Iran, Israel, US war

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Trump administration says US 'not at war' with Iran​

Source: ANI
May 01, 2026 14:34 IST
President Trump's Iran policy faces scrutiny as the War Powers Resolution deadline approaches, raising questions about the need for Congressional authorisation for ongoing military actions.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, during an event at Memphis Air National Guard Base in Memphis, Tennessee on March 23, 2026. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters​

Key Points​

• The Trump administration asserts the US is not at war with Iran, despite ongoing military actions.​
• The War Powers Resolution's 60-day limit for military action without Congressional approval is a key point of contention.​
• Conflicting statements from President Trump regarding the nature of the military engagement with Iran add to the legal ambiguity.​
• Democrats argue the War Powers Resolution does not allow for pauses in the 60-day timeline due to ceasefires.​
• Any legislative attempt to halt the administration's actions faces challenges in the Republican-controlled House.​

The administration of President Donald Trump has maintained that the United States is 'not at war' with Iran, even as the military engagement reaches a pivotal legal threshold under the War Powers Resolution, establishing a potential confrontation between the White House and Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on Thursday that authorization from Congress is not required at this juncture, according to a report by NBC News.

Johnson argued that the US is not involved in active hostilities, telling the outlet at the Capitol, "I don't think we have an active, kinetic military bombing, firing, or anything like that. Right now, we are trying to broker a peace."
War Powers Resolution Deadline Looms
When questioned about the 60-day limit set by the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which expires this Friday, he was categorical, stating, "We are not at war."
The 1973 statute stipulates that a president must withdraw American forces from hostilities within 60 days unless formal authorization is granted by Congress.
President Trump officially informed lawmakers of the military campaign on 2 March, making 1 May the critical deadline.
As no such authorization has been secured, the situation has sparked concerns of a constitutional standoff. While the law permits a 30-day extension, it remains uncertain if the President will utilize that provision.​

White House Legal Position on Iran Conflict​

Central to the White House's legal position is the argument that a current ceasefire effectively halts the War Powers timeline. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth informed a Senate hearing that the cessation of active combat alters the legal requirements.
"I would defer to the White House and White House counsel on that. However, we are in a ceasefire right now, which, in our understanding, means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire," Hegseth noted.
This interpretation has met resistance from Democrats, who contend that the law does not allow for such a pause.
Senator Tim Kaine remarked, "I do not believe the statute would support that," further adding, "I think the 60 days runs (out) maybe tomorrow, and that's going to pose a really important legal question for the administration there."
Trump's Conflicting Statements on Military Action
Throughout the conflict, President Trump's own descriptions of the military action have varied.
During the initial strikes on February 28, he warned that 'the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties.' That often happens in war.'
By March 9, he suggested that 'the war is very complete, pretty much' and later characterized the mission as 'both' a war and a 'little excursion.'
In subsequent remarks during March, the president hinted at avoiding the specific terminology of war because 'you are supposed to get approval' from Congress.
Nonetheless, by mid-April, he stated, "I had to go to a war."
In a recent interview with Newsmax on Thursday, he continued this ambiguous rhetoric, noting that the stock market reached record levels 'during the war, or the military operation, whatever you'd like to call it'.​

Congressional Opposition and Potential Outcomes​

The hostilities began on 28 February following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel against Tehran and other regional targets.
Iran responded by striking US bases and Israeli positions, alongside disrupting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which caused a sharp spike in global oil prices.
Opposition lawmakers argue the administration is on precarious legal footing.
Senator Adam Schiff stated that the 60-day mark is the moment many colleagues may join efforts to bring the engagement to a close.
"After two months of war, thirteen service members' lives lost, and billions of dollars squandered, it is time we recognised that the price we have paid is already too high," Schiff said.
Despite these protests, any legislative attempt to halt the administration's actions would face the challenge of a Republican-controlled House and a potential presidential veto.​

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Iranian supertanker bypasses US Navy blockade​

Source: ANI
03-05-2026
An Iranian tanker successfully evaded the US Navy blockade to deliver millions of dollars worth of crude oil to the Asia-Pacific, highlighting ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts.

IMAGE: A drone view shows the Madagascar-flagged tanker Briont, under US sanctions for links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard shipping network, near the Baniyas oil terminal, in Baniyas, Syria, on April 8, 2026. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Khalil Ashawiy/Reuters

Key Points​

• An Iranian tanker, HUGE, successfully bypassed the US Navy to reach the Asia-Pacific region.
• The tanker was carrying over 1.9 million barrels of crude oil, valued at approximately $220 million.
• The US maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports, aiming to cut off Tehran's oil revenue.
• The US has warned shipping firms against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Diplomatic channels between the US and Iran remain open, with a ceasefire currently in place.

A Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) belonging to the National Iranian Tanker Company has successfully bypassed the United States Navy to reach the Asia-Pacific, transporting over 1.9 million barrels of crude oil with an estimated value of nearly $220 million, according to TankerTrackers.com.
In a post on X, the monitoring firm identified the vessel as 'HUGE' and noted that it was last spotted off the coast of Sri Lanka more than a week ago.
The tanker is currently reported to be traversing the Lombok Strait of Indonesia, heading towards the Riau Archipelago.

TankerTrackers.com stated that 'HUGE' had not transmitted on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) since March 20, following its departure from the Strait of Malacca for Iran.
These findings coincide with claims by Iranian state media on April 29 that at least 52 ships had successfully breached the American blockade.

US Blockade and Iranian Oil Exports​

Despite these reported breaches, Al Jazeera reports that US officials contend the blockade is proving effective and has resulted in the loss of billions in revenue for Tehran.
Washington, DC, asserts that the country is currently unable to export oil and will be pressured to store its supplies until storage capacity is exhausted and production is forced to a halt.
Further underscoring this maritime tension, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed in a post on X on Saturday that the USS New Orleans (LPD-18) was operating in the Arabian Sea to enforce these restrictions.
The post read: 'The USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails in the Arabian Sea during the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, April 28.' Over the past 20 days, 48 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance with the blockade. '

US Stance on the Strait of Hormuz​

While maintaining the scale of these operations, Washington, DC has categorically stated that its naval blockade in West Asia applies specifically to Iranian ports and coastline and does not constitute a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid these heightened maritime restrictions, US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he is currently examining a fresh proposal from the Islamic Republic aimed at concluding the conflict, though he voiced significant doubt regarding the likelihood of a deal.

Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefire​

"I'll let you know about it later," the President told reporters prior to boarding Air Force One. He further noted that "they're going to give me the exact wording now."
Shortly after his interaction with the press, Trump took to social media to comment on the submission, remarking that he 'can't imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity and the World over the last 47 years.'
According to two semi-official news outlets, Tasnim and Fars, Tehran has dispatched a 14-point plan via a Pakistani intermediary as a counter to a nine-point framework previously suggested by the United States.
While these outlets reported the move, the state-run media has remained silent on the details of the new initiative.
Notably, Pakistan has historically served as the venue for previous diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
This development follows the President's rejection of an earlier Iranian offer this week.
However, despite the ongoing friction, diplomatic channels remain open, and a ceasefire, now in its third week, appears to be holding.

Strait of Hormuz and Shipping Sanctions​

In tandem with these negotiations, the US President has also proposed a separate strategy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Located at the entrance of the Persian Gulf, the waterway is a vital global chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas trade passes.
However, the US has concurrently issued a stern warning to shipping firms, stating they could be subjected to sanctions for paying Tehran to secure safe transit through the Strait.
This follows the Islamic Republic's effective halting of traffic through the waterway by targeting and threatening vessels after the commencement of conflict with the US and Israel on February 28.
Subsequently, Tehran proposed safe passage for certain ships through routes in closer proximity to its coastline, occasionally demanding fees for the service.
On Friday, the US specifically cautioned against transfers involving not only cash but also 'digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, or other in-kind payments', which include charitable contributions and payments made at Iranian embassies.
This financial squeeze complements the naval blockade maintained since April 13, an operation designed to strip the regime of the oil revenue essential for supporting its struggling economy.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Removing Choke point of the US-Iran Talks- Strait of Hormuz

Col Dr Dalvinder Singh Grewal​

Prof Emeritus Desh Bhagat University
Dalvinder45@yahoo.co.in 919815366726

Strait of Hormuz​

The Strait of Hormuz is a small waterway that separates Iran from the Arabian Peninsula, which includes Musandam (Oman) and the United Arab Emirates. The Gulf of Oman is on the strait’s east, while the Persian Gulf is on the west. The UAE is on the south shore, and Iran is on the north. The Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian sea are connected by this slender (55–95 km wide) marine route that runs between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. The Strait of Hormuz is only 29 nautical miles (54 km) wide at its narrowest point. The Strait of Hormuz, is home to several islands, including Hengam, Hormuz, and Qishm.

Importance
One of the most significant choke points in the world's economy is the Strait of Hormuz. It is an essential transit route for international supplies of LNG and oil from Persian Gulf nations. Super-tankers carrying gas and oil from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran use it as a crucial route. China, which continues to be Iran's only major oil consumer, receives the majority of this energy from Asian markets. It transports between 20 and 25 percent of the world's oil supply, making it a vital conduit for global oil transportation. It handled about 20 million barrels per day in 2024. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are among the major oil exporters using the Strait. More than 80% of this oil is going to Asian markets, mainly South Korea, China, Japan, and India. The Strait of Hormuz is traversed by about 30% of its liquefied gas. As well. Approximately 54% of India's LNG imports and 40% of its crude oil imports go via this vital route.

The Current Crisis

Under Operation Epic Fury, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, killing top leaders including Ayatullah Khamenei, targeting military and nuclear installations, sparking the current situation. Iran quickly launched missile strikes across the Gulf in retaliation. The US attacked three important Iranian nuclear facilities—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow—as part of Operation Midnight Hammer. . B-2 Stealth Bombers, GBU-57 bunker buster bombs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators), and Tomahawk missiles were used in the US attack. Iran's parliament authorized a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz in return. Iran and the United States placed conflicting limitations in the Gulf seas as a result of what started as a swift military buildup. Tankers stopped sending out tracking signals at the beginning of March, and many ships either stayed in port or made a U-turn. Technically, the strait was still open, but it was essentially inusable.

Previous Blockade History

Although there has never been a total closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier, there have been major disturbances in the strait. The Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) was known as the "Tanker War" because both sides targeted cargo ships and oil tankers in the Gulf. Iran has threatened to block the Strait on several occasions during geopolitical tensions, most notably in 2011–12 and following US sanctions in 2018. In 2019, Iran captured a British tanker.

Iran exports oil directly to the Gulf of Oman via the Goreh-Jask pipeline and Jask terminal, and to China through Pakistan while Saudi Arabia (via ARAMCO) and the United Arab Emirates have pipelines that skip the Strait. The US used its naval armada of three huge ships to encircle all of Iran's ports, severely disrupting the country's oil-based economy. During this encirclement, Iran began to use the land route through Pakistan.

With the start of the US-Iran war in early 2026, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy chokepoints that formerly carried almost a fifth of the world's oil and gas, has been forced to the verge of paralysis.

Iran and the United States placed conflicting obstructions in the Gulf seas as a result of what started as a swift military buildup. Although there was initially no official, widely accepted blockade, the volume of attacks, threats, and growing insurance concerns essentially stopped commercial transportation. What followed was a steady tightening of control, marked by strikes, warnings, selective permissions, and eventually, a dual blockade that reshaped global trade flows.

War breaks out shocks shipping

Under Operation Epic Fury, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, targeting military and nuclear infrastructure, sparking the start of the conflict. Iran quickly launched missile strikes across the Gulf in retaliation.

The war spread into marine space in a matter of hours. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) started radio alerting ships in the Strait of Hormuz that it would no longer be safe to pass through. Several ships had already been attacked by March 1-2. Drones and rockets struck cargo ships and oil tankers, resulting in evacuations and casualties, including Indian crew members. Shipping traffic decreased even before to any official announcement; preliminary data indicated a 70% decrease in flow. Iran formally declared the strait to be "closed" on March 2 and threatened to attack any ship that tried to cross.

But the closure was not officially recognized as a blockade. Rather, as risks increased, it was shut down functionally: The cost of war-risk insurance increased, and coverage was completely removed for important dates. The option to decline to sail past the area was granted to crews.

Tankers ceased transmitting tracking signals at the beginning of March, and many ships either stayed in port or made a U-turn. Although virtually unusable, the strait remained open in theory. Iran asserted that it had total control of the Strait by March 4. As drone and missile strikes spread outside the strait into the larger Gulf, attacks grew more intense and many vessels were damaged or burned. A significant attack on a tanker close to Kuwait resulted in an oil spill, indicating a geographic escalation.

At least 16 verified shipping attacks and a number of suspected occurrences had been reported by March 12. Iran started granting ships from nations it deemed neutral or supporting restricted transit notwithstanding the closure. China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq were among the nations that were allowed entry. Following international pressure, shipments of fertilizer and humanitarian supplies were also allowed. The strait became a geopolitical filter instead of a completely shut route as a result of this change from complete interruption to controlled, selective access. The region's maritime security continued to deteriorate until mid-to-late March as drones, rockets, and gunfire continued to strike ships, and numerous boats were either captured or forced to remain anchored under threat.

Concerns among insurers and shipping companies were heightened by reports of naval mines deployment. The greater Gulf was consequently designated as a high-risk area by insurance markets, which significantly increased operating costs and deterred traffic. Due to their inadequate capacity or vulnerability to new threats, even other routes via Oman's ports and regional pipeline networks provided only limited relief. A few nations, such as Pakistan and India, responded by deploying navy escorts for commercial ships, but these initiatives were insufficient to restore regular trade flows due to their restricted scope and high resource requirements.

