Location · 639 published stories · 201 outlets · All places
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance have both rejected any tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, with Vance emphasizing that international waterways must remain free. The statements come amid a 60-day negotiation period between Washington and Tehran, while South Korea-linked ships remain trapped in the strait.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has rejected Iran's proposal to charge service fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a path to 'total chaos'. The dispute is a key sticking point in ongoing US-Iran negotiations, with Gulf states also voicing concerns over Iran's regional role.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the Gulf region to address allies' security concerns over the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The deal, which extends a fragile ceasefire and includes provisions on sanctions relief and the Strait of Hormuz, has raised questions among Gulf states that were attacked by Iran during the conflict.
As Tehran and Washington near an interim understanding, Iranian markets have rallied and hardliners are pushing back. While the memorandum has survived its first rocky days, Iranians remain cautiously optimistic about the path ahead.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the US-Iran memorandum of understanding represents a US declaration of defeat, and rejected external involvement in the Middle East's political and security order during a Baku meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has launched an operation to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz since February, following an interim US-Iran deal. The operation is coordinated with regional states, while shipping traffic is slowly resuming and diplomatic disputes over nuclear inspections persist.
The US Senate has for the first time approved a war powers resolution seeking to block military action against Iran, passing 50-48 with four Republican defections. The largely symbolic measure, previously approved by the House, reflects growing unease over President Trump's handling of the conflict and the deal with Iran.
The International Maritime Organisation and Oman have announced a plan to evacuate ships and 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf following the war in West Asia. The plan involves temporary corridors, with one route along the Omani coast and another along the Iranian coast, but Iran has rejected the proposed coordinates, raising concerns about the operation's success.
President Donald Trump insists Iran has agreed to 'highest level' nuclear inspections, but Iranian officials dispute the claim, saying no final agreement exists. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions despite a tentative US-Iran memorandum of understanding.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad for an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He was received by top Pakistani leaders at Nur Khan airbase, and his meetings with President Zardari and PM Sharif are expected to cover trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity. The visit follows recent US-Iran talks in Switzerland and the signing of the Islamabad MoU.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain to discuss a preliminary Iran accord with Gulf allies. Gulf leaders are concerned about the deal's provisions, including a $300 billion reconstruction fund and the absence of limits on Iran's ballistic missile program. Rubio expressed hope for constructive dialogue with Iran.
At a UN high-level meeting, leaders warned that progress against HIV is slowing due to financial pressures and shrinking support. Abrupt funding cuts in 2025 have disrupted prevention and treatment systems, and a new analysis warns of dire consequences for children if interventions are reduced.
Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, announced Tehran will administer the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. The US and Iran have agreed to establish communication lines to manage shipping and unfreeze $12 billion in Iranian assets, while sanctions relief is expected.
US Vice President JD Vance said direct talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland laid a 'good foundation' for a final deal to end the war, citing progress on the Strait of Hormuz, a ceasefire in Lebanon, and nuclear inspections. The initial round set up mechanisms for de-mining the strait and de-confliction, while Iran's foreign minister reported 'major progress' toward ending the Lebanon War.
The US Treasury has issued a 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil, a move tied to ongoing negotiations in Switzerland aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict. Iran has committed to free transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to allowing IAEA inspectors, while reports of the release of $12bn in frozen assets remain unconfirmed by Washington. Oil prices fell following the announcement.
US-Iran talks in Switzerland face tensions as President Trump renews threats, while Vice President Vance signals openness to transforming relations. Reports highlight regional efforts, including Qatar's role and Saudi summit plans, amid cautious optimism and deep-seated challenges.
An Iranian lawmaker's disclosure of alleged confidential letters from the supreme leader's son about US negotiations has triggered legal threats and resignations, exposing tensions within Iran's leadership over the nuclear talks.
Iran's military says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, citing a breach of the US-Iran agreement. The US military disputes the closure, saying commercial shipping continued, while Iran's foreign ministry denies reports of a full shutdown. The situation remains fluid with talks between the US and Iran set to resume in Switzerland.
Iran's deputy foreign minister says Tehran is ready to continue diplomacy with Washington if the US ensures Israel abides by the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Despite a reported ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, deadly Israeli attacks have continued, casting doubt on the deal's viability.
Intertanko, the association of independent tanker owners, says about 80 mines remain in the Strait of Hormuz, blocking the main shipping lane and preventing a return to normal traffic despite a US-Iran ceasefire. Experts warn clearing could take weeks, while concerns grow over potential tolls on vessels using the strait.