Donald Trump has indicated that the ongoing conflict with Iran may be nearing its conclusion. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “I think it’s close to over, yeah… I mean I view it as very close to over.”
Trump also suggested that Tehran is keen to return to the negotiating table, adding that Iran appears to want to “make a deal very badly.” He hinted at a possible second round of direct talks in Pakistan within days, signalling a potential diplomatic opening even as military pressure continues.
US Naval Blockade Chokes Iran’s Maritime Trade
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has asserted that its naval blockade is having a crippling impact on Iran’s economy. Commander Brad Cooper said, “In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea.”
Given that nearly 90% of Iran’s economy depends on maritime trade, the blockade represents a significant escalation. US forces claim to have established control over key shipping routes in the region, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Blockade Tested as Tankers Defy US Warnings
Despite Washington’s “zero tolerance” stance, the blockade has already faced challenges. A sanctioned Chinese-owned tanker, carrying 250,000 barrels of methanol, successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The transit came despite warnings from the US that any vessel attempting to breach the blockade would be “immediately eliminated.” The episode underscores both the risks of escalation and the limits of enforcement in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
Diplomatic Window Opens as Talks Likely to Resume
Amid rising tensions, diplomatic efforts are gathering pace. Antonio Guterres said it is “Highly probable that US and Iran talks will restart,” indicating that backchannel negotiations may soon translate into formal dialogue.
Pakistan has emerged as a potential venue for renewed engagement, following an initial round of talks that reportedly yielded “some progress” but stopped short of a breakthrough.
‘Grand Bargain’: US Pushes Iran on Nuclear Commitment
On the US domestic front, Vice President JD Vance outlined the administration’s broader strategy, saying President Trump is aiming for a comprehensive deal rather than incremental progress.
“Does not want to make, like, a small deal. He wants to make the grand bargain,” Vance said. He added that Washington’s message to Tehran has been clear: “If you guys commit to not having a nuclear weapon, we are going to make Iran thrive. We’re going to make it economically prosperous, and we’re going to invite the Iranian people into the world economy in a way they haven’t been in my entire life.”
Israel–Lebanon Talks Mark Rare Diplomatic Breakthrough
In a parallel development, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to pursue direct negotiations following talks in Washington mediated by Marco Rubio.
This marks the first such engagement between the two sides since 1993. While Israel continues its military operations against Hezbollah, the talks signal a possible attempt to de-escalate tensions on another front of the broader regional conflict.
Global Economic Risks Rise: IMF Warning
The widening conflict is also raising alarms for the global economy. The International Monetary Fund has warned that any further escalation could push the world into recession.
With energy supply routes under threat and oil markets already volatile, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for global trade, inflation, and economic stability.
Trump signals openness to Iran deal amid Hormuz blockade
US President Donald Trump has indicated that diplomatic space remains open even as Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports takes effect in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said there is still “plenty of room” for Iran to negotiate a deal, despite escalating tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran has accused the United States of “piracy”, as thousands rallied in Tehran against the blockade.
Pakistan Offers to Host Fresh US-Iran Talks
Pakistan has предложed to host a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, according to a report by Associated Press.
The proposal, cited from two unnamed Pakistani officials, suggests the talks could take place in the coming days before the ceasefire expires.
However, the officials noted that the plan would depend on whether both parties agree on the venue or request an alternative location.
Lebanon Seeks De-escalation Through US-Hosted Talks
Lebanon’s Culture Minister Ghassan Salame has described upcoming talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington, DC, as an initial step towards reducing hostilities.
“We are talking about a preparatory meeting on ambassador level in order to produce a pause in military activity if not a ceasefire,” he told Al Jazeera.
Salame stressed that meaningful peace discussions would require calm conditions, saying the sides could engage “with some kind of serenity” only after Israeli bombardment stops.
He added that Lebanon had received “some kind of commitment that there should be a de-escalation” in the Beirut area, though cautioned that “guarantees is probably too big a word”.
Acknowledging limited leverage, Salame said the government “is trying to do is reassert the state authority”.
On disarming Hezbollah, he noted the process “takes time” and cannot be completed quickly.