By sending US Navy ships into the Strait of Hormuz to carry out mine-clearing operations, the US further increased its maritime engagement, justifying the action as necessary to preserve "freedom of navigation" in international seas. Iran, on the other hand, was adamantly against foreign military forces being present in the region and threatened to retaliate if they were. Efforts to stabilize the channel and restore it for safe commercial transportation were made more difficult by allegations that Iran had lost track of some of the naval mines it had placed.

The United States officially announced a naval blockade of Iran after diplomatic attempts failed, greatly expanding the scope of the maritime conflict. In accordance with this strategy, neutral commercial transit via the Strait of Hormuz would continue be allowed, but US forces started intercepting ships connected to Iranian trade, especially those entering or departing Iranian ports. Iran responded by denouncing the action and threatening to use force to stop any foreign military presence in the area. As a result, there was a dual-control situation in the waterway, with the United States attempting to limit shipping associated with Iran through enforcement operations linked to its larger blockade strategy, while Iran tried to control access through threats and selective permissions.

The region's marine security remained precarious and unpredictable by late April and early May due to reports of periodic attacks on vessels. Because most marine operators were discouraged from accessing the Strait of Hormuz due to increased insurance costs, ongoing security risks, and operational uncertainty, there was very little commercial movement via the Strait. Because of the combined effects of persistent military pressure, economic risk, and continued instability rather than a single formal announcement, the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively blocked in practice.

The Strait of Hormuz blockade does not resemble a traditional wartime lockdown. Rather, it has become a multi-layered disruption moulded by political signalling, economic pressure, and military intervention. The situation has turned into a slow suffocation of one of the most important commerce routes in the world rather than an obvious and official shutdown. In this setting, danger has surpassed legality, fear has essentially taken the role of formal regulations, and access is now more reliant on geopolitical alignment.

chains and shifting geopolitical alliances, which are still developing and quite unpredictable. Shipping traffic decreased even before to any official announcement; preliminary data indicated a 70% decrease in flow. Although there was initially no official, widely accepted blockade, the volume of attacks, threats, and growing insurance concerns essentially stopped commercial transportation. Strikes, warnings, selective licenses, and ultimately a twin blockade that altered international commerce flows characterized the subsequent gradual tightening of control. The situation has turned into a slow suffocation of one of the most important commerce routes in the world rather than an obvious and official shutdown. One of the main topics of contention between the US and Iran that has stifled communication between the two countries is this.

How can the world be freed from this worldwide crisis and this stumbling block of communication between the US and Iran be resolved logically?

It is fundamentally necessary to settle the Strait of Hormuz mechanism elegantly. The mechanism of the Strait of Hormuz must likewise be settled with elegance. Iran requests a "New mechanism" with an Iranian-friendly framework and unconditional ship fees, while the US demands a full, unconditional reopening and the formation of a "Maritime Freedom Construct" coalition to enforce it. International control of the Hormuz transit, where Iran collects payments while ensuring free passage, is a potential compromise. In exchange, the US must lift the naval blockade. Iran should also agree to a nuclear freeze that lasts at least ten years.

The opening of the Hormuz thus saves the world from oil crisis which has closed many airlines, food joints and caused migrations from big cities to the places where wood could be used for cooking.


​

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ-ਅਮਰੀਕਾ-ਈਰਾਨ ਗੱਲਬਾਤ ਦਾ ਰੁਕਾਵਟ ਬਿੰਦੂ

ਕਰਨਲ ਡਾ. ਦਲਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਗਰੇਵਾਲ​

ਪ੍ਰੋਫੈਸਰ ਐਮਰੀਟਸ
ਦੇਸ਼ ਭਗਤ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ
Dalvinder45@yahoo.co.in 919815366726

ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ​

ਹੋਰਮੂਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟਾ ਜਲਮਾਰਗ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਈਰਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਅਰਬ ਪ੍ਰਾਇਦੀਪ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਖ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਸੰਦਾਮ (ਓਮਾਨ) ਅਤੇ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਅਰਬ ਅਮੀਰਾਤ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹਨ। ਓਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਖਾੜੀ ਇਸ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਦੇ ਪੂਰਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਫਾਰਸੀ ਖਾੜੀ ਪੱਛਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੈ। ਯੂਏਈ ਦੱਖਣੀ ਕੰਢੇ 'ਤੇ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਉੱਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੈ। ਫਾਰਸੀ ਖਾੜੀ, ਓਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਖਾੜੀ ਅਤੇ ਅਰਬ ਸਾਗਰ ਇਸ ਪਤਲੇ (55-95 ਕਿਲੋਮੀਟਰ ਚੌੜੇ) ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਰਸਤੇ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ ਜੋ ਈਰਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਅਰਬ ਪ੍ਰਾਇਦੀਪ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਚੱਲਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਆਪਣੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਤੰਗ ਬਿੰਦੂ 'ਤੇ ਸਿਰਫ 29 ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਮੀਲ (54 ਕਿਲੋਮੀਟਰ) ਚੌੜਾ ਹੈ। ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ, ਹੇਂਗਮ, ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਸ਼ਮ ਸਮੇਤ ਕਈ ਟਾਪੂਆਂ ਦਾ ਘਰ ਹੈ।

ਮਹੱਤਤਾ

ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੀ ਆਰਥਿਕਤਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਰੁਕਾਵਟ ਬਿੰਦੂਆਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਫਾਰਸ ਖਾੜੀ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਐਲਐਨਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਤੇਲ ਦੀ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਸਪਲਾਈ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਰਸਤਾ ਹੈ। ਸਾਊਦੀ ਅਰਬ, ਕੁਵੈਤ, ਇਰਾਕ, ਕਤਰ, ਬਹਿਰੀਨ, ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਅਰਬ ਅਮੀਰਾਤ ਅਤੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਤੋਂ ਗੈਸ ਅਤੇ ਤੇਲ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਸੁਪਰ-ਟੈਂਕਰ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਰਸਤੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਵਰਤਦੇ ਹਨ। ਚੀਨ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਈਰਾਨ ਦਾ ਇਕਲੌਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਤੇਲ ਖਪਤਕਾਰ ਬਣਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਊਰਜਾ ਦਾ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਏਸ਼ੀਆਈ ਬਾਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੀ ਤੇਲ ਸਪਲਾਈ ਦੇ 20 ਤੋਂ 25 ਪ੍ਰਤੀਸ਼ਤ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਟ੍ਰਾਂਸਪੋਰਟ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਇਹ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਵਿਆਪੀ ਤੇਲ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਰਸਤਾ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸਨੇ 2024 ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਦਿਨ ਲਗਭਗ 20 ਮਿਲੀਅਨ ਬੈਰਲ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਨ ਕੀਤਾ। ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਤੇਲ ਨਿਰਯਾਤਕ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਸਾਊਦੀ ਅਰਬ, ਈਰਾਨ, ਇਰਾਕ, ਕੁਵੈਤ, ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਅਰਬ ਅਮੀਰਾਤ ਅਤੇ ਕਤਰ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਤੇਲ ਦਾ 80% ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਏਸ਼ੀਆਈ ਬਾਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ, ਮੁੱਖ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਦੱਖਣੀ ਕੋਰੀਆ, ਚੀਨ, ਜਾਪਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਨੂੰ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਤੋਂ ਇਸਦੀ ਤਰਲ ਗੈਸ ਦਾ ਲਗਭਗ 30% ਲੰਘਦਾ ਹੈ। ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਲਗਭਗ 54% LNG ਆਯਾਤ ਅਤੇ ਇਸਦੇ ਕੱਚੇ ਤੇਲ ਆਯਾਤ ਦਾ 40% ਇਸ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਰਸਤੇ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।

ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਸੰਕਟ

ਆਪ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਐਪਿਕ ਫਿਊਰੀ ਦੇ ਤਹਿਤ, ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਅਤੇ ਇਜ਼ਰਾਈਲ ਨੇ 28 ਫਰਵਰੀ, 2026 ਨੂੰ ਈਰਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਹਵਾਈ ਹਮਲੇ ਕੀਤੇ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਯਤੁੱਲਾ ਖਮੇਨੀ ਸਮੇਤ ਚੋਟੀ ਦੇ ਨੇਤਾ ਮਾਰੇ ਗਏ, ਫੌਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣੂ ਸਥਾਪਨਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਾ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਗਿਆ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਭੜਕ ਉੱਠੀ। ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਬਦਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਖਾੜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੇਜ਼ੀ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਜ਼ਾਈਲ ਹਮਲੇ ਕੀਤੇ। ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੇ ਆਪ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਮਿਡਨਾਈਟ ਹੈਮਰ ਦੇ ਹਿੱਸੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਤਿੰਨ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਈਰਾਨੀ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣੂ ਸਥਾਪਨਾਵਾਂ - ਨਤਾਨਜ਼, ਇਸਫਾਹਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਫੋਰਡੋ 'ਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕੀਤਾ। . ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਹਮਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੀ-2 ਸਟੀਲਥ ਬੰਬਰ, ਜੀਬੀਯੂ-57 ਬੰਕਰ ਬਸਟਰ ਬੰਬ (ਮੈਸਿਵ ਆਰਡਨੈਂਸ ਪੈਨੇਟਰੇਟਰਸ), ਅਤੇ ਟੋਮਾਹਾਕ ਮਿਜ਼ਾਈਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ। ਈਰਾਨ ਦੀ ਸੰਸਦ ਨੇ ਬਦਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਸਟ੍ਰੇਟ ਨੂੰ ਬੰਦ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਕੀਤਾ। ਈਰਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੇ ਤੇਜ਼ ਫੌਜੀ ਨਿਰਮਾਣ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਖਾੜੀ ਸਮੁੰਦਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਸੀਮਾਵਾਂ ਰੱਖੀਆਂ। ਮਾਰਚ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਟੈਂਕਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਟਰੈਕਿੰਗ ਸਿਗਨਲ ਭੇਜਣਾ ਬੰਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ, ਅਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਜਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਬੰਦਰਗਾਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੁਕੇ ਰਹੇ ਜਾਂ ਵਾਪਿਸ ਚਲੇ ਗਏ । ਤਕਨੀਕੀ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ, ਸਟ੍ਰੇਟ ਅਜੇ ਵੀ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਇਹ ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਯੋਗ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।

ਪਿਛਲੀ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਦਾ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ

ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਬੰਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ, ਪਰ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੱਡੀਆਂ ਗੜਬੜੀਆਂ ਹੋਈਆਂ ਹਨ। ਈਰਾਨ-ਇਰਾਕ ਯੁੱਧ (1980-88) ਨੂੰ "ਟੈਂਕਰ ਯੁੱਧ" ਵਜੋਂ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਸੀ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਧਿਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਖਾੜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਾਰਗੋ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਤੇਲ ਟੈਂਕਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਾ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਸੀ। ਭੂ-ਰਾਜਨੀਤਿਕ ਤਣਾਅ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਕਈ ਮੌਕਿਆਂ 'ਤੇ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਣ ਦੀ ਧਮਕੀ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ, ਖਾਸ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ 2011-12 ਵਿੱਚ ਅਤੇ 2018 ਵਿੱਚ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਪਾਬੰਦੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ। 2019 ਵਿੱਚ, ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਬ੍ਰਿਟਿਸ਼ ਟੈਂਕਰ ਨੂੰ ਕਾਬੂ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ।

ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਬੰਦਰਗਾਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਘੇਰਨ ਲਈ ਤਿੰਨ ਵੱਡੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਦੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਆਰਮਾਡਾ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੀ ਤੇਲ-ਅਧਾਰਤ ਅਰਥਵਿਵਸਥਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੁਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿਘਨ ਪਿਆ। ਇਸ ਘੇਰਾਬੰਦੀ ਦੌਰਾਨ, ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਜ਼ਮੀਨੀ ਰਸਤੇ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕਰਨੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ।ਈਰਾਨ ਗੋਰੇਹ-ਜਾਸਕ ਪਾਈਪਲਾਈਨ ਅਤੇ ਜੈਸਕ ਟਰਮੀਨਲ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਸਿੱਧੇ ਓਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਖਾੜੀ ਅਤੇ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਚੀਨ ਨੂੰ ਤੇਲ ਨਿਰਯਾਤ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਸਾਊਦੀ ਅਰਬ (ARAMCO ਰਾਹੀਂ) ਅਤੇ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਅਰਬ ਅਮੀਰਾਤ ਕੋਲ ਪਾਈਪਲਾਈਨਾਂ ਹਨ ਜੋ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਡਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ।

