US suspends global immigrant visa interviews as Iran and Oman negotiate maritime security

The Trump administration has implemented a temporary global suspension of immigrant visa interview appointments. This move coincides with a new global training program for officials at all U.S. embassies and consulates, aimed at standardizing the evaluation of applicants and identifying those heavily reliant on public assistance. This tightening of immigration policy follows recent actions involving the cancellation of visas and green cards, as well as denials based on political activities.

Separately, Iran has entered negotiations with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The two nations are discussing the establishment of a “joint temporary transit route” and have agreed to remove mines from the waterway. While Donald Trump stated that all mines have been removed, maritime security remains a concern; the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an unidentified missile or object strike on an oil tanker near Oman’s Ash Shishah region.

In a related development, the U.S. Secret Service noted that it is aware of a video released by Iranian state television allegedly discussing a plot against Barron Trump, which included a purported reward for his assassination.