US gives Iran until Saturday to commit to open Hormuz
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- 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.
