US Demands Iran Publicly Affirm Strait of Hormuz Is Open and Cease Attacks on Commercial Ships

The United States has demanded that Iran issue a public statement confirming that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and pledging not to fire upon commercial vessels passing through the area. This demand comes after Iran violated a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the US three weeks ago by firing multiple times at commercial ships in the strait, triggering exchanges of fire and putting the agreement at risk of collapse.

US officials revealed that Iran’s actions have raised serious doubts about Tehran’s willingness to comply with a more complex and sensitive nuclear deal currently under negotiation. The situation is further complicated by internal Iranian power struggles, with hardline factions reportedly initiating the attacks to regain leverage in talks with Washington.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in Muscat to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Oman has recently aligned with the US and Gulf allies by opening a southern shipping route near its coast, which Iran views as undermining its negotiating position.

Behind the scenes, US officials said Iran has acknowledged mistakes and expressed a desire to continue talks, but emphasized that Tehran must publicly admit its errors and commit to stopping attacks on shipping. The US expects a clear Iranian declaration after the Oman meeting, including assurances that all shipping lanes will remain open and no transit fees will be imposed.

US sources warned that failure to meet these demands would have serious consequences for Iran. While progress has been made toward a nuclear agreement over the past three weeks, the Hormuz crisis has cast doubt on Iran’s ability to honor such a deal. The Trump administration has given its negotiating team limited time and flexibility to secure an agreement, with contingency plans already in place if talks fail.