Hormuz Tensions Escalate as Trump Announces New Economic Pressure Campaign

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of tensions between the US and Iran, with President Donald Trump claiming the US has 'total control' over the waterway.

Trump's comments came as he announced a new economic pressure campaign against Tehran, targeting oil-smuggling networks, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, and front companies.

The measures aim to cripple Iran's ability to export oil, with Iranian crude loadings having fallen sharply from pre-war levels due to the US blockade.

Oman has continued diplomatic efforts to negotiate a return to normalcy in the region, with the country's foreign ministers holding talks with their Iranian counterparts.