WASHINGTON: U.S. officials have said Washington has asked Iran to publicly declare that it will stop attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and refrain from collecting what the officials described as tolls from commercial shipping, while warning of consequences if such a commitment is not made.
According to statements attributed to U.S. officials, Washington has urged Tehran to make a public announcement confirming that attacks in the strategic waterway will cease and that no tolls will be imposed on vessels transiting the strait.
The officials further warned that if Iran does not publicly make such a commitment, “the consequences will not be good.”
According to an international news agency, U.S. officials also said recent discussions between Washington and Tehran have been constructive despite ongoing tensions.
The report added that the United States continues to insist on access related to Iran’s nuclear facilities and maintains that it has military options available should diplomatic efforts fail.
A U.S. official was quoted as saying that if the desired outcomes regarding Iran’s nuclear program are not achieved, no agreement will be reached between the two countries.
The same official also claimed that Iran had informed the United States that the recent attacks on ships were carried out by hardline elements within the Iranian system.
The article does not include a response from Iranian authorities to these reported U.S. statements, and the claims attributed to American officials have not been independently verified.
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