US demands Iran issue public statement proclaiming Strait of Hormuz open - or else

Key Points:

• The US issued an ultimatum to Iran demanding a public declaration this weekend that the Strait of Hormuz is safe and open, warning of consequences if Iran fails to comply after talks in Oman.
• President Trump authorized a recent two-day air campaign against about 170 Iranian targets and deployed an armada including two aircraft carriers to the Gulf of Oman, signaling readiness to restart a naval blockade.
• The US condemned Iran for attacking commercial ships and reneging on a cease-fire memorandum of understanding signed a month ago, which had temporarily eased tensions and sanctions.
• US officials expressed frustration with Iran's lack of cooperation, rating Tehran's adherence to the cease-fire deal as failing, and indicated limited time remains for diplomatic resolution before considering further military options.
• While negotiations continue with a mid-August deadline, US officials are preparing a wide range of contingency plans should talks fail to resolve the nuclear and regional security issues.