US demands Iran reopen Strait of Hormuz, warns of consequences if shipping attacks continue

The United States has issued a strong warning to Iran, demanding that Tehran publicly guarantee the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping and immediately halt attacks on vessels transiting the strategic waterway, cautioning that there would be “no good outcome” if it failed to comply.

The ultimatum came as US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was “over,” even as both sides agreed to continue diplomatic talks aimed at resolving months of tensions.

Senior US officials said Washington wants Iran to publicly confirm that all shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz are open, commercial vessels will no longer be targeted, and no transit fees will be imposed.

“What we’re demanding is that the Iranians issue a public statement acknowledging all channels of the Strait of Hormuz are open and they’re not shooting at ships anymore,” a senior US official said, warning of consequences if Tehran refused.

Trump declares ceasefire ‘over’

In a Truth Social post, Trump said Iran had requested continued negotiations but stressed that the previous ceasefire arrangement had ended.

US officials said talks with Tehran remain ongoing, though the administration has given negotiators limited time to reach an agreement before considering further military or economic measures. Washington also imposed fresh sanctions on Iranian financier Ali Ansari, accusing him of managing assets linked to senior Iranian leadership.

Iran rejects US claims

Iran denied seeking direct talks with Washington. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had agreed only to engage through a Qatari mediator and warned that any US breach of commitments would receive a “reciprocal response.”

Tehran also rejected US demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the vital waterway falls under Iran’s authority and warning that outside interference would escalate regional tensions.

US officials claimed Iranian representatives privately suggested recent attacks on commercial ships were carried out by a rogue faction, but Washington said Iran’s leadership would remain accountable regardless.

Fresh diplomacy underway

Regional mediation efforts have intensified following recent military exchanges. Qatari officials visited Tehran to discuss de-escalation, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to hold talks in Oman on maritime security and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US has also advised commercial vessels to use routes through Omani territorial waters where possible to reduce risks.

Why the Strait of Hormuz is critical

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the recent conflict.

Attacks on commercial shipping have disrupted maritime traffic, pushed up global oil prices, raised concerns over energy supplies, and forced several countries to tap emergency fuel reserves. Commercial traffic through the waterway remains well below normal levels.

Nuclear talks remain tied to shipping dispute

US officials said any future agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme would require Tehran to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. They also insisted that progress on nuclear negotiations depends on Iran ending attacks on commercial shipping and restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.