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Washington is pressing Iran to publicly pledge an end to attacks on vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to unnamed senior US officials who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, as reported by Deutsche Welle. The officials said they were making progress in negotiations with top Iranian leaders but wanted Iran to issue a statement that its forces would stop targeting ships in the waterway, which carries a sizable share of global oil traffic.
The request comes amid a flare-up of tension between the two nations, with President Donald Trump repeating threats to 'completely decimate' Iran and Iran's leadership warning of consequences if US threats persist. The situation follows a ceasefire that was said to have been declared after three Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers came under fire in the strait, a fact also reported by Deutsche Welle.
Coverage Comparison
Deutsche Welle focused on the US request and Trump's reiterated threats, quoting the president as saying that 1,000 missiles are 'locked and loaded' and aimed at Iran if it tries to kill him. The same outlet published a contradictory thread, noting that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said Tehran had 'kept its word' in the ceasefire with the United States, while alleging US violations of the agreed terms.
Jerusalem Post, meanwhile, devoted attention to the Iranian response to US pressure and threats. It carried comments from Araghchi warning that no negotiations on a final deal would start while threats continue, and it detailed the relevant point of the Memorandum of Understanding. It reprinted a remark from the president in a Monday interview: 'We're going to make a deal, or we're going to finish the job.' The leading daily also highlighted a separate threat from Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, reported via the state-affiliated broadcaster Press TV.