News Summary at 8:13 p.m. EDT
The central theme of U.S. pressure on Iran is developing around demands for Tehran to reassure the world that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, with no further attacks on shipping. According to senior U.S. officials speaking anonymously on Friday, the United States is asking Iran to issue a public statement to that effect. The officials said internal power struggles in Tehran have made it difficult to reach and maintain a deal. They also described this week’s resumption of strikes as the work of a rogue faction of hardliners trying to sabotage a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The announcement comes as the broader U.S.–Iran environment remains tense, with negotiations under strain and safety of the corridor a key point of contention.







