Reuters: Iran blames “errant system” for Hormuz attacks as US issues ultimatum

Iran told U.S. officials that recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were caused by “an errant part of their system,” Reuters and Axios reported, citing senior U.S. officials.

According to Reuters, Washington is demanding that Tehran publicly declare an end to attacks on shipping and confirm that the strait is fully open to international navigation. Axios reported that the United States has issued an ultimatum requiring such a statement by Saturday, July 11. Otherwise, one U.S. official warned, “it will not be the best day for them.”

The United States is also linking efforts to resolve the broader Middle East crisis to negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Reuters reported that Washington insists a peace agreement is not possible unless Iran transfers more than 900 pounds (over 400 kg) of highly enriched uranium to the United States. "I just want to be clear ​here that if we don't get the dust, we do not have a deal with Iran," one source told Axios, adding that both military and economic pressure measures are under consideration if Tehran refuses.

U.S. officials said recent talks between the sides have been constructive. However, sources cited by Reuters and Axios said divisions have emerged within Iran’s leadership between hardline elements and a more pragmatic faction. Iranian negotiators told U.S. counterparts that the attacks on commercial vessels were carried out by radical forces seeking to derail the negotiations and regain influence.

"They told us, 'We screwed up. We made a mistake. Let's keep talking," one U.S. official was quoted as saying by Axios.

Separately, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to hold talks in Muscat on Saturday with his Omani counterpart, Badr al-Busaidi, on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.

By Tamilla Hasanova