US tells Iran to declare Hormuz open

Officials said on July 11, 2026 Washington told Iranian authorities to publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open and state they will not attack commercial vessels. Reaction pending.

US demand for guarantee

Officials said the demand came as negotiators worked to preserve a fragile ceasefire and amid reports of power struggles inside Tehran. The request seeks a public, verifiable assurance designed to reduce the risk premium attached to shipping through the strait, officials said.

Officials said a clear, posted guarantee would aim to lower the prospect of military incidents that drive spikes in insurance costs and raise energy prices. Diplomats view a public statement as a cheap, fast confidence measure compared with more complex agreements, but officials cautioned that Tehran’s internal politics could limit what it is willing to say publicly.

Officials said the appeal is part of a diplomatic push to stabilise commercial traffic and prevent escalation that would disrupt supply chains for oil and other goods. Analysts and traders will watch for any change to routing, insurance premiums, or vessel traffic in the coming days, officials added.

Officials said they expect an Iranian response within 72 hours and that allied capitals will calibrate military and economic steps depending on Tehran’s reply.