Iran — Page 159

South Korea secures 110 million barrels of alternative oil supplies as Hormuz closure persists

AI summarySouth Korea has secured 50 million barrels of alternative crude for April and 60 million for May, replacing supplies blocked by the Strait of Hormuz closure. The government has raised its crisis alert, introduced an oil swap system, and is compensating importers for additional shipping costs. Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are reportedly interested in using South Korea's storage facilities.

Israeli defences intercept three waves of Iranian missiles as regional tensions mount

AI summaryIsraeli air defences intercepted three waves of Iranian missiles early Thursday, causing light injuries in the Tel Aviv area. The attack, one of Iran's largest in weeks, came amid heightened US-Iran tensions and after President Trump defended US operations in Iran.

UK convenes 35-nation talks on reopening Strait of Hormuz

AI summaryBritain is hosting a virtual meeting of 35 countries to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively shut down amid the US-Israeli war. The US will not attend, and Australia is among participants weighing contributions to secure the vital waterway.

US, Iran continue contacts — Trump

AI summaryPresident Trump says the US is still in touch with Iranian representatives, even as reports say Tehran cut direct talks after his ultimatum. A US-Israeli military operation and Iranian retaliation have left regional diplomacy in flux.

Trump Addresses Nation on Iran War, Claims US Close to Achieving Objectives

AI summaryIn a national address, President Trump said the US is close to achieving its war goals in Iran, claiming success in degrading Iran's military and vowing to prevent a nuclear weapon. China and Iran have responded, while the UK plans a summit over the Strait of Hormuz.

US Military Presents Trump with Plan to Seize Iran's Enriched Uranium, Reports Say

AI summaryThe US military has presented President Trump with a plan to seize Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, according to The Washington Post. The plan involves complex logistics and significant risks, while White House officials claim Iran has agreed to transfer the material, though Tehran has not confirmed.

South Korea's Consumer Prices Rise 2.2% in March as Oil Shock Drives Up Import Costs

AI summarySouth Korea's consumer prices rose 2.2% in March, the steepest increase since December, driven by surging global oil prices amid Middle East tensions. Import prices jumped 16.1% month-on-month, the largest gain in over 28 years, as Dubai crude soared 87.9%. The Bank of Korea expects inflation to accelerate further.

Iran’s Pezeshkian Urges Americans to Question War Motives in Open Letter

AI summaryIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has released an open letter to the American people, asking them to consider whether the ongoing US-Israeli war serves their interests. He denies Iran’s aggression, highlights historical grievances, and calls for a global judgment on which side favors peace. The letter comes amid reports of an assassination attempt on an Iranian official.

Trump claims Iran sought ceasefire; Tehran denies, says talks will be private

AI summaryUS President Donald Trump said Iran's new leadership asked for a ceasefire and that Washington would consider it only if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened. Iran's foreign ministry dismissed the claim as false, while Trump later said negotiations would be held behind closed doors.

Trump says Iran asked for ceasefire, Tehran denies claim

AI summaryUS President Trump claims Iran's president sought a ceasefire while Washington conditions it on reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Tehran denies the request as talks between the US and Iran are set to begin.

France suspects pro-Iranian group in foiled Paris attack on Bank of America

AI summaryFrench anti-terrorism prosecutors suspect a pro-Iranian group, HAYI, of orchestrating a foiled attack on Bank of America's Paris offices. The group had posted a video targeting Jewish interests, and security sources suggest it uses criminal networks linked to Iran. Four suspects have been placed under investigation.

South Africans stockpile fuel as Middle East conflict drives record price hikes

AI summarySouth Africans rushed to petrol stations ahead of record fuel price increases tied to the Iran war, despite a government fuel levy cut. Diesel prices rose more than 7 rand per litre, while some stations in Johannesburg ran dry and bus services in Pretoria were disrupted. The government has formed a ministerial task team and called for a ceasefire.

Trump to address nation on Iran war as US weighs exit strategy

AI summaryPresident Donald Trump is set to deliver a prime-time address on the Iran war, his first since the conflict began, amid speculation he may announce an end to hostilities and a US withdrawal timeline of two to three weeks. The speech comes as domestic pressure mounts and international diplomatic initiatives emerge, including a Pakistan-China peace plan and a UK-hosted meeting on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Ambassador Warns Traditional Trade Routes Becoming Vulnerable; Russia Pushes Arctic and Caspian Alternatives

AI summaryAt the International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Iran's ambassador to Russia highlighted the growing vulnerability of West-oriented sea and overland routes due to geopolitical instability. Russian officials touted the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and Caspian Sea shipping as safer alternatives, with marine traffic between Russia and Iran expected to grow exponentially.

Philippines Secures Iran's Assurance of Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

AI summaryThe Philippines has sought and reportedly received assurances from Iran for the safe passage of its flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, amidst a blockade that has stranded thousands of ships. The development follows direct talks between Philippine and Iranian officials, highlighting the country's dependence on Middle Eastern energy imports.

Strikes on Iran's Steel Plants Deliver Heavy Blow to Economy

AI summaryUS-Israeli airstrikes have forced the shutdown of Iran's two largest steel producers, Mobarakeh Steel and Khuzestan Steel, with repairs expected to take up to a year. The attacks damage critical infrastructure and threaten significant economic losses, as Iran is the world's 10th largest steel producer.

US-NATO rifts widen as European allies resist Washington's Iran war demands

Spanish Police Investigate Anti-Muslim Chants at Spain-Egypt Friendly

AI summarySpanish police are investigating Islamophobic and xenophobic chants during the Spain-Egypt friendly in Barcelona, which was moved from Qatar due to the US-Israeli war on Iran. Officials and the national coach condemned the behavior, while authorities appealed to fans to stop.

Polling shows majority of Americans oppose US strikes on Iran, favor swift end to conflict

AI summaryRecent polls indicate that about two-thirds of US citizens want a quick end to the US operation against Iran, with 60% disapproving of the strikes. A YouGov survey found 59% oppose military action, and only 14% support a ground operation. The findings reflect growing public concern over the conflict's personal financial impact and partisan divides.

Brent Crude Oil Prices Fluctuate Amid Trump's Iran Remarks and Tariff Threats

AI summaryBrent crude futures on the ICE exchange experienced a brief uptick before resuming declines, with prices falling sharply following US President Donald Trump's statements on Iran and tariffs. WTI futures also dropped significantly, reflecting market reactions to geopolitical and trade developments.