US Demands Iran Publicly Confirm Strait of Hormuz Is Open and Cease Fire on Commercial Ships

The United States has demanded that Iran issue a public statement affirming 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, which led to exchanges of fire and threatened the agreement's stability.

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 power struggles within the Iranian regime, with hardline factions reportedly initiating attacks on ships to regain leverage in talks with Washington.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in Muscat to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Oman has 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 requested further talks to resolve outstanding issues. However, the US insists that Iran must publicly admit fault and commit to stopping attacks on commercial shipping. Officials warned that failure to do so would have serious consequences for Iran.

Despite progress in nuclear negotiations over the past three weeks, the Hormuz crisis has cast doubt on Iran’s ability to reach and uphold a nuclear agreement. The Trump administration has given its negotiating team limited time and flexibility to secure a deal, with contingency plans already in place should talks fail.