The US-Iran standoff has entered a new phase as President Donald Trump signals potential sanctions relief if Iran helps restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary navigational corridor to ease disruptions in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. The move comes amid stalled diplomacy, mounting economic pressure, and growing concerns over global oil supplies. Is Washington shifting from maximum pressure to conditional incentives, or is this another chapter in a prolonged geopolitical deadlock?

US-Iran War: Iran says weighing the new US proposal

Even as Iran faces crippling US sanctions amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, it has struck a jackpot as far as new gas reserves are concerned, potentially adding a new stream of revenue in the future.&nbsp;Iran's oil minister Mohsen Paknejad announced the discovery of 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the south of Iran's Fars province. Based on an estimated recovery rate of 72%, he revealed that around 5.7 trillion cubic feet of gas could be extracted.&nbsp;According to him, this gas field could produce around one billion cubic feet of natural gas per day for 15 years.&nbsp;Now, this is not the first time new gas reserves have been discovered in Iran's Fars province.&nbsp;In October last year, 10 trillion cubic feet of gas was found in the Pazan gas field of this province. However, nearly 75% of the country's natural gas reserves are concentrated in South Pars natural gas field, which it shares with Qatar in the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;It is the world's largest natural gas field.&nbsp;According to the US Energy Information Administration, Iran's estimated proven natural gas reserves stand at 1,200 trillion cubic feet, second only to Russia.&nbsp;Why is the latest discovery vital for Iran?&nbsp;The country's energy sector has taken a hit, owing to the US-Israeli strikes, with a daily reduction of 230 million cubic metres of natural gas production.&nbsp;At the peak of the war, even the South Pars natural gas field was attacked by Israel. Since then, Iran has been carrying out repairs to its damaged energy infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Iran is the third-largest natural gas producer after America and Russia, it is also one of the world's largest gas consumers. For instance, 94% of the gas that it produces is consumed domestically. This is because Iranian households are heavily dependent on gas for cooking and heating. According to the International Energy Agency, the residential sector accounted for 41.5% of the overall gas consumption, followed by industry with 36%. This is not all. About 85% of Iran's electricity is generated by gas-fired power plants. According to reports, though, production of gas from the new site in Fars is likely to be years away, as Iran lacks sufficient investment and technology in field and upstream infrastructure development. Its export capacity is also limited, with Turkiye and Iraq being the main buyers of Iranian natural gas. However, Iran's oil and gas industry has remained resilient by using artificial intelligence to boost output. Recently, Iranian researchers developed an indigenous, smart production management system. It integrates wells, pipelines, and surface processing facilities and adjusts operating conditions to maximise efficiency. According to the researchers, this can increase oil recovery in surface storage facilities by up to 59% over a 20-year production period besides reducing maintenance costs.

Iran's oil minister Mohsen Paknejad announced the discovery of 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the south of Iran's Fars province. Based on an estimated recovery rate of 72%, he revealed that around 5.7 trillion cubic feet of gas could be extracted.

Even as Iran faces crippling US sanctions amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, it has struck a jackpot as far as new gas reserves are concerned, potentially adding a new stream of revenue in the future. Iran's oil minister Mohsen Paknejad announced the discovery of 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the south of Iran's Fars province. Based on an estimated recovery rate of 72%, he revealed that around 5.7 trillion cubic feet of gas could be extracted. According to him, this gas field could produce around one billion cubic feet of natural gas per day for 15 years. Now, this is not the first time new gas reserves have been discovered in Iran's Fars province. In October last year, 10 trillion cubic feet of gas was found in the Pazan gas field of this province. However, nearly 75% of the country's natural gas reserves are concentrated in South Pars natural gas field, which it shares with Qatar in the Persian Gulf. It is the world's largest natural gas field. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Iran's estimated proven natural gas reserves stand at 1,200 trillion cubic feet, second only to Russia. Why is the latest discovery vital for Iran? The country's energy sector has taken a hit, owing to the US-Israeli strikes, with a daily reduction of 230 million cubic metres of natural gas production. At the peak of the war, even the South Pars natural gas field was attacked by Israel. Since then, Iran has been carrying out repairs to its damaged energy infrastructure.

