Donald Trump has threatened new strikes on a nuclear site as well as Iranian military ships on the Strait of Hormuz.
The US president said he was informed by the US Navy that all mines “have been removed” from within the Strait.
In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed. Through Space Force, we are watching every square inch of the Strait, as we are, also, with Pickaxe Mountain and the already destroyed three other Nuclear sites.”
It comes as Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaid met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Tehran, to discuss a framework for managing ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
A joint statement by the two countries said the proposed framework includes a “joint temporary navigational corridor” and both countries working to clear mines from the waterway.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has threatened that any country with financial ties to Iran will face US sanctions.
Read MoreAmerica’s might has failed in Iran – an ‘economic D-Day’ is also unlikely to succeed
USS Lincoln to dock in Thailand for ‘rest and recreation’ after sailors’ grueling deployment
The US promised ‘the toughest sanctions ever’ on Iran. Here’s what Trump’s team actually delivered
There are gas lines in Iran, but no sign yet that its leaders will bow to US sanctions
Key Points
- Oman and Iran propose temporary shipping lane through Strait of Hormuz
- Trump says US is watching 'every square inch' of Strait of Hormuz and Pickaxe Mountain
- Iran vows heavy blows against US sanctions
- What's included in the new US sanctions campaign?
- USS Lincoln to dock in Thailand next week, says Thai official
Trump ignored warnings from Tulsi Gabbard and US intelligence the Iran war would backfire: report
03:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPresident Donald Trump was warned against attacking Iran in February by U.S. intelligence chiefs, who suggested it could backfire and usher in an even more hard-line regime, according to a report.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the then-director of national intelligence and military veteran Tulsi Gabbard was summoned to the Oval Office to discuss the issue before strikes were launched on February 28.
Trump was reportedly buoyed at the time by the success of the previous summer’s Operation Midnight Hammer attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela and wanted her assessment on the proposed new assault.
Trump ignored warnings from US intelligence that Iran war would backfire: report
Iran and Oman issue statement on talks to manage the strait
02:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOmani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaid met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Tehran, Iran's capital, to discuss a framework for managing ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
A joint statement by the two countries, located on opposite sides of the narrow strait, said the proposed framework includes a “joint temporary navigational corridor” and both countries working to clear mines from the waterway.
The statement said Iran and Oman will continue technical negotiations toward establishing a permanent shipping corridor and an agreement on the future administration of the strait.
About a fifth of the world’s traded oil passed through the strait before the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.
It’s unknown whether the US will accept the emerging deal.
US President Donald Trump last week threatened to bomb Oman if it “gets in the way” of American efforts to reopen the strait.
US Secret Service aware of Iranian video threat against Barron Trump
01:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe US Secret Service is aware of a video broadcast by Iranian state television discussing a potential plot to assassinate US President Donald Trump's youngest son, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.
"The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the video and investigates anything that can be perceived as a threat toward our protectees. Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence," Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring said in an email.
A three-minute video broadcast by Iranian state TV discussed a potential plot to assassinate Barron Trump, 20, claiming that he was being monitored and alleging that a $10 million bounty had been offered for his killing.
The United States and Iran have kept up hostile rhetoric during a nearly six-month-old war started by the US and Israel in February.
Reuters reported earlier this month that the US has received several warnings from Israel over the past year that Iran intended to assassinate Trump, according to officials, including before a secret Air Force One ruse in Turkey.
Oil transits through Strait of Hormuz down
00:01 , Daniel KeaneOil transits through the Strait of Hormuz were at 5 million barrels per day on Monday, provisional data from shiptracker Vortexa showed.
This is down from more than 20 million per day before the war or about one of every five barrels consumed worldwide.
Watch: Hegseth refuses to rule out US strikes against Iran
23:00 , Daniel KeaneWhat's included in the new US sanctions campaign?
22:00 , Daniel KeaneU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced what his department called "an economic onslaught" against Iran on Monday that combined new sanctions with threats against Tehran's trading partners.
The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added specific sanctions on nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels that it says are enabling Iranian activity.
The new sanctions target the Iranian defence ministry's ballistic and nuclear procurement network, a cyber group the U.S. says is behind attacks on its infrastructure, and the shipping, trading and financial network involved in Iranian oil sales.
OFAC has also suspended several licences that previously allowed some remittance payments to Iran and Iranian access to the U.S. cultural and academic system.
