Iran Claims Rogue Faction Behind Hormuz Attacks

The outreach, confirmed by senior US officials, reflects a desperate attempt by Tehran to prevent the total collapse of diplomatic channels. Despite the private apology, the White House continues to view the attacks as a breach of existing ceasefire terms. President Donald Trump has tasked a high-level team—including Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—with maintaining pressure on the regime to ensure the strategic waterway remains open for international shipping.

American intelligence remains unconvinced by the narrative of errant actors within the Iranian government. Officials suspect Tehran pivoted only after realizing the high volume of energy shipments bypassing their traditional routes via the southern coast of Oman. The administration has signaled that if Iran fails to guarantee the security of the strait following an upcoming meeting in Oman, the consequences will be immediate. This impasse serves as a major barrier to broader discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, with Washington indicating that talks on nuclear remnants are moot until basic maritime security is restored.