Iran economy strains under US blockade, mediation talks continue

Iran's economy faces mounting pressure as the US enforces a second naval blockade of its southern ports, disrupting oil exports and worsening domestic discontent. Mediation with the US via Oman has resumed, and mutual military strikes have been temporarily suspended. Iran has sold $11.5bn of crude during the war, but a prolonged blockade could further dent revenues and damage infrastructure already hit by US-Israeli bombing, including loss of natural gas output.