'Opening of Strait of Hormuz Has Already Been Accomplished': JD Vance in Geneva Amid Trump Toll Threat

Lucerne: U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who arrived in Geneva on Sunday for high-stakes diplomatic talks aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement with Iran, indicated that the effective opening or secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz “has already been accomplished,” suggesting U.S. leverage and naval presence have already altered the dynamics on the waterway and could serve as a foundation for broader agreement. 

Speaking upon his arrival, Vance framed the negotiations in stark terms.

“Can we turn over a new leaf? Can we change relations in the Middle East permanently?” he asked. “Or do we go back to doing things the old way?,” he asked.

Vice President JD Vance on Sunday praised significant diplomatic gains in the Middle East, pointing to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resolution of Iran's nuclear program as early victories in a broader effort to reshape regional relations.

Speaking during what he described as a historic meeting, Vance expressed optimism about further progress through diplomacy between Iran and Gulf states, which have long been at odds.

"First of all, I want to thank the President of the United States. He has empowered us to find a diplomatic resolution to a host of issues that matter to the American people, but I think the world," Vance said.

The Vice President highlighted concrete achievements already secured.

"The opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the ending of the Iranian nuclear program, all of these things have already been accomplished. The question before us now is how much more can we accomplish together?," he said.

Vance framed the developments as a potential turning point for the region.

"Can we turn over a new leaf?" he asked, adding that the progress reflects President Trump's vision for a transformed Middle East a decade from now.

"What we're trying to accomplish here is very simple," Vance continued.

"Through diplomacy, through working together to transform the Middle East, where Iran and the Gulf have been at war with each other or at least have had very unfriendly relations. Now we see a future where everybody can work together to promote peace and prosperity for everyone," he said.

He described the ongoing talks as highly productive.

"This is a historic meeting. We've already made great progress over just the last few hours, and I expect that we'll make additional progress in the hours to come," he said.

A notable development during the visit was Vance’s meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. 

The remarks come amid heightened expectations for normalized ties and reduced tensions across the Gulf. Administration officials view these steps as foundational to long-term stability, economic cooperation, and enhanced security for global energy routes.

Analysts note that reopening the Strait of Hormuz -- a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply -- could ease supply concerns and lower energy prices, while curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions addresses a longstanding international priority.