US

Iran Rebukes US Pressure Tactics as Oil Market Volatility Intensifies

Iran Rebukes US Pressure Tactics as Oil Market Volatility Intensifies

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh war of words has erupted between Iran and the United States, with Tehran dismissing Washington’s blockade strategy and linking it to a sharp rise in global crude prices. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf took a swipe at recent statements made by Donald Trump, who had earlier suggested that Iran’s oil infrastructure would face severe consequences under sustained economic restrictions. Iranian officials say those predictions have not materialised, instead pointing to the country’s continued output despite mounting pressure. At the centre of the dispute is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route where…
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Iran Signals Escalation With New Weapon Claim as US Maintains Pressure

Iran Signals Escalation With New Weapon Claim as US Maintains Pressure

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The standoff between Iran and its adversaries intensified on Wednesday after Tehran hinted at deploying a new military capability, even as Donald Trump reaffirmed his decision to reject a recent diplomatic proposal. A senior Iranian naval official indicated that the country is preparing to unveil a weapon system that could significantly challenge opposing forces. While no technical details were disclosed, the statement appeared aimed at signalling readiness for further escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. The remarks came shortly after Washington turned down Tehran’s offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in…
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Washington Seeks Global Support to Secure Hormuz Shipping Lane Amid Ongoing Iran Standoff

Washington Seeks Global Support to Secure Hormuz Shipping Lane Amid Ongoing Iran Standoff

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The United States is stepping up efforts to rally international partners for a new maritime initiative aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as disruptions linked to tensions with Iran continue to impact global trade. Officials are reportedly proposing a coordinated framework that would bring together multiple nations to ensure safe navigation in the Gulf. The plan is expected to involve intelligence-sharing, diplomatic coordination and enforcement mechanisms to counter threats to vessels passing through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil shipments worldwide, has seen reduced activity amid heightened…
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Stalemate Persists as Donald Trump Dismisses Iran’s Latest Offer on Conflict Resolution

Stalemate Persists as Donald Trump Dismisses Iran’s Latest Offer on Conflict Resolution

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis have hit another hurdle after Donald Trump signalled disapproval of a new proposal put forward by Iran. Officials indicated that Tehran’s plan outlines a phased roadmap, beginning with an immediate end to hostilities and discussions on maritime access in the Gulf, including reopening vital shipping lanes. The proposal suggests that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme would be taken up only after initial steps are completed. However, the United States has taken a firm stance that nuclear concerns cannot be deferred. Sources familiar with internal discussions said the…
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Peace Efforts Stall as US-Iran Tensions Persist, Talks Collapse

Peace Efforts Stall as US-Iran Tensions Persist, Talks Collapse

Tehran/Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing tensions between United States and Iran have dimmed, with negotiations failing to make headway and both sides maintaining firm positions. Efforts to revive dialogue suffered a setback after Donald Trump called off a proposed visit by American representatives to Islamabad. The move came shortly after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded his trip to the Pakistani capital without any concrete breakthrough. Pakistan had been attempting to play a mediating role between the two sides, but diplomatic sources indicated that significant differences remain unresolved. Iranian officials have signalled that they…
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Tehran Pushes Back Against US Pressure, Warns of Stronger Response Ahead

Tehran Pushes Back Against US Pressure, Warns of Stronger Response Ahead

Tehran/Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has sharply criticized the United States for what it describes as an attempt to impose negotiations through intimidation, as tensions between the two sides continue to escalate. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran would not enter into any dialogue conducted under pressure, asserting that the US approach reflects a demand for surrender rather than genuine diplomacy. In a message shared on X, he emphasized that Iran is preparing to take further strategic steps, hinting at a possible escalation on the battlefield. The remarks come at a time when Washington is trying to revive talks…
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US-Iran Dialogue Moves Forward, Washington Pushes for Broader Nuclear Agreement

US-Iran Dialogue Moves Forward, Washington Pushes for Broader Nuclear Agreement

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have injected cautious momentum into stalled negotiations, with American leadership signaling both progress and persistence in pursuit of a long-term deal. US Vice President JD Vance described the recent engagement as a rare and significant development, noting that such direct-level talks between the two nations have not occurred in decades. He acknowledged that decades of strained ties have created deep suspicion on both sides, making any breakthrough a gradual process. Despite the challenges, Vance indicated that discussions were constructive, with both delegations showing interest in finding common ground.…
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Fresh Diplomacy Hints Emerge as US-Iran Face-Off Intensifies in Hormuz Region

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

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

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

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

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

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…
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