US Demands Public Pledge from Iran to End Attacks in Strait of Hormuz

The United States is demanding that Iran publicly commit to ending attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee unrestricted passage, senior U.S. officials said on Friday. The demand comes amid escalating military tensions that threaten a waterway crucial for global energy supplies.

Washington's Conditions for De-escalation

In a conference call with reporters, the officials stated that recent conversations with Tehran have been productive but outlined specific, non-negotiable terms. Iran must issue a formal public statement ensuring that all shipping lanes in the strait will remain open and that attacks will cease.

"What we’re demanding is that the Iranians issue a public statement that acknowledges all channels of the Strait of Hormuz are open and they’re not shooting at ships anymore," one official said. According to the U.S. officials, Iran has characterized recent attacks on tankers as actions from an "errant part of their system," suggesting a possible internal power struggle between hardliners and pragmatists.

Market Impact and Geopolitical Risk

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately a fifth of the world's oil supply typically passes. The recent escalation, which saw three Qatari and Saudi tankers fired upon this week, prompted U.S. retaliatory strikes and subsequent Iranian counter-strikes, effectively ending a ceasefire signed in June, according to President Donald Trump.

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Fears of a wider conflict that could disrupt this vital supply route have introduced a significant geopolitical risk premium into global energy markets. Any further instability or disruption in the strait could lead to increased volatility in crude oil prices.

Link to Broader Nuclear Talks

The U.S. officials tied the maritime security issue to broader, high-stakes negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. A fundamental U.S. demand is the surrender of Iran's nuclear materials, which officials said includes more than 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium.

"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 stated, referencing the enriched uranium. The two countries are operating under a 60-day negotiation period established in June. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi scheduled to travel to Oman for talks on Saturday, according to Iran's IRNA news agency.