2026 ਦੇ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ-ਈਰਾਨ ਯੁੱਧ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ, ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਊਰਜਾ ਰੁਕਾਵਟਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ, ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਦੀ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ, ਜੋ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਤੇਲ ਅਤੇ ਗੈਸ ਦਾ ਲਗਭਗ ਪੰਜਵਾਂ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਸੀ, ਨੂੰ ਹੁਣ ਲਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਧਰੰਗ ਮਾਰ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਈਰਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੇ ਅਪਣੀਆਂ ਫੌਜਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਇਸ ਖਾੜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੱਡੀਆਂ ਰੁਕਾਟਾਂ ਖੜ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਕਰ ਦਿਤੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ, ਵਿਆਪਕ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਸਵੀਕਾਰ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਸੀ ਪਰ ਹਮਲਿਆਂ, ਧਮਕੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਵਧਦੀ ਬੀਮਾ ਚਿੰਤਾਵਾਂ ਨੇ ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕ ਲਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਜੋ ਹੋਇਆ ਉਹ ਸੀ ਨਿਯੰਤਰਣ ਨੂੰ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਕਰਨਾ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ, ਚੇਤਾਵਨੀਆਂ, ਧਮਕੀਆਂ, ਗੋਲਾਬਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਅੰਤ ਵਿੱਚ, ਇੱਕ ਦੋਹਰੀ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਜਿਸਨੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਵਪਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਹ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕ ਲਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ।

ਸ਼ਿਪਿੰਗ ਨੂੰ ਜੰਗ ਨੇ ਝਟਕੇ

ਆਪ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਐਪਿਕ ਫਿਊਰੀ ਦੇ ਤਹਿਤ, ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਅਤੇ ਇਜ਼ਰਾਈਲ ਨੇ 28 ਫਰਵਰੀ, 2026 ਨੂੰ ਫੌਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣੂ ਬੁਨਿਆਦੀ ਢਾਂਚੇ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਾ ਬਣਾਉਂਦੇ ਹੋਏ, ਈਰਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਹਵਾਈ ਹਮਲੇ ਕੀਤੇ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਟਕਰਾਅ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਹੋਈ। ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਬਦਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੇਜ਼ੀ ਨਾਲ ਖਾੜੀ ਦੇ ਪਾਰ ਮਿਜ਼ਾਈਲ ਹਮਲੇ ਕੀਤੇ।

ਜੰਗ ਕੁਝ ਘੰਟਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਫੈਲ ਗਈ। ਈਰਾਨੀ ਰੈਵੋਲਿਊਸ਼ਨਰੀ ਗਾਰਡ (IRGC) ਨੇ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰੇਡੀਓ ਚੇਤਾਵਨੀ ਦੇਣੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਕਿ ਹੁਣ ਲੰਘਣਾ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਹੇਗਾ। 1-2 ਮਾਰਚ ਤੱਕ ਕਈ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੀ ਹਮਲਾ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕਾ ਸੀ। ਡਰੋਨਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਰਾਕੇਟਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਕਾਰਗੋ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਤੇਲ ਟੈਂਕਰਾਂ ਉਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ, ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਕਈ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ੀ ਅਮਲੇ ਜ਼ਖਮੀ ਹੋਏ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੁੱਝ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਵੀ ਜ਼ਖਮੀ ਹੋਏ [ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਐਲਾਨ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੀ ਸ਼ਿਪਿੰਗ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਘੱਟ ਗਈ; ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤੀ ਅੰਕੜਿਆਂ ਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਹ ਵਿੱਚ 70% ਕਮੀ ਦਾ ਸੰਕੇਤ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ 2 ਮਾਰਚ ਨੂੰ ਰਸਮੀ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਨੂੰ "ਬੰਦ" ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਜਹਾਜ਼ 'ਤੇ ਜੋ ਪਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਦਾ ਸੀ, ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਧਮਕੀ ਦਿੱਤੀ ।

ਪਰ ਬੰਦ ਨੂੰ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਵਜੋਂ ਮਾਨਤਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ। ਇਸ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ, ਜਿਵੇਂ-ਜਿਵੇਂ ਜੋਖਮ ਵਧਦੇ ਗਏ, ਇਸਨੂੰ ਕਾਰਜਸ਼ੀਲ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਬੰਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ: ਯੁੱਧ-ਜੋਖਮ ਬੀਮੇ ਦੀ ਲਾਗਤ ਵਧ ਗਈ। ਇਸ ਖੇਤਰ ਤੋਂ ਲੰਘਣ ਤੋਂ ਇਨਕਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਵਿਕਲਪ ਚਾਲਕ ਦਲ ਨੂੰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ।

ਮਾਰਚ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਟੈਂਕਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਟਰੈਕਿੰਗ ਸਿਗਨਲ ਸੰਚਾਰਿਤ ਕਰਨਾ ਬੰਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ, ਅਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਜਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਬੰਦਰਗਾਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਰਹੇ ਜਾਂ ਯੂ-ਟਰਨ ਲੈ ਲਿਆ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ ਲਗਭਗ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਯੋਗ ਨਹੀਂ, ਪਰ ਸਿਧਾਂਤਕ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਇਹ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹਾ ਰਿਹਾ। ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿ 4 ਮਾਰਚ ਤੱਕ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ 'ਤੇ ਉਸਦਾ ਪੂਰਾ ਕੰਟਰੋਲ ਸੀ। ਜਿਵੇਂ ਹੀ ਡਰੋਨ ਅਤੇ ਮਿਜ਼ਾਈਲ ਹਮਲੇ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਵੱਡੀ ਖਾੜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਫੈਲ ਗਏ, ਹਮਲੇ ਹੋਰ ਤੇਜ਼ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਅਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਨੁਕਸਾਨੇ ਗਏ ਜਾਂ ਸੜ ਗਏ। ਕੁਵੈਤ ਦੇ ਨੇੜੇ ਇੱਕ ਟੈਂਕਰ 'ਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਹਮਲੇ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਤੇਲ ਦਾ ਰਿਸਾਅ ਹੋਇਆ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਜੰਗ ਦੇ ਭੂਗੋਲਿਕ ਵਾਧੇ ਦਾ ਸੰਕੇਤ ਹੈ।

12 ਮਾਰਚ ਤੱਕ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ 16 ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣਿਤ ਸ਼ਿਪਿੰਗ ਹਮਲੇ ਅਤੇ ਕਈ ਸ਼ੱਕੀ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਸੀ। ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਣ ਦੇਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਉਹ ਨਿਰਪੱਖ ਸਮਝਦਾ ਸੀ ਜਾਂ ਬੰਦ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਬਾਵਜੂਦ ਸੀਮਤ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਕਰਦਾ ਸੀ। ਚੀਨ, ਭਾਰਤ, ਰੂਸ, ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਰਾਕ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਸਨ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦਾਖਲੇ ਦੀ ਇਜਾਜ਼ਤ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ ਸੀ। ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ, ਖਾਦ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਨਵਤਾਵਾਦੀ ਸਪਲਾਈ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਿਪਮੈਂਟ ਦੀ ਵੀ ਇਜਾਜ਼ਤ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ ਸੀ। ਮਾਰਚ ਦੇ ਅੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਅਖੀਰ ਤੱਕ ਇਸ ਖੇਤਰ ਦੀ ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਵਿਗੜਦੀ ਰਹੀ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਡਰੋਨ, ਰਾਕੇਟ ਅਤੇ ਗੋਲੀਬਾਰੀ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਰਹੇ, ਅਤੇ ਕਈ ਕਿਸ਼ਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਫੜ ਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਜਾਂ ਖਤਰੇ ਹੇਠ ਲੰਗਰ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਮਜਬੂਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ।

ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਦੀਆਂ ਖਾਣਾਂ ਦੀ ਤਾਇਨਾਤੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਰਿਪੋਰਟਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਬੀਮਾਕਰਤਾਵਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਿਪਿੰਗ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਚਿੰਤਾਵਾਂ ਵਧ ਗਈਆਂ। ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ, ਬੀਮਾ ਬਾਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਵੱਡੀ ਖਾੜੀ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਉੱਚ-ਜੋਖਮ ਵਾਲੇ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਜੋਂ ਮਨੋਨੀਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ, ਜਿਸਨੇ ਸੰਚਾਲਨ ਲਾਗਤਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਵਾਧਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਿਆ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਨਾਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਸਮਰੱਥਾ ਜਾਂ ਨਵੇਂ ਖਤਰਿਆਂ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਕਮਜ਼ੋਰੀ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਨ, ਓਮਾਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਬੰਦਰਗਾਹਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਖੇਤਰੀ ਪਾਈਪਲਾਈਨ ਨੈਟਵਰਕਾਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹੋਰ ਰੂਟਾਂ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਸੀਮਤ ਰਾਹਤ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕੀਤੀ। ਕੁਝ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ, ਜਿਵੇਂ ਕਿ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਨੇ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਲਈ ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਦੇ ਰਾਖੇ ਤਾਇਨਾਤ ਕਰਕੇ ਜਵਾਬ ਦਿੱਤਾ, ਪਰ ਇਹ ਪਹਿਲਕਦਮੀਆਂ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਸੀਮਤ ਦਾਇਰੇ ਅਤੇ ਉੱਚ ਸਰੋਤ ਜ਼ਰੂਰਤਾਂ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਨ ਨਿਯਮਤ ਵਪਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਹ ਨੂੰ ਬਹਾਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਨਾਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਸਨ।

ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਦੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਖਾਣਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਫਾਈ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਵਿੱਚ ਭੇਜ ਕੇ, ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਸ਼ਮੂਲੀਅਤ ਨੂੰ ਹੋਰ ਵਧਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਤੇ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਸਮੁੰਦਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ "ਨੇਵੀਗੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੀ ਆਜ਼ਾਦੀ" ਨੂੰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਰੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਇਜ਼ ਠਹਿਰਾਇਆ। ਦੂਜੇ ਪਾਸੇ, ਈਰਾਨ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਫੌਜੀ ਬਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਜੇਕਰ ਉਹ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਸਨ ਤਾਂ ਜਵਾਬੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਧਮਕੀ ਦਿੱਤੀ। ਖਾੜੀ ਨੂੰ ਸਥਿਰ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਲਈ ਬਹਾਲ ਕਰਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਇਸ ਦੋਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਹੋਰ ਵੀ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਲ ਹੋ ਗਈਆਂ ਕਿ ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਰੱਖੀਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਕੁਝ ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਖਾਣਾਂ ਦਾ ਪਤਾ ਗੁਆ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ।ਕੂਟਨੀਤਕ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੇ ਅਸਫਲ ਹੋਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਦੀ ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਟਕਰਾਅ ਦਾ ਦਾਇਰਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧ ਗਿਆ। ਇਸ ਰਣਨੀਤੀ ਦੇ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ, ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਨਿਰਪੱਖ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਦੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਜਾਰੀ ਰਹੇਗੀ, ਪਰ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਫੌਜਾਂ ਨੇ ਈਰਾਨੀ ਵਪਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ, ਖਾਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਈਰਾਨੀ ਬੰਦਰਗਾਹਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਾਖਲ ਹੋਣ ਜਾਂ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ। ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ

ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਦੀ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਫੌਜੀ ਮੌਜੂਦਗੀ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਣ ਲਈ ਤਾਕਤ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਧਮਕੀ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਜਵਾਬ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ, ਜਲਮਾਰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਦੋਹਰੀ-ਨਿਯੰਤਰਣ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਬਣ ਗਈ, ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਰਣਨੀਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਲਾਗੂ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਈਰਾਨ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਸ਼ਿਪਿੰਗ ਨੂੰ ਸੀਮਤ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ, ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਈਰਾਨ ਨੇ ਧਮਕੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਚੋਣਵੇਂ ਅਨੁਮਤੀਆਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਨੂੰ ਕੰਟਰੋਲ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ।

ਜਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਸਮੇਂ-ਸਮੇਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਮਲਿਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਰਿਪੋਰਟਾਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਅਪ੍ਰੈਲ ਦੇ ਅਖੀਰ ਅਤੇ ਮਈ ਦੇ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਤੱਕ ਖੇਤਰ ਦੀ ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਅਸਪਸ਼ਟ ਅਤੇ ਅਣਪਛਾਤੀ ਰਹੀ। ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਸੰਚਾਲਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਧੀਆਂ ਬੀਮਾ ਲਾਗਤਾਂ, ਚੱਲ ਰਹੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਜੋਖਮਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਚਾਲਨ ਅਨਿਸ਼ਚਿਤਤਾ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਨ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਤੱਕ ਪਹੁੰਚਣ ਤੋਂ ਨਿਰਾਸ਼ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ, ਇਸ ਲਈ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਘੱਟ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਹੋਈ। ਇੱਕ ਰਸਮੀ ਘੋਸ਼ਣਾ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਨਿਰੰਤਰ ਫੌਜੀ ਦਬਾਅ, ਆਰਥਿਕ ਜੋਖਮ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਰੰਤਰ ਅਸਥਿਰਤਾ ਦੇ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਨ, ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਅਭਿਆਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਬੰਦ ਰਿਹਾ। ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਜਲਡਮਰੂ ਦੀ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਰਵਾਇਤੀ ਯੁੱਧ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੇ ਤਾਲਾਬੰਦੀ ਵਰਗੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ, ਇਹ ਰਾਜਨੀਤਿਕ ਸੰਕੇਤ, ਆਰਥਿਕ ਦਬਾਅ ਅਤੇ ਫੌਜੀ ਦਖਲਅੰਦਾਜ਼ੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਢਾਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਇੱਕ ਬਹੁ-ਪੱਧਰੀ ਵਿਘਨ ਬਣ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਸਥਿਤੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਮਾਰਗਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟ ਅਤੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਬੰਦ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਹੌਲੀ ਹੌਲੀ ਦਮ ਘੁੱਟਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਦਲ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਅਤੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਵਿਵਾਦ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਵਿਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਜਿਸਨੇ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਸੰਚਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਿਆ ਹੈ, ਇਹੋ ਹੀ ਹੈ।

ਦੁਨੀਆ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਵਿਆਪੀ ਸੰਕਟ ਤੋਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਮੁਕਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਅਤੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਸੰਚਾਰ ਦੀ ਇਸ ਰੁਕਾਵਟ ਨੂੰ ਤਰਕਪੂਰਨ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੱਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ?

ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਮਸਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਹੱਲ ਕਰਨਾ ਬੁਨਿਆਦੀ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਹੈ। ਈਰਾਨ ਇੱਕ ਈਰਾਨੀ-ਅਨੁਕੂਲ ਢਾਂਚੇ ਅਤੇ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਸ਼ਰਤ ਜਹਾਜ਼ ਫੀਸਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਇੱਕ "ਨਵਾਂ ਵਿਧੀ" ਦੀ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਲਾਗੂ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਪੂਰੀ, ਬਿਨਾਂ ਸ਼ਰਤ ਦੁਬਾਰਾ ਖੋਲ੍ਹਣ ਅਤੇ "ਸਮੁੰਦਰੀ ਆਜ਼ਾਦੀ ਨਿਰਮਾਣ" ਗੱਠਜੋੜ ਦੇ ਗਠਨ ਦੀ ਮੰਗ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਆਵਾਜਾਈ ਦਾ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਨਿਯੰਤਰਣ, ਜਿੱਥੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਮੁਫਤ ਰਸਤਾ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਂਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਤਹਿ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਲਵੇ, ਇੱਕ ਸੰਭਾਵੀ ਸਮਝੌਤਾ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਬਦਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ, ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੂੰ ਜਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਦੀ ਨਾਕਾਬੰਦੀ ਨੂੰ ਹਟਾਉਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਈਰਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਦਸ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਤੱਕ ਚੱਲਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣੂ ਉਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਈ ਵੀ ਸਹਿਮਤ ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।

ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਹੋਰਮੁਜ਼ ਦੇ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹਣ ਨਾਲ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਤੇਲ ਸੰਕਟ ਤੋਂ ਬਚ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਜਿਸਨੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਏਅਰਲਾਈਨਾਂ, ਫੂਹੋਟਲਾਂ-ਢਾਬਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਬੰਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਕਾਮੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਖਾਣਾ ਪਕਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਲੱਕੜ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ।​

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Iran's offer is 'piece of garbage'; truce on 'massive life support': Trump​

May 12, 2026, 01:51 IST

Donald Trump has dismissed Iran's proposal to end hostilities as unacceptable, stating that the current ceasefire is extremely weak and on the verge of collapse.

Key Points​

• Donald Trump rejects Iran's proposal to end the war, calling it a 'piece of garbage.'​
• Trump claims the ceasefire with Iran is at its 'weakest' and on 'massive life support.'​
• The US insists Iran must end its uranium enrichment program for sanctions to be lifted.​
• Negotiations include lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global oil supplies.​
• Trump reiterates that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, citing its dangerous and volatile nature.​

United States President Donald Trump on Monday said the ceasefire with Iran was at its 'weakest' and on 'massive life support,' a day after he rejected Tehran's proposal to end the months-long war as 'totally unacceptable.'
"It is at its weakest… After reading that piece of garbage they sent us... It's on life support, massive life support," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office in response to a question on the ceasefire with Iran in the wake of the rejection of the peace proposal.
During an event on maternal healthcare at the White House, Trump asked the participants to keep their remarks short, as he had a meeting with a large group of generals on the issue of Iran.​

Trump Rejects Iranian Peace Proposal​

Trump received the Iranian proposal on Sunday amid hopes that it could lead to a breakthrough to end the war with Iran that began on February 28, blocking the key sea route for global oil supplies, leading to fuel shortages in several countries.
"I have just read the response from Iran's so-called representatives. 'I don't like it," he wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, calling the response 'totally unacceptable'.
On Monday, the president described Iran's proposal as a 'piece of garbage,' which he was not going to waste time reading.​

US Insists On End To Uranium Enrichment​

"They think that I'll get tired of this, or I'll get bored, or I'll have some pressure, but there's no pressure; there's no pressure at all. We're going to have a complete victory," Trump said.
"I have the best plan ever. Iran has been defeated militarily. Totally. They have a little left; they probably built up during this period of time. We'll knock that out in about a day. But I have a plan. You know, that's a very simple plan. I don't know why you don't say it like it is. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. They're very dangerous. They're very volatile," Trump said.
Ceasefire Status 'Unbelievably Weak'
Asked about the status of the ceasefire with Tehran, Trump said it is 'unbelievably weak.'
"I would say I would call it the weakest right now. After reading that piece of garbage, they sent us. I didn't even finish reading it. They said, "I'm not going to waste my time reading it. I would say it's one of the weakest right now," he said.
The president also said that Iran told him that the US would have to dig out the 'nuclear dust' at its facilities because it is buried so deep that they can't get to it.​

Negotiations To End Hostilities​

Trump said that he doesn't know at this moment how the US would get into Iran to proceed with the removal. He said it is a matter for further negotiation.
The US and Israel's war on Iran started on February 28, and attacks have been paused since April 8, when the warring sides agreed to a ceasefire.
The US and Iran have been negotiating a deal to end the hostilities for good, but peace has been elusive so far.
Pakistan hosted one round of direct talks between Iran and the US on April 11, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
The US has been insisting that Iran give a clear commitment to end its uranium enrichment program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions and release of billions in frozen Iranian funds.
The negotiations also entail both Iran and the US lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for one-fifth of the global crude supplies.​

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Trump says Iranian people were ready to rise up but had 'no guns,' expresses frustration with Kurds​

FP News Desk • May 12, 2026, 08:05:40 IST
Israel-Iran War Live Updates: US President Donald Trump warned the ceasefire in West Asia war was on “life support” on Monday after rejecting the latest counteroffer from Iran, which said its military stood ready to respond to any act of aggression.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Monday the country’s armed forces were ready to deliver a “lesson-teaching” response to any aggression, warning that Iran was prepared for “all options.”
US President Donald Trump on Monday said the monthlong ceasefire between the United States and Iran was on “massive life support," describing the truce as “unbelievably weak” amid continuing tensions and exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the ceasefire technically remained in effect but warned that it was increasingly fragile as both sides continued hostile actions at sea.

May 12, 2026, 08:05:40 (IST)
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Australia imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities over rights abuses​

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced new sanctions on seven Iranian individuals and four entities due to Tehran’s “ongoing brutal oppression of its people and destabilization of the region."
Wong said in a statement that the Iranian “regime massacred thousands of its own citizens and carried out mass arrests of peaceful protesters."
May 12, 2026, 07:47:37 (IST)
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Gold prices rise ahead of Trump-Xi meeting amid West Asia tensions​

Gold prices rose on Tuesday as investors awaited a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping while watching developments surrounding the conflict in West Asia.
May 12, 2026, 07:30:27 (IST)
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UN warns Hormuz blockade could trigger global hunger crisis​

Tens of millions of people could be pushed towards hunger and starvation if fertiliser shipments are not allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz soon, the head of a United Nations task force working to prevent a growing humanitarian crisis told AFP.
Roughly one-third of the world’s fertiliser supply usually moves through the strategic Gulf waterway, which has been blocked by Iran.
“We have a few weeks ahead of us to prevent what will likely be a massive humanitarian crisis,” Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and head of the task force, told AFP in an interview.
May 12, 2026, 07:15:58 (IST)
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Israel Iran War Live Updates: Oil prices rise as US-Iran negotiations remain fragile​

Oil prices rose in early Asian trade on Tuesday as negotiations to end the war between the United States and Iran appeared fragile, with Tehran’s response to a US proposal highlighting stark differences that kept supply concerns alive.
Brent crude futures were up 30 cents, or 0.29 per cent, at $104.51 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 31 cents, or 0.32 per cent, to $98.38 by 0002 GMT. Both benchmarks increased nearly 2.8 percent on Monday.

May 12, 2026, 07:02:59 (IST)
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Israel Iran War Live Updates: Trump administration releases 53.3 million barrels from Strategic Petroleum Reserve​

The Reuters news agency reports that the Trump administration is providing 53.3 million barrels of crude oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to energy firms under a global pact to steady markets rattled by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and global supply constraints.
This move comes after nine energy corporations—including Exxon Mobil, Trafigura, and Marathon Petroleum—tapped into just 58 percent of the 92.5 million barrels that the Department of Energy (DOE) had made available in a similar loan last month.
May 12, 2026, 06:56:55 (IST)
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Israel Iran War Live Updates: Schumer blasts Trump over 'illegal war' with Iran, pushes vote to end hostilities​

US Senator Chuck Schumer has blasted Trump for dragging Americans into an “illegal, costly war without any goals or without any endgame” and said the Democrats will launch a vote to stop his war on Iran.
“The best way to lower costs and end this chaos is to end this illegal war: Democrats are forcing a seventh vote on our War Powers Resolution this week to withdraw US troops from hostilities with Iran,” Schumer said.
“If Republicans vote against our resolution, they will continue to bear the blame for Trump’s war,” he said in a post on X.
May 12, 2026, 06:40:23 (IST)
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Trump meets national security team as administration weighs next steps​

US President Donald Trump aides said that he is now ‘more seriously considering a resumption of major combat operations’ against Iran than he was in recent weeks, according to CNN.
May 12, 2026, 06:37:01 (IST)
Trump says Iranian protesters lack weapons, expresses disappointment in Kurds
US President Donald Trump said that the Iranian people wanted to go out on the streets but did not have weapons or guns.
He added that there had been expectations that the Kurds would provide them with weapons but claimed the Kurds had disappointed them. Trump further said he was very disappointed in the Kurds, accusing them of only “taking” without giving back.

May 12, 2026, 06:29:32 (IST)
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Iran FM Abbas Araghchi expected in India for BRICS meeting amid West Asia tensions​

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit India this week to attend the Brics Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, amid heightened tensions due to the West Asia conflict.
The Brics Foreign Ministers’ meeting will serve as a precursor to the 18th Brics Summit scheduled in New Delhi this September, where leaders of major emerging economies are expected to meet amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing global uncertainty.
May 12, 2026, 06:24:09 (IST)
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WSJ reports UAE carried out secret military strikes inside Iran​

The United Arab Emirates has carried out military strikes on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The strikes, which the UAE has not publicly acknowledged, included an attack on a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, WSJ said, adding that the attack took place in early April.
May 12, 2026, 06:18:06 (IST)
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US sanctions Iran-linked oil network ahead of Trump China visit​

The United States on Monday issued sanctions against 12 individuals and entities that it said facilitated the sale and shipment of Iranian oil to China, days ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing.
In a statement, the US Treasury alleged that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) “relies on front companies in permissive economic jurisdictions to obfuscate its role in oil sales and funnel the revenue to the Iranian regime.”
May 12, 2026, 06:12:27 (IST)
India declines Russian LNG offer linked to US sanctions amid West Asia tensions
India has declined Russia’s offer to sell it liquefied natural gas subject to U.S. sanctions despite a shortfall driven by Middle East tensions, ‌said two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, leaving a tanker bound for India in limbo as talks continue on permitted cargoes.
The stance highlights the fine balance the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer is seeking to strike between securing energy supplies and avoiding LNG cargoes on which the U.S. has placed sanctions, which are harder to disguise and carry greater compliance risk. It also underscores the limits of Moscow’s ability to pivot its LNG exports to new markets.
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May 12, 2026, 06:06:58 (IST)
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Trump says tariff threats forced countries to accept deportees​

US President Donald Trump said that since returning to office, his administration had made nearly 200,000 criminal arrests nationwide, which he described as a record.
He said authorities were removing criminals from the streets by imprisoning them or deporting them to their countries of origin. Trump added that when some countries refused to accept deportees, he threatened to impose tariffs of about 25 per cent on those nations, after which, he claimed, they quickly agreed to take the individuals back.

May 12, 2026, 06:01:02 (IST)
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Trump says 'great things' expected from upcoming talks with Xi Jinping in China​

Donald Trump said on Truth Social that he was very much looking forward to his upcoming trip to China, describing it as an “amazing country.” He added that he will talk with Xi Jinping and expressed confidence that “great things” would happen from the discussions.
Trump is expected to bring a host of top business and technology industry executives on his trip to China this week.
Among those set to join the president on his official trip to Beijing are Tim Cook of Apple, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Larry Fink of BlackRock, as well as other executives from Meta, Visa, JP Morgan, Boeing, Cargill and more.
May 12, 2026, 05:51:37 (IST)
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Pentagon launches sweeping review of US military legal system​

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that he was convening a special review panel to conduct a comprehensive, long-term, department-wide review of every aspect of the military legal system affecting US servicemembers. He added that the panel would help enhance trust, strengthen the force, drive meaningful reform, and ensure that warfighters receive the world-class military legal system they deserve.

