President Trump is considering a "massive attack" on Iran following escalating conflict in the Red Sea, while Pakistan seeks to restart stalled US-Iran peace talks. This diplomatic effort, supported by China, led to a rise in stocks and a fall in oil prices, offering hope amidst ongoing US strikes and Iranian defiance.
The U.S. military launched further airstrikes on Iran, which retaliated against U.S. targets in the Gulf and Jordan, including an air base where three U.S. personnel were killed. The conflict escalated with rising oil prices after a tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz, and Houthi rebels threatening the Bab el-Mandeb waterway, while diplomatic efforts continued in Pakistan.
US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power plants in or near Tehran, for any attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating US strikes on Iran and the strait's closure impacting global oil trade.
The US conducted its 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, while Tehran expanded its offensive against Gulf States. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged restraint and held talks with Iran's Interior Minister to salvage a collapsed interim agreement, as US President Trump signaled no interest in immediate talks and hinted at further escalation.
The US military launched new strikes against Iran, escalating the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran stated the strikes rendered diplomatic efforts futile, while the US aims to degrade Iran's ability to attack ships. Oil prices surged following the renewed violence.
The US conducted new strikes against Iran early Monday, aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reported explosions but no casualties, condemning the "barbaric attacks" and accusing the US of worsening regional instability.
The US conducted new strikes against Iran early Monday, aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reported explosions but no civilian casualties, condemning the US actions as a violation of international law and a threat to peace.
Oil prices dropped Thursday as mediators worked to prevent escalation between the US and Iran. Brent crude futures fell to $75.78 and WTI to $71.57, after earlier gains driven by US strikes and Iranian retaliation. Analysts suggest a "new normal" of skirmishes rather than a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A third commercial tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours, escalating regional tensions. Qatar directly blamed Iran for an attack on its LNG vessel, calling it an "unacceptable" assault on maritime navigation. The incidents raise concerns over global energy security.
China's President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to US President Trump on the 250th anniversary of US independence. The message, conveyed by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, follows recent diplomatic efforts to stabilize US-China relations.
India ranks 80th globally in the Henley Passport Index, with access to 56 countries visa-free. Despite economic growth, its passport mobility has lagged behind other major economies due to factors like per-capita income, diplomatic relations, and visa policies.
India's passport ranks 80th globally, offering visa-free access to 56 countries. Despite economic growth, its passport mobility has lagged behind other major economies due to factors like per-capita income, diplomatic relations, and visa policies, not just GDP.
South Korean National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik urged comprehensive diplomatic actions for the safe return of 24 South Korean vessels and their crews stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, following a US-Iran ceasefire.
Iran's top diplomat stated a peace deal with the US requires Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon. Concerns grow that Israel may undermine diplomatic efforts, with Donald Trump criticizing Israeli actions in Beirut as "vicious" and "irresponsible." A Hezbollah official confirmed Iran's commitment to demanding Israeli troop withdrawal.
The Kremlin stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could travel to Moscow for talks if he is prepared for "responsible and serious" discussions to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted the absence of official communication channels but indicated Russia's openness to dialogue under specific conditions. Remarks followed diplomatic activity at the G7 Summit.
US intelligence agencies assess Iran can now close the Strait of Hormuz at will, a powerful tool to disrupt the global economy. This comes despite a peace agreement expected soon, raising concerns about future leverage and potential disruptions to other key trade routes.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that European countries are discussing restoring Germany's military strength and that Ukraine's EU accession could lead to the bloc's collapse. He also criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky's diplomacy and accused the West of double standards and rehabilitating Nazism.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia values Turkey's diplomatic efforts regarding the Ukrainian conflict settlement. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the root causes of the crisis for a sustainable resolution.
Oil prices dropped sharply Monday after President Trump declared the Iran deal complete and announced the immediate, toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears of energy supply disruptions. Brent crude fell to $83.75 and WTI to $80.87.
The Russia-Ukraine war has now lasted over 1,569 days, exceeding the duration of World War I and becoming Europe's longest conflict since WWII. Despite diplomatic efforts and comparisons to WWI's trench warfare, peace remains elusive as neither side appears ready for concessions.
Despite escalating military actions between the US and Iran, diplomatic discussions aimed at reaching an agreement have reportedly continued uninterrupted. Qatari negotiators departed Tehran after intensive talks, while US and Iranian forces exchanged strikes.
US President Trump announced secret military operations to secure oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to stabilize global oil prices. This comes amid escalating military exchanges between the US and Iran, and Israeli actions in Lebanon, while diplomatic efforts to end the regional war continue.
Russian strikes on Ukraine's Kharkiv and Donetsk regions kill 5, injure 27, amid Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts with US, UK, France, and Germany to end the war.
An Israeli airstrike killed 3 people in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by Qatar and the US reportedly halted planned Israeli raids on Beirut's southern suburb. Iran and Hezbollah are calling for a comprehensive ceasefire.