Hezbollah Rejects Talks With Israel
Naim Qassem has rejected the prospect of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, dismissing them as a strategic maneuver.
He said the talks are a ploy aimed at pressuring Hezbollah into surrendering its weapons.
Israeli Soldier Killed in Southern Lebanon Fighting
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that one of its soldiers was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon.
According to the military, three additional Israeli troops were wounded in the same engagement.
Trump Criticises Pope Leo XIV Over Iran War Stance
Trump has also intensified his criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the latter’s opposition to the war in Iran.
The US president said the pontiff’s stance was “wrong” and accused him of being “weak on crime”.
Trump orders Hormuz blockade after Iran talks collapse
The United States has escalated pressure on Iran after high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough, raising fresh concerns about the fragile ceasefire and global energy supplies.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington would impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route, following the failure of negotiations.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” Trump said on social media.
The talks, involving US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, were the highest-level direct engagement between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, both sides blamed each other for the impasse.
Vance said Iran had “chosen not to accept our terms,” while Ghalibaf stated that the US had been “unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation.”
Despite the breakdown, neither side ruled out further dialogue. Trump said the Iranians “haven’t left” the bargaining table and expressed confidence that the US would eventually secure “everything” it wanted.
Iran, however, signalled deep mistrust. Ghalibaf said Tehran had negotiated in good faith but the US failed to build confidence, adding that Washington must now decide “whether it can earn our trust or not.”
The disagreement centres on key issues, including Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, frozen Iranian funds abroad, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas flows.
US, Iran officials arrive in Islamabad for ceasefire talks amid escalating regional tensions
Senior Iranian officials, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have arrived in Islamabad for high-stakes ceasefire talks with the United States, as efforts intensify to contain a widening regional conflict.
The negotiations, hosted by Pakistan, are expected to bring together senior representatives from both sides, with US Vice President JD Vance leading the American delegation. Ahead of his departure, Vance signalled Washington’s willingness to engage, stating: “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand.”
The talks come against the backdrop of escalating violence across the region. In Lebanon, the Health Ministry has raised the death toll from recent Israeli attacks to 357, cautioning that the figure could rise further as more victims are identified.
In a parallel diplomatic development, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States have held a phone conversation—reportedly their first direct contact—ahead of separate ceasefire discussions expected to take place in Washington next week.
Profile: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
At the centre of the Islamabad negotiations is Ghalibaf, a 64-year-old political heavyweight and former mayor of Tehran, who is leading Iran’s delegation.
A former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in his youth, Ghalibaf later transitioned into politics and urban governance. He served as Tehran’s mayor from 2005 to 2017, a period during which he signalled openness to international engagement by attending global forums such as the World Economic Forum.
Ghalibaf, who holds a PhD in political geography from Tarbiat Modares University, has also gained attention in recent weeks for his outspoken presence on social media platform X. His posts—often infused with wry humour—have included appeals to the American public “skipping meals because gas prices keep climbing” and satirical imitations of US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social style, criticising Washington for putting “Israel First”.
Despite multiple bids for the presidency—in 2005, 2013, 2017 and 2024—Ghalibaf has yet to secure electoral victory. However, he remains an influential figure within Iran’s political establishment, with past US diplomatic cables suggesting backing from Mojtaba Khamenei during one of his campaigns.
As negotiations begin in Islamabad, the focus will be on whether both sides can translate cautious diplomatic signals into a tangible ceasefire framework, amid mounting regional and international pressure.
Israel opens talks with Lebanon as strikes test fragile ceasefire
Israel signalled a tentative diplomatic shift even as its military campaign in Lebanon intensified, raising fresh concerns over the durability of a fragile cease-fire in the wider region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would begin talks with Lebanon on disarming Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group that has been central to the latest escalation. The announcement came just hours after Israel reaffirmed its intent to continue strikes against Hezbollah positions, underscoring the tension between military action and diplomatic outreach.
Cease-Fire Under Strain
The move follows Iran’s insistence that Lebanon should be covered under the cease-fire agreed with the United States and Israel, warning that continued Israeli strikes risk violating the truce. European leaders, including Friedrich Merz, have also cautioned that the intensity of Israeli operations could derail broader peace efforts.
