Does Iran really hold powerful “cards” against the United States—or is Washington still firmly in control?

As tensions continue to shape global geopolitics, the power balance between Iran and the United States is more complex than ever. From control over critical oil routes like the Strait of Hormuz to asymmetric warfare and regional influence, Iran has developed tools to challenge US dominance.

Does Iran Hold Key 'Cards' Against USA? America's Significance Over Iran

Amid fear of Iran and its ally Houthis, USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier took a circuitous route to reach West Asia. It reportedly took a detour around Africa, increasing the journey distance by at least 10,000 kilometres.


US-Iran Ceasefire: Afraid of Iran, Houthis, Mighty US Carrier Takes 10,000 Km Detour |

Explosions were reported in Tehran as Iran activated its air defence systems, triggering fresh concerns of escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Iranian state media said air defence units engaged “hostile targets” after loud blasts were heard in multiple parts of the capital, including western districts.

US-Iran War: Iran Activates Air Defences After Blasts Reported in Tehran

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s top negotiator said Tehran has received its first revenue from tolls it imposed on ships passing through the strait. Both sides see the vital waterway as pivotal to negotiations, and oil prices again rose amid the standoff.


Trump Asks Navy To 'Shoot Without Any Hesitation' Boats Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz

The Iran conflict is not just reshaping geopolitics, it’s also stirring a fresh debate in global finance.
As Tehran begins accepting payments in China’s yuan for oil, talk of a “Petroyuan” is back on the table.
But can the Chinese currency really challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar, or is this momentum just temporary?
Take a look at this next report for more.

Iran War: Can Yuan Replace the Dollar in Global Oil Trade?

While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that talks with Iran will resume on Tuesday, Tehran stressed that there were no plans in this regard. Amid this, uncertainty prevails over the arrival of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and members of his delegation in Islamabad.


Trump 'Announces' 2nd Round of US-Iran Talks, Tehran Says 'No Plans'

Can Yuan Replace the Dollar in Global Oil Trade

Iranian state media reports that Tehran is not currently planning to participate in any new round of talks with the United States. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the region, including maritime confrontations and disputes over a U.S.-enforced blockade in key shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz.


US-Iran War: Iran Says No Plans For New U.S. Talks Today

Tensions continue to rise in the West Bank as Israeli forces reportedly fired tear gas at Palestinian schoolchildren, while growing settler violence has made daily life increasingly difficult. In some areas, children have been blocked from reaching their schools, adding to fear and disruption for families. 

Israeli Settlers Block Palestinian Children's School Path, Fire Tear Gas at Them 

Iran has accused the United States of “maritime piracy” over its blockade actions, stating that the Strait of Hormuz has been placed back under strict military control in response to escalating tensions. Tehran claims the move is necessary to protect its sovereignty and oil routes amid the US–Iran conflict.

US-Iran War: Tehran Blames US Piracy for Shutting Strait; Oil Route Back Under Military Grip 

Iran has launched a security crackdown across multiple provinces after authorities in Tehran flagged what they describe as an internal security threat. The operations include arrests and coordinated actions targeting suspected networks amid rising regional and domestic pressure.

Iran Launches Crackdown Across Three Provinces Amid Internal Security Concerns in Tehran

Iran’s military has announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been closed again, citing the continuing United States naval blockade as the trigger behind the move. The development sharply raises tensions across the Gulf and threatens a key global energy corridor through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes.

Iran On Hormuz: Oil Route Back Under Military Grip

The White House has rejected reports that the United States formally requested a ceasefire extension in the ongoing war with Iran. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the claim was “not true,” stressing that negotiations with Tehran are still ongoing.


Will Iran-US Happen This Weekend? White House: No Ceasefire Extension Requested

Pakistan on Thursday said that no dates have been decided for the next round of peace talks between Iran and the United States, adding that Islamabad does not have information on the venue for the fresh negotiations. Pakistan's foreign ministry affirmed that it is keeping all channels open between Tehran and Washington.


Pak Army Chief Asim Munir Discusses Iran-US Talks With Ghalibaf in Tehran

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said that talks with Iran ended without an agreement, with Tehran choosing not to accept key U.S. terms. Vance noted that Washington showed flexibility during the negotiations, but major differences—especially over nuclear assurances- remained unresolved. He stressed the need for clear confirmation that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons, highlighting the core issue that continues to block any breakthrough.


US Vice President JD Vance: No Nuclear Enrichment for Iran Amongst Trump's Key Goals

Iran has presented a 10-point proposal to the United States via Pakistani mediators to end the ongoing conflict, focusing on a permanent cessation of hostilities rather than a temporary ceasefire. Key demands include lifting all primary and secondary sanctions, U.S. military withdrawal from the region, and guarantees against further attacks. 


Iran-US Truce Talks: Pakistan Pushes For Direct Iran-US Engagement

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of doing a “very poor job” of allowing oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. He said Tehran was not honoring the agreement to keep the vital waterway open after the recent ceasefire.


US-Iran War: Trump Warns Iran Against Hormuz Toll, But Open To 'Joint Venture'

Residents in Tehran have taken to the streets demanding justice and accountability after suffering major losses during the recent war with the United States and its allies. The protests come amid a fragile ceasefire that has paused hostilities but failed to address grievances over civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and economic disruption.


US-Iran Ceasefire: Tehran Residents Calls for Justice After War Losses

Even as U.S. and Iran agreed for a conditional two-week ceasefire, Israel carried out its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since the start of the war. Around 100 sites allegedly linked to Hezbollah across Lebanon were targeted. As per Iranian media, Tehran might withdraw from the ceasefire agreement if attacks on Lebanon continue. 

Israel's Largest Attack on Lebanon on Ceasefire Day 1: Major Flashpoint in Iran-US Fragile Truce

#Gravitas The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire.  Both sides claim decisive victory, but since the truce came into implementation, attacks have been reported across the Gulf and Iran.


US-Iran Ceasefire: How Trump Lost Iran, Gulf, NATO, America in War Disaster

Tensions remain dangerously high as Iran warns the United States that its forces are ready, with a “finger on the trigger,” despite the ongoing ceasefire. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has made it clear that it does not trust U.S. commitments, signaling deep skepticism over the fragile truce.


IRGC: No Trust in US Promises Despite Truce, Vows to Respond to Every Aggression 

US president Donald trump's flip flop in recent weeks has Iran firmly in control of the strait of Hormuz. Maritime traffic through the strait has shown a slight increase, reaching its highest levels in weeks. Yet, it remains a small fraction of the volume seen before the Iran war began on February 28th.


US-Iran War: Tehran Fortifies Strategic Islands Near Strait of Hormuz

The Israeli military says it carried out an extensive wave of strikes targeting key infrastructure and military-linked sites in Iran, marking a fresh escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The strikes reportedly focused on “regime targets” in Tehran and other locations as tensions continue to rise across the region.


Israel-Iran War: Israeli Military Says it Carried Out Extensive Wave of Strikes

The Israeli Air Force conducted a large-scale wave of strikes overnight on Sunday, targeting three airports across Tehran and aimed at wearing down the Iranian Air Force and the IRGC Air Force capabilities, the military said on Monday. 

Dozens of IAF fighter jets struck targets at Bahram Airport, Mehrabad Airport, and Azmayesh Airport.

US-Iran War: IDF Claims Strikes on Three Airports Near Tehran Area

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