Strait of Hormuz Archives - National Times

22 Apr

Donald Trump’s Social Media Remarks on Iran and Hormuz Add to Diplomatic Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, Strait of Hormuz

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh remarks by US President Donald Trump on social media have intensified debate over the situation in West Asia, particularly concerning Iran’s position on the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. In his post, Trump suggested that Iran prefers to keep the vital sea passage operational due to the significant economic benefits it generates daily. He claimed that Tehran’s public stance about shutting down the route is largely symbolic and aimed at maintaining its image amid the ongoing conflict. The US leader also indicated that he had received informal messages suggesting Iran’s willingness to reopen the strait quickly.…

19 Apr

Hormuz Flashpoint Deepens as Iran Targets Tanker, Signals Fresh Curbs on Shipping

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, Strait of Hormuz

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Maritime tensions surged in the Gulf region after Iran reportedly engaged a passing tanker with gunfire and reintroduced tighter controls over movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Security updates from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations indicated that armed vessels linked to Iran intercepted a ship navigating the strait. Although no injuries or damage were reported, the incident forced multiple vessels to reconsider their routes, heightening uncertainty in global shipping lanes. Iranian authorities later confirmed that oversight of the strait had been reinforced, suggesting a return to stricter operational…

18 Apr

India summons Iranian Ambassador after tankers fired upon in Strait of Hormuz

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia, World NewsIndia-Iran relations, Jag Arnav, maritime security 2026, MEA summon, Sanmar Herald, Strait of Hormuz, Vikram Misri

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): India formally summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali on Saturday, April 18, 2026, to lodge a "strong protest" after two Indian-flagged tankers were fired upon by Iranian naval forces. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the safety of merchant shipping and seafarers following the unprovoked shooting incident in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the envoy in New Delhi, urging Tehran to immediately restore safe passage for India-bound vessels and to convey India’s serious objections to the highest levels of the Iranian government. The incident involved two…

14 Apr

France and the UK to host 40-nation summit on Strait of Hormuz security

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsEmmanuel Macron, Energy Crisis, Keir Starmer, Maritime security, Naval blockade, Strait of Hormuz

Paris (Rajeev Sharma): France and the United Kingdom have announced a major diplomatic initiative to address the deepening crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed they will co-host a joint video conference this Friday in Paris. The summit aims to bring together more than 40 non-belligerent nations to establish a coordinated and defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. The move follows a breakdown in peace negotiations in Islamabad, which has left the vital waterway under a sustained…

14 Apr

PM Modi and President Trump discuss West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz security

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsDonald Trump, Energy Security, Narendra Modi, Strait of Hormuz, West Asia Conflict

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a high-stakes 40-minute telephonic conversation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, to address the escalating geopolitical crisis in West Asia. The primary focus of the dialogue was the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint that has recently been subjected to blockades. Both leaders underscored the critical importance of ensuring the strait remains open and secure to prevent a collapse of global energy supply chains. The conversation is particularly significant for India, which relies on the Gulf region for nearly 60 per cent of…

02 Apr

Nations Unite to Address Hormuz Crisis as Oil Route Remains Blocked

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsHormuz, Strait of Hormuz

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A group of nearly 35 countries is coming together for high-level discussions to tackle the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity has been severely impacted amid escalating tensions involving Iran. The initiative, led by the United Kingdom, aims to build diplomatic pressure to restore navigation through the key maritime corridor, which is essential for global energy supplies. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting would explore practical steps to ensure safe passage for vessels and resume the transport of critical goods. The talks, to be chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, come as…

24 Mar

PM Modi and President Trump Discuss West Asia Conflict; Vow to Protect Strait of Hormuz

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia, World NewsDonald Trump, global energy security, India-US relations 2026, PM Modi, Sergio Gor, Strait of Hormuz, West Asia Conflict

New Delhi/Washington DC (Gurpreet Singh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a high-stakes telephonic conversation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, marking their first direct diplomatic engagement since the outbreak of hostilities between the US-Israel alliance and Iran on February 28. According to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, the discussion focused primarily on the escalating security crisis in the Middle East and its profound implications for the global economy. Both leaders underscored the absolute necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's daily oil…

12 Mar

New Iranian Leader Vows Retaliation as West Asia Conflict Widens

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsDonald Trump, Mojtaba Khamenei, oil prices, Retaliation, Strait of Hormuz, West Asia

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma)— In a stern first address on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to "avenge the blood of Iranians" and warned that Tehran would continue its campaign against American military installations in the region. The message, delivered via state television, comes as the Islamic Republic navigates a volatile leadership transition following the death of Ali Khamenei in recent U.S.-Israeli strikes. Khamenei’s statement was deeply personal, acknowledging the loss of his father, wife, and other family members during the opening salvos of the conflict. He emphasized that the "lever of blocking the Strait of…

11 Mar

India Condemns Attack on Thai Vessel Bound for Gujarat; Warns of Rising Lethality in Hormuz Crisis

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia, World NewsMaritime Attack, MEA India, Strait of Hormuz, West Asia Conflict

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh)— The Government of India issued a stern condemnation on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, following a targeted attack on a Thai-flagged cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed "deep concern" as the ongoing West Asia conflict increasingly shifts into a direct assault on global commerce, specifically endangering civilian seafarers and critical energy supply lines. The vessel, identified as the Mayuree Naree, was reportedly transiting the strategically vital chokepoint on its way to the Kandla port in Gujarat when it was struck. While the specific nature of the ordnance used remains…

11 Mar

US Targets Iranian Boats Amid Fears of Mining Operation in Strait of Hormuz

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsStrait of Hormuz

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The United States military has reported destroying several Iranian vessels believed to be involved in preparing naval mines, as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify and concerns grow over potential disruptions to global oil supply routes. According to officials, American forces eliminated 16 boats linked to operations by Iran that were suspected of being used for mine-laying activities. The strikes were carried out amid warnings that Tehran could attempt to obstruct shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments pass through this narrow waterway, making any threat to…