On August 25, 2026, the dominant story was the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump claimed US forces had completed demining operations and warned against any new mining attempts, a message echoed by VOA, BBC Persian, and Iran International. State-aligned outlets like Tasnim and Al-Alam countered by emphasizing Iran's conditions for maritime stability, conveyed to Washington via Pakistan's army chief, and Qalibaf's assertion that America will be defeated in the economic war. The rial hovered near 200,000 per dollar, with reports of gasoline shortages in Tehran. Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Bessent's economic isolation campaign continued, with new sanctions on oil companies and individuals. Diplomatic activity included a Pakistani army chief visit and an Omani foreign minister's trip to Tehran.