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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.
Iran's internet has been almost entirely cut off for over 790 hours amid ongoing military conflict with the US and Israel, according to NetBlocks. The blackout has entered its sixth week, with connectivity at about 1% of normal levels. Google search has partially resumed, but full access remains limited.
Iran claims its air defenses have shot down a total of 154 US and Israeli drones since late February, including two MQ-9s near Shiraz. After the downing of what was identified as a Chinese-made Wing Loong II drone, Iran demanded explanations from Gulf states possessing that model, citing possible complicity in the conflict.
Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, have strongly condemned Israel's newly passed death penalty law for terrorists, calling it a 'dangerous escalation.' The law, sponsored by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, passed the Knesset with 62 votes in favor and 48 against, and has drawn international criticism.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a primetime address that the military campaign against Iran is nearing completion, but vowed to strike “extremely hard” for two to three more weeks. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel, and the conflict continues to roil global markets and draw international concern.
European defense ministers warn that the Middle East conflict is diverting resources from Ukraine, while analysts note the two wars are becoming increasingly intertwined through drone transfers, energy markets, and shifting alliances.
On day 34 of the US-Israel war on Iran, President Donald Trump claims Washington is nearing its goals, but Iran denies ceasefire talks. Missile exchanges continue, Gulf states intercept projectiles, and economic pressures mount at home as Trump prepares to address the nation.
According to the Financial Times, Gulf countries are exploring alternative oil export routes—including pipelines, roads, and railways—to bypass the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict with Iran. The proposals, which could take years and require significant investment, are driven by recent disruptions and Iran's closure of the strait to certain vessels. The US-led IMEC project connecting India to the Mediterranean is among the options under discussion.
US President Donald Trump says shipping in the Strait of Hormuz will resume naturally once the conflict with Iran concludes, while also stating Washington has no plans to normalize transit itself. Iran has allowed friendly nations to pass but demands American ships leave the Persian Gulf, and Russia urges the US to cease hostilities first.
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.
President 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.
In 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.
The 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.
US 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.
Iraq and DR Congo claimed the last two spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field, completing the lineup for the first tournament to feature the expanded format. Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1, while DR Congo edged Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, setting up group assignments in the June-July tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
US-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.
As the US-Israel military operation against Iran enters its second month, European NATO allies are increasingly pushing back against Washington's demands for support, from airspace access to troop deployments. Disagreements over war strategy and lack of consultation have fueled a growing transatlantic rift.
In an interview with TASS, Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, outlined Tehran's four conditions for lasting peace with the US and Israel, including a cessation of attacks, guarantees against future aggression, compensation, and respect for Iran's jurisdiction over the Strait of Hormuz. He also indicated Tehran's openness to Moscow as a mediator, while noting that the conflict persists despite Iran's stated desire to avoid expanding it.
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.