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A French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transits by Western vessels since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran effectively closed the waterway. The crossings, confirmed by shipping tracking data, come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reopen the strategic route for global oil and LNG supplies.
During a summit in Seoul, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to cooperate on securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and deepening bilateral economic ties. The meeting unfolded as U.S. President Donald Trump criticized allies for not supporting U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran, and Macron cautioned that a military solution to reopen the strait was unrealistic.
Pakistan announced a sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices, citing global oil price surges from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. The move triggered opposition protests and public backlash, leading Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reduce the petrol levy by Rs80 per litre. The government also introduced targeted subsidies for bikers, farmers, and transporters.
The Gulf Cooperation Council's Secretary-General called on the UN Security Council to take measures to halt Iranian attacks and ensure safe navigation through strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. A draft resolution backed by Bahrain faces objections from Russia, China, and France.
Ministers from more than 40 countries met virtually on Thursday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran since US-Israeli strikes began in late February. The UK-led talks, which the US did not attend, focused on diplomatic and planning measures, with 20,000 seafarers and 2,000 ships reportedly stranded.
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will intensify military pressure on Iran over the next two to three weeks, citing nearing completion of core strategic objectives. He also renewed calls for nations dependent on the Strait of Hormuz to secure the waterway, while reports surface of a planned naval blockade and threats to strike Iranian infrastructure.
South 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.
Britain 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.
According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by multiple outlets, the UAE is preparing to provide military assistance to the US and allies to open the Strait of Hormuz by force. The UAE is also lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution to authorize such action, amid ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a rare televised address to the nation, warning that the economic impact of the Middle East war will be felt for months and urging Australians to use public transport and avoid fuel stockpiling. The government announced temporary measures, including halved fuel excise and support for businesses, while the treasurer unveiled Covid-era support packages.
Since the US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has come under repeated attack, with one count listing 27 incidents between March 1 and April 5. The number of vessels passing through the strait has plummeted from 138 to eight per day, and Iran has closed the waterway to ships linked to its adversaries while authorizing passage for friendly nations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed direct contact with US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, but insists this does not constitute negotiations. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi expressed deep mistrust of Washington, citing past US actions, and revealed Tehran has not responded to a US proposal. The comments come amid ongoing conflict, with regional tensions high and the future of the Strait of Hormuz in question.
The Trump administration has proposed transferring control of the Strait of Hormuz to a multinational consortium, as reported by The Daily Telegraph. The initiative, presented by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a G7 meeting, faces opposition from Russia and concerns from Arab states, while Iran has closed the strait to certain vessels and allowed passage for others.
As the US-Israeli war with Iran enters its second month, the strategic waterway at the heart of the global oil trade faces an unprecedented crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz largely closed to traffic and Iran's proxies threatening vessels, analysis points to three possible futures, ranging from regional military action to a new diplomatic framework.
Washington has reportedly accelerated military deployments to the Middle East, with options including a potential ground operation, even as US and Iranian officials prepare for talks in Pakistan mediated by Islamabad. While the Pentagon has not confirmed specifics, multiple sources indicate a dual-track approach of pressure and diplomacy.
Despite warnings of 'appropriate measures' against continued strikes on Iran, Yemen's Houthi militia has refrained from military intervention, prioritizing domestic stability and avoiding direct US-Israeli retaliation. Internal debate and a sober cost-benefit analysis shape the group's cautious stance.
President Trump has reportedly told aides he wants to conclude the conflict with Iran in the coming weeks, according to The Wall Street Journal, with a planned visit to China in mid-May hinging on the war's end. Bloomberg reports the war has strained alliances and depleted US military stockpiles, even as Iran's Supreme Leader was killed in the initial strikes.
Unverified casualty figures citing 217 injured—including Russian nationals—derive exclusively from TASS reports attributing strikes to Iran, with no independent confirmation from UAE officials or international monitors. Critical operational details including attack dates, weapons used, and geographic targets remain unspecified, while contradictory claims about Russian victims highlight data reliability concerns.
South Korean stocks have swung sharply in response to developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict, with the KOSPI posting strong gains on hopes for a ceasefire but also experiencing sharp declines amid renewed threats. Market watchers note continued volatility as diplomatic efforts stall and oil prices remain elevated.
President Donald Trump has given Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants, as the US-Israel-Iran conflict intensifies. Fresh explosions in Tehran and a downed US warplane add to the escalating tensions, while the UN Security Council considers a resolution on navigating the strait.