Hezbollah Disarmament Hurdles
Despite Lebanon’s push for dialogue since Hezbollah entered the conflict last month, significant obstacles remain. It is unclear whether Hezbollah would support any disarmament process, given its entrenched influence over Lebanese politics. Israel, for its part, has expressed deep skepticism over Beirut’s ability—or willingness—to curb the group’s military capabilities.
Evacuations Signal Fresh Strikes
On the ground, the situation remains volatile. Israeli forces issued fresh evacuation warnings for parts of Lebanon, including Beirut’s southern suburbs, signalling the possibility of further strikes. The escalation has already triggered retaliatory rocket fire from Hezbollah, which said it would continue attacks until Israeli operations cease.
Hormuz Disruption and Oil Spike
The regional spillover has also rattled global energy markets. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical artery for global oil supply—has dropped sharply, with only a handful of vessels passing through in recent days. More than 600 ships, including over 300 tankers, remain stranded in the Gulf, according to maritime intelligence data.
Oil prices have reacted swiftly to the uncertainty, with Brent crude rising about 3 percent to around $98 per barrel in early trading, after briefly crossing $110 earlier in the conflict.
IMF Flags Global Growth Risks
The economic fallout is expected to be significant. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the conflict would drag global growth lower, even if the cease-fire holds.
“Even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo ante,” she said. “What we do know is that growth will be slower — even if the new peace is durable.”
She added that infrastructure damage, supply disruptions and weakening confidence would weigh on the global economy, while rising energy costs could reignite inflationary pressures.
Saudi Infrastructure Hit
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported direct damage to its energy infrastructure from Iranian-linked attacks.
“Gas facilities, the oil production facilities, the pipelines, the export terminals, oil tanks and many more,” Saudi officials said, detailing the scale of the strikes.
“Perhaps among them the most important one is the East-West pipeline, which is a critical lifeline not only for Saudi Arabia’s economic life, but also for the global energy market.”
Authorities said repeated attacks on the pipeline have reduced its capacity by 700,000 barrels per day, while strikes on the Manifa production plant have cut output by an additional 300,000 barrels daily.
With diplomatic talks between U.S. and Iranian officials scheduled in Islamabad, the coming days are likely to determine whether the region edges toward de-escalation or slips back into a broader conflict.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says Lebanon strikes make talks meaningless
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian said Thursday that Israeli strikes on Lebanon have rendered negotiations to end the wider Middle East war “meaningless,” as fighting intensified despite a fragile ceasefire framework.
The Iranian president said the attacks, which killed more than 200 people, signaled “deception and non-compliance,” adding that Tehran would not abandon Lebanon. His remarks come as the United States and Iran prepare for talks later this week under Pakistani mediation, with uncertainty over whether the conflict in Lebanon is covered by the truce.
Israel has indicated it will continue its military campaign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would keep striking Hezbollah targets “with force, precision, and determination,” dismissing calls to expand the ceasefire to Lebanon.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Israel’s ongoing campaign could jeopardize diplomatic efforts. “The severity with which Israel is waging war there could cause the peace process as a whole to fail, and that must not be allowed to happen,” he said, adding Berlin was closely monitoring the situation in southern Lebanon.
On the ground, Lebanon faced mounting humanitarian and security pressures. The health ministry said the death toll from Wednesday’s Israeli strikes rose to 203, with more than 1,000 wounded. The World Health Organization warned that hospitals could run out of life-saving trauma supplies within days as casualties surge.
Lebanon’s government moved to tighten control over security in the capital, instructing forces to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions, a decision that drew objections from Hezbollah ministers in the cabinet.
Fighting also intensified in the south, where Hezbollah said its fighters were engaged in close-range clashes with Israeli forces in the border town of Bint Jbeil. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, ahead of further strikes.
Beyond Lebanon, the conflict continued to ripple across the region. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s actions while reaffirming support for peace talks expected to be held in Islamabad. At the same time, the International Monetary Fund said it could provide up to $50 billion in emergency support to countries affected by the war, citing risks including rising food insecurity.
