Summary：**US Urges Iran to Keep Hormuz Strait Open, End Attacks Immediately***Introduction* Senior U.S. off

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**US Urges Iran to Keep Hormuz Strait Open, End Attacks Immediately**

*Introduction*
Senior U.S. officials have intensified pressure on Tehran to guarantee uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical chokepoint for oil shipments. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials told reporters that Washington expects Iran’s leadership to issue a clear, public statement confirming that maritime traffic has been fully restored and that any hostile actions against commercial vessels will cease immediately. The appeal comes amid a spike in reported incidents that have raised alarms among energy markets and shipping firms worldwide.

*Key Developments*
Over the past two weeks, several tankers transiting the narrow waterway have reported close encounters with Iranian fast‑attack craft, prompting the U.S. Navy to increase its presence in the region. While Tehran denies orchestrating the disruptions, intelligence shared with allied navies suggests a pattern of coercive signaling aimed at leveraging the strait’s strategic value. In response, the State Department issued a diplomatic note urging Iran to “reaffirm its commitment to freedom of navigation” and to halt any further intimidation of merchant ships. Anonymous sources said the U.S. is also coordinating with Gulf allies to prepare contingency plans should the situation deteriorate further.

*Industry Analysis*
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20 % of global oil trade, making any disruption a potential catalyst for price volatility. Analysts note that even the perception of risk can trigger speculative buying, pushing Brent crude upward by several dollars per barrel within hours. Shipping insurers have already begun to raise war‑risk premiums for vessels operating in the area, a cost that ultimately trickles down to consumers through higher fuel prices. Moreover, prolonged uncertainty could encourage shippers to seek longer, more expensive routes around Africa, eroding the efficiency gains that have kept global logistics costs relatively low in recent years.

*Future Outlook*
If Iran