US Sanctions on Iran Set to Escalate Tensions

The US is set to announce expanded sanctions on Iran, which Tehran has warned will not lead to peace in the region. The new head of Iran's top security body said any country supporting these sanctions would be seen as an 'act of war.'

Iran has been pushing for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route that was disrupted during the conflict with the US. The country has also held separate talks with Oman on jointly managing the waterway.

China has warned that new sanctions will only escalate tensions and urged all parties to avoid measures that could disrupt global economic development and financial stability. China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, having imported over 80% of it before the conflict started.