May 12, 2026, 05:48:49 (IST)
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Trump says he plans temporary suspension of federal gas tax amid fuel price surge​

President Trump said in a phone interview with CBS News Monday morning that he aims to suspend the federal gas tax “for a period of time.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” the president said. “Yup, we’re going to take off the gas tax for a period of time, and when gas goes down, we’ll let it phase back in.”
Gas prices have soared over 50 per cent since the start of the Iran war on Feb. 28, hitting a high of over $4.52 on Sunday, according to AAA. Analysts say the prices are likely to remain high with Iran blocking access to the Strait of Hormuz.
May 12, 2026, 05:42:26 (IST)
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Iraq dismisses claims of unauthorised foreign military presence in desert regions​

The Iraqi Armed Forces have issued a statement on X addressing reports of unauthorised foreign military installations, specifically dismissing claims of a secret military presence in the Karbala and Najaf deserts.
The military clarified that the rumours stem from a clash on March 5, 2026, involving Iraqi security forces and “unidentified, unlicensed detachments.” According to the statement, the Iraqi units forced the group to retreat, despite the detachments having air cover. The engagement resulted in the death of one Iraqi soldier and the wounding of two others.
May 12, 2026, 05:34:43 (IST)
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US imposes fresh sanctions over Iranian oil shipments to China ahead of Trump’s Beijing visit​

The United States on Monday issued sanctions against 12 individuals and entities that it said facilitated the sale and shipment of Iranian oil to China, days ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing.
In a statement, the US Treasury alleged that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) “relies on front companies in permissive economic jurisdictions to obfuscate its role in oil sales and funnel the revenue to the Iranian regime.”
It listed three Iran-based individuals and nine companies based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates as being subject to the new sanctions.
May 12, 2026, 05:30:33 (IST)
Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to use airfields to avoid US strikes
Pakistan, which is playing mediator to end the US-Iran war, allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields to shield them from American airstrikes, CBS News reported here, quoting US officials.
The report also claimed that Iran had also parked its civilian aircraft in neighbouring Afghanistan to protect it from US airstrikes.
May 12, 2026, 05:25:30 (IST)
Amnesty condemns continued imprisonment of Gazan doctor
Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s senior director for research, advocacy, policy, and campaigns, said that the continued imprisonment of Gazan doctor Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya represents “500 days of arbitrary detention” and “500 days of injustice.”
In a post on X, Rosas highlighted the plight of healthcare workers who have been “punished for saving lives.”

May 12, 2026, 05:21:36 (IST)
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Iran slams US push for UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz​

Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has sharply criticised the United States’ push for a Security Council draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Gharibabadi said the move represents “a new effort to shift the terms of the issue: transforming the consequences of a military aggression and illegal siege into a case against a country that has been the target of threats, pressure, and attack.”


Amid the US and Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz over the standoff to end the war in the Middle East, Tehran has introduced new rules for vessels seeking to transit the strategic waterway and collect a toll from them, according to a shipping journal. Tehran’s move to formalise control over the waterway came even as Washington pushed for a deal to reopen the narrow passage through which a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes.
Lebanese leaders urged the US ambassador to Beirut to pressure Israel to halt its attacks as it pounded the country with airstrikes on Monday despite a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

• US President Donald Trump has said the ceasefire with Iran is “on life support” after rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict, calling it “totally unacceptable."
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the US has made “unreasonable demands” to end the war, while the country’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, says Tehran is ready to respond to “any aggression," which will leave the US "surprised."
• The European Union has agreed to impose new sanctions on Israeli settlers for violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying the move “will not succeed."
• The death toll in Gaza from Israel’s genocidal war has risen to 72,740, while Lebanon reports that Israeli attacks have killed 2,869 people across the country since March 2.
• Visit our live tracker for the latest casualty figures from across the region.

Trump reported to be mulling military options as Iran negotiations stall​

Trump is reportedly becoming more exasperated with Tehran’s approach to peace talks, leading some advisers to suggest that a return to large-scale military action is being weighed more heavily than in previous weeks.
According to a report in US media, citing sources close to the negotiations, Trump’s frustration stems from the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and what he views as fractured leadership in Iran.
Trump believes these internal rifts are hindering the Iranian government’s ability to offer the significant concessions required to move forward with the nuclear negotiations, according to the report.
Trump answers questions from reporters in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC [File: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo]

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Mishandling Taiwan issue could spark China-US clash, Xi Jinping warns Trump​

Source: PTI
May 14, 2026 22:19 IST
President Xi Jinping warned President Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger conflicts between the two countries, highlighting the critical importance of stable China-US relations.

IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump shake hands at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 14, 2026. Photograph: van Vucci/Reuters

Key Points​

• Xi Jinping stressed that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations, impacting overall stability.
• Both leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy.
• Xi Jinping stated that China and the US should be partners rather than rivals, emphasising cooperation over confrontation.
• Trump and Xi discussed expanding economic cooperation and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned his US counterpart Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger "clashes and even conflicts" between the two countries as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks on the Iran war, energy security, and trade.
After concluding the first round of talks, which lasted for around two hours, Trump invited Xi and his wife to the White House on September 24, as both leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy, according to a readout of their meeting issued by the White House.

"I have agreed with President Trump on a new vision of building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability," Xi said.
Xi said the "new vision" would provide strategic guidance for bilateral relations over the next three years and beyond and should be welcomed by the people of both countries as well as the international community, official media reported.

Taiwan: A key issue in US-China ties​

He, however, stressed that the Taiwan question remained the most important issue in China-US relations.
If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship "will enjoy overall stability," Xi said. Otherwise, the two countries could face "clashes and even conflicts," putting bilateral ties in great jeopardy, the Chinese leader was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Later in his address at a lavish banquet hosted in honour of Trump, Xi said both sides should make relations work.
"We must make it work and never mess it up," Xi said, adding that both China and the US stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.
"Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals," he added.
China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland. It opposes formal diplomatic ties between Taipei and countries that recognise Beijing. The US, however, has maintained ties with Taiwan and continued supplying arms to the island.
In his remarks at the banquet, Trump said the two sides had positive and constructive conversations.
Noting that the US-China relationship is the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world, Trump said the two countries should strengthen cooperation to create a better future for the world, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Trade and economic cooperation​

The building of a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability should not be a mere slogan but concrete action taken by both sides toward the same goal, he added. China-US economic ties are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, Xi said.
"Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice," he said.
On the trade talks, Xi said that the economic and trade teams of the two countries produced "generally balanced and positive outcomes" in the latest round of bilateral trade talks.
Ahead of Trump's arrival, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent completed the final round of trade negotiations in South Korea on Wednesday, details of which are not known.
"This is good news for the people of the two countries and the world," Xi said, calling on the two sides to sustain the good momentum that they have worked hard to create.
Noting that China will only open its door wider, Xi said American companies are deeply involved in China's reform and opening up, and the US side is welcome to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.
"The two sides should implement the important consensus we have reached and make better use of communication channels in the political, diplomatic, and military-to-military fields," Xi said.
The two countries should also expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as the economy and trade, health, agriculture, tourism, people-to-people ties, and law enforcement, he added.

Trump's perspective on the summit​

Trump termed his meeting with Xi the "biggest summit ever" to discuss a wide range of issues, including the Iran war and bilateral trade frictions.
This is the first visit to China by a US president in nine years. Trump himself was the last US president to visit China in 2017.
"When there were difficulties, we worked it out. We're going to have a fantastic future together," Trump said.
Trump, who is on a three-day state visit to China, repeatedly called Xi a great leader.
Xi said that they should help each other succeed and prosper together and find the right way for major countries to get along well.
Accompanying Trump on his trip to China are some of America's top business leaders, such as Nvidia's Jensen Huang, Tim Cook of Apple, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, and Larry Fink of BlackRock.
Xi, who earlier welcomed Trump with a ceremonial guard of honour, said he expects 2026 to be a "historic, landmark year" that opens up a new chapter in China-US relations.
China and the US have more common interests than differences, Xi said in his opening remarks.
About China-US trade frictions, he said, "There is no winner in a trade war."

Geopolitical issues: Iran and the Hormuz​

Trump's visit comes amid growing economic and geopolitical uncertainties arising from conflicts in West Asia and the subsequent global energy shock that has taken a toll, particularly in Asia.
According to a White House statement, Trump and Xi discussed expanding economic cooperation, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The two sides also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, including expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment in US industries, it said.
"The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy," the White House said. However, Beijing has not made any comment to back the US claims.
Xi also "made clear China's opposition to the militarization of the Strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use," it said.
Xi expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China's dependence on the strait in the future, according to the readout.
Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, following the launch of the US-Israeli attacks on February 28.
Iran has occasionally allowed ships of China, its strategic ally, which have been buying 90 percent of Iranian oil, disregarding the US sanctions.
China has not imported US oil since May 2025 after imposing 20% tariffs during the trade war.
"Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," the White House said.
In an interview with NBC News, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump had raised the Iran issue during talks with Xi but had not sought Beijing's assistance. "We're not asking for China's help. We don't need their help."
Rubio said China agreed that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons. He also said that China using force in Taiwan would be "very disruptive for the world."
After talks, Xi accompanied Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

US, Israel Prepare To Resume War On Iran 'As Early As This Week': Report​

• ,News18.com

Last Updated:May 18, 2026, 19:43 IST

US and Israel are preparing to resume military operations against Iran within days​

A plume of smoke rises after a strike on the Iranian capital Tehran, on March 3, 2026. (AFP photo)
The United States and Israel are reportedly making preparations to resume military operations against Iran as early as this week, according to a report by the New York Times on Monday.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said both countries are engaged in what they called as the “most extensive operational planning" since a fragile ceasefire was reached last month. The preparations, they said, point to the possibility of renewed strikes within days, although no final decision has been confirmed publicly.
Possible Options US & Israel Have?
According to analysts cited in the NYT report, Washington faces difficult military and political choices. While airstrikes remain an option, experts warn they may not be sufficient to compel Iran to accept US demands.

Another possible scenario reportedly under consideration involves special forces operations targeting Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, though such a move would carry significant operational risks and potential domestic backlash.

“The two countries could launch a special forces operation to try to seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium… But such a raid could risk the lives of American soldiers, further straining domestic U.S. support for an unpopular war," the report stated.

The developments also came a day after the latest warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly demanded Iran to reach a deal quickly or face severe consequences. In a post on Truth Social Sunday, Trump said Iran had to move fast “or there won’t be anything left," adding that “the clock is ticking."

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Attack Gulf Countries, Disrupt Oil Routes: Possible Ways Iran Can Retaliate If US-Israeli Strikes Resume​

,News18.com
Last Updated:May 19, 2026, 07:48 IST

Iran could respond with heavy missile strikes on Israel and U.S. targets, attack Gulf oil facilities, and disrupt key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz or Bab-al-Mandeb.​

A woman holds a poster depicting Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei during an anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli rally, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Iran War Ceasefire: The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States is once again under strain after President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that the “clock is ticking" on renewed military action, before saying a day later that planned attacks had been paused amid “serious negotiations".

Despite the temporary pause, Iran has indicated that it is preparing for another possible wave of attacks. Tehran has also signalled that any fresh strikes could trigger retaliation that would affect neighbouring Gulf nations and disrupt the global economy.
Security experts say Iran’s military thinking has changed since the first phase of the conflict earlier this year.
What is Iran thinking?

According to a New York Times report, Hamidreza Azizi, an expert on Iranian security affairs at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs said Iran initially expected a long conflict lasting nearly three months during the first round of fighting this year.


Because of those expectations, Tehran carefully managed its missile use to preserve enough weapons for sustained strikes against Israel and regional targets over several weeks. However, Iranian leaders now reportedly believe that any future war would be shorter but far more intense.

Azizi said Iranian officials expect coordinated and heavy attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure if fighting resumes. Public comments from experts linked to Iran’s government and security establishment suggest that Tehran believes future attacks would aim to quickly weaken Iran’s economic and military capabilities.

As a result, Iran may now choose a more aggressive military response from the beginning of any new confrontation.

What can Iran do if attacked again?
Iran could respond with heavy missile strikes on Israel and U.S. targets, attack Gulf oil facilities, and disrupt key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz or Bab-al-Mandeb. Let’s take a look at Iran’s war retaliation options:

Gulf energy sites can be the main targets​

Experts believe one of Iran’s strongest options would be attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure. Azizi said Iran could launch tens or even hundreds of missiles every day in an effort to directly confront its enemies and force them to reconsider their military strategy.

Such attacks could place major Gulf oil producers under severe pressure. Oil fields, refineries and ports across the Gulf region are considered highly vulnerable and strategically important.

If heavily damaged, these facilities could disrupt global oil markets and increase pressure on President Trump through rising economic instability.

Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia could also find themselves drawn deeper into a wider regional conflict, something many Gulf leaders have tried to avoid.
Iranian officials and commentators aligned with the government have sharply increased hostile rhetoric towards the United Arab Emirates in recent weeks.

Tehran believes the UAE has supported attacks on Iran by allowing the United States to use military installations on Emirati territory. Iranian anger has also grown following reports that both the UAE and Saudi Arabia secretly participated in attacks on Iran during the recent U.S.-Israeli military campaign.
UAE can be brought to knees
In a podcast interview last month, Mehdi Kharatian, an expert believed to be close to Iran’s security forces, warned that Iran could force the Emirates “back to the era of riding camels" if attacked again. He also claimed Iran could occupy Abu Dhabi if necessary.

While such statements may appear extreme, experts, quoted by NYT, say they still reflect serious thinking inside Iran’s security structure.

Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute, said the comments reveal important views circulating within the leadership of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Alfoneh also rejected reports suggesting Saudi Arabia and Iran were considering a nonaggression pact, describing such claims as unrealistic.


He argued that Iran’s ability to threaten major oil-producing nations remains one of the few effective tools restraining American military action.
Key shipping, oil routes can be targets
Iran may also attempt to increase pressure through important international maritime routes.

