US Urges Iran to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open Amid Escalating Tensions

The United States has urged Iran to acknowledge that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and to pledge to stop attacks on commercial vessels, Axios reported on Saturday, citing US officials. The message was delivered directly to Iran and through regional mediators. Overnight into Wednesday, US forces launched a series of strikes against Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed the action was in retaliation for Iranian actions against commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran reported launching retaliatory attacks against US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran also accused Washington of violating a memorandum of understanding on the cessation of hostilities. US President Donald Trump subsequently stated that the ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran was no longer in effect, and another wave of US strikes followed on Wednesday night. Reuters reported on Friday, citing US officials, that a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme would require Tehran to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. If not, the United States reportedly has a military option to ensure the uranium stockpile remains buried underground.