Washington tests mediation with Tehran as Trump predicts Iran's surrender

Washington awaits a new test of mediation with Tehran as President Donald Trump asserts Iran will surrender, while Tehran awaits a US response to its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. New US sanctions target networks linked to Iranian weapons procurement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran expects a formal US reply on the strait proposal, with Qatari mediators relaying ideas between both sides. Trump told reporters Iran is "not doing well" in the war but will surrender, while Washington sanctioned 13 individuals and entities in China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Russia. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned Tehran could target regional infrastructure if its oil sales are blocked. Oil prices fell Tuesday, with Brent settling at $102.59 per barrel, while the US granted Iraqi Airways an exemption for Najaf-Iran flights.