Iran's oil minister Mohsen Paknejad announced the discovery of 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the south of Iran's Fars province. Based on an estimated recovery rate of 72%, he revealed that around 5.7 trillion cubic feet of gas could be extracted.

Iran discovers 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas amid war and sanctions | Gravitas

Is Iran going to collapse? Is US President Donald Trump finally ending the war? Big questions with no clear answers. Iran is certainly more economically impacted and weaker than America. Yet, President Trump's new D-day sanctions may have become an old, rusted weapon. For more than 40 years, Washington has tried to force Tehran to change through economic pressure. It began after the 1979 hostage crisis, when President Jimmy Carter froze around $12 billion in Iranian assets. Then in the 1980s, US expanded trade restrictions. Then came sanctions targeting Iran's banks, oil industry, military and nuclear programme. &nbsp;Bit by bit, US has managed to pressure Iran, but never completely destroy it. America's biggest success though came before the 2015 nuclear deal. American, European and international sanctions cut deeply into Iranian economy, reduced its oil exports and isolated its banking system. That pressure helped bring Iran to the negotiating table. So, is Trump going to win against Iran this time? Well, so far he hasn't been able to.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-with-the-d-day-sanctions-all-eyes-are-on-how-iran-is-impacted-1787589665855/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-with-the-d-day-sanctions-all-eyes-are-on-how-iran-is-impacted-1787589665855/embed</a>&nbsp;When Trump pulled the United States out of the nuclear agreement in 2018, it expected Iran to give in. But the regime did not. It suffered enormously, but the regime survived. Now, Washington is trying again. Is Iran isolated? Not really. China can play spoiler in American strategy. You see, China is Iran's biggest oil customer. Even under heavy American pressure, Chinese buyers have continued purchasing Iranian crude oil. Vladimir putin is also Iran's ally. An increasing number of countries are questioning why America must decide for them. America's adversaries will not let Trump win.&nbsp;So, will these new sanctions hurt Iran? Yes. But will economic pain automatically bring political surrender? History reflects no. Essentially, the battle over Iran has become much more than Iran. It is now a battle of who gets to set the rules of the new world order, and America certainly seems to be losing that power.&nbsp;

Will Iran collapse under Trump’s new sanctions? Explore America’s economic pressure, China’s role, Iran’s resilience and the prospects of ending the war

Is Iran going to collapse? Is US President Donald Trump finally ending the war? Big questions with no clear answers. Iran is certainly more economically impacted and weaker than America. Yet, President Trump's new D-day sanctions may have become an old, rusted weapon. For more than 40 years, Washington has tried to force Tehran to change through economic pressure. It began after the 1979 hostage crisis, when President Jimmy Carter froze around $12 billion in Iranian assets. Then in the 1980s, US expanded trade restrictions. Then came sanctions targeting Iran's banks, oil industry, military and nuclear programme. Bit by bit, US has managed to pressure Iran, but never completely destroy it. America's biggest success though came before the 2015 nuclear deal. American, European and international sanctions cut deeply into Iranian economy, reduced its oil exports and isolated its banking system. That pressure helped bring Iran to the negotiating table. So, is Trump going to win against Iran this time? Well, so far he hasn't been able to. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-with-the-d-day-sanctions-all-eyes-are-on-how-iran-is-impacted-1787589665855/embed When Trump pulled the United States out of the nuclear agreement in 2018, it expected Iran to give in. But the regime did not. It suffered enormously, but the regime survived. Now, Washington is trying again. Is Iran isolated? Not really. China can play spoiler in American strategy. You see, China is Iran's biggest oil customer. Even under heavy American pressure, Chinese buyers have continued purchasing Iranian crude oil. Vladimir putin is also Iran's ally. An increasing number of countries are questioning why America must decide for them. America's adversaries will not let Trump win. So, will these new sanctions hurt Iran? Yes. But will economic pain automatically bring political surrender? History reflects no. Essentially, the battle over Iran has become much more than Iran. It is now a battle of who gets to set the rules of the new world order, and America certainly seems to be losing that power.