There are gas lines in Iran, but no sign yet that its leaders will bow to US sanctions
21:00 , Daniel KeaneLines have grown outside gas stations across Tehran in recent weeks as the United States has tightened its blockade and threatened more severe sanctions, with some people waiting for two hours or more to fill up.
The uncertainty deepened on Tuesday, after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed to fully sever the country from the global economy. In recent days, Iranian officials have spoken of a possible reduction in heavy gas subsidies as they seek to endure the tightening blockade.
“Maybe we will face a shortage of fuel,” said Hashem Abadi, a 34-year-old barber. “I rush to the filling stations whenever my tank is down to half or so.”
Read the full story below.
There are gas lines in Iran, but no sign yet that its leaders will bow to US sanctions
Watch: Iranian finance minister claims Tehran 'fully prepared for US sanctions'
20:01 , Daniel KeaneUS 'prepares to send diplomats back to Middle East embassies'
19:30 , Daniel KeaneThe US State Department is preparing to return diplomats to embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, the New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing an internal State Department document.
The return of foreign service officers and the scaling back of emergency measures at U.S. missions in the region could begin as early as this week, the report said.
Embassies slated to restore higher staffing levels include those in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait, according to the report.
Oman and Iran propose temporary shipping lane through Strait of Hormuz
19:00 , Daniel KeaneOman and Iran have agreed on a proposed framework to resume safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz that includes establishing a joint temporary shipping lane and a project to demine the waterway, they said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
Oman's foreign minister arrived in Iran earlier on Tuesday for talks with his Iranian counterpart on future arrangements for the strait.
Trump's new sanctions could be seen by Iran as tantamount to 'military escalation' - expert
18:30 , Daniel KeaneDonald Trump’s “economic D-Day” could be interpreted by Iran as tantamount to a military escalation, experts have warned.
Professor Maziyar Ghiabi, Director of the University of Exeter’s Centre of Persian and Iranian Studies, said: “The latest US measures against Iran include a wide and all-encompassing economic strangulation strategy which aims to cut off Iran’s economy from the wider neighbourhood and traditional partner networks.
“It is a sign of US failure at achieving its goals through military means, but also a risky move which many in Iran will see as tantamount to a military escalation.
“It is also likely to trigger a backlash from regional countries in West Asia and nations that have sought a friendly relationship with Iran. China, Türkiye, India, Iraq, and others may find it both impractical and degrading to fall in line. This step may well be the prelude for a further expansion of the conflict.”
The US promised ‘the toughest sanctions ever’ on Iran. Here’s what Trump’s team actually delivered
18:00 , Maira ButtAfter days of promising the “toughest sanctions in history”, the US announced punitive measures against Iran on Monday and threatened sanctions against Tehran’s trade partners.
Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, individuals, and vessels would be sanctioned as part of Operation Economic Outcast, without offering specific details on the measures.
“Let there be no ambiguity as to the position of the United States," Bessent said at a press conference. He said the scheme would amount to “economic asphyxiation” on the regime and warned that superpower China - Tehran’s largest trade partner - would not be beyond its scope.
The US promised ‘the toughest sanctions ever’ on Iran. Here’s what they delivered
USS Lincoln to dock in Thailand next week, says Thai official
17:30 , Maira ButtThe USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier, will dock in Thailand next week, a Thai official said on Tuesday, following a prolonged deployment in the Middle East and reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions aboard.
The Lincoln, which left the Middle East on Saturday, has not made a port call in more than 200 days, setting a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers.
The ship, which has roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard, will be in Thailand for "rest and recreation after their long sea journey", the official said, asking not to be named.
17:00 , Maira ButtWatch: Iranian Finance Minister Claims Tehran 'Fully Prepared For US Sanctions'
16:30 , Maira ButtTrump says mine boats in Hormuz will be destroyed and threatens new strike on nuclear site
16:17 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDonald Trump has threatened new strikes on a nuclear site as well as Iranian military ships on the Strait of Hormuz.
It comes after the US president said he was informed by the US Navy that all mines “have been removed” from within the Strait.
In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed. Through Space Force, we are watching every square inch of the Strait, as we are, also, with Pickaxe Mountain and the already destroyed three other Nuclear sites.