Energy markets showed resilience, with crude loadings at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port continuing despite a reported attack on the East-West Pipeline.
In Jerusalem, authorities lifted restrictions at major religious sites following the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, allowing worshippers to return after weeks of limitations.
The developments underscore the fragility of diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict, as continued fighting in Lebanon threatens to undermine broader negotiations aimed at ending the war.
A fragile cease-fire between the United States and Iran is facing early strain amid disagreements over its scope, continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, and uncertainty surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The two-week truce, brokered through international mediation including Pakistan, initially lifted global market sentiment, but conflicting interpretations of the agreement have raised concerns about its durability.
Iran has argued that Lebanon should be covered under the cease-fire, while US officials have rejected that claim. The disagreement comes as Israel continues strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Washington against pursuing parallel military pressure through Israel, saying the United States must choose between peace and escalation.
“cannot have both.”
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance clarified that the agreement was limited in scope.
The cease-fire focused only on Iran, he said, and Lebanon was not part of the deal, adding that the Iranians misunderstood.
The disagreement has added to fears that the truce could unravel soon after taking effect.
Continued attacks raise tensions
Israeli forces reportedly struck more than 100 targets in Lebanon, including sites in Beirut, in some of the deadliest attacks in recent weeks. Lebanese officials reported heavy casualties from the strikes.
Iranian officials have warned of consequences if attacks on Hezbollah continue.
“Once again you have shown that you do not understand the concept of a cease-fire, and only fire will bring you to your senses. So you must wait for it,” said Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian Parliament’s national security committee, in a social media post.
Analysts say Iran’s insistence on including Hezbollah reflects both strategic and political considerations.
“If we show weakness for one of our allies, in this case Hezbollah, and abandon it, it would send the wrong message to all our allies that we don’t have their back even when we ask that they have ours,” said Tehran-based analyst Mehdi Rahmati.
Strait of Hormuz uncertainty
Another major point of uncertainty is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
While US President Donald Trump had demanded the reopening of the strait as part of the cease-fire conditions, Iranian state media reported restrictions on maritime movement and advised vessels to coordinate with Iranian naval authorities.
Ship-tracking data suggested tanker movement remained limited following the cease-fire announcement.
Trump warns of renewed conflict
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, the US administration has warned that military options remain on the table if negotiations fail.
Just before midnight, Trump wrote on social media that US forces would remain positioned in the region until a final agreement is reached.
“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” he wrote.
Diplomatic push continues
Despite tensions, both sides appear to have incentives to maintain the cease-fire. The agreement helped stabilise financial markets and provided a possible diplomatic opening after weeks of escalating conflict.
However, disagreements over terms, continued regional attacks, and unresolved nuclear issues suggest the truce remains highly fragile as negotiations continue.
US, Iran and Israel agree to fragile two-week ceasefire after weeks of war
The United States, Iran and Israel have agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire after weeks of intense fighting that had raised fears of a wider Middle East war and a global energy crisis. The agreement came just hours before US President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the deal
Under the arrangement, the United States has suspended military strikes while Iran has agreed to allow safe commercial shipping through the strategic waterway for the duration of the ceasefire. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would halt what it described as “defensive operations” provided attacks against Iran stop. Israel also agreed to the pause in strikes against Iran, although it clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, where fighting with Hezbollah could continue.
Pakistan emerges as key mediator
Pakistan played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in securing the breakthrough. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly urged both Washington and Tehran to step back from further escalation and proposed the two-week pause to allow space for negotiations. Talks between US and Iranian officials are now expected to take place in Islamabad as part of efforts to explore a longer-term settlement.
Markets react to easing tensions
The ceasefire triggered immediate reactions in global markets. Oil prices fell sharply as fears of supply disruptions eased, while stock markets across Asia rose on expectations that the agreement could prevent further economic shocks. However, experts caution that energy markets may take time to fully stabilise because of damage to infrastructure and supply disruptions caused by the conflict.