Trump’s Iran sanctions are intensifying economic pressure, but history, China and Russia raise doubts over whether Tehran will surrender or collapse

The Verdict: Is Trump ending the Iran war or starting a bigger economic battle?

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Sardar Mohebi said on Sunday that the decision of the United States to opt for economic warfare against Iran is proof of its defeat on the battlefield. Mohebi said US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an intensified economic campaign against Tehran amounts to a “tacit admission” of failure in the military arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If you were victorious in the military arena, you wouldn’t have to start an economic war,” he said, according to Iranian state media.&nbsp;Economic pressure is nothing new, Mohebi said further, noting that Iran has faced sanctions on its “economic pillars” for 47 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that the US goal now is simply to “create perception” and shape public belief.Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IRGC spokesman then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself, saying the results would become visible “in the near future.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Use NGOs to record US, Israeli crimes,’ says Foreign Ministry</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday that Tehran should make more use of NGOs to document what he described as crimes committed by the US and Israel for possible use in domestic and international courts.&nbsp;Speaking at a joint news conference with the head of Iran’s National Organisation for Social Affairs, Baghaei said the government remains in regular contact with “friendship associations” and helps them engage audiences abroad through diplomacy, public diplomacy and cultural work.&nbsp;He added that the impact of US and other Western sanctions on people’s livelihoods, medicine and healthcare was among the issues these groups could highlight.&nbsp;“The crimes committed by the United States in Minab, Lamard and Qeshm are just three examples,” Baghaei said. “These crimes are numerous and diverse, and they must be documented,” he emphasised.

Sardar Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries. He then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Sardar Mohebi said on Sunday that the decision of the United States to opt for economic warfare against Iran is proof of its defeat on the battlefield. Mohebi said US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an intensified economic campaign against Tehran amounts to a “tacit admission” of failure in the military arena. “If you were victorious in the military arena, you wouldn’t have to start an economic war,” he said, according to Iranian state media. Economic pressure is nothing new, Mohebi said further, noting that Iran has faced sanctions on its “economic pillars” for 47 years. He added that the US goal now is simply to “create perception” and shape public belief. Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries. The IRGC spokesman then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself, saying the results would become visible “in the near future.” ‘Use NGOs to record US, Israeli crimes,’ says Foreign Ministry Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday that Tehran should make more use of NGOs to document what he described as crimes committed by the US and Israel for possible use in domestic and international courts. Speaking at a joint news conference with the head of Iran’s National Organisation for Social Affairs, Baghaei said the government remains in regular contact with “friendship associations” and helps them engage audiences abroad through diplomacy, public diplomacy and cultural work. He added that the impact of US and other Western sanctions on people’s livelihoods, medicine and healthcare was among the issues these groups could highlight. “The crimes committed by the United States in Minab, Lamard and Qeshm are just three examples,” Baghaei said. “These crimes are numerous and diverse, and they must be documented,” he emphasised.

Sardar Mohebi said the IRGC has “a scenario for every hostile action” by the US, including plans to blunt the effects of economic war and expand relations with other countries. He then claimed that Iran is already “bypassing America” through economic interactions with the US itself.

