Iran-US war latest: Tehran insists Strait of Hormuz is still closed despite ‘understanding’ with Oman

The US secret service says it is aware of an Iranian state television video discussing an alleged plot to assassinate Donald Trump ’s youngest son, Barron Trump, 20.

The three-minute video claims Barron is being monitored and that there’s a $10m bounty for his killing.

“The US 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 to Reuters.

Meanwhile, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz remained closed despite Tehran agreeing on a temporary transit route through the key waterway with Oman .

“The understanding between Iran and Oman does not mean the opening of the Strait of Hormuz ,” deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said.

The statement came as Trump threatened to launch new strikes on a nuclear site as well as Iranian military ships in the Strait of Hormuz .

Parliament speaker, Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf has publicly mocked US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over what he described as “contradictory” statements regarding new sanctions against Iran.

The friction follows Bessent's announcement of "Operation Economic Outcast" — termed an "Economic D-Day" — designed to target Iran’s economy.

However, when pressed on potential global disruption on Monday, Bessent pivoted, asking, "Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?"

Qalibaf has ridiculed the exchange on X, posting: "Sir this ain't Normandy, this is improv night and you forgot your own script."

Tehran maintains that Washington's economic pressure campaign reflects failed military objectives and vows to retaliate against foreign entities assisting the US sanctions push.

Asian stocks rose on Wednesday as falling oil prices and hopes of an interim deal between Iran and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz eased concerns about global inflation and energy supplies.

Brent crude fell more than two per cent to $86.41 a barrel, as markets anticipated the possibility of more oil flowing through the strait, which handled about a fifth of the world’s traded oil before the war.

“While there was no real progress or details of the Iran-Oman deal, as Iran reiterated that Hormuz will remain shut until conditions are met, price ⁠action suggested that markets are quickly pricing in optimism around an interim announcement,” analysts at J P Morgan said.