“There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Trump ignored warnings from Tulsi Gabbard and US intelligence the Iran war would backfire: report
16:00 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump was warned against attacking Iran in February by U.S. intelligence chiefs, who suggested it could backfire and usher in an even more hard-line regime, according to a report.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the then-director of national intelligence and military veteran Tulsi Gabbard was summoned to the Oval Office to discuss the issue before strikes were launched on February 28.
Trump was reportedly buoyed at the time by the success of the previous summer’s Operation Midnight Hammer attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela and wanted her assessment on the proposed new assault.
Trump ignored warnings from US intelligence that Iran war would backfire: report
Trump says US is watching 'every square inch' of Strait of Hormuz and Pickaxe Mountain
15:35 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has issued new comments on Iran, warning that the US is watching “every square inch” of the Strait of Hormuz and Pickaxe Mountain.
“I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday.
“Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed. Through Space Force, we are watching every square inch of the Strait, as we are, also, with Pickaxe Mountain and the already destroyed three other Nuclear sites.
“There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect.”
Iran says position on Hormuz has been communicated to US through Pakistan
15:00 , Maira ButtIran has “clearly” communicated its position and conditions regarding the Strait of Hormuz to the US through Pakistani mediators, according to an informed source cited by Tasnim news agency.
US public support for Iran war falls, reveals poll
14:30 , Maira ButtUS public approval of the war with Iran fell to its lowest level since the conflict's early days, helping to hold president Donald Trump's popularity at a record low, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The four-day poll showed just 31 per cent of Americans support US military action against Iran, down from 37 per cent in a March Reuters/Ipsos poll and 34 per cent earlier this month.
The decline was driven by fewer self-identified Republicans backing the conflict. Some 69 per cent of Republican respondents support the war, compared with 77 per cent in March.
US sanctions Singapore company over Iran links
14:00 , Maira ButtThe US has imposed sanctions on Singapore-based Wellbred Capital and its trading firms in the UAE and Switzerland, citing links with Iran, as it steps up measures to target Tehran's global financial links.
The company had ties to Iranian oil shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the US treasury's office of foreign assets control said on its website.
"Shamkhani built Wellbred as a company outside the network’s Iranian business, though Shamkhani is ultimately responsible for Wellbred’s operations," it added in a statement outlining the measures targeting nearly 60 companies, individuals and ships.
Iran vows to retaliate after US widens sanctions
13:30 , Maira ButtTehran has promised to hit back against expanded US sanctions and expressed confidence that major trading partners would resist Washington’s pressure.
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the sanctions on Monday but stopped short of the most punishing measures and said countries that continued trading with Iran could risk being forced out of the dollar-based financial system.
He did not identify the countries targeted or which penalties would take effect and instead said there would be a period for them to consider their position and make amendments.
Watch: Bessent warns countries with economic ties to 'murderous' Iran regime will feel 'full reach of US power'
13:00 , Maira ButtTrump claims Iran is killing protesters 'even when they are not protesting'
12:44 , Daniel KeaneDonald Trump has claimed that Iran is killing protesters “even when they are not protesting”.
In a post on Truth Social, the US president wrote: “The failing Islamic Republic of Iran is not paying large segments of their military, while at the same time killing protesters, even when they are not protesting, at levels not seen before.
“It is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, and must be stopped, NOW. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Trump justified his decision to launch the war in Iran in February in part due to a series of significant protests that rocked the country the month before.
He claimed the war and the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could help usher in regime change, with the help of widespread protests. However, the widespread demonstrations he called for did not materialise.
Bangladesh could consider joining Mecca pact
12:31 , Maira ButtBangladesh could consider joining the Mecca pact, a mutual defence agreement signed this month between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, a minister said, a move that could complicate its foreign relations, particularly with neighbouring India.
"If there is a security arrangement among Islamic nations in the Middle East, it is not unusual for us to consider participating. It is being viewed positively," said junior foreign minister Humayun Kabir.
"They are inviting the leadership of Bangladesh, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to come and participate," he told reporters on Monday.
Iran claims there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump
12:02 , Maira ButtIranian state media has claimed there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump, President Donald Trump’s 20-year-old son, according to a new report nearly six months into the U.S. war with Iran.
Footage broadcast on Channel 3, which is linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was titled “Where and how should we kill Barron Trump?” Euronews reported Monday.
It reportedly displayed the location of his university, as well as Secret Service positions and escort vehicles, while claiming his whereabouts were “fully monitored.”
