All articles tagged with #us iran tensions
U.S. officials say Iran laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz and cannot quickly locate or demine them, keeping the waterway largely closed, hindering traffic and complicating talks to end the war, while contributing to spikes in global oil prices and an energy crisis.
Oil prices climbed in early Asian trade after Iran denied negotiating with the U.S., with WTI around $91.50 and Brent near $103 as markets reassess supply risk amid Middle East disruptions; Monday’s dip below $100 spurred by Trump’s remarks was followed by Iran’s denial of talks, while the IEA notes widespread energy infrastructure damage and ongoing supply constraints that could keep prices elevated even if hostilities ease.
Trump paused attacks on Iran’s power plants for five days after claiming very good and productive conversations with a senior Iranian official, with media reports saying the talks targeted Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, though Tehran and Ghalibaf deny negotiations. The piece explains Ghalibaf’s background (IRGC air force commander, Tehran mayor, current speaker) and discusses the plausibility and potential mediators of back-channel diplomacy, noting experts’ cautious assessment of a 60% chance talks occur and possibilities for mediation by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkiye, and China.
Iran launched a fresh volley of missiles as it denied negotiations with Washington, signaling a sharp escalation in the Iran war. Bahrain said an Emirati soldier was killed and several Bahraini/Emirati troops were wounded in attacks attributed to Iran, while the UAE reported missiles and drones intercepted. Pakistan offered to host meaningful talks to end the war, subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, and the UN Human Rights Council announced an urgent debate on the strikes. The period also saw reports of Israeli missiles from Iran, Lebanon expelling an Iranian ambassador, and broader regional tensions reflecting the widening conflict and diplomatic maneuvering.
Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, triggering air-raid sirens in Tel Aviv with no deaths reported; U.S. President Trump postponed a planned strike on Iran’s energy grid after saying talks were productive, but Tehran denied negotiations and labeled such claims as fake news, fueling market volatility and a rise in oil prices above $100 a barrel.
Oil prices pulled back on Sunday after a volatile session spurred by threats between the US and Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent around $111 a barrel and WTI near $98 as traders weigh potential supply disruptions from the chokepoint that handles about 20% of global oil.
Asia-Pacific equities fell sharply as U.S.-Iran tensions intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, with Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi dropping more than 5% and Kospi 200 futures briefly suspended; Iran warned of retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure after Trump threatened to obliterate Iran’s power plants if the strait isn’t reopened within 48 hours. Brent crude hovered near $112 and WTI around $98, widening their spread as risk sentiment soured, while U.S. stock futures were mixed ahead of a new trading week.
After Israel killed Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani, Tehran vowed retaliation as state media showed damage from a Tehran strike and Israel reported attacks on Basij targets; Iran fired missiles toward Tel Aviv, with casualties in central Israel, while the U.S. and Gulf states monitor the widening escalation and analysts discuss Larijani’s likely successor (notably Saeed Jalili) amid ongoing regional actions and American strikes.
The United States said it attacked hardened Iranian missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz with 5,000-pound deep-penetrator munitions as part of Operation Epic Fury, citing risks to international shipping. The strikes mark an escalation in the Iran confrontation, with discussions of a broader war footprint, including a possible Kharg Island ground operation and the deployment of Marines; Israel signaled limited intelligence support at this stage amid ongoing coordination with Washington.
Trump signaled possible new strikes on Kharg Island after weekend attacks, underscoring how hitting the island could throttle Iran’s crude exports—about 90% of Iran’s exports, with roughly 1.55 million barrels per day via Kharg this year—potentially triggering a global oil shock; analysts warn that seizing Kharg or blocking the Strait of Hormuz could invite Iranian retaliation, while allies have largely resisted reopening the Strait of Hormuz and China is reportedly exploring yuan-denominated oil trades.
Trump told NBC that the United States could strike Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub again “for fun,” claiming earlier strikes have “totally demolished” the site, while also questioning Iran’s leadership. He urged international partners to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and said the US would coordinate a global team effort to protect oil routes amid the US-Israel stance toward Iran.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman warned CNBC that oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz must be very careful amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, while defending attacks on Gulf states as legitimate under international law and saying Iran is prepared for all scenarios, including a potential ground invasion; the backdrop has sent crude prices above $100 a barrel as the strait remains effectively closed.
A US Navy attack submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in international waters off Sri Lanka after MILAN 2026, killing 87 sailors and signaling a major escalation between the US and Iran. The strike tests India’s neutrality, as New Delhi responds cautiously to the incident while domestic critics urge stronger leadership and a clearer stance in the region.
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying Tehran must continue fighting to protect its people and security until a permanent end to the war is reached, while blaming the U.S. and Israel for civilian casualties; he noted ongoing cooperation with Russia but did not provide details. He said Iran's strikes target American bases rather than neighboring states and warned that Iranian forces would defend against any U.S. ground invasion. The interview also references regional leadership changes, though Araghchi offered no clarity on a successor to Ayatollah Khamenei.
IRGC says the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s complete control as Trump vows to escort tankers, signaling possible disruption to global oil flows; the crisis has pushed Brent crude higher and prompted Pakistan to seek Red Sea routes via Yanbu to maintain energy supplies.