The United States has called on Iran to officially declare that the Strait of Hormuz is open to international shipping and that attacks on commercial vessels have ended. According to U.S. officials, the announcement is a key condition for continuing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

U.S. Condition for Continuing Talks

U.S. officials said Friday that Washington has asked Iran to issue an official statement confirming it has halted attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and that shipping through the Gulf can proceed without restriction.

According to Axios, a U.S. official said, "Either they give us that statement, or we have nothing to offer them," indicating that further negotiations depend on Tehran's official position.

Iran's Explanation for the Ship Attacks

During talks described by U.S. officials as "productive," Iran told Washington that the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were carried out by a "rogue element within the system" and did not represent official government policy.

The explanation comes after three commercial ships were attacked in the region this week.

Ceasefire Ends After Escalation

The attacks on commercial vessels prompted a military response from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on several targets inside Iran in retaliation.

Trump also announced the end of the ceasefire agreement reached between the two sides in June, returning the region to a period of heightened military tensions.

Washington Warns of Further Response

A U.S. official said Washington does not intend to initiate further military operations but will respond forcefully if Iran carries out additional attacks.

The official said President Trump has made the U.S. position clear, stating that if Iran launches attacks, the United States will respond, while warning against any further threats to maritime traffic and energy shipping routes.