Iran's top security official declared Friday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to unrestricted traffic until the United States "corrects its behavior," escalating tensions in the critical waterway as Vice President JD Vance insisted negotiations are still productive.

The statement from Iran's Supreme National Security Council came as Vance traveled to Switzerland for trilateral talks aimed at managing the strait and securing commitments from Tehran not to fire on commercial vessels. The vice president told reporters the U.S. remains in "the middle of the game" on diplomacy despite Iran's hardline public posture.

Competing Claims Over Passage

Vance pushed back against Iranian claims that the waterway is effectively blockaded, citing data showing significant oil shipments continue to flow through the strait. Appearing on Fox News, he said the administration sees "no evidence" that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has successfully closed the passage, noting that record volumes of crude oil have moved through Hormuz in recent days.

Iranian officials countered that their naval forces maintain the ability to restrict traffic at will and that current shipping represents only what Tehran permits under temporary arrangements. The security council's statement suggested Iran views the strait's status as leverage in broader negotiations over the U.S. military presence in the region and economic sanctions.

Nuclear and Lebanon Talks

Before departing for Europe, Vance outlined two main objectives for the Switzerland meetings. He said he hoped to "make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue," identifying those as the administration's primary focus beyond the Hormuz management discussions.

The talks occur as the broader U.S.-Iran conflict that began in February continues without resolution. Israeli and American forces have conducted operations against Iranian positions and proxy forces throughout the region, while Tehran has responded with attacks on military targets and threats to commercial shipping lanes.

Economic Stakes Mount

Roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies typically transit the Strait of Hormuz, making any sustained closure catastrophic for world energy markets. The uncertainty over Iran's intentions has already contributed to price volatility, though actual shipment disruptions remain limited compared to Tehran's rhetoric.

Republican lawmakers have pressed the administration to guarantee free passage through the strait while avoiding concessions that would strengthen Iran's negotiating position on sanctions relief or nuclear development. Democrats have criticized Trump's handling of the Iran relationship, arguing that the February escalation could have been prevented through continued diplomatic engagement.