One possible target is the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait, the narrow waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Around one-tenth of global trade passes through the route. The area lies close to territory controlled by Yemen’s Houthi militia, which is backed by Iran.

During the earlier phase of fighting, Iran used its position near the Strait of Hormuz to gain significant leverage over global trade and energy markets.

Azizi said Iran may now seek to force the United States to focus on two separate maritime fronts instead of only one. According to Kharatian, Iran could respond to attacks on its economic infrastructure by restricting shipping through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait.

Any disruption there could place additional strain on international trade and increase pressure on global markets already worried about instability in the Gulf region.

Can reach out to Houthis
The effectiveness of such a strategy may depend partly on the response of the Houthis in Yemen. The group has publicly promised to defend Iran if a wider regional war breaks out. However, during the previous round of fighting, the Houthis reacted cautiously and avoided major escalation.

Experts said the militia was likely calculating how much of its shrinking military stockpile it could afford to use.

That caution may continue if fighting resumes, even as Iran seeks stronger regional support in any future confrontation with the United States and Israel.

Trump delays Iran strike after request from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

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leaders, citing ongoing negotiations that could lead to an agreement aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged him to hold off on a military attack against Iran that was allegedly scheduled for the following day.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

'Was an hour away': Trump on halting planned attack on Iran May 19, 2026 22:47 IST
Donald Trump halted a planned attack on Iran after Qatar and the UAE reported progress in peace talks, offering a limited window for a nuclear deal.

Key Points​

• Donald Trump was about to restart attacks on Iran but delayed it.
• Interlocutors, including Qatar and the UAE, said Iran was being reasonable in peace talks.
• Trump stated negotiators reported progress in talks with Iran.
• Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain are involved in negotiations.
• Trump is giving Iran a limited time to make a deal to prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was an hour away from making a decision to restart attacks on Iran but put it off after receiving a call from interlocutors, including Qatar and the UAE, on Tehran being "reasonable" in the peace talks.
Trump's Decision to Postpone Military Action
"I was an hour away. We were all set to go... it would have been happening right now," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump was briefing reporters about the progress on the ballroom coming up at the East Wing of the White House at the site as workers went about their construction job at the highly fortified structure.
"We would probably not be talking about a beautiful ballroom today. We'd be talking about that. And no, we were where I had made the decision. So they called up. They had heard I made the decision. They said, "Sir, could you give us a couple more days because we think they're being reasonable," Trump said.
Progress in Negotiations with Iran
The US president said the negotiators said they had made a lot of progress in talks with Iran over the last two days.
"They called over the last two days to say they made a lot of progress. Because we have them negotiating with us. And primarily Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, a little bit of Bahrain, and some of the others. And we have them negotiating with them. We're all working together. It's like a team," Trump said.

Trump's Warning to Iran​

Trump said he's giving Iran "a limited period of time" to make a deal because we can't let them have a nuclear weapon."
"There's no question in my mind that they'd use it, there's no question—and I deal with these people. They're extremely radicalized," he said.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

US-Iran agreement nears finalisation: Report​

Source: ANI
Last updated on: May 21, 2026 00:53 IST
Reports suggest the United States and Iran are nearing an agreement to resolve hostilities in West Asia, potentially leading to a significant shift in regional dynamics.

IMAGE: Negotiations are reportedly underway to finalize a draft agreement between the US and Iran. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points​

• A potential agreement between the US and Iran to resolve hostilities in West Asia may be announced soon, according to reports.
• Negotiations are reportedly underway to finalise a draft agreement between the US and Iran, with a new round of talks expected in Islamabad.
• Pakistan's interior minister met with Iranian officials to discuss regional security coordination amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
• Saudi Arabia has welcomed US efforts to achieve a diplomatic resolution to the conflict involving Iran and restore stability in the region.
• Donald Trump stated that the US is willing to give diplomacy 'one shot' to open the Strait of Hormuz and resolve the conflict with Iran.

The finalization of an agreement between the United States and Iran could be set to be announced soon to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in West Asia, as reported by Saudi state media Al Arabiya on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
According to Al Arabiya, citing sources, work is currently underway to put the finishing touches on a draft agreement between the two sides amid intensified diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.
The report also stated that a new round of negotiations is expected to be held in Islamabad after the Hajj season, signaling continued efforts to maintain diplomatic momentum between the parties involved.

Regional Security Discussions​

In a parallel development, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran, according to Al Arabiya, citing sources, as negotiations continue.
The discussions reportedly focused on regional security coordination and ongoing diplomatic developments linked to the wider regional situation.
Pakistan's Interior Minister also held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during his visit to Tehran, though details of the discussions have not yet been officially disclosed.

Hopes For De-escalation​

The reported progress toward a potential US-Iran agreement comes at a time of heightened tensions and uncertainty in West Asia, with regional powers closely monitoring diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and restoring stability.
Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia welcomed US President Donald Trump's decision to "give diplomacy a chance" to achieve an end to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
In a post on X, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the Kingdom highly appreciated efforts to restore regional stability and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz prior to its state before the conflict started on February 28.
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highly appreciates US President Donald Trump's decision to give diplomacy a chance to reach an acceptable agreement to end the war, restore the security and freedom of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to its state prior to February 28th, 2026; and address all points of contention in a way that serves the security and stability of the region," the statement read.
The statement further urged Iran to respond positively to diplomatic efforts and avoid further escalation in the region.
"Saudi Arabia looks forward to Iran seizing the opportunity to avoid the dangerous implications of escalation and urgently responding to the efforts to advance the negotiations leading up to a comprehensive agreement to achieve lasting peace in the region and the world," the statement added.

Trump's Stance​

Prior to this, Trump stated that he was not in a hurry to open the strategic waterway, noting that Washington is going to give "one shot" in order to open the strait.
"We have to open the Strait of Hormuz. We are going to give it one shot. We are not in a hurry," he said.
On Tuesday, Trump said that Iran wanted to make a deal "so badly" and asserted that the ongoing conflict would end "very quickly."
"There's so much oil out there, they're going to come plummeting down... We're going to end that war very quickly. They want to make a deal so badly...You are going to see oil prices plummet. They're going to come down. There's so much oil out there; they're going to come plummeting down," he said.
The development follows the ongoing negotiations related to a peace deal between the US and Iran, following Trump's earlier announcement to put a "planned attack" on Tehran on hold after appeals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Trump 'seriously considering' strikes against Iran if...: Report​

May 23, 2026 09:37 IST
Amidst stalled negotiations, Donald Trump is reportedly considering launching fresh strikes against Iran, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump leaves Marine One to board Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as he departs Morristown Airport in Morristown, New Jersey, U.S., May 22, 2026. Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters

Key Points​

• Donald Trump is seriously considering launching new strikes against Iran if negotiations fail.
• Pakistan and Qatar are involved in last-minute efforts to broker a deal between the US and Iran.
• Trump expressed frustration with the progress of negotiations, leaning towards military action.
• Trump mentioned Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon as a key reason for potential strikes.
• Diplomatic efforts are described as 'agonising' with drafts going back and forth without much progress.

US President Donald Trump is "seriously considering" launching fresh strikes against Iran if last-minute negotiations do not result in a peace deal, US media outlet Axios reported on Friday.
It said that Trump met with a senior national security team in the morning to discuss the war on Iran even as Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir visited Tehran and was joined by a delegation from Qatar in a last-minute bid to hammer out a deal.
President Trump convened a meeting with his senior national security team regarding the war with Iran on Friday morning, two US officials told Axios.
Trump is seriously considering launching new strikes against Iran barring a last-minute breakthrough in negotiations, sources who have spoken directly with the president say.

Diplomatic Efforts and Key Players​

Munir is expected to meet on Saturday with Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a key player in the Iranian decision-making process.
Axios reported that a US official briefed on the diplomatic efforts described the negotiations as "agonising" with drafts "going back and forth every day" without much progress.
The Friday morning meeting at the White House with Trump was attended by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and other officials.

Trump's Stance on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions​

"Iran is dying to make a deal. We'll see what happens. But we hit them hard, and we had no choice because Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. They cannot have it," Trump said at an event at the White House on Friday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Sweden that "slight progress" was made during talks with Iran.
Rubio, who was in Sweden for the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting, said he did not want to exaggerate the progress in talks, saying there had been "a little bit of movement, and that's good."

Trump's Weekend Plans and Frustration​

Trump visited New York for a political rally ahead of the midterm elections in November. Earlier, he had planned to spend the weekend at the Bedminster Golf Club in New Jersey but cancelled it and returned to the White House on Friday evening.
Trump also wrote on his Truth Social account that he was not going to attend his son Don Jr.'s wedding this weekend due to "circumstances pertaining to government and my love for the United States of America."
"I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, DC, at the White House during this important period of time," he wrote.
A source close to Trump and a second source with knowledge of the situation told Axios that Trump had grown increasingly frustrated about the negotiations with Iran over the past several days.
On Tuesday, he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he wanted to give diplomacy another chance, but by Thursday night, he was leaning toward ordering a strike, the two sources told Axios.
A source close to Trump said the president has raised the possibility of a final "decisive" major military operation, after which he could declare victory and end the war.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US​

SourceTI
Last updated on: May 23, 2026, 21:49 IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed strengthening India-US ties across defence, trade, and strategic technologies, reaffirming their commitment to global cooperation.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi on Saturday. Photograph: @narendramodi X/ANI Photo

Key Points​

• Prime Minister Modi and Secretary Rubio discussed strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
• Rubio invited Modi to visit the White House on behalf of President Trump, highlighting India's role in the Indo-Pacific strategy.
• The US aims to deepen trade and defence cooperation with India, focusing on critical and emerging technologies.
• Both leaders addressed the situation in West Asia, with the US pledging to ensure energy market stability for India.
• India reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed him on the West Asia crisis and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties in crucial sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade, and energy security.
Rubio, who met Modi shortly after landing in New Delhi, invited the prime minister on behalf of President Donald Trump to visit the White House in the 'near future,' even as the top American diplomat described India as the 'cornerstone' of Washington's approach towards the Indo-Pacific.

Strengthening India-US Strategic Partnership​

The US Secretary of State's four-day trip to India—aimed at holding wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and attending a Quad foreign ministers' conclave—is largely seen as an attempt to recalibrate bilateral relations, which have faced headwinds since mid-last year.
Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security,' Modi said on social media.
'India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good,' he said.
The US State Department said Secretary Rubio and PM Modi agreed to deepen trade and defence cooperation and accelerate collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.

Focus on Trade, Defence and technology.​

After the meeting with the prime minister, Rubio, addressing an event at the US embassy, described India as an 'incredibly important partner' for the US and indicated that the two sides are planning to make certain important announcements in the coming months to further solidify the relations.
The top diplomat, in his address, delved into various aspects of India-US relations and touched upon how the friendship between PM Modi and President Trump is driving the ties forward.
"The connection between the leaders is incredibly important. These are two very serious leaders who are focused not just on the short term but on the long term. I think that that is important to note, because it's a key part of the foundation, the relationship between our countries," Rubio said.
The US Secretary of State also emphasised Washington's seriousness to expand cooperation under the Quad framework.

US Support for India's Energy Security​

US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, referring to Rubio's meeting with Modi, said the Secretary of State underscored the strategic importance of the US-India partnership, the strong personal ties between the US President and the Prime Minister, and the profound economic and commercial opportunities for the two sides.
"The Secretary and the Prime Minister discussed the current situation in the Middle East. The Secretary emphasised that the United States will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage and affirmed that US energy products have the potential to diversify India's energy supply," Pigott said.
Modi and Rubio also reflected upon bilateral achievements including significant investments that advance the President and the Prime Minister's 'Mission 500' to double trade by 2030, he said.
According to an Indian readout, Rubio briefed PM Modi on the 'sustained progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties'.
The US Secretary of State shared the US perspective on various regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia, it said.
PM Modi reaffirmed India's consistent support for peace efforts and reiterated the call for peaceful resolution of the conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, it said.
The readout from the prime minister's office said Modi requested Secretary Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to their continued exchanges.

Quad Meeting and Indo-Pacific Cooperation​

Pigott said the Secretary of State shared his appreciation for India hosting the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting and looked forward to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region alongside Australia, India, and Japan.
US Ambassador Gor, who was also part of the Rubio-led delegation, described the meeting with PM Modi as 'productive.'
'We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies—areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States!' he said on X.
The Secretary of State inaugurated the Support Annex Building, which the US Mission said will deliver critical consular services.
"We recognise that an orderly and secure consular system is vital to solidify this important relationship. That's why we're introducing a new America First visa scheduling tool that prioritizes business professionals who strengthen these ties," Rubio said.
The US Secretary of State arrived in Kolkata this morning, visiting the Mother House—the headquarters of Saint Teresa's Missionaries of Charity—before flying to the national capital.
On Sunday, Rubio is scheduled for bilateral talks with Jaishankar. The Secretary of State will travel to Agra and Jaipur on Monday before returning to Delhi on Tuesday morning for the Quad foreign ministers meeting.

