Middle East: Iran vows response to fresh US sanctions

Middle East tensions intensified on Tuesday, August 25, as Iran vowed to respond to new US sanctions. Meanwhile, China pledged its cooperation with Iran would not be disrupted, and Pakistan reported progress in talks to end the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Shipments through the Strait of Hormuz faced disruption, with an attack disabling one vessel. The International Maritime Organization documented 68 similar incidents since the Iran war began.

Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and its integration into Syrian state institutions. The Kurdish Autonomous Administration in north-eastern Syria would also be dissolved.

Iran and Oman discussed a framework for a temporary transit corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a mine-clearing project in the waterway. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi shared details of the discussions, which included a phased framework for the corridor and mine-clearing project.

US sanctions on Iran were described as an "economic D-Day," targeting Iran's financial networks and pressuring countries and companies involved in the oil trade. The US Secret Service was alerted to a video threatening President Trump's youngest son, Barron. The US is also reportedly preparing to send evacuated diplomats back to the Middle East.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted, with only two tankers passing through on Monday, the lowest daily total since early May. Oil tanker incidents continue to pose risks, with a recent attack off the coast of Oman.