June 20, 2026
US-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall as Iranian Revolutionary Guard Closes Strait of Hormuz and Pakistan Steps In as Mediator

Lead:

High-level diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, scheduled to take place in Switzerland, have been postponed amid deepening uncertainty over their trajectory. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard subsequently announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing American non-compliance with agreed terms. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Tehran in an effort to salvage the diplomatic process, underscoring the acute regional and global stakes surrounding the stalled talks.

Details:

The postponement of the Switzerland talks was confirmed by multiple regional outlets. According to Alyaum, a cloud of ambiguity surrounds the entire negotiating track, with no clear timeline established for resumption. The report noted that the delays coincided with continued Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, adding a further layer of regional tension to an already volatile diplomatic environment.

Al-Arabiya, as cited by Alyaum, reported in a breaking news bulletin that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard formally announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the move was a direct consequence of the United States failing to honor the terms of a prior understanding between the two sides. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically critical maritime passages, through which a significant share of global oil exports transits daily, making its closure a development with immediate international economic implications.

Alyaum further reported that American envoy Steve Wittkoff is en route to Switzerland to participate in renewed discussions with Iran, suggesting that Washington has not abandoned the diplomatic channel despite the postponement. His departure indicates that the United States continues to pursue a negotiated outcome, even as the Iranian side signals displeasure through the Hormuz announcement.

On the Pakistani mediation effort, Alyaum reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Iran on Saturday as part of Islamabad's active intermediary role between Tehran and Washington. Pakistan has positioned itself as a credible facilitator in recent weeks, and Naqvi's visit appears aimed at de-escalating tensions and identifying a viable path toward restarting formal negotiations.

Watch For:

Whether Steve Wittkoff's arrival in Switzerland produces a concrete new date for resumed US-Iran talks, or whether the mission yields only preliminary consultations without a firm diplomatic commitment from Tehran.

Whether the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect or is reversed as a goodwill measure ahead of any rescheduled negotiations, given the severe pressure such a closure places on global energy markets.

Whether Pakistan's mediation succeeds in bridging the gap between the two sides' stated positions, and whether Mohsin Naqvi secures any tangible concessions or assurances from Iranian officials during his Tehran visit.

Saudi Arabia Brief

Advertisement

All Portals 🇱🇧🇦🇪🇪🇬🇸🇦 كل البوابات
Curator Briefer À La CarteSoon