Heavy human cost
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, the humanitarian cost of the five-week war has been severe. Reports indicate that more than 1,600 civilians have been killed in Iran, including hundreds of children, while over 1,500 people have died in Lebanon amid Israeli-Hezbollah fighting. Casualties have also been reported in Israel, Gulf countries and among US forces.
Uncertain road ahead
Uncertainty remains about whether the ceasefire can hold. Reports of missile and drone incidents shortly after the announcement suggested that hostilities may not immediately stop on the ground. Iran has also warned that it could resume military action if negotiations fail, underscoring the fragile nature of the agreement.
The next two weeks are therefore seen as critical. Diplomats will attempt to bridge deep differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, regional security issues and control of key shipping routes. While the ceasefire offers a temporary pause in hostilities, it does not resolve the underlying disputes that triggered the conflict, leaving open the possibility that fighting could resume if diplomacy fails.
Iran offers 10-point plan; Trump says proposal ‘not good enough’
Iran has presented a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, but US President Donald Trump has said the offer does not go far enough to halt potential new attacks.
According to Iranian officials cited by The New York Times, the proposal was conveyed through Pakistan, which is acting as a key intermediary in the diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s key demands
Iran’s proposal calls for security guarantees and an end to hostilities across the region. The main points include a guarantee that Iran will not be attacked again, a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire, an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, and the lifting of all US sanctions.
The proposal also calls for an end to regional fighting involving Iranian allies.
Hormuz offer in return
In return, Iran has offered to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments pass.
As part of the plan, Iran would impose a fee of about $2 million per ship using the route and share the proceeds with Oman. The funds, according to the proposal, would be used for reconstruction of infrastructure damaged during the conflict instead of direct reparations.
Iran would also establish rules to ensure safe maritime passage through the strait.
Trump sets deadline
Trump described the proposal as progress but insufficient to stop possible US military action.
“It’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step,” Trump said. He added: “It’s not good enough. But it’s a very significant step.”
The US president has warned Iran that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening or face severe consequences, including potential strikes on key infrastructure.
“We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again,” Trump told reporters. “I mean complete demolition by 12 o’clock.”
Talks continue despite gaps
Diplomatic negotiations are continuing, but major differences remain over the conditions required for a cessation of hostilities. Iran has rejected proposals focused only on a ceasefire, insisting instead on a comprehensive end to the conflict.
Trump, however, indicated Washington believes Tehran is engaging constructively in negotiations, saying Iran was “negotiating we think in good faith.”
With the deadline approaching, it remains unclear whether the US will proceed with further military action or whether ongoing mediation efforts will produce a breakthrough.
Iran warns of retaliation as US sets Hormuz deadline; fresh attacks reported across region
At least 34 people, including six children, have been killed in US-Israeli attacks across Iran, according to Iranian authorities, as tensions in the region continue to escalate amid threats of further military action.
Iran has warned of retaliatory strikes after US President Donald Trump reportedly set a Tuesday deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on critical infrastructure such as power plants and bridges. Iranian officials responded by saying the strategic waterway would “never return to former state” for the US and Israel.
Meanwhile, the conflict has also seen casualties in Israel. An Iranian missile struck a residential building in Haifa, killing at least two people and injuring four others. Two persons were reported missing following the strike.
Hostilities have also spread to other Gulf countries. Reports indicate that Iranian attacks have targeted key infrastructure, including power facilities, water desalination plants and oil installations in Kuwait, while an oil facility in Bahrain was also reportedly hit.
In a related development, the Iran-backed Iraqi armed group Kata’ib Hezbollah has warned against any efforts to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV, the group’s Secretary-General Abu Hussein al‑Hamidawi issued a strong warning.
“The enemies should be aware that any attempt to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz will result in the complete destruction of every oil and gas platform or facility.”
The Kata’ib Hezbollah leader also stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be open to “enemies” and cautioned against the use of force.
“They must realize the equation of today: either security for all or security for none, and either prosperity for all or everyone is deprived of it,” he said.
The latest developments underline the growing risk of a wider regional conflict as military exchanges and threats continue to intensify across West Asia.
