The United States is demanding that Iran issue a public statement affirming that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that vessels transiting the critical corridor will not face attacks. Senior U.S. officials indicated on Friday that internal power struggles within Tehran have complicated efforts to establish and maintain an agreement.
These officials, who spoke anonymously to describe the ongoing situation, suggested that a recent resumption of strikes came after a faction of Iranian hard-liners attempted to undermine the existing ceasefire between Tehran and Washington. President Donald Trump reiterated on social media Friday his view that the interim ceasefire deal is "OVER!" but stated that talks aimed at a permanent end to the conflict would continue.
U.S. negotiators have been given a limited timeframe to reach a deal with Iran, officials said. However, they also emphasized that President Trump possesses a wide range of options should negotiations falter. The officials noted a power struggle unfolding in Iran following U.S. and Israeli strikes earlier in the war that resulted in the death of its long-time leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was buried on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Tehran.
The U.S. is pressing Iran for a public commitment to the free transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway essential for global energy markets. According to U.S. officials, Iranian leaders had indicated to their American counterparts that the ship strikes were an error and expressed a desire to continue negotiations. Despite this, President Trump responded to the attacks, regardless of their origin within Iran, with significant counterattacks, signaling consequences for any hostile actions.
However, shortly before U.S. officials made these remarks, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations stated that any activity in the Strait of Hormuz, including its opening or demining operations, "rests exclusively with Iran." Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani added that external interference or attempts to establish power arrangements would violate the interim deal, jeopardize maritime safety, and increase regional tensions.
Iran has asserted that the strait should be under its sole control, with vessels potentially subject to fees, a departure from decades of international acknowledgment of the waterway. Approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade passed through the strait before the war. Iran's control during the conflict contributed to a global energy crisis, though oil prices have since decreased from wartime highs of $120 per barrel.
Regarding Iran's nuclear program, U.S. officials stated that any deal would necessitate Tehran relinquishing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. They suggested that military options exist to ensure this material remains secured if an agreement is not reached. This material is believed to be buried following U.S. strikes last summer. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Officials indicated that a nuclear deal would be contingent on Iran first adhering to the ceasefire terms and ceasing attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. These challenges highlight the long-term difficulties facing the Trump administration in the aftermath of a war initiated in late February, which was expected to conclude much sooner. The President launched the military campaign citing concerns about Tehran's nuclear program and development of long-range missiles.
Unclaimed strikes on Thursday hit areas across southern Iran shortly after the U.S. announced the end of its attacks, raising questions about other actors potentially targeting the Islamic Republic. Iranian state media quoted Esmail Kousari, a member of Iran's national security committee, warning the United Arab Emirates of repercussions for its alleged cooperation with the United States in recent attacks.
U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed "no operational updates" following Trump's announcement regarding the ceasefire. Gulf Arab states, which have been targets of Iranian strikes, and Israel, which participated in the war with Iran, have not immediately commented on recent attacks on Iran.
Iran's theocracy has not directly assigned blame for the Thursday strikes, though one lawmaker alluded to the UAE's alleged support for the U.S. campaign. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar. Air defense systems intercepted incoming fire across the region, with one person reported injured in Kuwait.
Mediators and allies are regrouping following the strikes. Iran's Foreign Minister is scheduled to discuss the strait with his Omani counterpart, with hopes that a solution can be reached between the two nations this weekend. The U.S. continues to advise mariners to use a southern route through Omani waters to avoid Iranian-controlled areas. Leaders from the UAE and Kuwait held discussions following the Iranian attacks, and Gulf Arab countries have engaged with Qatar's foreign minister, who has been involved in mediating Iran-U.S. talks alongside Pakistan. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has spoken with Iranian and Qatari leaders, emphasizing the need for restraint and diplomacy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed by President Trump on U.S. activities in the Gulf. Israel's defense minister reiterated a willingness to confront Iran if necessary.