August 25, 2026 – Iran war latest | CNN

New US sanctions on Iran aimed at cutting "every economic lifeline" spur sharp criticism from China and defiance from Tehran. • Strait of Hormuz: Iran and Oman outlined a joint proposal to establish a temporary shipping lane and launch a demining effort in the critical waterway. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump earlier said all mines in the strait have been removed, and he threatened to destroy any boats that try to place more. • US pressure: The US Treasury Department has begun its new campaign to tighten sanctions against Iran, targeting aviation, shipping, technology, gold and digital assets such as cryptocurrency. Even though the measures target the regime, ordinary Iranians will inevitably be affected. • Secondary sanctions: The US is also threatening damaging new sanctions on countries that refuse to cut economic ties with Iran — but has stopped short of actually imposing big new penalties. • China’s response: Beijing says the new measures “will only further intensify tensions” and that China’s cooperation with Iran should not be disrupted. Iran claims it is “fully prepared” to counter the sanctions. Our live coverage of the conflict in the Middle Ea