Iran claims there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump
Ship disabled by attack in Strait of Hormuz
11:32 , Maira ButtAn oil tanker was hit with a projectile off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report Tuesday that highlighted the ongoing dangers for shipping companies attempting to use the waterway while Iran holds it in firm control.
The attack came as a high-level delegation from Pakistan, which has been a main mediator between the United States and Iran, was wrapping up meetings in Tehran with the goal of bringing a negotiated end to the nearly six-month old war.
Ship disabled by attack in Strait of Hormuz and other news from around the Middle East
Israel’s Netanyahu claims Iran tried to murder one of his sons
11:00 , Maira ButtIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran tried to kill one of his sons.
However, he gave no details about when the alleged plot took place, which son was targeted or how close it came to being carried out.
Netanyahu's allegation underscores the heightened tensions since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began in February, during which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders were killed.
Israel’s Netanyahu claims Iran tried to murder one of his sons
Trump’s ‘Economic D-Day’ for Iran arrives - but he is running out of cards to play
10:30 , Maira ButtThe U.S. had agreed to lift sanctions on sales of Iranian oil for the duration of a 60-day ceasefire that expired last Monday, but these were reimposed after the deal collapsed amid disagreement over the Strait of Hormuz last month.
For decades, it has imposed measures such as freezing assets, implementing trade embargoes and applying sanctions against Iran over issues such as its nuclear development and human rights violations.
Since the war, Washington has also imposed a naval blockade, restricting Iranian oil exports as well as levying additional maritime and energy sanctions since the war broke out.
Trump’s ‘Economic D-Day’ for Iran arrives - but he is running out of cards to play
Turkey welcomes removal of Syria from terrorism sponsor list
10:00 , Maira ButtTurkey has welcomed a US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, saying that it had lifted “one of the biggest obstacles” to Syria’s reconstruction and economic development.
The country has been torn apart by civil war over recent years.
“We call upon the international community to unite its efforts towards the goal of a prosperous Syria and to fulfil its responsibilities to put an end to aggressive actions that jeopardise this vision,” the foreign ministry said in a statement referring to Israeli attacks on Syria, which Israel says is for its own defence and security.
In pictures: Daily life in Tehran as Iran braces for new US sanctions
09:30 , Maira Butt
Photos of daily life in Tehran as Iran braces for new US sanctions
Watch: Iranian Finance Minister Claims Tehran 'Fully Prepared For US Sanctions'
09:00 , Maira ButtWho are Iran's major trading partners as US unveils new sanctions?
08:35 , Maira ButtChina says its trade with Iran should not be disrupted amid sanctions
08:15 , Maira ButtChina’s foreign ministry has responded to US Iran-related sanction threats and said that it’s cooperation with Iran is always done under the framework of international law and should not be disrupted or interfered with.
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced punitive measures against Tehran’s trading partners on Monday but stopped short of the most severe sanctions.
Watch: US Treasury chief Scott Bessent issues stern warning to Iran's 'enablers'
08:00 , Maira ButtIran vows to retaliate after US widens sanctions
07:40 , Maira ButtTehran has promised to hit back against expanded US sanctions and expressed confidence that major trading partners would resist Washington’s pressure.
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the sanctions on Monday but stopped short of the most punishing measures and said countries that continued trading with Iran could risk being forced out of the dollar-based financial system.
He did not identify the countries targeted or which penalties would take effect and instead said there would be a period for them to consider their position and make amendments.
US removes Syria from state-sponsored terrorism list
07:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe US has delisted Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, rescinding a decades-old designation.
The US state department also removed its designation of al-Nusrah Front, known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, as a global terrorist organisation.
"Today's action will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability," treasury secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.
Iran claims there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIranian state media has claimed there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump, president Donald Trump’s 20-year-old son, according to a new report.
Footage broadcast on Channel 3, which is linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was titled “Where and how should we kill Barron Trump?” Euronews reported.
It reportedly displayed the location of his university, as well as Secret Service positions and escort vehicles, while claiming his whereabouts were “fully monitored.”
More here.
Iran claims there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump
US sanctions Singapore company over Iran links
06:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe US has imposed sanctions on Singapore-based Wellbred Capital and its trading firms in the UAE and Switzerland, citing links with Iran, as it steps up measures to target Tehran's global financial links.
The company had ties to Iranian oil shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the US treasury's office of foreign assets control said on its website.
