India, June 21 -- The United States has rejected Iran's claim that it has closed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, insisting that commercial shipping continues to move through the vital waterway.

US military officials said they are closely monitoring the region and ensuring freedom of navigation, despite announcements from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that the strait had been shut in response to alleged ceasefire violations.

The dispute comes as American and Iranian negotiators head to Switzerland for crucial talks aimed at turning a recently signed 60-day ceasefire agreement into a broader and more lasting peace deal. The negotiations follow months of conflict and are expected to focus on regional securit...