Tankers and cargo vessels are seen in the Gulf of Oman, along shipping routes linking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo)

Tankers and cargo vessels are seen in the Gulf of Oman, along shipping routes linking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo)

Tankers and cargo vessels are seen in the Gulf of Oman, along shipping routes linking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo)

Add AP News on Google

Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.

Share

Read More

Senior U.S. officials are blaming a power struggle in Iran for that country’s latest attacks on ships in the waterway.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe to reporters the state of play with Iran, said U.S. negotiators are making progress talking to Iranian leaders.

But they said there are hardline officials in Iran who are looking to undermine the ceasefire — and have helped spur a new round of attacks in the strait.

The officials said Trump has initiated new strikes on Iran in the meantime.

The president is aware of the power struggle issue, they say, and is giving officials space to get on the same page. But he won’t wait forever.

Part of the reason Iran now faces a power struggle, however, was strikes by the U.S. and Israel that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early in the war.