"Shamkhani built Wellbred as a company outside the network’s Iranian business, though Shamkhani is ultimately responsible for Wellbred’s operations," it added in a statement outlining the measures targeting nearly 60 companies, individuals and ships.
US public support for Iran war falls, reveals poll
06:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS public approval of the war with Iran fell to its lowest level since the conflict's early days, helping to hold president Donald Trump's popularity at a record low, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The four-day poll showed just 31 per cent of Americans support US military action against Iran, down from 37 per cent in a March Reuters/Ipsos poll and 34 per cent earlier this month.
The decline was driven by fewer self-identified Republicans backing the conflict. Some 69 per cent of Republican respondents support the war, compared with 77 per cent in March.
Watch: Hegseth refuses to rule out US strikes against Iran
06:01 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPakistan and Iran made 'significant progress' in talks on conflict
05:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPakistan and Iran made "significant progress" in talks that focused on the US-Israeli war on Iran and a path to peace, Pakistan's interior minister said following his visit to Tehran.
Talks between the two sides focused on measures to prevent further escalation, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an expedited termination of the conflict, a statement from the Pakistani military said about the meeting between the country's army chief, Asim Munir, and the Iranian leadership.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional peace and the way to arrive at a negotiated settlement to the dispute, the statement said.
"The Iranian President candidly shared his government's perspective and we had a very constructive exchange on the issues involved," interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who accompanied Munir to Tehran, said in a post on X.
Pakistan army chief holds talks with Iran
05:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPakistan's army chief Asim Munir held discussions with Iran that were focussed on measures including the prevention of a further escalation of the conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Pakistani military said today.
Munir discussed regional peace and ways to reach a negotiated settlement to disputes, the statement ad
Netanyahu claims Iran tried to kill one of his sons
05:05 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran tried to kill one of his sons.
However, he did not provide any details of the alleged assassination plot.
"As for my sons. Here, I think there is something quite unbelievable, yes. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill, to murder one of my sons," Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 14.
It was not immediately clear which of his sons he was referring to. Netanyahu's elder son, Yair, lives in Miami.
Iran vows heavy blows against US sanctions
04:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran promised to retaliate against expanded US economic sanctions that the Americans said would cut off Iran's economic lifeline, with Tehran expressing confidence that major trading partners would resist Washington's pressure campaign.
Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, vowed heavy blows to the US's vital interests and energy chokepoints if Iran's infrastructure is threatened, Press TV reported.
Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures yesterday but stopped short of the most punishing sanctions, saying countries that continued trading with Iran risked being forced out of the dollar-based financial system.
Oil prices steady as investors weigh impact of sanctions
04:21 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices steadied this morning, after falling more than 2 per cent in the previous session, as investors assessed the impact of harsher US secondary sanctions against Iran.
Brent crude futures were down 9 cents, or 0.1 per cent, at $92.16, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 1 cent at $85.02 a barrel.
Both contracts fell more than 2 per cent yesterday with US crude oil falling to a one-week low on profit-taking after prices rallied over the previous two weeks.
Iran claims there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump
03:59 , Brendan RasciusIranian state media has claimed there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump, President Donald Trump’s 20-year-old son, according to a new report nearly six months into the US war with Iran.
Footage broadcast on Channel 3, which is linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was titled “Where and how should we kill Barron Trump?” Euronews reported Monday.
It reportedly displayed the location of his university, as well as Secret Service positions and escort vehicles, while claiming his whereabouts were “fully monitored.”
The clip also claimed that an unnamed young woman had evaded Secret Service protection, met privately with Barron Trump and relayed information about him to the video’s creators. It also claimed he uses Xbox to communicate privately.
Read on...
Iran claims there is a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump
Watch: US Treasury chief Scott Bessent issues stern warning to Iran's 'enablers'
03:00 , Bryony GoochIsrael must face sanctions over its appalling campaigns in Gaza
02:00 , Bryony Gooch
Israel must face sanctions over the killing of journalists like Mariam Abu Dagga
Pictured: Scott Bessent reveals sanctions on Iran
01:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Trump administration announces 'economic onslaught' on Iran
Tuesday 25 August 2026 00:00 , Bryony GoochTrump's approval holds at record low as US support for Iran war falls, Reuters Ipsos poll finds
Monday 24 August 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochUS public approval of the war with Iran fell to its lowest level since the conflict's early days, helping to hold president Donald Trump's popularity at a record low, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Monday.
