US demands Iran publicly deny attack plans
Washington has pressed Iran to declare it will not attack ships or charge passage fees in the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.
Mateo Fernandez ·
US officials said on July 11, 2026 that they have demanded Iran make a public declaration that it has no intention of attacking vessels or imposing passage charges in the Strait of Hormuz. Reaction in oil markets was pending as traders monitored any escalation risk to one of the world's busiest chokepoints for crude shipments.
Strait of Hormuz demand
Officials said the demand covers two linked items: a pledge not to target commercial shipping and an explicit denial of plans to levy transit fees on vessels. Washington framed the request as necessary to preserve freedom of navigation and prevent disruptions to global oil flows, officials said.
Officials described the step as a diplomatic pressure tool rather than a military ultimatum; they did not announce new sanctions or force movements at the time. The move follows a period of heightened tensions in the Gulf, officials said, and is intended to secure a public, on-record Iranian statement that would reduce ambiguity for shipping companies and insurers.
Officials said the United States will press for Iran's public response by July 14, 2026. Observers will watch published Iranian statements and shipping insurance notices for signs the demand affects commercial routing, freight rates, or the posturing of regional navies.