The Iranian Navy has claimed it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with missiles or drones, marking a tense escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The U.S. military denies any damage, confirming the aircraft carrier remains fully operational. The incident heightens regional tensions and raises global security concerns

Breaking: Iranian Navy Claims to Have Struck USS Abraham Lincoln

Donald Trump says the U.S. is making progress toward ending the 2026 Iran war, but Iran denies any direct talks have occurred. Tehran has told the U.N. that “non‑hostile” ships may transit the vital Strait of Hormuz under certain conditions amid ongoing tensions and global energy disruption.

Trump Says Talks Advancing, Iran Rejects Dialogue; Non‑Hostile Ships Allowed Hormuz Transit

The USS Abraham Lincoln remains safe from Iranian strikes due to its layered Aegis defence, electronic jamming, and long-range interceptions. US Central Command has confirmed the carrier is undamaged.

'Big guns': Why Iran’s weapons cannot easily damage the USS Abraham Lincoln

Iran has reportedly refused to engage in negotiations led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing deep mistrust over past talks.

Reports say Tehran views the two as unreliable after earlier diplomatic efforts collapsed and were followed by military escalation.

Instead, Iran has indicated a preference for US Vice President JD Vance to take the lead in any potential talks, seeing him as a more acceptable interlocutor.

Despite these developments, Iranian officials continue to publicly deny that any direct negotiations with the United States are currently underway.

US-Iran War | Report: Iran Rejects Witkoff, Kushner Talks, Wants JD Vance To Lead

Iran avoids a direct naval clash with the USS Abraham Lincoln because it lacks the real-time satellite tracking to strike moving targets and cannot match America's overwhelming conventional military.

'Escalation trap': Why Iran cannot afford a direct naval fight with the USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS Abraham Lincoln is undergoing a massive endurance test during Operation Epic Fury. It must overcome maintenance issues and crew fatigue to maintain deterrence against Iran.

'Endurance test': How long the USS Abraham Lincoln can stay deployed against Iran

US-Iran War | Report: Iran Rejects Witkoff, Kushner Talks, Wants JD Vance To Lead | WION

Officials say capped fuel prices and fears of future price hikes are also contributing to hoarding and uneven supply across the country.

The situation highlights Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks, with rising oil prices and disrupted supply chains already impacting multiple economies across the continent.

US-Iran War: Kenya Faces Fuel Shortages As West Asia War Disrupts Supply Chains | WION

The United States has proposed a peace plan to Iran that includes sanctions relief and support for a civilian nuclear energy programme, according to multiple reports.

Under the proposal pushed by US President Donald Trump, Iran would be required to dismantle key parts of its nuclear programme, halt uranium enrichment and limit missile activities.

In return, Washington is offering full sanctions relief and assistance in developing civilian nuclear energy under international monitoring.

The plan is part of a broader 15-point framework aimed at ending the conflict, though Iran has publicly denied engaging in direct negotiations with the US.

US-Iran War: Trump Peace Plan Offers Sanctions Relief To Iran, Civil Nuclear Support | Breaking

Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile strikes targeting Israel as well as US-linked military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, according to Iranian state media.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the attacks were aimed at Israeli targets and US forces in the region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Air defence systems were activated across multiple countries, with interceptions reported, including in Kuwait where drones struck infrastructure and triggered a fire at the airport.

The strikes come amid widening regional tensions, with multiple fronts now active across West Asia.

Iran-US War: Iran Fires Missiles At Israel, Kuwait, Jordan And Bahrain | WION

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released new footage it says shows American strikes on targets inside Iran, highlighting the scale of ongoing operations.

According to CENTCOM, US forces have struck more than 9,000 targets since the start of the conflict, targeting missile sites, military infrastructure and strategic assets.

The video release is part of Washington’s effort to showcase its military campaign, even as tensions with Iran continue to escalate across the region

US-Iran War: CENTCOM Releases Iran Strike Video, Claims Over 9,000 Targets Hit | WION

Pakistan has offered to host potential talks between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing conflict, positioning itself as a possible mediator.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is ready to facilitate dialogue if both sides agree.

US President Donald Trump reposted the proposal on Truth Social, fuelling speculation about backchannel diplomacy, even as Iran continues to deny any direct negotiations with Washington.

US-Iran War: Pakistan Offers To Host Iran–US Talks, Trump Reposts Proposal | WION

Iran launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Israel, striking Tel Aviv and targeting northern regions amid escalating conflict. Several people were injured and property damage reported, while Israeli air defenses intercepted multiple threats. The strikes mark a sharp escalation, raising fears of wider regional war and diminishing hopes for diplomacy.


