The United States is urging Iran to openly declare that the Strait of Hormuz is safe for passage, emphasizing that vessels traversing this critical channel should not face attacks, according to senior US officials. This request comes amidst ongoing tensions and power struggles within the Iranian leadership, which complicate the possibility of an enduring agreement.

These developments emerge following recent hostile actions attributed to a faction of Iranian hard-liners, which US officials allege are attempting to disrupt the ceasefire established between Tehran and Washington. President Donald Trump has expressed through social media channels that he considers the interim ceasefire agreement effectively terminated but maintains that negotiations will continue to bring the conflict to a permanent resolution.

Officials, who chose to remain unnamed, indicated that Trump has provided US negotiators with a limited timeframe to achieve an agreement, and he retains a variety of strategies to pursue should the discussions fail.

Iran Responds to US Requests

Shortly before US officials briefed the media, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, stated that any decisions regarding activity in the Strait of Hormuz, including its opening and demining, fall under Iran’s exclusive jurisdiction. He cautioned that any interference by external parties would breach the interim agreement and could exacerbate regional tensions.

Iran has asserted its intention to maintain control over the strait and has suggested that ships should pay fees to Tehran, despite the global recognition of the waterway’s open status for international shipping. This situation has escalated since the onset of the conflict, which has contributed to a worldwide energy crisis, despite a decrease in oil prices from wartime peaks.

No group has claimed responsibility for airstrikes that impacted areas of Iran, raising uncertainties about who might still be targeting the nation following US claims of ceasing attacks. US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins reported that there were no updated operational details after Trump’s ceasefire announcement.

Continued Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts

Following the strikes on Iran, which coincided with preparations for the burial of the late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian clerical leadership has refrained from directly blaming any actors. However, Iranian lawmakers have issued warnings regarding alleged Emirati support for US military actions.

In response to recent developments, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, leading to reported injuries in Kuwait due to air defence efforts. Meanwhile, diplomatic negotiations have intensified, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi scheduled to meet with his Omani counterpart regarding the strait.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism about reaching a resolution between Iran and Oman during the weekend discussions. Additionally, the leader of the United Arab Emirates visited Kuwait for talks following the Iranian attacks, underlining regional diplomatic activities aimed at de-escalation.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been actively involved, speaking with both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to advocate for restraint and diplomatic solutions. Concurrently, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provided updates to Trump on developments in the Gulf, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz renewed warnings concerning Iranian activities, stressing decisive action if necessary.

Despite diplomatic efforts, Iran remains steadfast in asserting its control over the Strait of Hormuz and has advised vessels to consider alternate routes through Oman’s waters to avoid potential conflicts.

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