US gives Iran Saturday deadline to halt Hormuz attacks

The United States has issued a Saturday deadline for Iran to publicly commit to halting all attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if Tehran refuses to comply. The demand was delivered directly to Iranian officials and through regional mediators, according to U.S. officials.

The ultimatum centers on a scheduled meeting in Muscat, Oman, on July 11 between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. U.S. officials stated they expect Iran to issue a public statement following those talks, explicitly pledging to stop targeting ships and acknowledging that all channels in the strategic waterway will remain open and free of tolls. One official warned that failure to do so would not be a good outcome for Iran.

The crisis stems from recent attacks on commercial shipping that U.S. officials say violated a memorandum of understanding signed by the two nations three weeks ago. Those incidents led to several rounds of U.S. retaliatory strikes and prompted President Donald Trump to declare a ceasefire over earlier this week. Officials indicated the maritime violations have raised serious doubts in...