The United States has issued a firm Saturday deadline for Iran to publicly renounce its attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington is demanding that Tehran pledge to stop firing on commercial vessels and explicitly declare the strategic waterway open to international trade.
The ultimatum marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic pressure as negotiations over a broader peace framework continue to stall.
The demand comes as markets have begun to price in a potential resumption of normal shipping flows through the chokepoint.
Brent crude settled lower in early trading, reflecting trader optimism that the diplomatic push could reduce immediate transit risks.
However, the hardline US stance introduces a new binary risk: either Iran complies, further easing energy supply fears, or it refuses, potentially triggering renewed sanctions or military posturing that would spike volatility.
This development follows weeks of mediated talks in Switzerland, where US and Iranian officials agreed on a procedural roadmap for a final deal.
China has urged both sides to maintain momentum, emphasizing the global economic stakes of a stable Strait of Hormuz.