The four-day poll showed just 31 per cent of Americans support US military action against Iran, down from 37 per cent in a March Reuters/Ipsos poll and 34 per cent earlier this month. The decline was driven by fewer self-identified Republicans backing the conflict. Some 69 per cent of Republican respondents support the war, compared with 77 per cent in March.
The war has been dragging on Trump's public standing this year, and for the second survey in a row just 33 per cent of respondents said they approved of the Republican's performance in the White House, the lowest level in polls from Trump's first or second term.
Some 83 per cent of the country thinks the war will go on "for an extended period of time," the Reuters/Ipsos poll found, up from 80 per cent earlier this month.
The poll surveyed 1,215 US adults nationwide and had a margin of error of three percentage points in either direction.
Hegseth refuses to rule out strikes against Iran
Monday 24 August 2026 22:21 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday that President Donald Trump's administration was not ruling out using military force against Iran, even as Washington unveiled an "economic D-Day" against Tehran.
"By no means are we foreclosing using kinetic strikes anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz or around Iran," Mr Hegseth told reporters, adding that Iran could not handle the economic pressure being put on it.
US holds off on penalties in threat to world leaders
Monday 24 August 2026 22:00 , Bryony GoochAs the war with Iran nears its six-month mark, treasury secretary Scott Bessent said the US was launching an "economic onslaught" against Iran's financial connections around the globe.
But he declined to say what specific countries would be targeted, or when those penalties would take effect. The Treasury department announced new sanctions on 60 individuals, entities and vessels but that list did not include any of the Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran's oil trade.
"Why would I want to blow up the global financial system? We believe that it is important to level set and give people a cure period, but they should know that that will move very quickly and that we are serious," Bessent told a press conference.
Israel's Netanyahu says Iran tried to kill one of his sons
Monday 24 August 2026 21:00 , Bryony GoochIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Iran had tried to kill one of his sons, but gave no details about when the alleged plot took place, which son was targeted or how close it came to being carried out.
Netanyahu's allegation underscores the heightened tensions since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in February, during which supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders were killed.
Netanyahu, whose coalition is trailing in opinion polls two months before an 27 October general election, made the claim in a telephone interview with Israel's Channel 14. He was responding to reports that one of Israel's security agencies had refused to provide protection for a political rival ahead of the nationwide vote.
"As for my sons. Here, I think there is something quite unbelievable, yes. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill, to murder one of my sons," Netanyahu told the conservative channel known for its favourable coverage of the government.
"Iran tried to murder one of my sons, and therefore this security protection is not a luxury," he said, without providing any further details about the alleged plot or how close it came to being carried out.
It was not immediately clear which of his sons he was referring to. Netanyahu's elder son, Yair, lives in Miami.
Iran's mission at the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the accusation.
Hegseth: The US is not rulling out military force in Hormuz or elsewhere
Monday 24 August 2026 20:49 , Bryony GoochPete Hegseth has said the US is not ruling out use of military force in the Strait of Hormuz or anywhere else.
The Pentagon chief spoke after US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced fresh sanctions against Iran.
Iran 'fully prepared' for US sanctions
Monday 24 August 2026 20:12 , Bryony GoochIran’s economy minister has told state TV that the country is “fully prepared” for US sanctions.
“We are fully prepared for the US sanctions; they cannot cut off our financial arteries,” said Ali Madanizadeh.
US sanctions to increase psychological pressure on Iranian people, state official says
Monday 24 August 2026 19:59 , Bryony GoochAn Iranian state official has reportedly said the US economic sanctions plan is a campaign to increase psychological pressure on the Iranian people, according to state media.
Scott Bessent announced plans on Monday to sanction Iran and isolate the nation further from the global economy.
Watch: Bessent warns countries with economic ties to 'murderous' Iran regime will feel 'full reach of US power' | IN FULL
Monday 24 August 2026 18:50 , Bryony GoochWorld leaders must choose between the US and Iran, says Bessent
Monday 24 August 2026 18:12 , Bryony GoochScott Bessent has declared “no nation should expect to enjoy the rewards of our system while working with a regime that seeks to destroy it” as he called on world leaders to make a decision between the US and Iran.
“It is now a time for world leaders to make a decision between prosperity and isolation, peace and terror, America and Iran. The campaign we begin today will gather force with every day that follows, and it will not end until this regime stands alone.”
