Trump says US clears Hormuz mines as Iran, Oman discuss temporary corridor

Iran and Oman discussed a framework for a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint project to clear the waterway of mines, according to foreign ministers from both countries. The proposed framework aims to provide a practical basis for managing transit through the Strait, which has become a point of contention in the Middle East conflict.

The framework includes technical negotiations to establish a permanent navigational corridor, future administration of the Strait, and mechanisms for information-sharing, traffic management, and navigational and security services.

China defended its trade relations with Iran, rejecting US sanctions and stating that economic warfare only intensifies conflicts. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that no one is above US sanctions, including Chinese banks financing Iranian oil imports. Qatar continued to push for resumed US-Iran negotiations, emphasizing the importance of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for global energy and food security.

US President Donald Trump claimed that the US Navy had removed or detonated all mines from the Strait, warning that any new mine placement would be immediately destroyed. Long queues formed at petrol stations in Tehran following US sanctions, affecting both wealthy and impoverished Iranians. US officials expressed outrage over Iranian executions of protesters from the recent mass demonstrations.