US Demands Iran Publicly Halt Hormuz Attacks, Surrender Nuclear Material

The United States is demanding that Iran publicly commit to ending all attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and surrender its stockpile of nuclear materials, senior U.S. officials said Friday. The demands represent a significant ultimatum amid escalating military exchanges in the critical energy chokepoint.

Washington's Conditions for De-escalation

Speaking to reporters, the officials laid out specific, non-negotiable terms for Iran. Washington requires a public statement from Tehran guaranteeing that all shipping lanes in the strait will remain open, free of tolls, and safe from attack. "They’re either going to give us that statement or we’re not having a good outcome for them," one official stated.

The U.S. officials noted that recent conversations have been productive, with Iran reportedly attributing recent attacks to an "errant part of their system." This is viewed by Washington as evidence of a possible power struggle between hardliners and pragmatists within the Iranian government.

Nuclear Stockpile Remains a Core Issue

A fundamental condition for any broader agreement is the complete turnover of Iran's nuclear materials. Tehran is believed to possess over 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, which U.S. officials have termed "nuclear dust." This issue is meant to be addressed under a 60-day negotiation period established by a memorandum of understanding signed in June.

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"I just want to be clear here that if we don’t get the dust, we do not have a deal with Iran," an official emphasized, adding that the U.S. has "a lot of options," including military and economic measures, if Iran refuses to comply.

Market Impact and Regional Tensions

The demands follow a week of heightened conflict after three Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers came under fire. The incident prompted U.S. strikes on Iranian sites, which were followed by Iranian retaliatory strikes on U.S. military facilities in Gulf states. U.S. President Donald Trump has since declared that a ceasefire signed in June is over.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy markets, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passing through it. The ongoing instability introduces significant geopolitical risk and potential volatility for crude oil prices. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi scheduled to travel to Oman on Saturday for talks, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.