US demands Iran pledge to keep Strait of Hormuz open as foreign minister heads to Oman for talks

The Straits Times—The United States is demanding a public commitment from Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping as a condition for continued diplomatic progress. Iran's foreign minister traveled to Oman for negotiations on the issue, with Trump indicating technical talks would proceed. The Strait is a vital chokepoint handling roughly 20% of global oil supplies, making any Iranian threat to close it a critical economic flashpoint. The US is pressing for a formal Iranian guarantee before making further diplomatic concessions.

• The Straits Times — US seeks Iranian pledge to free up Strait of Hormuz
• The Globe and Mail — U.S. seeks Iranian pledge on Strait of Hormuz as Trump says talks to continue
• New York Times — Iran’s Top Diplomat Is in Oman for Talks on Strait of Hormuz
• CBC News — U.S. seeks public pledge from Iran to free up Strait of Hormuz
• The Irish Times — Iranian minister arrives in Oman for talks as US seeks pledge on Strait of Hormuz
• Rappler — US seeks Iranian pledge to free up Strait of Hormuz
• Reuters — U.S. seeks Iranian pledge to free up Strait of Hormuz
• The Economist — How to (safely) set AI models free
• Slate — Should You Take Trump’s Free $1,000?