Iran-US tensions escalate over sanctions and Strait of Hormuz

Tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate as Washington imposes new sanctions and Tehran asserts its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that American economic pressure will remain futile, while the country's military has demanded answers from Qatar about three missing pilots.

China's Iranian oil imports have nearly halved since the war began, adding to the economic pressure.

Analysts suggest that Washington's 'economic D-Day' strategy is unlikely to succeed in changing Tehran's behaviour.