US and Iran clash over fate of downed airman amid conflicting rescue claims
Dubai, UAE — US President Donald Trump on Sunday said American forces had rescued a downed airman inside Iran, but Tehran disputed the account, calling the operation “foiled” and casting doubt over what unfolded.
The airman, described by Trump as a crew member aboard an F-15E fighter jet shot down last week, was said to have been recovered by U.S. special forces after ejecting over southwestern Iran. His identity remains undisclosed, though officials said he was wounded but able to move.
The incident triggered a high-stakes search effort in mountainous terrain, with Iranian authorities urging local forces to locate the airman, raising the risk of capture. U.S. operations reportedly involved surveillance and deception tactics, with intelligence agencies working to track the airman’s location while misleading Iranian forces.
According to U.S. media reports, the rescue mission involved dozens of aircraft and special operations troops, including elite Navy SEAL units. The extraction was carried out as Iranian forces closed in, with U.S. aircraft providing cover.
Trump said no American lives were lost in the operation, describing it as a success.
Iranian officials, however, offered a sharply different version. A military spokesman said the mission had failed, claiming U.S. aircraft operated from an abandoned airstrip and were part of a broader “deception and escape” effort. State media aired images of wreckage, alleging that multiple aircraft, including transport planes and helicopters, had been destroyed.
Independent verification of the competing claims remains difficult, with social media flooded by unverified images and reports.
The incident highlights the growing volatility in the region and underscores the risks of direct confrontation, as both sides present conflicting narratives over a highly sensitive military episode.
US President Donald Trump has said the recent downing of American military aircraft will not affect ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran, according to media reports. In his first public remarks after the incidents, Trump reportedly rejected suggestions that the losses would derail negotiations, even as military operations and diplomatic efforts continue simultaneously.
According to Iranian and US officials, two US warplanes were shot down over Iran and the Gulf on Thursday. Two pilots were rescued, while a third remains missing, with Iranian forces continuing search operations.
The incidents highlight the continued risks faced by US and Israeli aircraft operating over Iran, despite earlier claims by Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that allied forces had achieved complete air superiority.
Escalating conflict
Amid the escalating conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message that the US Army and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would continue operations against Iran. Around the same time, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that with “little more time”, the United States “can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE”.
Developments at the strategic Strait of Hormuz also drew global attention. A Malta-flagged vessel operated by French shipping company CMA CGM was reported to be among the first ships with French links to pass through the strait after Iran effectively restricted traffic. A Japanese liquefied natural gas tanker has also successfully crossed the route, according to its joint owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.
Diplomatic efforts are also underway to stabilise maritime movement. The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on a Bahrain-backed resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Ahead of the vote, French President Emmanuel Macron and his South Korean counterpart agreed to cooperate on efforts to help reopen the vital shipping corridor and reduce regional tensions.
On the Lebanon front, the Iran-backed Hezbollah group claimed it had carried out multiple attacks on Israeli positions. The group said its fighters fired rockets at the “vicinity of a helicopter landing pad established by the Israeli enemy to evacuate its wounded” in the border town of Maroun al-Ras.
In a separate statement, Hezbollah also claimed it targeted Israel’s Liman barracks near the northern city of Nahariya using what it described as a “squadron of attack drones”.
The conflict also appeared to widen geographically, with reports of fresh airstrikes in Iraq. According to security sources, an air raid targeted the headquarters of the 34th Brigade of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Mosul. Another strike was also reported against a PMF facility in Al Qaim in western Iraq.
As the conflict enters another phase of escalation, military activity across Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Israel continues to raise fears of a broader regional confrontation.
Drone strike hits Kuwait refinery as Gulf tensions escalate
A drone strike targeted Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery on Friday, triggering fires in several operational units even as tensions linked to the escalating Iran conflict continue to ripple across the Gulf region.
According to state media, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation confirmed that the Al-Ahmadi Port Refinery was attacked by drones, leading to fires at multiple facilities. The company said emergency response teams were immediately deployed.
“The corporation confirmed that emergency and firefighting teams have begun implementing response plans and are working to contain the fires and prevent their spread.” No casualties have been reported so far.
