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President Donald Trump said the US could conclude its military campaign against Iran within two to three weeks, asserting that a deal with Tehran is not necessary. Iranian officials say no negotiations are ongoing, and analysts question whether the timeline is realistic given the conflict's regional spread and Iran's continued retaliatory capacity.
President Donald Trump has declared that the US military operation against Iran is 'coming to an end,' while also vowing to intensify strikes in the coming weeks. The conflicting statements come amid reports of widespread destruction and Iranian retaliatory attacks.
The United States has deployed the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier to the Middle East, joining two other carriers in the region as tensions with Iran escalate. Reports indicate the US Navy is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran maintains its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Nations has condemned Israel's new law that imposes the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, warning it is discriminatory and could constitute a war crime. Eight Muslim-majority countries, the EU, and China have also criticized the law, while the US has defended Israel's right to determine its own laws.
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.
Iranian officials have expressed gratitude to Russia, Iraq, and Tajikistan for humanitarian assistance, with Moscow delivering 330 tons of supplies. The move comes amid a military conflict that began on February 28, following US and Israeli strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation. Details remain limited, with claims about the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei unconfirmed.
According to The Washington Post, US intelligence officials have advised President Trump that Iran, believing it holds the upper hand, is unlikely to respond to US threats. Meanwhile, the FBI issued a warning to state and local law enforcement about a persistent threat from Iran to US targets, even as the White House sought to downplay such risks.
US President Donald Trump stated that Washington is not yet ready to announce the end of the military operation against Iran, as reported by TASS. The operation, launched on February 28, has led to significant developments including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory attacks. Trump also advised countries to ensure safe passage for their ships independently.
Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra was sworn in for a third term on Monday, promising to strengthen security and reconciliation. The inauguration, attended by regional leaders, comes after a December vote that opposition candidates alleged was marred by fraud, and amid shifting foreign influence from France to Russia.
The ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran is causing shipping costs to surge due to the blockade of key routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Freight rates for oil tankers and container ships have skyrocketed, affecting global trade and fuel prices. Experts attribute the rise to reduced capacity, insurance risks, and longer alternative routes.
As Pakistan positions itself as a mediator between the US and Iran, India faces criticism from opposition leaders over its cautious approach. Analysts note Pakistan's diplomatic gains while India prioritizes energy security and diaspora safety amid regional tensions.
Reports from TASS indicate that 3,000 vessels are blocked in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with transportation costs rising over 200%. Chinese officials blame US and Israeli military actions for the disruption, while Iran has allowed passage to friendly nations.
Ukrainian drones have repeatedly struck Russia's Ust-Luga oil port on the Baltic Sea, with the fifth attack in 10 days reported on Tuesday. The strikes have halted a significant portion of Russia's oil export capacity, while EU officials, including top diplomat Kaja Kallas, have reiterated support for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv.
South Korea and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to implement their comprehensive economic partnership agreement starting May 1, following ratification by Seoul's National Assembly. The deal will eliminate tariffs on over 90% of goods traded between the two countries over the next decade, with benefits for Korean exports and UAE crude oil.
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.
Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has called for emergency measures to secure alternative oil and naphtha supplies, requesting India and the UAE to expand exports. The move comes as Middle East turmoil disrupts supply chains, prompting diplomatic outreach and consultations with key partners including the U.S.
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.
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced that Iran has significantly cut discounts on its oil shipments and that average selling prices have increased, while reaffirming that oil exports continued uninterrupted during the conflict. Revenue from oil sales will help repair industry damage caused by wartime attacks.
US Gulf allies, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are privately urging President Trump to continue the military campaign against Iran, arguing Tehran has not been sufficiently weakened. The war has killed over 3,000 people and disrupted global markets, while Gulf states face significant economic and security costs.