Recalibrating Bilateral Relations​

Rubio's trip to India comes over five weeks after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri undertook a three-day visit to Washington, DC, that focused on stabilising the ties after a spell of uncertainty and strain.
The relations between the two countries witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India, and President Donald Trump made controversial assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes last May.
Over the next few months, the US president repeatedly and publicly claimed that he had resolved the military conflict between the two neighbours and saved millions of lives as it was heading toward a full-scale war.
New Delhi stoutly maintained that the cessation of the hostilities was the result of talks between India and Pakistan, and the US involvement had nothing to do with it.
However, both sides made efforts in the last few months to repair the ties.
The two sides have resolved to finalise a mutually beneficial trade deal soon.
President Trump and PM Modi held a nearly 40-minute phone conversation on April 14.
Following the call, Modi said he and Trump reviewed the 'substantial progress' in the bilateral ties and that both sides are committed to further strengthening the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership in 'all areas'.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

US President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran had been “largely negotiated,” with the proposal including opening the crucial Strait of Hormuz, though the agreement was “subject to finalisation.”​

US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that a deal with Iran had been “largely negotiated” and said further details would be revealed soon. He added that the agreement could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not elaborate.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told state television that the positions of Washington and Tehran had moved closer over the past week. However, he cautioned that major disagreements still remained and accused the US side of making “contradictory statements.”

Israeli strike destroys civil defence facility in southern Lebanon, agency says
Lebanon’s civil defence agency said an Israeli strike destroyed its regional facility in the southern city of Nabatieh early on Sunday.
May 24, 2026, 07:52:06 (IST)
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Tehran agrees in principle to uranium proposal as Iran-US negotiations advance, says report​

Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to relinquish its highly enriched uranium stockpile as part of a proposed agreement with the United States aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
May 24, 2026, 07:29:12 (IST)
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Shehbaz Sharif praises Trump’s peace efforts after regional leaders’ call​

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised US President Donald Trump for his “extraordinary efforts to pursue peace” following a telephone call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan and Pakistan aimed at advancing regional peace efforts.
In a post on X, Sharif said Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir represented Islamabad during the discussions and thanked him for his role throughout the process.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Nobody knows Khamenei's location, couriers send messages​

Mon, 25 May 2026
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09:22

Nobody knows Khamenei's location, couriers send messages​

Messages are dated by the time Khamenei receives them
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is living in secrecy at an undisclosed location with limited access to the outside world, CBS News reported on Sunday, citing US intelligence.

According to the report, the Iranian Supreme Leader is only reached by a labyrinth of couriers, as per US officials with knowledge of the matter, and the Iranian officials authorised to work with the Trump administration are having a tough time communicating inside of their own government system, which is a key reason why the negotiations have been slow to emerge.

CBS said that when the US sends proposed details, the difficulty in reaching the supreme leader results in a long delay before the US receives a response, two of the officials said.

The report mentioned that while the most cautious measures are being taken by the supreme leader, even officials at the highest levels of the Iranian government are not aware of his whereabouts and have no way to contact him directly.

Instead, messages are passed through a network of couriers created to obscure the supreme leader's location.

The official said every piece of information received is dated, and there is a lot of latency in the responses by the Supreme Leader.

One of the officials also said that the American and Israeli intelligence obtained from inside the Iranian government made it possible to locate and eliminate much of the Iranian senior leadership during the war.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the American and Israeli strikes during Operation Epic Fury, and has since then been taking extreme measures to avoid strikes similar to the ones that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

While he has not been seen in live in public since before the start of the war, messages attributed to him are routinely reported by Iranian media. -- ANI

Iran, US negotiators closing in on peace deal​

The United States and Iran are inching closer towards arriving at the peace deal as negotiators have agreed to the broad principles of the agreement, CBS News reported on Sunday, citing a senior Trump administration official.

As per CBS, the senior Trump admin official said that the Iranians have in principle, agreed to a deal that would include the disposal of highly enriched uranium, and that there is a broad commitment on principles.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump on Sunday touted that any future negotiations with Tehran would differ sharply from those negotiated during Former US President Barack Obama's presidency.

Slamming the Obama administration for providing substantial financial relief while leaving open a pathway to nuclear weapons development for Iran, Trump called his deal the "exact opposite" and highlighted that it has not been fully negotiated upon.

"If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one, not like the one made by Obama, which gave Iran massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon. Our deal is the exact opposite, but nobody has seen it, or knows what it is. It isn't even fully negotiated yet. So don't listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about. Unlike those before me who should have solved this problem many years ago, I don't make bad deals!", he said on Truth Social.

Also on Sunday, Trump said that Washington will not "rush into a deal" with Iran to achieve a complete solution to the crisis in West Asia, asserting that the US "blockade" on the ports of the Islamic Republic will remain in "full force and effect" until a formal agreement is reached, certified, and signed between the two sides. -- ANI

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Trump pushes mega Middle East reset through Iran deal​

Source: ANI
May 26, 2026 00:33 IST
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump said negotiations with Iran were 'proceeding nicely' and argued that several Muslim and Arab nations should formally recognise Israel and join the Abraham Accords once a deal is reached.

Key Points​

• Donald Trump wants more Muslim and Arab nations to join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader Iran deal.
• Trump discussed the proposal with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain.
• The idea reportedly caught several leaders off guard, especially countries without ties to Israel.
• Trump even suggested Iran itself could eventually join the Abraham Accords.
• Major hurdles remain, including the Palestinian issue, Iran’s nuclear program, and sanctions disputes.

Donald Trump is pushing for a sweeping geopolitical reset in West Asia by linking a potential deal with Iran to a major expansion of the Abraham Accords.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump said negotiations with Iran were 'proceeding nicely' and argued that several Muslim and Arab nations should formally recognise Israel and join the Abraham Accords once a deal is reached.

'Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely! It will only be a great deal for all or no deal at all,' Trump wrote.

He warned that failure to secure an agreement could mean 'back to the battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before.'

Trump pitches wider regional realignment​

According to Axios, Trump raised the proposal during a high-level conference call on Saturday with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump reportedly told leaders that countries still withholding recognition from Israel should normalise ties after the conflict with Iran ends.
US officials quoted in the report said the suggestion triggered a brief silence on the call, particularly from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, none of which have diplomatic relations with Israel.
'One of the US officials said Trump joked and asked if they were still there,' the report said.

Trump says even Iran could join accords​

Trump went further by suggesting that Iran itself could eventually become part of the Abraham Accords framework if a deal with Washington is successfully concluded.
'In speaking to numerous of the Great Leaders mentioned above, they would be honored, as soon as our document is signed, to have the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of the Abraham Accords,' Trump claimed.
He described the accords as having brought a 'financial, economic, and social BOOM' to existing members, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and Kazakhstan.
"The Abraham Accords have been great for them and will be even better for everybody and bring true power, strength, and peace to the Middle East," he said.

Saudi Arabia remains biggest hurdle​

The biggest obstacle to Trump's vision remains Saudi Arabia.
Although Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously shown openness towards ties with Israel, Riyadh continues to insist that any normalization must include a clear and irreversible path to a Palestinian state.
That position remains at odds with the current Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu.
Countries such as Qatar and Pakistan also face strong domestic and regional pressure over the Palestinian issue.

Iran rejects idea of recognising Israel​

The idea of Iran joining the Abraham Accords appears highly unlikely under the current regime.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had rejected similar remarks last year, saying: “Iran will never recognize an occupied regime that has committed genocide and killed children.”
Iran has long opposed Arab countries establishing ties with Israel and continues to view Israel as an occupying power.
Lindsey Graham strongly backed Trump’s proposal, calling it a “brilliant move” that could transform the region.
Graham warned that refusal by regional countries to join the accords could have “severe repercussions” for future relations with Washington.

Talks with Iran still face major hurdles​

Despite Trump's optimism, a final agreement with Tehran remains elusive.
Trump recently said negotiations were becoming 'more professional and productive' but insisted Iran must not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.
The proposed framework reportedly includes a possible 60-day ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and future negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
However, key disagreements remain over sanctions relief, Iran’s uranium stockpile, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

What are the Abraham Accords?​

Brokered by the US in 2020, the Abraham Accords marked a historic diplomatic shift in West Asia by establishing formal ties between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.
The agreements focused on shared strategic interests, particularly concerns over Iran, while expanding cooperation in trade, defense, investment, and technology.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Trump big fan of Modi: Rubio downplays anti-India row​

Source: PTI May 26, 2026 00:50 IST

Rubio's remarks came against the backdrop of a swirling controversy after the video of his response to a reporter's question on instances of alleged racism towards Indians in the US went viral.

IMAGE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio poses with his wife, Jeanette Rubio, during their visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, May 25, 2026. Photograph: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via Reuters

Key Points​

• Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump is a 'big fan' of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Rubio's remarks came amid controversy over alleged anti-India comments circulating online.
• A reporter questioned Rubio about racist remarks targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the US.
• The US State Department later deleted the controversial question from its post on X.
• Rubio also said India continues to raise concerns about terror groups operating from Pakistani territory.

President Donald Trump is a big fan of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, seeking to dismiss allegations of rising anti-India rhetoric in the US.
The top diplomat's remarks came against the backdrop of a swirling controversy after the video of his response to a reporter's question on Sunday on instances of alleged racism towards Indians in the US went viral.

Though the reporter did not clarify, many saw his question as a reference to the remarks reposted by Trump that referred to India, along with China, as a 'hellhole' and appeared to accuse people from the two countries of abusing America's birthright citizenship.
The US Secretary of State is currently on a four-day trip to India that is aimed at recalibrating the bilateral relations that have faced headwinds since mid-last year.
The president is a big fan of India, a big fan of Prime Minister Modi. I wouldn't be here if the president didn't want me to be here. He wouldn't have sent someone like Sergio (Gor) to be our ambassador, someone who's very close to the president," Rubio said.
The Secretary of State said this when a journalist asked about the controversy and suggested that perhaps the reporter on Sunday was referring to the controversial post against Indians shared by Trump.

State Department Deletes Question From X Post​

Interestingly, the US State Department posted Rubio's remarks in response to the racism question, along with other comments on 'X.'. But hours later, I deleted the question.
The US Secretary of State said he specifically asked the reporter who he was referring to, but he did not respond.
"The bottom line is that in the modern era, you go online, and there are people saying all kinds of crazy stuff. I don't even know if they're real people or who they are," he said.
Rubio indicated that he thought the reporter was referring to comments by people online.
The reporter had asked, "There have been a lot of racist comments coming from the United States against Indians and Indian-Americans. You know this goes against the basic premise of the India-US relationship. What's your take on that?"

Rubio Says 'Every Country Has Stupid People'​

When Rubio asked whom he was referring to, the reporter responded by saying, "We all have seen those comments. We've seen endorsement of those comments."
Rubio remarked that 'every country has stupid people' while responding to the question.
He also responded to a question on whether the Indian side voiced any concern about Pakistan during his talks with S. Jaishankar.
"No, I mean, look, they are concerned about things they're always concerned about obviously. India is always pointing to the fact that there are armed terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory that target India -- they're always concerned about it," he said.
"But as far as the role they (Pakistan) played as a mediator and a facilitator in the Iran situation -- that never came up. I don't think they (India) would complain about that; their issues with Pakistan are different," he said.
Source: PTI -

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

Tehran Calls on Islamic Nations for a New World Order As IDF Mobilizes Reservists for Lebanon​

: The US-Israel-Iran conflict remains at a delicate crossroads as military action and diplomacy unfold simultaneously across the region. The United States says it carried out "self-defense" strikes on missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran, while senior Iranian negotiators have traveled to Qatar for fresh talks aimed at ending the war. Although both sides acknowledge progress, major differences remain unresolved. With Israel intensifying operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, fuel prices surging and international concerns over nuclear security mounting, the region faces a choice between a fragile diplomatic breakthrough and a renewed cycle of escalation.
The US-Iran confrontation enters a critical phase marked by military operations, high-level diplomacy and growing economic consequences. Track the latest battlefield developments, ceasefire negotiations, regional security concerns and energy market disruptions across Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

US Launches New Strikes In Southern Iran: The United States military said it conducted strikes against missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran, describing the operation as an act of self-defence. The announcement came after reports of explosions in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, further highlighting tensions around Gulf shipping routes.

Qatar Talks Offer Diplomatic Opening: Senior Iranian negotiators have travelled to Qatar for another round of discussions focused on resolving key disputes in a potential agreement to end the US-Israel war on Iran. The talks are being closely watched as one of the most significant diplomatic efforts since the conflict began.

Tehran Says Progress Made, But No Deal Yet: Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that negotiations have shown signs of progress and increasing convergence. However, officials cautioned that substantial disagreements remain and warned against assuming that a final agreement is imminent.

Nuclear Programme Remains Outside Initial Framework: According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s nuclear programme is not currently part of the initial framework under discussion. Negotiators are instead focusing on immediate conflict-related issues and confidence-building measures before addressing broader strategic disputes.

Trump Pushes Wider Regional Agreement: US President Donald Trump said any long-term agreement with Iran should involve regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye joining the Abraham Accords and normalising relations with Israel. He described the emerging framework as a potentially “good and proper” agreement while emphasising that negotiations remain incomplete.

Trump Defends Negotiating Strategy: The US president sought to distinguish the current diplomatic effort from the Obama-era nuclear deal, arguing that any future agreement must prevent Iran from gaining strategic advantages while ensuring greater regional stability.

Israel Escalates Operations Against Hezbollah: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered what he described as “strong blows” against Hezbollah, insisting that Israel remains at war with the group. The directive comes amid intensified Israeli operations across Lebanon.

Lebanon Casualties Continue To Rise: Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 3,185 people have been killed and 9,633 wounded since March 2 as Israeli air strikes continued across southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley. The humanitarian toll continues to grow despite diplomatic efforts elsewhere in the region.

US Condemns Hezbollah’s Political Campaign: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised Hezbollah’s calls to challenge Lebanon’s elected government, describing the group’s actions as destabilising and warning against attempts to undermine state institutions.

Nuclear Concerns Return To Global Agenda: International concerns over nuclear security have resurfaced after the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference failed to reach consensus for the third consecutive time. The United States argued that insufficient attention was being given to the challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear activities.

