US demands Iran publicly ensure Strait of Hormuz is open and safe for shipping

The US has issued a sharp ultimatum demanding that Iran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz is open to international transit and that Tehran will cease all attacks on commercial vessels, adding that internal Tehran power struggles have hindered progress toward reaching and maintaining a deal.

According to US officials, who spoke on under the cloak of anonymity to describe the state of play to reporters, the renewal of strikes this week came after what they described as a breakaway faction trying to sabotage the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.

This comes as US President Donald Trump stated on social media Friday that he views the interim ceasefire deal as “OVER”. He said the US would resume negotiations aimed at putting a permanent end to the war. 

On Friday, officials said that Trump is giving US negotiators limited time to reach a deal with Iran. In a crucial sign of the key challenges ahead, they underlined that the president has a wide range of options if talks fall apart.

The US is working on pressing Iran to issue a public statement that the Strait of Hormuz-a significant waterway for world energy markets is open and free for ships to transit. US officials told reporters that any deal on Iran’s nuclear program would require Tehran to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

If the US does not reach a deal with Iran to relinquish its nuclear material, it has military options to ensure that Tehran’s nuclear program is permanently halted. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his country’s broadcaster that he believed a resolution had been reached between Iran and Oman which lies on the narrow waterway.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with President Trump on Thursday night during which Trump briefed him on recent US military movements in the Persian Gulf, following a fresh wave of US airstrikes against 90 targets in Iran, as the current negotiations are taking place alongside ongoing coordination between the two countries.

Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz also renewed threats that his nation was prepared to confront Iran if needed.

“If we have to return, we will return with an even greater face,” Katz declared in a military ceremony.