Day 134 | Trump administration demands Iran to declare that Hormuz is open
The Trump administration has dramatically raised the stakes in the ongoing Middle East conflict, delivering a strict ultimatum that demands Iran issue an explicit, public statement by Saturday morning.
According to US officials briefing reporters on Friday, Washington is demanding that Tehran formally acknowledge the Strait of Hormuz as an open international waterway and pledge a total cessation of hostilities against commercial shipping vessels and merchant crews.
This diplomatic maneuver follows an announcement by President Donald Trump declaring that the temporary ceasefire framework has completely collapsed.
Stating that the truce is officially "over," the White House immediately enacted a sweeping package of fresh economic sanctions against the Iranian regime.
While the region is experiencing a temporary lull in active fighting following a heavy flurry of retaliatory American airstrikes against coastal targets, the rhetorical standoff remains severe.
Iran's chief negotiator responded to the new US pressure by warning that the country's armed forces are fully mobilized and prepared to launch an "all-out defense" of their sovereign territory if American forces resume bombing operations.
Qatari negotiators are holding urgent face-to-face meetings with senior Iranian officials in Tehran, while Pakistani diplomatic teams are simultaneously engaged in separate efforts to construct an off-ramp for de-escalation.
US gives Iran until Saturday to commit to open Hormuz
- US is pressing for a definitive nuclear agreement within a limited timeframe.
- Military contingency plans are ready if diplomacy fails.
- Washington warned Iran of severe consequences if it rejects the demands.
The Trump administration has intensified its pressure campaign against Tehran, delivering a firm ultimatum that demands Iran issue an explicit, public statement on Saturday.
According to senior US officials speaking to Axios, Washington is requiring the Iranian leadership to formally acknowledge that the Strait of Hormuz remains an open international waterway.
Furthermore, the administration is demanding that the public declaration include an absolute, verifiable commitment from Tehran to immediately cease all hostile fire and maritime actions directed at commercial shipping vessels and merchant crews navigating the vital corridor.
Restricted negotiation window
The diplomatic pressure comes as President Trump places tight constraints on the ongoing nuclear negotiation process.
A senior US official revealed that the president has granted his negotiating team a highly restricted timeframe and narrow margin to hammer out a final nuclear agreement with Iranian representatives.
The administration made it clear that it is not prepared to engage in prolonged or open-ended talks.
The official confirmed that comprehensive operational plans detailing the precise economic and military options available to US President Trump have been finalized and are completely "ready" for immediate execution if a breakthrough is not achieved within the mandated window.
Warnings of harsh consequences
The focus of the crisis shifts to the Sultanate of Oman, where critical diplomatic delegations are convening.
US officials stated they anticipate Iran will issue its formal public declaration following the conclusion of a pivotal meeting scheduled for Saturday in Muscat.
Washington has coupled this expectation with an explicit warning, signaling to regional partners and intermediaries that any refusal by Iran to issue the requested public commitment will trigger swift and "harsh consequences" from the United States, raising the potential for a renewed expansion of military operations in the region.
Previous day
For coverage of the previous day, visit the link below.
Read more: Day 133 | Trump agrees to more Iran talks but insists truce is over
