Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high despite renewed diplomatic contacts, with Washington accusing Tehran of failing to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report by Axios, US officials claim Iranian representatives privately acknowledged that recent attacks on commercial vessels were carried out by a “rogue” faction within Iran’s security establishment that was attempting to disrupt ongoing negotiations.
Despite the reported admission, the United States has made it clear that it will hold Iran’s leadership accountable for any attacks on international shipping. Washington has demanded that Tehran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial navigation, halt all attacks on vessels, and confirm that no transit fees will be imposed on ships passing through the strategic waterway.
Senior US officials warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to serious consequences. According to the report, Iranian representatives reportedly told US negotiators that the attacks were a mistake and expressed a willingness to continue diplomatic discussions. However, the White House has indicated that negotiations will only continue for a limited period before additional military or economic measures are considered.
US President Donald Trump also signalled a tougher stance, stating on Truth Social that while Iran had sought to continue discussions, the ceasefire between the two countries was effectively over. At the same time, the US administration announced fresh sanctions against Iranian financier Ali Ansari, alleging that he manages a global financial network linked to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.
Iran, however, has rejected Washington’s claims that it requested renewed talks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had only agreed to engage through Qatari mediation and warned that any violation of US commitments would be met with a reciprocal response. Iranian officials also reiterated that activities within the Strait of Hormuz fall under Iran’s sovereign authority.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions continue. Qatari officials recently visited Tehran for discussions on regional de-escalation and maritime security, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to hold further talks in Oman regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the safe passage of commercial vessels. The United States has also advised shipping companies to use Omani territorial waters wherever possible.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, handling nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports before the recent escalation. Shipping traffic through the region has declined significantly in recent weeks, contributing to higher global energy prices and prompting several countries to rely on emergency fuel reserves.
According to US officials, any future agreement with Iran would also require Tehran to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Washington maintains that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ending attacks on commercial shipping are essential conditions before any broader diplomatic agreement can move forward.
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