Pakistan, Aug. 22 -- The United States and Iran have exchanged hostile messages ahead of new American sanctions. Washington plans to announce the measures on Monday. The sanctions could affect Iran and major trading partners, including China. Meanwhile, the two countries have stopped exchanging fire but remain far from peace talks.

The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has threatened vessels attempting to cross the waterway without permission. Thousands of sailors remain stranded aboard hundreds of ships. Only four commodity vessels crossed the strait on Thursday. None were large crude oil carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to announce what Washi...