White House goes silent on Iran-Oman plan that Tehran says would ban US warships from Hormuz

The Trump administration has refused to say whether it would accept restrictions on US military vessels under a new Iran-Oman framework that Tehran claims would ban American warships from the Strait of Hormuz. Reporters who put that question directly to the White House received no answer. US Central Command rejected Iran's claim of authority, insisting Hormuz is an international waterway where nearly 1,500 vessels have transited with American military assistance since May.

Iran and Oman have put forward a draft framework under which, Tehran contends, military vessels would be barred from the strait if a final deal is reached.

Gatwick airport's half-year profits fell 18% to £136.5 million as Iran war fears cut passenger numbers by 4.7%, with long-haul travel down 9.2%.

Iran's economy is also buckling under the pressure, with US sanctions intensifying as the conflict continues to weigh on Tehran's finances.