"Raise the White Flag and Open the Strait of Hormuz"... U.S. Puts Intense Pressure on Iran to 'Publicly Surrender'

[Financial News] The United States government has strongly urged Iran to stop attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and formally declare the full opening of the shipping route. After declaring the ceasefire void, Washington is escalating pressure on Tehran by effectively demanding its public surrender.
According to Reuters and other major foreign media outlets on the 10th local time, senior U.S. officials made the remarks in a closed-door briefing while describing recent contacts with Iran.
One official said, "Iran must issue a public statement declaring that it will open all waterways in the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and end hostile acts against ships." The official added, "If it does not reach the stage of acknowledging its mistake, whether explicitly or implicitly, there will be no good outcome for Iran." The message, delivered under the direction of President Donald Trump, leaves the door open to talks but warns of immediate retaliation if there are further provocations.
The episode also exposed Iran's strained internal situation. According to U.S. officials, Iran reportedly explained the recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as the work of rogue hardline elements beyond government control. The remark suggests that the power struggle between moderates and hardliners within the Iranian regime has reached a peak over ceasefire talks and the implementation of the memorandum of understanding on ending the war.

As a key precondition for resuming nuclear talks, Washington has demanded that Iran hand over more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium in its possession. A U.S. official said, "No agreement will be reached without securing the nuclear material and stopping attacks on ships," warning of uncompromising sanctions, including military and economic measures, if Iran refuses.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Iran first sought additional consultations to resolve the dispute amid the escalating crisis.
Global attention is now focused on the foreign ministers' meeting between Iran and Oman, set to take place on the 12th in Muscat, Oman. The United States expects Iran to issue a concrete statement for progress immediately after the talks, but military tensions in the Middle East are likely to remain at their highest level for the time being amid the fierce standoff between the two sides.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter