Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied reports of a direct communication line with the US regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the waterway belongs to Iran and the US has no connection to it.
The US Senate passed a resolution to halt further military action against Iran without congressional authorization, with four Republicans joining Democrats. President Trump criticized the vote as "meaningless" and "poorly timed."
Russia's newspapers highlight renewed US-Iran military exchanges, India's potential import of Russian LNG amid Middle East disruptions, and the US's focus on economic ties with Central Asia through critical minerals cooperation.
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.
The US and Iran engaged in military exchanges, threatening the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. The US intercepted Iranian drones heading towards the Strait of Hormuz and struck Iranian coastal radar installations. Iran retaliated with missile strikes against 'enemy bases' in Kuwait and Bahrain, with six out of seven missiles intercepted. The escalation jeopardizes efforts to stabilize the region and reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy markets.
The US House of Representatives passed a resolution to end Donald Trump's military engagement against Iran, despite Republican leadership's directives. The vote, 215-208, signals congressional disapproval but doesn't legally bind Trump, who can veto it. The situation impacts geopolitical tensions and crypto markets.
The US House of Representatives passed a resolution to end Donald Trump's military engagement against Iran, despite Republican leadership's directives. The non-binding text, adopted by a narrow margin, highlights a political disapproval and could influence Senate action, though a presidential veto remains a possibility.
The House passed a War Powers Act resolution 215-208, limiting President Trump's ability to prosecute the war in Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the vote, signaling growing Republican dissent over the conflict and its economic impact.
President Trump threatened renewed military action against Iran, expressed frustration with Israeli PM Netanyahu, and discussed potential 2028 successors in a wide-ranging interview. He also dismissed concerns about Republican midterm election performance.
Cryptocurrency markets lost ~$80 billion in 24 hours after US military strikes on Iran, with Bitcoin falling 3.5% to a six-week low of $72,646 and Ether dropping below $2,000 amid heightened geopolitical risk.
The United States has sanctioned a total of nine mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies and individuals accused of helping Iran’s military. The decision, which risks complicating Donald Trump’s visit to China next week, was announced on Friday by the Treasury and State departments. A Treasury Department press release said those targeted were “enabling efforts by Iran’s military to secure weapons” or securing “raw materials with applications in Iran’s Shahed‑series unmanned aerial vehicles and...
The Trump administration faces a deadline today to seek Congressional approval for military action in Iran under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, but does not appear to be pursuing it. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argues the current ceasefire doesn't count toward the 60-day deadline. The administration plans to continue confronting Iran through dueling blockades of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranians proposing to reopen the Strait while negotiating nuclear restrictions later. President Trump insists a nuclear deal must be included.
President Trump faces a Friday deadline under the 1973 War Powers Resolution that could halt U.S. military operations against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified Thursday he believes the statutory 60-day countdown pauses during the current ceasefire, but Sen. Tim Kaine immediately disputed this interpretation. The U.S. first struck Iran on Feb. 28, with Trump notifying Congress on March 2, starting the clock. A ceasefire was announced April 7. Republicans including Sen. Susan Collins have said Congress needs a say in continued military action.
Oil prices turned lower on Thursday after Brent crude briefly hit a four-year wartime high of $126/barrel on reports the U.S. military was preparing options for potential action against Iran. Brent settled at $114.70, down 2.8%, while WTI slipped 1.7% to $105.12. Both contracts are up around 60% since the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran began on Feb. 28, with Goldman Sachs estimating Strait of Hormuz exports have fallen to just 4% of normal levels.
Oil prices reversed course on Thursday after Brent crude hit a four-year high of $126/barrel following reports the U.S. military would brief President Trump on potential action against Iran. Brent settled at $115.81, down 1.9%, while WTI slipped 0.6% to $106.26. Both contracts have rallied ~60% since the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran began on Feb. 28, with Goldman Sachs estimating Strait of Hormuz exports have fallen to just 4% of normal levels.
Brent crude crossed $126 per barrel Thursday, hitting a 4-year high after reports the U.S. Central Command will brief Trump on potential military action against Iran. Goldman Sachs estimates Hormuz exports have fallen to just 4% of normal levels amid the U.S. blockade, with analysts warning supply disruptions could deepen.
Oil prices surged to their highest level in four years on Thursday after reports the US military would brief President Trump on potential action against Iran, raising fears of armed conflict resuming. Brent crude rose 6.84% to $126.10 a barrel while WTI added 3.14% to $110.24, as the US naval blockade of Iranian exports tightens supply.
Oil prices surge to wartime highs as US Central Command prepares military action plans against Iran. Brent crude hits $124.66, highest since mid-2022, amid ongoing Hormuz blockade and stalled nuclear negotiations.
Oil prices surged to their highest levels since mid-2022 as reports indicated the U.S. Central Command would brief Trump on potential military action against Iran, adding to concerns about armed conflict resuming. Brent crude rose over 3% to $121.65 while WTI gained 2% to $109.03, building on Wednesday's 6-7% gains. The U.S. blockade of Iranian exports has reduced Hormuz shipments to just 4% of normal levels, with Goldman Sachs warning of supply disruptions and emerging demand weakness.
Democratic lawmakers are exploring a possible lawsuit against President Trump if he continues the Iran military operation after May 1 without congressional approval. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, Trump notified Congress on March 2 of the start of military action, giving him 60 days until May 1 to operate without legislative approval. Democrats view the approaching deadline as their best chance to challenge what they consider an illegally started war.
Oil prices have spiked to over $100/barrel following military operations affecting the Strait of Hormuz, with fuel prices rising 13.5% across the EU from February to March 2026. Diesel drivers face steeper costs at +19.1% compared to petrol at +10.6%, with Latvia and Sweden recording the highest increases exceeding 20%. The UK saw even larger year-on-year diesel increases of 26%. Only Hungary and Slovenia avoided price hikes due to government price caps.
Iran's military has prepared a list of targets to strike in the event of renewed US hostilities, including power plants in Israel and US allies if Tehran's energy infrastructure is attacked. Iran warns it will close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and mine the Strait of Hormuz if the US naval blockade continues. Tehran reports 3,375 Iranians died during 40 days of US-Israeli attacks. Iran refuses to honor Trump's unilateral ceasefire extension and says talks can resume only if the US lifts its naval blockade.
