Tehran

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant diplomatic development amid rising regional tensions, Iran has stated that it will not hold direct discussions with the United States during Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s ongoing visit to Islamabad. Iranian authorities clarified that while diplomatic engagement continues, any communication with Washington will be carried out indirectly. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei confirmed that no formal meeting has been scheduled between Iranian and US officials during this trip. Instead, Pakistan is expected to play a facilitating role by relaying messages between the two sides. The arrangement reflects Tehran’s continued reluctance to engage in direct talks…

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has responded sharply to Washington’s proposed maritime restrictions by cautioning that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a ripple effect across global energy markets, with consequences likely to be felt most strongly by American consumers. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf took an unconventional route to deliver the message, sharing a mathematical expression on social media to illustrate how tightening supply chains could lead to amplified increases in oil prices. Alongside the formula, he posted current fuel rates in the United States, suggesting that they may soon appear modest in comparison to what…

Tehran/Jerusalem (Rajeev Sharma): The confrontation between Israel and Iran escalated sharply late Saturday after an Israeli strike hit a major fuel storage facility in the Iranian capital, sending huge flames and thick smoke into the night sky and signalling a further widening of the week-long conflict. Footage from Tehran showed fire and smoke rising above the city after the facility was struck. The Israeli military confirmed that it had targeted fuel storage installations as part of its ongoing operations against Iran. Iranian state media blamed the strike on joint actions by Israel and the United States, claiming the attack damaged…