The United States has demanded that Iran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping and pledge to stop firing at commercial vessels ahead of a new round of negotiations scheduled for Saturday in Oman.
According to US officials quoted by American media, Iran privately admitted to President Donald Trump’s advisers that recent attacks on commercial ships in the strategic waterway were a mistake.
Tehran reportedly blamed the incidents on a rogue hardline faction acting without approval.
The White House insists that Iran must publicly acknowledge the error and guarantee safe passage for commercial vessels before talks can progress. A senior US official warned that failure to do so would have serious consequences.
The negotiations will reportedly be led by US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
President Trump confirmed that Iran had requested the continuation of talks but declared that the ceasefire agreed in June had effectively ended following this week’s clashes in the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes, witnessed renewed tensions after three commercial ships were struck while using a US-recommended maritime corridor through Omani waters. Iran has maintained that vessels should instead use routes passing through its territorial waters.
Despite the latest violence, both countries are seeking to preserve a broader 14-point memorandum of understanding signed in June, aimed at extending the ceasefire and ensuring stability in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, Qatar has dispatched a delegation to Tehran to help ease tensions and support efforts to restore safe navigation through the strategic waterway.
Tags: US, Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump, Gulf Tensions, Oman Talks, Global Shipping