US switch to economic war against Iran is admission of its ‘military defeat’: IRGC

Iran on Saturday (Aug 22) warned countries against joining the United States in imposing economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic, saying any government that participates in Washington’s campaign will be treated as an enemy. The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezai, issued the warning as US President Donald Trump’s administration stepped up pressure on allies to join efforts to isolate Tehran’s economy.“We declare to all countries... do not join the economic war waged by the United States,” Rezai said on state television.“Any country participating in the imposition of economic restrictions against us is considered an enemy,” he added.Rezai warned that countries refusing to distance themselves from Washington could see their interests targeted by Iran. His comments marked a sharp escalation in Tehran’s rhetoric as the conflict between Iran and the US continues to strain regional security and trade.The Iranian official also claimed that Tehran had not yet used its full range of options against American economic interests.<h2>Iran threatens against US sanctions</h2>“So far, we have only targeted military bases, but if they want to impose economic sanctions on us, the United States has oil and economic companies around Iran and elsewhere, and we will strike them,” Rezai said.He further warned that any fresh action by US President Donald Trump could trigger a much broader confrontation.“Should Trump take action, our confrontation will be like an earthquake,” Rezai said.“If they start such an action, we will not allow a single drop of oil to pass through the Persian Gulf. Oil will leave neither through the Strait of Hormuz nor through the Persian Gulf,” he added.Washington has been pressing governments, including major trading partners of Iran, to support its campaign to restrict Tehran’s access to international markets. China, one of Iran’s key strategic partners, has criticised the US approach, arguing that sanctions would not help resolve the wider Middle East conflict.Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (Aug 18) announced that it was suspending all trade and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, marking a significant setback for Tehran’s regional economic ties.

Iran warns countries joining US sanctions they will be treated as enemies, threatening to target their interests. Tehran also warns Trump that any escalation could trigger a wider confrontation.

Iran on Saturday (Aug 22) warned countries against joining the United States in imposing economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic, saying any government that participates in Washington’s campaign will be treated as an enemy. The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezai, issued the warning as US President Donald Trump’s administration stepped up pressure on allies to join efforts to isolate Tehran’s economy. “We declare to all countries... do not join the economic war waged by the United States,” Rezai said on state television. “Any country participating in the imposition of economic restrictions against us is considered an enemy,” he added. Rezai warned that countries refusing to distance themselves from Washington could see their interests targeted by Iran. His comments marked a sharp escalation in Tehran’s rhetoric as the conflict between Iran and the US continues to strain regional security and trade. The Iranian official also claimed that Tehran had not yet used its full range of options against American economic interests. Iran threatens against US sanctions “So far, we have only targeted military bases, but if they want to impose economic sanctions on us, the United States has oil and economic companies around Iran and elsewhere, and we will strike them,” Rezai said. He further warned that any fresh action by US President Donald Trump could trigger a much broader confrontation. “Should Trump take action, our confrontation will be like an earthquake,” Rezai said. “If they start such an action, we will not allow a single drop of oil to pass through the Persian Gulf. Oil will leave neither through the Strait of Hormuz nor through the Persian Gulf,” he added. Washington has been pressing governments, including major trading partners of Iran, to support its campaign to restrict Tehran’s access to international markets. China, one of Iran’s key strategic partners, has criticised the US approach, arguing that sanctions would not help resolve the wider Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (Aug 18) announced that it was suspending all trade and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, marking a significant setback for Tehran’s regional economic ties.

Iran warns countries joining US sanctions they will be treated as enemies, threatening to target their interests. Tehran also warns Trump that any escalation could trigger a wider confrontation.

‘Confrontation like an earthquake’: Iran threatens Trump, warns countries backing US sanctions

As the ongoing conflict approaches the six-month mark, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly called for an immediate end to the hostilities, asserting that Tehran is currently operating from a "position of power and dignity". The remarks come in direct response to escalating economic pressures from Washington, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowing an aggressive campaign of fresh sanctions aimed at crippling the Iranian economy.  


