The Strait of Hormuz crisis is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for global energy security, with Iran claiming it now holds the upper hand over the vital waterway.

Iranian officials say Washington may have to accept Tehran’s terms for managing maritime traffic through the strait. The development comes after months of disruption and growing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.

The Strait of Hormuz has historically carried roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, representing around a fifth of global oil consumption. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have major consequences for energy markets, shipping and the global economy.

At the same time, Gulf countries are exploring alternative routes. Saudi Arabia is considering expanding its east-west pipeline toward Yanbu on the Red Sea, while Kuwait is discussing expanded pipeline connections through Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE already operates the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, allowing crude to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq is also examining alternative routes toward the Red Sea and Mediterranean, while Iran itself has developed infrastructure intended to reduce its dependence on Hormuz.

But experts warn that existing alternatives can absorb only a portion of the oil normally transported through the strait, while constructing major new pipelines could take years.

Iran Tightens Grip on Hormuz | Trump Faces Tough Choices as Gulf States Seek Alternative Oil Routes

West Asia is witnessing another dangerous escalation despite reports that Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have heightened tensions, even as diplomatic efforts continue between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that any fresh U.S. military action could trigger retaliation against critical infrastructure, including oil fields, refineries, electricity grids, water facilities, and transport networks. The developments come as Washington continues to pursue negotiations with Tehran while expressing concerns over divisions within Iran's leadership.

As uncertainty grows over the future of the Hormuz shipping route and the fragile Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, fears of a broader regional conflict continue to mount.

Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation | Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Lebanon | GRAVITAS 

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again postponed planned military strikes on Iran, claiming that the outlines of a peace deal are taking shape. However, Tehran has categorically denied asking Washington to halt the strikes, calling the allegations false. As tensions continue to simmer, Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia are reportedly urging de-escalation, fearing the devastating consequences of a wider regional conflict.

In this exclusive interview, Chris Doyle, Director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), analyzes the evolving crisis, Trump's repeated reversals, Iran's military strategy, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing role of Gulf countries in preventing a full-scale regional war.

Can diplomacy still succeed, or is another military confrontation inevitable?

Watch the full analysis for the latest developments from the Middle East.

Iran-U.S. War: Trump Losing Credibility as Conflict Drags On, Expert Warns

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again called off planned military strikes on Iran, saying he received requests from Iran and Gulf nations to avoid further escalation.

According to Trump, the temporary understanding includes the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Reports suggest Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to de-escalate the conflict, while the U.S. and Israel had reportedly been preparing one of the largest bombing campaigns against Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any new American attack would trigger a powerful response targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. U.S. embassies throughout the Middle East have also issued security alerts amid fears of a wider regional conflict.

Trump Halts Iran Attack After Gulf Pressure | Middle East Crisis Deepens

West Asia remains on edge as Iran launched a major retaliatory strike targeting a key U.S. military base in Kuwait after Washington paused fresh attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it targeted fighter jet shelters, satellite communications, and military infrastructure, while Kuwait says its air defenses intercepted the incoming drones.

The conflict is expanding across multiple fronts. Iran also claims to have intercepted oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Iran-backed Houthis continue to threaten shipping in the Red Sea, prompting Saudi Arabia and regional allies to form a new maritime security coalition.

Iran Strikes U.S. Base in Kuwait as Trump Faces Growing Pressure Over West Asia War

Iran is intensifying pressure in West Asia through its Houthi allies, who have launched fresh attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of a major global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz already under pressure, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has emerged as a second strategic choke point, threatening global oil and gas supplies.

The Houthis claim responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Saudi-linked vessels, while Saudi Arabia has confirmed damage to one of its oil tankers. Analysts warn that if both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb are disrupted simultaneously, nearly one-quarter of the world's oil and gas supply could be affected.


Red Sea Crisis deepens | Houthi Missile attacks on Saudi ships escalate Iran-US regional conflict

President Donald Trump has declared that Iran is "not ready" to make a deal, while warning that the United States would destroy Iranian infrastructure if attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continue.
Iran's military responded with a sharp warning, saying any U.S. strike on critical infrastructure would trigger attacks on regional oil, gas, electricity, and economic facilities, while vowing to halt oil exports entirely.

Trump Warns Iran: No Deal, More Strikes If Hormuz Attacks Continue | Oil Crisis Escalates

West Asia tensions continue to intensify as Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz and halts multiple oil tankers while a Saudi-linked tanker catches fire after an attack in the Red Sea. US President Donald Trump says Iran is not yet ready for a deal but believes Tehran will eventually agree to negotiations. Meanwhile, the United States and Saudi Arabia sign a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with safeguards against proliferation.

In Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discusses renewed peace efforts with US officials. In Africa, at least 21 people are killed in fresh attacks in Nigeria's Zamfara State. In business, Alphabet surpasses market expectations as Google Cloud and AI drive strong revenue growth, prompting a significant increase in capital spending for 2026.

Stay tuned for the latest international news, geopolitics, business updates, and breaking developments from around the world.

Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz | Saudi Tanker hit in Red Sea | Trump says Iran will agree to deal 

The Middle East conflict has entered another dangerous phase as the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. President Donald Trump declared that Iran is "not ready to make a deal," while insisting Tehran will eventually agree under mounting military pressure.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, intensifying fears over global shipping routes and energy security. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones, while the US House approved a $95 billion budget package supporting operations linked to the Iran conflict. The United States and Saudi Arabia also signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement. In South America, mass protests erupted in Argentina against President Javier Milei's austerity measures, while Tesla missed Wall Street expectations despite billion-dollar profits.

