US Demands Iran Reopen Hormuz, Sanctions 14 Over Billions in Elite Finance
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · Jul 10
US Demands Iran Reopen Hormuz, Sanctions 14 Over Billions in Elite Finance
3 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · Jul 10
Summary
Three commercial tankers hit in the past week pushed Washington to demand that Iran publicly guarantee all Strait of Hormuz lanes are open, stop firing on ships and drop any plan to charge vessels for passage.
U.S. officials said recent contacts with Tehran were still productive, but warned there would be no “good outcome” if attacks continue; Iran reportedly blamed the shootings on an “errant” faction amid internal power struggles.
More than 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium remains the other central U.S. demand, with officials saying no deal is possible unless Iran transfers the material during the 60-day negotiation period set in June.
Friday’s sanctions hit Dubai-based banker Ali Ansari, 13 other people and entities, three Iranian exchange houses and firms in Hong Kong and the UAE accused of moving billions for sanctioned Iranian banks and elites tied to Mojtaba Khamenei.
The measures risk deepening strains in talks because the June memorandum said Washington would avoid new sanctions, even as Iran’s foreign minister heads to Oman for discussions on Hormuz and the broader regional crisis.
Why did the U.S. break its new peace deal with Iran just weeks after signing it?
How does a secret financial network help Iran’s elite evade the world's toughest sanctions?
Is Iran's unseen new leader controlling recent attacks, or has the regime lost control of its military?
The 2026 US-Iran 14-Point Agreement: Ending War, Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the Road to a Final Deal
Overview
In June 2026, after months of difficult negotiations, the United States and Iran formalized a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to end a devastating conflict and ease global economic turmoil. The agreement, announced by President Trump and brokered with help from Pakistan and Qatar, included immediate steps like a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade. These actions aimed to de-escalate regional tensions and stabilize energy markets. The MOU set the stage for further talks, but left unresolved issues such as Iran’s missile program and the long-term status of the Strait, highlighting ongoing challenges ahead.