The widening conflict is increasingly affecting countries that are not directly involved in the hostilities. Diplomatic efforts are also underway at the United Nations, where Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council that would allow countries to take “all necessary defensive measures” to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. According to a Gulf official quoted by CNN, the Council is expected to vote on the proposal soon. The official also indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with expectations that Russia may not oppose the resolution.
Separately, Bahrain condemned an earlier Iranian strike on what Tehran described as an infrastructure target. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had claimed the intended target was an Amazon data centre. However, Bahraini authorities said the strike instead hit the headquarters of telecom firm Batelco in Hamala.
A Bahraini official described the incident as a “serious and intentional act of aggression against Bahrain’s sovereign territory and its civilian economic assets.”
In another development, the Dubai Media Office dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming an Iranian strike on an Oracle data centre in Dubai, calling the reports inaccurate.
Travel restrictions are also beginning to emerge as a fallout of the tensions. The United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended entry and transit for Iranian nationals amid the worsening security situation. Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad and budget airline FlyDubai have confirmed the restrictions on their official websites.
The fast-moving developments highlight growing regional security concerns as the conflict continues to expand beyond its immediate theatres, raising fears about economic stability, energy security and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf.
Trump warns of more US strikes on Iran, threatens power plants after bridge attack
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of further military strikes, including possible attacks on the country’s power infrastructure, as tensions escalate in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
According to reports, a major bridge connecting Tehran and Karaj was struck in the latest round of attacks. The structure, described as the country’s tallest bridge, is a 136-metre-high suspension crossing reportedly valued at $400 million.
Taking responsibility for the strike, Trump urged Iran to agree to a deal and warned of further destruction if it failed to do so in time. In a social media post, he shared footage that he claimed showed the bridge collapsing and wrote that “there is nothing left of what still could become a great country.”
In another sharp warning, Trump indicated that Iran’s power plants could be targeted next. In a Truth Social post, he said: ” Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST,”
Earlier, in a prime-time address from the White House, Trump said US military objectives in Iran were “nearing completion.” While suggesting the conflict could end soon, he said American forces would continue heavy strikes over the next two to three weeks to “finish the job”.
Meanwhile, Iran’s army chief issued a strong response, warning that any US ground invasion would face severe consequences. He said that if American troops entered Iran, “not a single person” among the invading forces would survive.
French President Emmanuel Macron also reacted to the developments, saying that reopening the Strait of Hormuz through military action would be impractical, after Trump called on US allies to take action on the strategic shipping route.
The conflict continues to trigger wider economic and geopolitical concerns in the region. Pakistan has already announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, with petrol rising to PKR 458.4 per litre and high-speed diesel to PKR 520.35 per litre, according to an announcement by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The situation remains tense as military threats and retaliatory warnings continue from both sides.
After Trump threats, Iran warns of ‘more destructive’ attacks on US and Israel
Iran’s military on Thursday threatened “more destructive” attacks on the US and Israel, firing missiles at Tel Aviv after US President Donald Trump vowed to bomb the Islamic Republic “back to the Stone Ages”. Trump’s remarks in a televised address on Wednesday dimmed hopes of a swift end to the war in the Middle East.
Media reports, meanwhile, said that Iran has reportedly begun collecting tolls from ships seeking safe passage through the Hormuz Strait.
Loud explosions heard in Tehran
A series of loud explosions has rocked the Iranian capital, shaking buildings and sending reverberations across the city, France24 reported.
It was not immediately clear what was targeted, but the blasts were felt in central Tehran, while local media, including the Shargh daily, reported explosions in western and eastern parts of the city.
Iran did not ‘restart enrichment’: IAEA
Iran is not looking to enrich uranium to the levels needed to build an atomic bomb, Tehran’s envoy to the United Nations’ atomic agency said in an interview with AFP.
Reza Najafi, Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, also said that US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic’s Bushehr nuclear power plant constitute a “war crime” under international law.