US-Iran war: Iran president urges end to war from position of strength

Iran has built what it describes as a "solid defensive shield" against external threats, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Ahmad Vahidi said amid heightened tensions with the United States.In a message to Iran's Defence Ministry chief marking National Defence Industry Day, the newly appointed Iran Revolutionary Guards commander-in-chief said the country was facing new forms of "combined and military aggression"."The battlefield is faced with new forms of combined and military aggression," Vahidi said, according to Al Jazeera. He claimed Iran had established a "solid defensive shield against the threats of the enemies and ill-wishers of Iran".<h2>Vahidi backs Iran's defence strategy</h2>Vahidi praised Iran's defence industry for developing what he described as the country's defensive and offensive capabilities and deterrent power despite years of sanctions.He called for the continuation of Iran's "Strategy of Defensive and Offensive Empowerment", describing it as the "only intelligent and efficient solution" to the threats facing the country.His remarks come as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a major new economic pressure campaign against Iran.<h2>Trump announces ‘Economic D-Day’</h2>Trump has described his latest campaign as the "most crushing economic operation ever taken" against Iran.The US president said Washington would target Iran's economic lifelines, including oil smuggling, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies. "Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies -- It all needs to stop now," Trump wrote on Truth Social.He also called the campaign an "Economic D-Day" and urged US allies to support Washington's efforts to isolate Iran.Trump has separately claimed that US military operations have weakened Iran's military infrastructure and reiterated that Tehran must not acquire nuclear weapons."We're essentially controlling and soon will be controlling the straits. We're doing very well with Iran," Trump said in an interview with 77 WABC.<h2>Iran rejects US pressure campaign</h2>Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected Washington's approach, arguing that previous US sanctions campaigns had failed. "14 years ago: 'Most crippling sanctions in history.' Failed. 8 years ago: 'Maximum pressure.' Failed," Araghchi wrote on X. He described the latest US measures as "Bound to fail".<blockquote>"We have seen this movie before. Same bull. Different bullies," Araghchi said.</blockquote>Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Washington fulfils commitments under a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran says it has strengthened its defences against new threats as tensions with Washington rise. The claim comes days after Donald Trump announced an aggressive economic campaign targeting Tehran's financial and oil lifelines.

Iran has built what it describes as a "solid defensive shield" against external threats, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Ahmad Vahidi said amid heightened tensions with the United States. In a message to Iran's Defence Ministry chief marking National Defence Industry Day, the newly appointed Iran Revolutionary Guards commander-in-chief said the country was facing new forms of "combined and military aggression". "The battlefield is faced with new forms of combined and military aggression," Vahidi said, according to Al Jazeera. He claimed Iran had established a "solid defensive shield against the threats of the enemies and ill-wishers of Iran". Vahidi backs Iran's defence strategy Vahidi praised Iran's defence industry for developing what he described as the country's defensive and offensive capabilities and deterrent power despite years of sanctions. He called for the continuation of Iran's "Strategy of Defensive and Offensive Empowerment", describing it as the "only intelligent and efficient solution" to the threats facing the country. His remarks come as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a major new economic pressure campaign against Iran. Trump announces ‘Economic D-Day’ Trump has described his latest campaign as the "most crushing economic operation ever taken" against Iran. The US president said Washington would target Iran's economic lifelines, including oil smuggling, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies. "Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies -- It all needs to stop now," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He also called the campaign an "Economic D-Day" and urged US allies to support Washington's efforts to isolate Iran. Trump has separately claimed that US military operations have weakened Iran's military infrastructure and reiterated that Tehran must not acquire nuclear weapons. "We're essentially controlling and soon will be controlling the straits. We're doing very well with Iran," Trump said in an interview with 77 WABC. Iran rejects US pressure campaign Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected Washington's approach, arguing that previous US sanctions campaigns had failed. "14 years ago: 'Most crippling sanctions in history.' Failed. 8 years ago: 'Maximum pressure.' Failed," Araghchi wrote on X. He described the latest US measures as "Bound to fail". "We have seen this movie before. Same bull. Different bullies," Araghchi said. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Washington fulfils commitments under a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran says it has strengthened its defences against new threats as tensions with Washington rise. The claim comes days after Donald Trump announced an aggressive economic campaign targeting Tehran's financial and oil lifelines.