Iran-Israel War: 'Terrified' Israeli Residents Recount Iranian Missile Attack

US President Donald Trump has claimed that regime change has effectively taken place in Iran, even as the conflict continues.

Trump also said Washington is “talking to the right people” in Iran and that Tehran wants a deal “very badly,” suggesting negotiations are underway.

However, Iranian officials have repeatedly denied any direct talks, dismissing such claims as false amid ongoing hostilities.

The conflicting claims come as military operations continue and diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.

US-Iran War: Trump Claims Regime Change In Iran, Says US Talking To “Right People” | WION

The Philippines has declared an energy emergency as the ongoing West Asia conflict begins to impact fuel supplies.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country is facing tightening fuel availability, with supply disruptions linked to the conflict affecting imports.

Officials warned that the situation could strain energy security and drive up costs, as global supply chains remain under pressure.

US-Iran War: Philippines Declares Energy Emergency As West Asia War Hits Fuel Supply | WION

Donald Trump says Iran is ready to strike a deal and points to “major areas of agreement,” even as he orders a five-day pause on strikes targeting energy infrastructure. But Tehran has flatly denied any talks, calling the claim misleading and maintaining its stance on the Strait of Hormuz. The mixed signals have added fresh uncertainty to an already volatile situation.


US-Israel War With Iran: Will Iran Agree To Restrictions On Missile Programme? 

Iran appears to be recalibrating its battlefield strategy, shifting from large-scale missile barrages to fewer but more powerful strikes. Recent launches toward Israel reportedly included advanced systems like the Sejjil missile, known for its long range and heavy payload capacity. Israeli forces have responded with fresh waves of strikes across Iranian targets, as the conflict enters a more intense and calculated phase marked by precision and firepower.


Israel-Iran War: Iran Launches Waves of Missiles Towards Israel

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are escalating after Iran signalled that only “non-hostile” ships will be allowed to pass, while vessels linked to the US, Israel and their allies could face restrictions. At the same time, Donald Trump has made sweeping claims about regime change in Iran and hinted at a possible ceasefire proposal to open talks. 


US-Iran War: Trump Says US in Negotiations With Iran 'Right Now'

US-Iran War: Trump Says Iran Made a Major Energy-Related Gift to the US

Fuel prices do not fall as quickly as they rise. Even if tensions in West Asia ease and supply routes reopen, consumers may not see immediate relief at the pump.

Oil markets respond to supply shocks rapidly, but retail fuel prices adjust more slowly due to refining, transport costs and pricing mechanisms. This lag means falling crude prices do not instantly translate into cheaper petrol or diesel.

The result is a familiar pattern where prices rise like rockets but fall like feathers.

US-Iran War: Why Gas Prices May Remain High After Conflict? | World Business Watch

Tensions in West Asia are entering a critical phase as Iran signals that only “non-hostile” ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while warning that vessels linked to the U.S., Israel, or their allies may be restricted. At the same time, Washington has reportedly sent a 15-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict, even as discussions about deploying the elite 82nd Airborne Division gather pace.


US-Iran War: US Plan Reportedly Covers American & Israeli War Goals 

Global markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Iran conflict, with sentiment swinging on each new headline.

Recent hopes of a potential end to the war briefly pulled markets back from the brink, easing some extreme central bank pricing. However, expectations remain elevated amid continued uncertainty and tight liquidity conditions across markets.

Analysts say a clear and sustained update on the Iran situation will be key for stabilising market direction.

US-Iran War: Clear Iran Update Needed for Markets to Turn | World Business Watch

Global markets are swinging sharply as hopes of a ceasefire in the Iran war lift sentiment, even as uncertainty remains high.

Reports that the United States has proposed a month-long ceasefire have triggered a rally across equities and a drop in oil prices, offering temporary relief to investors.

However, analysts warn that volatility is likely to continue, with markets still heavily driven by geopolitical headlines and unclear outcomes in the conflict.

US-Iran War: Ceasefire Hopes Spark Global Market Rally | World Business Watch

Iran’s newly revealed Ghaem-118 air defence system is drawing attention as a potential game-changer in the region’s aerial battles. First showcased during military drills in early 2025, the system is designed to counter drones and advanced aerial threats, challenging the long-held dominance of U.S. and Israeli air power. Reports also suggest that versions of the system may have been supplied to allied groups, widening its footprint beyond Iran’s borders and raising fresh security concerns.


US-Iran War: Iran’s Ghaem-118 Air Defence Emerges as New Challenge in Skies 

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