US hits Iran for 12th night | Trump says Iran not ready for deal | Houthis strike Saudi tankers

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as American forces carried out their 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets. Iran responded with fresh regional attacks while tensions spread across Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington is "not finished" with Iran and threatened further strikes on fortified nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, the Houthis' blockade threats and disruptions to global shipping continue raising fears of a wider regional war and an energy crisis.


US-Iran war escalates: Trump warns more strikes as Hormuz Crisis deepens | West Asia War

The United States has launched its eighth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting IRGC coastal surveillance systems, missile depots, air defense facilities, and military infrastructure. The strikes come after two American service members were killed in Jordan during an Iranian missile and drone attack. CENTCOM confirmed that the operation aimed to weaken Iran's military capabilities, while Iranian media reported attacks near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by claiming strikes on US military bases in Kuwait, warning that further American attacks will be met with a "devastating response."

US launches 8th straight night of strikes on Iran | Iran hits US bases in Kuwait | Trump reacts 

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its fifth consecutive day as U.S. forces launched another wave of strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities that Washington says threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bandar Abbas, Rask, Chabahar, Qeshm, Bandar Imam Khomeini, and areas near Bushehr, where Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant is located. The U.S. Central Command also confirmed that it targeted a vessel accused of attempting to violate the renewed naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran reportedly responded by launching attacks against U.S. military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait.

U.S.-Iran war intensifies | Fresh American strikes hit Iran as Trump issues new warning to Tehran

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its fifth consecutive day as U.S. forces launched a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities linked to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command, the military operation focused on strategic Iranian military infrastructure, while Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Rask, and areas near Bushehr.
The U.S. military also confirmed that it disabled a vessel attempting to reach an Iranian port after it allegedly violated the renewed naval blockade, further intensifying tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Iran reportedly launched attacks against U.S. military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait, while Iraqi Kurdish security forces intercepted and destroyed eight explosive-laden drones near coalition facilities.

U.S.-Iran war escalates: U.S. Launches fresh strikes on Iran as Trump warns 'better behave' 

Trump scrapped the proposed 20 per cent fee on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead for Gulf investment deals while imposing a full blockade on Iranian shipping.

Trump withdraws 20% Hormuz transit fee, announces full blockade on Iran

Trump warned Iran of massive retaliation if he is assassinated, claiming US strike orders are already in place. But can a US president legally leave military orders that survive their death?

Can Trump really order Iran’s destruction if he is assassinated? Here’s what US law says

US President Donald Trump renewed his warning to Iran, claiming 1,000 US missiles are "locked and loaded" if Tehran attempts to assassinate him. He said the military is prepared to "completely decimate" Iran if threatened.

‘1,000 missiles locked and loaded’: Trump threatens Iran amid assassination plot fears

US President Donald Trump claimed the US could eliminate Iran's remaining leadership "in one shot" but chose negotiations instead. He also said both sides paused hostilities during Ali Khamenei's funeral.

‘One shot and we can take them all’: Trump says US could strike Iran’s leadership at Khamenei’s funeral

Only 19 per cent said the nation's founders would be pleased with the country's progress, while just 8 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 believe the US has greatly achieved its founding ideals.

As US turns 250, 77% say nation's founders would be disappointed with how the country has turned out: Gallup poll

US President Donald Trump praised a Senate vote reversal on an Iran war powers resolution after two Republican senators changed positions, handing the White House a symbolic victory amid debate over executive authority.

‘This vote puts Iran on notice’: Trump lauds reversal of Senate war powers vote

For months, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that a peace agreement with Iran was just around the corner.

According to multiple analyses tracking his public statements, Trump has declared an imminent U.S.-Iran deal at least 38 times since March 2026. Yet despite repeated promises of a breakthrough, Tehran continues to insist that no final, binding agreement has been approved.

The latest episode followed Trump's decision to cancel threatened military strikes while simultaneously claiming that negotiations were nearing completion. Iranian officials quickly pushed back, saying key issues remain unresolved and no final text has been signed

Reports: Trump Said Iran Peace Deal Was Near 38 Times: Still No Agreement? 

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid tensions over the fragile Iran-Israel ceasefire. Trump revealed that he cautioned Netanyahu against further military escalation, warning that Israel could find itself "on its own" if the conflict reignites. At the same time, Trump claimed negotiations with Iran are in the "final throes" and that a broader peace agreement could be reached within days. The remarks come as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a return to full-scale conflict in the Middle East.

Trump Warns Netanyahu On Iran: 'You Better Be Careful

US President Donald Trump vowed that Washington would seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and opposed any Hormuz shipping tolls.

‘We will get it’: Trump vows to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpile, warns Tehran against Hormuz tolls

President Donald Trump’s remarks came just hours after various Iranian state media outlets revealed the core conditions set by the US for resuming negotiations. The US wants Iran to surrender its 400 kg of enriched uranium, and keep only one nuclear facility operational.

‘Clock is ticking for Iran, there won’t be anything left of them,’ says Trump in new warning

Trump called the US-Iran ceasefire 'on life support' as Iran declares it 'cannot trust the Americans at all.' With naval clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomacy stalled, the world is asking: is a full-scale war about to resume?

'Ceasefire on life support': Is US-Iran war about to reignite?

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