US demands Iran keep Strait of Hormuz open

The United States has demanded that Iran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open and pledge to stop firing on commercial ships.

The demand followed attacks on three tankers earlier this week and an exchange of strikes between the US and Iran.

US media reported that Tehran privately admitted the attacks were a mistake and blamed a hardline group trying to derail negotiations.

President Donald Trump said the attacks had ended the ceasefire, but talks aimed at stopping the war would continue.

US and Iranian officials are expected to hold indirect talks in Oman, with regional states acting as mediators.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route for about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.