U.S. Demands Iran Confirm Strait of Hormuz Fully Open

Washington has pressed Tehran to formally confirm that the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open to commercial shipping and that Iranian forces are not targeting vessels passing through the narrow waterway. The demand was voiced by a senior U.S. official during an interview with NewsNation, the sister network of The Hill, on Friday, as both countries continue to exchange strikes in and around the geopolitically critical oil chokepoint.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s petroleum passes, has seen heightened tension in recent weeks, with U.S. and Iranian naval assets reporting multiple hostile engagements. Both sides have accused the other of firing upon merchant ships and conducting unauthorized attacks, prompting concerns over potential disruptions to global energy markets. Diplomatic channels have been active, but the United States is seeking a clear, written affirmation from Iran to mitigate the risk of further escalation and to reassure international shipping interests.

U.S. officials indicated that the affirmation is intended to serve as a baseline for de‑escalation and to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels. Tehran has not yet issued a formal response, and the situation remains fluid as both nations assess the next steps in a region already marked by volatility. The outcome of these diplomatic overtures will likely influence the stability of global oil supplies and the broader security environment in the Middle East.