Asia reacts cautiously to a US-Iran peace deal mediated by Pakistan, awaiting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and easing oil prices. The agreement aims to end Gulf war, lift US blockade, and secure vital oil chokepoint, but details remain unclear.
US President Donald Trump announced a "complete" deal with Iran, authorizing the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the US naval blockade. Iran stated an immediate end to war on various fronts. Pakistan's PM confirmed the peace deal, with a signing ceremony set for Friday in Switzerland.
Families of the 43 Ayotzinapa students, missing since 2014, denounced a new "criminalization" campaign after authorities blocked 17 buses carrying students to a protest in Mexico City. This led to the cancellation of a meeting with government representatives, as parents demand new investigations and the return of independent experts.
A US warplane disabled a tanker in the Gulf of Oman attempting to transport Iranian oil, resulting in three Indian crew members missing. India has lodged a strong protest with the US diplomat in New Delhi.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the US blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba lack justification and cause immense suffering. China supports Cuba's sovereignty and opposes foreign interference, urging the US to end its blockade.
Iran's Parliament Speaker claims US naval blockade and Israeli military actions in Lebanon violate ceasefire terms. Tehran demands the blockade's end, distrusts verbal guarantees, and eyes a tentative deal for ceasefire extension and nuclear talks amid new US sanctions.
Donald Trump advised against rushing a deal with Iran, calling current negotiations the "exact opposite" of the "worst deal" JCPOA. He spoke with Middle Eastern leaders and Israel's Netanyahu, who emphasized dismantling Iran's nuclear sites. Disagreements persist over deal clauses.
President Trump stated he has instructed diplomats not to rush a deal with Iran, describing current negotiations as the "exact opposite" of the "worst" 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He also discussed the Strait of Hormuz with Israeli PM Netanyahu, who emphasized dismantling Iran's nuclear sites.
The US blockade is forcing Iran to store oil and petrochemical products on old tankers in the Persian Gulf, with 39 vessels now stranded. This indicates the blockade's effectiveness in cutting off Iran's oil revenue.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia is in constant contact with Cuba, exchanging ideas on how to alleviate the burden caused by US blockade measures. The situation in Cuba has worsened since January 2026 due to US actions aimed at blocking fuel supplies, leading to power outages and fuel shortages.
Vietnam's state oil company urges the US to let a supertanker pass through an American naval blockade outside the Persian Gulf, saying the shipment is critical to the Asian country's economy.
Iran expands Strait of Hormuz control zone to 200-300 miles amid US naval blockade, citing new strategic concept.
An oil spill near Iran's Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export hub, has raised concerns amid a US naval blockade. Satellite images show a significant oil slick, potentially amounting to 3,000 barrels lost. This incident occurs as Iran faces a storage crisis due to the blockade, with capacity nearing its limit.
According to the Washington Post, these findings have already been communicated to the US administration
Operation Epic Fury has failed to achieve Trump’s war aims but is accelerating a global shift away from fossil fuels. The US-Iran standoff over Hormuz has triggered emergency measures in nearly 40 countries, from Laos shortening school weeks to Nepal limiting cooking gas. However, the crisis is hastening clean energy adoption: EV demand in Europe surged 51% year-over-year, while countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and India are accelerating renewable energy plans. The article draws parallels to post-1970s oil shocks that drove fuel efficiency standards, suggesting current dynamics may force governments to build solar, wind, and nuclear capacity as a long-term energy security strategy.
An India-linked supertanker, Sarv Shakti, has crossed the Strait of Hormuz carrying 45,000 tons of LPG. This transit represents a strategic effort by India to maintain energy security amidst ongoing regional conflict and supply chain disruptions.
The new measures come on top of a US blockade of oil to Cuba that has caused widespread blackouts and fuel shortages.
Analysis of how much oil Iran is producing, shipping and having to store shows pressure is mounting on Tehran, but while experts agree the US blockade is effective, there are questions about whether it can really force Iran back to the negotiating table.
Cuba's four-month-old energy crisis has escalated into a humanitarian emergency, with hospitals scaling back operations, tens of thousands of surgeries postponed, and patients dependent on electricity for life-saving treatment at risk. The UN has expanded its Hurricane Melissa response plan to address cascading impacts, but fuel shortages remain the critical bottleneck preventing aid delivery to affected communities.
Brent crude oil surged above $126 per barrel, its highest level since 2022, after Donald Trump warned the US blockade of Iranian ports could last months. The 13% price jump in 24 hours comes as US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad failed to materialize and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Analysts warn a prolonged Hormuz crisis could send oil to $190 by August and trigger a global recession.
Global oil prices surged past $120 per barrel on Thursday, reaching $122 — the highest level since 2022 — as fears of prolonged supply disruptions intensified amid deadlock in US-Iran nuclear talks. Brent crude rose 1.9% to near $120 while WTI climbed to about $107, building on nearly 6% and 7% gains respectively from the previous session. The spike follows President Trump's direction to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively choked since US-Israeli strikes began February 28.
Brent crude oil surged above $126 per barrel, its highest level since 2022, after Donald Trump warned the US blockade of Iranian ports could last months. The 13% one-day surge came as US-Iran peace talks failed to materialise and Iran kept the Strait of Hormuz largely shut to oil tankers. Analysts warn a six-month blockade could push prices to $190, with economist Paul Krugman warning a global recession is more likely than not if the strait remains closed for three months.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed as both Iran and the US maintain blockades, with indirect negotiations stalled despite a ceasefire in place. The US demands focus on Iran's nuclear programme, missiles, and regional proxies, while Iran offers temporary enrichment limits in exchange for sanctions relief. India, holding the BRICS presidency, is positioned to mediate alongside China to pressure both sides to reopen the critical global energy artery.
