Washington wants Tehran to publicly commit to protecting commercial shipping before fresh negotiations begin in Oman.
The United States is demanding that Iran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping. That alongside a pledge to stop firing at civilian vessels ahead of new negotiations scheduled for Saturday in Oman.
According to multiple US media reports citing unnamed officials, Iran privately told President Donald Trump’s advisers that recent attacks on commercial ships were a mistake. However, Tehran reportedly blamed the incidents on a rogue internal faction rather than the Iranian government.
Senior US officials said Washington now expects Iran to issue a public statement confirming that the shipping route is safe. Also acknowledging that attacks on commercial vessels will not continue.
One US official told reporters that failure to provide such assurances could affect the outcome of the negotiations.
The talks will reportedly be led by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also expected to participate.
Meanwhile, Araghchi insisted Iran had honoured the ceasefire agreement. In a post on X, he accused the United States of violating the deal while maintaining that Tehran had “kept its word.”
The latest diplomatic push follows days of heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes. Earlier this week, three commercial ships were struck while travelling through waters recommended by the United States. This prompted Washington to accuse Iran of breaching the ceasefire reached in June.
RELATED: https://alo360.net/us-strikes-90-iranian-targets/
US officials said the White House also wants Iran to publicly admit that firing on commercial vessels was a mistake before negotiations can make meaningful progress.
At the same time, a Qatari delegation travelled to Tehran on Friday to support regional efforts aimed at easing tensions across the Gulf.
President Trump confirmed that both sides had agreed to continue negotiations despite recent hostilities. However, he declared on Truth Social that, in his view, “the Cease Fire is OVER.”
Trump also responded to reports of an alleged Iranian assassination plot against him. He warned that any attempt on his life would trigger overwhelming US military retaliation.
Officials hope the Oman talks will prevent further escalation and restore safe navigation through the strait.
READ ALSO: https://alo360.net/white-house-ufc-attack-plot-eight-indicted/