Israel and the United States have long accused Iran of having ambitions to build a nuclear weapon, with Trump claiming that threat as justification for both the 12-day conflict last year and the ongoing war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
But Najafi argued that the justification, which alleged that Tehran was looking to enrich uranium to the purity needed to build an atomic weapon, was a “lie”.
Macron calls military operation to ‘liberate’ Strait of Hormuz ‘unrealistic’
France’s Emmanuel Macron voiced strong criticism of the war waged by the US and Israel on Iran during a visit to South Korea.
Macron said the war does not provide a “lasting solution to the nuclear issue”, referring to Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme.
He also described talk of a military operation to “liberate” the Strait of Hormuz as “unrealistic”.
“Some people defend the idea of freeing the Strait of Hormuz by force via a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States, although it has varied,” Macron told reporters.
“This was never the option we have supported because it is unrealistic,” he added. “It would take forever, and would expose all those who go through the strait to risks from the guardians of the revolution but also ballistic missiles.”
Russia says it’s ready to help resolve Iran conflict
Russia is ready to contribute to resolving the Iran conflict and President Vladimir Putin is continuing to talk with regional leaders, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
“The president is continuing these contacts, and if our services are somehow required, we are, of course, ready to make our contribution to ensuring that the military situation transitions to a peaceful course as soon as possible,” Peskov said.
Peskov was responding to a question about Trump’s Iran war address and his separate comment that he was considering pulling the United States out of NATO.
Russia views NATO as a hostile alliance, Peskov said.
Iran to allow safe passage of Philippine ships through Strait of Hormuz
The Philippines has received an assurance from Iran that it will allow the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, fuel and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, Manila’s foreign ministry said.
The assurance came after Philippine foreign minister Theresa Lazaro spoke with her Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi.
“During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers,” the Philippine foreign ministry said.
Iran’s health ministry says strikes hit century-old Pasteur medical facility
Strikes have hit a century-old medical centre in the Iranian capital, causing extensive damage, according to the country’s health ministry.
“The aggression against Pasteur Institute of Iran – a century-old pillar of global health and member of International Pasteur Network – is a direct assault on international health security,” said health ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour in a post on X.
He posted images from the site showing the building heavily damaged, with parts of the facility reduced to rubble.
China calls for ‘immediate’ halt to hostilities after Trump’s Iran threat
China has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East after Trump threatened heavy strikes on the Islamic Republic in the coming weeks.
“Military means cannot fundamentally solve the problem, and the escalation of conflicts is not in the interests of either side,” Beijing’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, urging “the parties concerned to immediately cease military operations”.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Washington’s key military objectives in the ongoing conflict with Iran were close to being achieved, claiming Tehran had been severely weakened both economically and militarily.
Addressing the nation from the White House, Trump said the US campaign had significantly damaged Iran’s defence capabilities and warned of further strikes if American objectives were not fully met.
“Iran is decimated. The hard part is done, so it should be easy,” he said while referring to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. He also urged countries dependent on the strategic waterway to take stronger action to secure it.
The US president also issued a stark warning about possible escalation.
“Over the next two to three weeks, we’re going to bring them back to the Stone Age, where they belong.”
Trump said the US military operation had delivered decisive battlefield outcomes within weeks.
“Tonight, Iran’s navy is gone. Their air force is in ruins. Their leaders, most of them terrorists, the regime they led, are now dead.”
He added that Iranian military command structures were continuing to be targeted.
“Their command and control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is being decimated as we speak. Their ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed, and their weapons factories and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces. Very few of them left.”
Referring to US military operations, Trump said the campaign had achieved unprecedented results.
“In these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield. Victories like few people have ever seen before. Never in the history of warfare has an enemy suffered such clear and devastating large-scale losses in a matter of weeks.”
Trump also defended his decision to authorise strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“They won’t have a nuclear weapon because they’re no longer capable.”
At the same time, he suggested the US could scale down its military presence in the region soon, while retaining the option of targeted operations if required.
“I can’t say exactly but we’ll be out pretty quickly.”
Trump also blamed previous US administrations for failing to act against Iran.
“Essentially, I did what no other president was willing to do. They made mistakes, and I am correcting them.”
energy crisis, particularly if tensions disrupt flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route.