U.S. DEMANDS IRAN PUBLICLY GUARANTEE HORMUZ SHIPPING

The United States is demanding that Iran publicly state the Strait of Hormuz is open to international shipping and that ships passing through the waterway will not be attacked, according to the Associated Press and Reuters. U.S. officials said the demand is now a central condition for continued diplomacy after renewed attacks on commercial vessels and growing concern over internal divisions inside Iran's leadership.

Reuters reported that Washington wants Tehran to guarantee open, toll-free passage through the strait, which carries about 20 percent of global oil supply. U.S. officials said Iran must make a clear public commitment to stop attacks on shipping and prevent armed groups or internal factions from threatening commercial traffic.

The Associated Press reported that U.S. officials believe renewed attacks may be linked to hard-line elements inside Iran trying to undermine talks. The officials described an internal power struggle in Tehran after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and said some Iranian figures may be trying to weaken negotiations by keeping pressure on the strait.

Reuters reported that Iran has attributed some recent attacks on Saudi and Qatari tankers to rogue elements within its own system. U.S. officials said that explanation is not enough unless Tehran proves it can control forces operating in or near the strait and publicly commits to ending hostile action against civilian shipping.

The demand follows the collapse of a fragile ceasefire. The Associated Press reported that President Donald Trump declared the interim ceasefire "over," while also leaving the door open to continued negotiations. The Financial Times reported that Trump said the United States had agreed to continue talks with Iran despite the recent military escalation.

Reuters reported that Washington is also pressing Iran to surrender more than 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium as part of a 60-day negotiation framework. U.S. officials said no broader agreement is possible without progress on both the nuclear stockpile and Hormuz shipping guarantees. Iranian officials have said the nuclear stockpile was not part of the preliminary understanding.

Iran has resisted outside influence over the strait. The Associated Press reported that Tehran has insisted on control over passage through the waterway, and Iran's diplomat at the United Nations said any activity in the strait, including its opening or demining, rests exclusively with Iran. The Guardian reported that European governments are considering proposals for voluntary navigation fees, while Britain and Oman oppose compulsory tolls.

Diplomatic channels remain active. Reuters reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet his Omani counterpart for talks focused on Strait of Hormuz tensions and regional developments. The Associated Press reported that Oman, Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar are among the mediators urging restraint and seeking a diplomatic path out of the crisis. The immediate question is whether Iran issues the public guarantee Washington is demanding, and whether any statement can be enforced across Iran's divided power structure.

Fact-check date: 11 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Hill