Economic Impact Deepens Across Region: The conflict’s economic consequences continue to spread beyond the Middle East. In India, fuel prices have risen for the fourth time in less than two weeks as crude oil prices surged following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, increasing pressure on consumers and raising broader inflation concerns.

Region Balances Between Diplomacy And Escalation: With military operations continuing, negotiations advancing slowly, and regional tensions remaining high, the Middle East remains suspended between the possibility of a negotiated settlement and the risk of a broader and more destructive confrontation.



MAY 26, 2026 18:02 IST

Iran US War Live Updates: Explosion reported near vessel off Oman’s coast: UKMTO​

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) says it has received a report of an “external explosion” near a vessel some 60 nautical miles (111kms) from Oman’s Muscat.
MAY 26, 2026 16:37 IST

Iran US War Live Updates: Mojtaba Warns Israel Close To 'End Of Existence'​

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly renewed Tehran’s hardline rhetoric against Israel, warning that the country “will not exist” within the next 15 years. In a message released ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage, Mojtaba described Israel as an “unstable Zionist regime” and a “cancerous tumor,” according to Iran International.

MAY 26, 2026 14:32 IST

IDF Mobilizes Reservists for Expanded Ground Offensive in Lebanon​

The Israeli military has begun mobilising additional forces as it prepares to intensify ground operations in Lebanon, according to a report by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. The report said the army has instructed soldiers discharged in recent days to immediately report for reserve duty as part of the mobilisation effort.

The development follows remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he had authorised more intensive strikes against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon. The escalation comes amid continued fighting along the Israel-Lebanon front, with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and communities in northern Israel while insisting it will continue operations until Israeli air strikes cease and troops withdraw from Lebanese territory.
MAY 26, 2026 14:30 IST

Deadly Drone Attack Hits al-Maghazi Camp in Central Gaza​

Five people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on the Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp in central Gaza, according to local media reports. The strike reportedly targeted an area where Palestinians had confronted armed groups described by local outlets as Israeli-backed militias operating in the eastern part of the camp.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the reported attack. The latest incident comes amid continuing violence in Gaza despite a ceasefire that took effect in October 2025. According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 800 people have been killed since the truce began, while the overall death toll from the conflict has surpassed 72,500. The figures have not been independently verified.
MAY 26, 2026 14:16 IST

Iran Leader’s Statement Calls for New Middle East Order​

Iranian media has published a message attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei claiming that Iranian missile and drone operations targeted the United States and Israel across multiple domains during the recent conflict, according to Iran International.

The statement said regional countries would no longer serve as a shield for the American military presence and warned that Washington would no longer have a secure base of operations in the Middle East.

The message also called for a new regional order shaped by countries with shared interests and capabilities, while reaffirming anti-US and anti-Israel slogans as enduring themes across parts of the Islamic world. The publication comes as questions persist over Khamenei’s public visibility, with no verified images or audio recordings of the Iranian leader having emerged since the conflict began.
MAY 26, 2026 14:12 IST

Iran’s Supreme Leader Praises ‘Axis of Resistance’ Against US, Israel​

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called for a new regional order free from American influence while praising the so-called “axis of resistance” for confronting the United States and Israel. In a statement published on his Telegram channel, Khamenei said resistance groups across the region, including Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon, had taught the US and what he referred to as the “Zionist entity” a lesson.

Khamenei also urged greater cooperation among Islamic nations, calling for countries in the region to work together in shaping their future based on shared interests. His remarks come as Tehran continues negotiations with Washington over a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict, even as both sides maintain sharply differing visions for the future security architecture of the Middle East.
MAY 26, 2026 13:51 IST

IRGC Claims US MQ-9 Reaper Drone Shot Down Over Iran​

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone after detecting what it described as hostile aircraft entering Iranian airspace. In a statement, the IRGC also said its forces fired at an RQ-4 Global Hawk drone and an F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, though it did not specify when the alleged incidents occurred.

The Guards reiterated that Iran reserves what it called a “legitimate and definite” right to respond to any violations of the ceasefire by the United States. The claims follow recent US military strikes on rocket-launch sites that Washington described as defensive measures amid concerns over the stability of the fragile truce. There was no immediate US comment on the IRGC statement.
MAY 26, 2026 13:50 IST

Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar Arrives in New York Amid Iran Talks​

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has arrived in New York for a two-day official visit as Islamabad continues its mediation efforts aimed at securing an agreement to end the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. According to Pakistani officials, Dar is scheduled to participate in a United Nations Security Council debate focused on the maintenance of international peace and security.

The visit comes at a critical stage in ongoing negotiations, with diplomats working to finalise a framework agreement between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in the talks, facilitating communication between regional stakeholders and the negotiating parties.
MAY 26, 2026 13:11 IST

Khamenei Warns Gulf States Won’t Shield US Bases Anymore​

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that Gulf countries will no longer serve as a “shield” for American military bases and that the United States will no longer enjoy a “safe haven” in the region. In remarks posted on his Telegram channel, Khamenei said regional nations and territories would no longer provide protection for US military infrastructure.

“The hands of time do not turn back, and the nations and territories of the region will no longer serve as a shield for American bases,” he said. The comments come as Tehran and Washington continue negotiations over a framework aimed at ending their three-month conflict. Khamenei, who assumed leadership after the death of Ali Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance since taking office.
MAY 26, 2026 12:11 IST

Iran US War Live Updates: Israel Wants India to Designate IRGC a Terrorist Organisation​

Israel has formally urged India to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, arguing that the force represents one of the most serious threats to international security. According to Israeli officials, the issue is regularly raised in discussions with Indian counterparts, reflecting Jerusalem’s longstanding concerns about the IRGC’s regional activities and support for armed groups across West Asia.

The request comes as several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Argentina, have already taken measures against the IRGC, while the European Parliament has called for similar action.

Any move by New Delhi would carry significant geopolitical implications, given India’s strategic ties with both Israel and Iran and its broader interests in regional stability, energy security, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
MAY 26, 2026 11:58 IST

Iran Warns Any New Attack Will Trigger Harsher Response​

A senior spokesperson for Iran’s Armed Forces has warned that any renewed military action against the country would provoke a significantly stronger response. Speaking in comments carried by Iran’s Fars News Agency, Abolfazl Shekarchi said any future retaliation would be “far more severe” and could extend beyond the Middle East.

Shekarchi said that if hostilities resume, Iran’s response would be heavier and more intense than during previous rounds of fighting. The warning comes as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a lasting agreement between Tehran and Washington, with negotiators seeking to prevent a return to open conflict despite ongoing military tensions across the region.
MAY 26, 2026 11:11 IST

Multiple IDF Strikes Rock Nabatieh, Tyre and Bekaa Regions​

An Israeli air strike has hit the town of Kafr Sir in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh district, according to reports from journalists on the ground. The attack was part of a broader wave of Israeli air raids reported across several areas of southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday.

Additional strikes were reported in the Tyre and Nabatieh districts, as well as in Mashgara in the western Bekaa Valley. The intensified bombardment follows earlier Israeli evacuation warnings issued for multiple towns across the region, with the military saying it was targeting Hezbollah-linked infrastructure.

There was no immediate information on casualties from the latest strikes.
MAY 26, 2026 11:10 IST

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Taken to Hospital for Treatment​

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem on Monday evening for dental treatment, according to reports citing a statement from his office. The announcement followed local media reports that Netanyahu had been admitted to the hospital.

The 76-year-old leader’s health has attracted public attention in recent years following several medical procedures, including the implantation of a pacemaker in 2023, hernia surgery in 2024, and treatment for prostate cancer disclosed earlier this year.

Netanyahu has previously faced criticism from opponents and transparency advocates over delays in publicly disclosing details of his medical condition. His office did not indicate that the latest hospital visit was related to any serious health concern.
MAY 26, 2026 10:56 IST

Iran US War Live Updates: Khawaja Asif Says Pakistan Won’t Normalise Ties With Israel​

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected the prospect of Islamabad joining the Abraham Accords, saying such a move would conflict with Pakistan’s core principles. Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said he did not believe Pakistan should be part of any arrangement that clashes with the country’s “fundamental ideologies” and reiterated Islamabad’s longstanding opposition to normalising relations with Israel.

The remarks come after US President Donald Trump called on several regional countries, including Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader diplomatic framework linked to efforts to end the conflict with Iran.

Pakistan has historically conditioned any recognition of Israel on a resolution of the Palestinian issue, a position repeatedly reaffirmed by successive governments.
MAY 26, 2026 10:56 IST

Key Developments​

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran remain on track despite recent US strikes in southern Iran, adding that talks in Qatar are focused on finalizing the “specific language” of a potential agreement to end the conflict.
• Residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs are fleeing after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an escalation of military operations against Hezbollah, with fresh strikes and evacuation warnings issued across parts of Lebanon.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to support an independent investigation into Israel’s handling of civilians aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla, describing the incident as "appalling."
• US crude oil futures fell more than 6% in early Asian trading amid reports that a breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ease concerns over energy supplies.
• Brent crude prices later rebounded nearly 2% after reports of US strikes on targets in southern Iran, highlighting continued market sensitivity to developments in the Gulf and the wider Middle East conflict.

MAY 26, 2026 09:25 IST

Thousands of Pakistani Workers Deported From UAE Amid Iran War​

Thousands of Pakistani workers, many of them from the country’s Shi’ite community, have reportedly been deported from the United Arab Emirates since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, according to accounts cited by Reuters and advocacy groups. Those affected allege they were questioned about links to Iran before being detained and deported, often without being allowed to recover personal belongings or access savings held in local bank accounts.

Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest Shi’ite populations, while nearly 1.8 million Pakistanis work in the UAE and contribute billions of dollars in annual remittances. According to Reuters, Pakistani authorities are monitoring the situation but have not formally raised the issue with Emirati officials, citing diplomatic sensitivities as Islamabad continues mediation efforts aimed at advancing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
MAY 26, 2026 09:23 IST

Rubio Says Final Iran Deal Language May Take Days​

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran remain ongoing in Qatar, with both sides still working through the precise wording of an initial agreement. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Jaipur, Rubio said discussions involved extensive back-and-forth over “specific language” in the draft document and indicated that finalising the text could take several more days.

Rubio said US President Donald Trump remains committed to securing an agreement but would accept only a “good deal or no deal”. He also reiterated Washington’s position that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to international shipping, saying the strategic waterway would reopen “one way or the other”.

 

[Dalvinder Singh Grewal]

US launches new strikes on Iran, targeting missile sites and boats​

2.30 pm
The US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, sparking conflict across the Middle East
The US said it launched new strikes on southern Iran on Monday, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines.
The strikes were in "self-defence" and designed "to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces", US Central Command (Centcom) said in a statement.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Tuesday it had downed a US drone and fired at a fighter jet and another drone that entered Iranian airspace, state media reported. It did not specify when this happened.
It added that Iran had the "legitimate and definite" right to retaliate against any US ceasefire violations.
"US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," Centcom spokesperson Capt Tim Hawkins said in a statement on Monday.
"US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire."
Capt Hawkins added the US strikes targeted an area near Bandar Abbas, a southern port city and home of an Iranian naval base that sits on the Strait of Hormuz, according to the New York Times.
Iranian state media had earlier reported that local officials in Bandar Abbas were investigating after explosions were heard.
It is unclear what impact the latest US strikes will have on any potential peace agreement between the US and Iran.
Following the US attack, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal was still possible and pointed to talks on Tuesday between Iran's top negotiator and foreign minister and Qatar's prime minister.
"We'll see if we can make progress. I think it's a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it'll take a few days," Rubio told reporters during an official visit to India.
He said President Donald Trump had "expressed his desire to make it".
"He's either going to make a good deal or no deal," Rubio said.
Asked again later about Monday's strikes, Rubio said: "The straits have to be open.
"They're going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open.
"What's happening there is unlawful, it's illegal, it's unsustainable for the world, it's unacceptable."
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the Middle East "will no longer serve as shields for US bases".
Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since succeeding his late father as supreme leader earlier this year, made the comments on Tuesday in a message marking the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
He added: "In addition to no longer having a safe haven for evil and establishing military bases in the region, America is moving away from its previous status day by day."

Earlier in May, a clash between Iran and US naval destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz - for which each side blamed the other - led Trump to insist a ceasefire was still in place.
At the weekend, Trump had suggested the sides were close to a deal, but later said he had instructed negotiators "not to rush into" one, while Rubio had said an agreement could possibly be reached on Monday.
But Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai responded: "It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion... But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent - no-one can make such a claim."
The memorandum of understanding being discussed reportedly involves a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a plan for further negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme.
CBS, the BBC's US partner, has reported that American intelligence believes Iran's new supreme leader is holed up in an undisclosed location, making communication with his envoys difficult and therefore delaying the pace of talks with the US.

Mojtaba Khamenei is thought to have been injured in an Israeli strike that killed his father and predecessor on the first day of the war more than three months ago.
According to US media, the discussions will not immediately lead to a final settlement. Contentious issues will likely be negotiated later, including details of Iranian sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and US demands for Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimated that at the start of the war, Iran had about 440kg (970 lbs) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity.
This is a short process away from being enriched to the weapons-grade 90%, which theoretically could allow it to create a nuclear bomb.
On Monday night, Trump said the enriched uranium would either be "immediately" turned over to the US, or "preferably, in conjunction and co-ordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place".
US and Iranian forces have observed a ceasefire since 8 April. Iran has maintained controls on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the US Navy has sought to blockade Iran's ports.
The US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, sparking conflict across the Middle East.