The latest
The Trump administration has given Iran until Saturday to publicly confirm that all Strait of Hormuz channels are open, toll-free and safe for commercial shipping, while warning of “harsh consequences” if Tehran refuses, Axios reported.
Details
• U.S. demand: Officials want Iran to pledge publicly that it will stop firing on commercial vessels and allow unrestricted passage.
• Reason for deadline: Washington says repeated attacks violated the memorandum of understanding signed 3 weeks ago.
• Direct warning: A U.S. official said Saturday would “not be a great day” for Iran if it rejected the demand.
• Muscat meeting: The Iranian and Omani foreign ministers are expected to discuss the Hormuz crisis in Muscat on Saturday.
• Nuclear talks: U.S. officials say the crisis raises doubts about Iran’s ability to honor a more complex nuclear agreement.
Background
Axios reported that Tehran wants to retain control over navigation through the strait, while Oman opened a southern shipping channel near its coast.
Between the lines
The deadline is not only about shipping. Washington is using Hormuz as a test of whether Iran’s negotiators can control security institutions and implement a future deal.
What to watch
The key signals are the outcome of the Muscat meeting, the wording of any Iranian statement, and whether Washington moves from diplomatic pressure to another round of strikes.
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