Amidst Iran's announcement to re-blockade the Strait of Hormuz, citing violations of a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) by the United States and Israel, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated on the 20th that face-to-face negotiations between the U.S. and Iran could take place in Switzerland as early as the 21st (local time).

In an interview with Fox News on the same day, Vice President Vance said that Middle East envoy Steve Wittekoff and Jared Kushner, the eldest son-in-law of President Donald Trump, are currently in Switzerland, and he made the statement.

Vice President Vance added that he "expects to depart in the next few days" and that he may visit Switzerland for follow-up negotiations with Iran soon.

Regarding the timing of the commencement of U.S.-Iran face-to-face negotiations, he said, "It could begin as early as tomorrow (the 21st)," but also noted, "These things can always change a little bit depending on the situation."

When asked about media reports that "remaining Iranian naval forces are turning back ships in the Strait of Hormuz," Vice President Vance responded, "There is no evidence that Iran is still blockading the Strait of Hormuz."

He continued, "In the last 24 hours alone, 16 million barrels of crude oil have been transported through the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "This is a volume comparable to the pre-war levels, indicating that the strait is now effectively open."

Shortly after Vice President Vance's remarks, the Central Military Headquarters of Hatam al-Anbiya, which integrates and commands the Iranian military, announced on the same day that the U.S. and Israel had violated the terms of the MOU and that Iran would re-blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

With tensions escalating again over the Strait of Hormuz just two days after the MOU came into effect, Iran's Foreign Ministry also announced on the same day that Iran's delegation for negotiations with the U.S. would depart for Switzerland, the negotiation venue.

Both the U.S. and Iran have confirmed their willingness to sit down and continue negotiations, and it remains to be seen whether follow-up talks will proceed as scheduled despite the controversy over MOU violations.

The MOU stipulates a cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, but Israel has continued to conduct airstrikes in Lebanon targeting the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah even after the announcement.

Although the MOU includes the "opening of Hormuz," Iran's move to re-blockade it, citing Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon, has led to suggestions that the MOU is faltering from the initial stages of implementation.