Australia lowers Middle East travel warnings after US-Iran deal

A US expert warned on Tuesday that removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz would be a complex and technically challenging operation, following reports that Iran may be required under a US-Iran memorandum of understanding to clear the waterway.

CNN reported that White House talking points on the draft agreement state Iran would be responsible for de-mining the strategic shipping route. A senior US official said operations in the strait were expected to “return to normal pretty quickly, definitely within 30 days” once Iran commits to removing the mines.

Scott Savitz of the RAND Corporation said mine clearance is far more difficult than deployment, calling it “painstaking” and “a game of intense precision,” and questioning Iran’s ability to carry it out effectively without external assistance.

Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported on Tuesday that the United States is effectively easing enforcement of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, a shift that could significantly increase Tehran’s revenues over the next two years.

According to the report, expanded oil flows alongside increased maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz could allow Iran to raise export earnings to around $100 billion annually within one to two years.

"Energy firms are showing growing interest in purchasing Iranian crude despite concerns over the possible reimposition of sanctions," the report said. The report also added that US officials have maintained that any financial transfers to Iran would depend on Tehran meeting its obligations under the emerging framework.

Conservative commentator Mark Levin on Tuesday criticized a reported US-Iran memorandum of understanding, saying that no country would accept constraints on its ability to respond to missile and drone attacks from armed groups on its borders.

In a post on X, Levin questioned whether any state would agree to conditions requiring permission or restraint in responding to attacks, and said such arrangements would be incompatible with confronting Iranian-backed militant groups.

Levin also referred to Iran’s regional network of armed proxies, including Hezbollah, and raised concerns about whether they could be emboldened under the reported framework.

Hardline cleric Ahmad Alamolhoda said he has no information about Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s will, saying that it has not yet been made public and is reportedly held by his sons.

In an interview with the Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen, Alamolhoda also commented on speculation about Khamenei’s burial place, saying residents of Mashhad typically prefer to be buried in the same city.

"Khamenei previously mentioned that cleric Abbas Vaez Tabasi had designated a burial plot for him, but had not said he would necessarily be buried there," he added.

US Vice President JD Vance emerged as the main public advocate for President Donald Trump’s Iran agreement, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio remained largely quiet, Semafor reported.

According to the report, Vance has taken a leading role in promoting the deal in public appearances, while Rubio — despite being seen as one of the administration’s strongest communicators — has been notably absent from the messaging push.

The report added that Rubio’s limited visibility may be linked to travel for the G7 summit, though it also noted his reported skepticism during the negotiations. A State Department official told Semafor that Rubio and the administration are “in lockstep” behind Trump’s foreign policy.