Iran Acknowledges Mistakes in Strait of Hormuz Attacks, Seeks to De-Escalate Tensions

New Delhi: Iran has acknowledged that recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz were a “mistake.” According to reports, Tehran has privately blamed the incidents on an “errant” element of hard-line forces that acted without authorization in a bid to sabotage ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington. U.S. and Iranian delegations are to hold a new round of talks in Muscat in the coming days, with a focus on naval security and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf. Iran also has signaled its desire to continue diplomatic ties despite the flare-up of attacks, officials said. The Strait of Hormuz assaults had heightened concerns about oil supply disruptions on the crucial shipping lane that sees a fifth of the world’s crude pass through. Washington has asked Tehran to make a public pledge to end all attacks on commercial ships and ensure unhindered transit through the waterway. No public confirmation has come from Tehran about the private statement, but diplomatic channels involving Oman and Qatar continue to work to avoid further escalation.