The United States is compelling Iran to issue a formal statement guaranteeing unobstructed passage for merchant traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and pledging an end to ship attacks, with negotiations scheduled for Saturday between high-ranking American officials and Iranian representatives. This pressure follows the most serious military confrontation since a ceasefire arrangement took effect last month, with US officials signalling that Iran's compliance with the demand is essential to avoiding worse consequences.

Behind the scenes, Iranian officials reportedly acknowledged to Trump's team that the recent attacks constituted a strategic miscalculation and attributed them to hardline factions acting independently of central leadership. However, Iran maintains its position that the waterway should be managed under its administration in coordination with Oman, and contests that its own designated shipping corridor represents the genuine safe passage route, creating a fundamental dispute over control and sovereignty in this economically critical region.