Iran Demands U.S. Lift Hormuz Blockade for Reopening as China Rejects New Sanctions
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 26
Iran Demands U.S. Lift Hormuz Blockade for Reopening as China Rejects New Sanctions
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 26
Summary
Iran said any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on the U.S. first lifting its blockade, even as Tehran and Oman discussed a temporary shipping corridor and mine-clearing plan.
Oman's foreign minister said he was hopeful a temporary route could be announced soon, following regular bilateral talks under a June memorandum on future management of the strait.
Washington instead tightened pressure: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled a new sanctions wave, while President Trump warned any Iranian ship laying mines would be "immediately and systematically destroyed."
In Tehran, the sanctions announcement triggered long gas-station lines as residents feared higher economic strain and possible renewed unrest despite officials downplaying the impact.
China said its trade with Iran is lawful and warned the U.S. not to disrupt it, signaling the Hormuz standoff is widening beyond shipping security into a broader sanctions clash.