US

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

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

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.…
Read More
Tensions Surge as US Moves to Seal Iranian Ports After Talks Collapse

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

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

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

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…
Read More
Last-Minute Diplomatic Breakthrough Halts Escalation in US-Iran Conflict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…
Read More
US Urges India to Swap Russian Crude for American Energy Amid Middle East Volatility

US Urges India to Swap Russian Crude for American Energy Amid Middle East Volatility

New Delhi/Washington (Rajeev Sharma) — United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau issued a strong appeal to India on Thursday, urging the nation to transition from Russian crude oil to American energy supplies. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Landau positioned the United States as the "best alternative" for meeting India's massive energy requirements, particularly as the escalating conflict in West Asia threatens traditional supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomat's remarks come at a critical juncture for global markets. Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, India has consistently purchased discounted Russian oil, a move that…
Read More
U.S. Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariffs on Canada and Dozens of Nations

U.S. Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariffs on Canada and Dozens of Nations

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): In a landmark ruling with major implications for global commerce, the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down a series of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, concluding that he exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to levy duties on Canada, Mexico and numerous other countries. In a majority opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court held that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president unilateral authority to impose sweeping tariffs. The judgment affirms earlier lower court decisions that found the measures unlawful. The tariffs were introduced…
Read More
Iran-US Crisis Intensifies: Over 36,500 Iranians Killed During January 8-9 Protests Amid Military Tensions

Iran-US Crisis Intensifies: Over 36,500 Iranians Killed During January 8-9 Protests Amid Military Tensions

National Times Bureau :- As hostilities escalate between Iran and the United States, reports indicate that President Donald Trump received a WhatsApp message delivered by his envoy Steve Witkoff, containing communications from Iran’s Foreign Minister and President. The message reportedly urged Trump to delay any potential military action. Meanwhile, in central Tehran Square, Iranian authorities unveiled a large mural directly warning the United States against attempting an attack. The mural depicts a US aircraft carrier surrounded by damaged and exploding fighter jets. Bodies litter the deck, and blood trails into the sea below, forming the stripes of the American flag.…
Read More