US Archives - Page 2 of 6 - National Times

15 Apr

Fresh Diplomacy Hints Emerge as US-Iran Face-Off Intensifies in Hormuz Region

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Donald Trump has suggested that Washington and Iran may soon return to the negotiating table, even as military pressure mounts in the Gulf. The United States has begun enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, a move that has heightened the standoff around the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. Officials say the restrictions aim to disrupt Tehran’s oil trade, a key pillar of its economy. Iran has responded with strong warnings, signalling that it could target regional interests if provoked further. The situation escalated after Trump cautioned that any Iranian warships…

14 Apr

Second Round of US-Iran Talks Likely This Week as Islamabad Emerges as Key Venue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, Islamabad, US

Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh diplomatic efforts appear to be underway between the United States and Iran, with both sides reportedly considering a second round of high-level negotiations as tensions persist in the wake of their ongoing conflict. According to sources familiar with the development, Washington and Tehran are exploring the possibility of meeting again later this week, potentially around April 16. The renewed engagement is seen as an attempt to build on earlier discussions and work toward a broader agreement before the current ceasefire window runs out. While officials have not publicly confirmed the talks, multiple sources indicated that internal…

14 Apr

Standoff Over Nuclear Freeze Duration Thwarts Breakthrough in US-Iran Negotiations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIran, US

Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): A crucial round of talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a consensus, as both sides remained divided over the duration of restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities. Negotiations held in Islamabad, facilitated by Pakistan, saw intense exchanges between senior officials from both countries. However, the central issue—how long Iran should suspend uranium enrichment—proved to be a dealbreaker. While the US proposed a long-term halt extending up to 20 years, Iran maintained that it could only commit to a significantly shorter timeframe. Diplomatic sources indicated that both sides presented formal proposals and explored possible compromises during…

14 Apr

US Tightens Naval Blockade; Trump Warns Iran Against Challenging Maritime Restrictions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDonald Trump, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Amid rising hostilities in West Asia, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any attempt by its naval forces to approach or breach the newly enforced maritime blockade would invite decisive action. The United States military has implemented a sweeping blockade covering key waters in the Gulf of Oman and parts of the Arabian Sea, aiming to restrict access to Iranian ports and energy infrastructure. The move follows the collapse of diplomatic efforts and signals a shift toward more aggressive containment measures. In an official communication to global shipping operators, U.S.…

13 Apr

Tensions Surge as US Moves to Seal Iranian Ports After Talks Collapse

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsUS

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant escalation following the breakdown of diplomatic engagement with Iran, the United States has announced a comprehensive maritime restriction targeting Iranian ports, a move that could intensify economic pressure on Tehran and raise concerns globally. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the operation would come into effect on April 13, aiming to stop vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports. The measure is expected to directly affect Iran’s oil and gas shipments, which form the backbone of its economy. Officials stated that the enforcement would apply to ships of all countries attempting to dock…

09 Apr

Uneasy Pause in Gulf Conflict as US-Iran Truce Begins Amid Ongoing Strikes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Tehran/Jerusalem: A tentative pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran has come into effect, but continued military activity on both sides has cast doubt over the strength of the newly agreed two-week ceasefire. The truce, announced by Donald Trump, is contingent on Iran ensuring uninterrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil route that has been at the centre of the conflict. Washington has indicated that its suspension of strikes depends on Tehran fulfilling this condition. Despite the agreement, reports of drone attacks and sporadic strikes have continued across multiple locations, highlighting the fragile nature of…

08 Apr

Last-Minute Diplomatic Breakthrough Halts Escalation in US-Iran Conflict

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US, US-Iran

Tehran/Washington (Rajeev Sharma): A dramatic de-escalation unfolded in West Asia as the United States and Iran agreed to a temporary halt in hostilities, stepping back from the brink of a wider conflict and reopening a key global shipping route. Just hours before a deadline he had set, US President Donald Trump chose not to proceed with threatened strikes on Iranian infrastructure, signalling a shift towards diplomacy. The decision came alongside an understanding between both nations to observe a two-week ceasefire. Iranian authorities confirmed their acceptance of the pause in fighting and indicated readiness for negotiations, which are expected to take…

05 Apr

Fuel Shock Hits US Economy as Iran Conflict Drives Up Costs Across Sectors

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, Trending, World NewsIran, US

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The ongoing conflict involving Iran is beginning to ripple through the United States economy, with rising fuel prices pushing up transportation costs and triggering new charges for consumers and businesses alike. Petrol prices have surged sharply in recent days, climbing to an average of $4.09 per gallon — more than a dollar higher than pre-conflict levels and the highest since mid-2022. Diesel, a critical fuel for logistics, agriculture and construction, has seen an even steeper rise, reaching $5.53 per gallon, significantly higher than last year’s figures. The spike in fuel costs is already prompting major companies to…

05 Apr

Missing US Airman Located Alive After Intense Search in Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran, US

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant development amid the escalating West Asia conflict, a crew member from a downed US F-15 fighter jet has reportedly been found alive after going missing during combat operations over Iran. According to claims made by former US Special Forces member and journalist Jack Murphy, the airman was located following a high-risk recovery mission that involved a fierce exchange of fire. The individual, believed to be a weapons systems officer, had reportedly been evading capture while moving through hostile terrain before being rescued. International media outlets, citing unnamed US officials, also indicated that the recovery…

10 Mar

Iran Pushes Back After Trump’s War Remarks, Says Tehran Will Control Conflict’s Outcome

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrendingIrael, Iran, US

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has issued a strong rebuttal to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump about the ongoing conflict, asserting that the timeline and conclusion of the war will be determined solely by Tehran and not by Washington. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Iran’s armed forces now hold the decisive role in shaping the future of the region. The military body stressed that external powers would not dictate when hostilities involving American and Israeli targets would end. “We will decide when this war concludes,” the statement said, adding that the region’s…