Iran has ‘solid defensive shield’ against threats, claims IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi as Trump ramps up economic war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said it is time to end the months-long war with the United States, arguing that Tehran is in a position of strength despite the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a meeting with doctors on Friday (Aug 21), Pezeshkian said Iran should bring the war to an end while it had the upper hand. “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said, according to remarks carried by Iranian state media.He also claimed that the international community recognised Iran’s “victory” and accused the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of international rules.Pezeshkian’s comments came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high, with Iran’s foreign ministry accusing the US of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity” over a fresh sanctions campaign.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/any-assistance-to-us-military-amounts-to-participation-in-us-military-operation-iran-s-stark-warning-to-gulf-countries-1787131901398">‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries</a>“The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state media.The comments followed a warning from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday that Washington would seek to “collapse” the Iranian regime through its campaign of economic pressure.The conflict has now continued for nearly six months, with Washington threatening further measures aimed at isolating Iran and putting additional pressure on its economy.China has also criticised the US approach. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict in the Middle East.Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threats, Lin told reporters that “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-new-infiltration-bill-could-turn-foreign-contacts-into-crimes-journalists-and-others-face-prison-under-proposed-law-details-inside-1786935582385">What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law</a>Washington has urged other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy, adding another layer to the wider diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.

Iranian President Pezeshkian called to end the six-month US war from a position of strength, while Washington vowed to collapse Iran's economy despite China's opposition to sanctions.



Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said it is time to end the months-long war with the United States, arguing that Tehran is in a position of strength despite the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a meeting with doctors on Friday (Aug 21), Pezeshkian said Iran should bring the war to an end while it had the upper hand. “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said, according to remarks carried by Iranian state media. He also claimed that the international community recognised Iran’s “victory” and accused the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of international rules. Pezeshkian’s comments came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high, with Iran’s foreign ministry accusing the US of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity” over a fresh sanctions campaign. Also read: ‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries “The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state media. The comments followed a warning from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday that Washington would seek to “collapse” the Iranian regime through its campaign of economic pressure. The conflict has now continued for nearly six months, with Washington threatening further measures aimed at isolating Iran and putting additional pressure on its economy. China has also criticised the US approach. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threats, Lin told reporters that “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue”. Also read: What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law Washington has urged other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy, adding another layer to the wider diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.

Iranian President Pezeshkian called to end the six-month US war from a position of strength, while Washington vowed to collapse Iran's economy despite China's opposition to sanctions.&nbsp;

‘It is better we end the war now’: Iran’s Pezeshkian says Tehran is in ‘position of power’

The West Asia conflict is approaching its sixth month with no clear diplomatic or military exit in sight as US President Donald Trump dramatically escalates pressure on Iran. Trump has announced what he described as an unprecedented economic warfare and isolation campaign against Iran, warning that countries continuing to do business with Tehran could face “tremendous punishment.”

The latest escalation comes amid a growing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Trump says the waterway remains open and that numerous vessels are passing through, while Iranian officials maintain that the strait remains closed until Washington meets Tehran’s conditions.

Iran has demanded an end to the blockade of its ports, the lifting of oil sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Meanwhile, US-Iran negotiations remain uncertain, with Trump saying talks could resume at some point but reiterating that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.


Trump Launches “Economic Warfare” Against Iran As Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Deepens

US-Iran tensions escalate as Donald Trump announces what he calls the “most crushing economic operation ever” against Iran. The move signals a major expansion of Washington’s economic pressure campaign as the conflict between the US and Iran intensifies. Watch this report for the latest developments, Trump’s Iran strategy, sanctions and the wider impact on the Middle East and global economy.


US-Iran war: Trump announces 'most crushing economic op ever' against Iran

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) announced a sweeping new campaign aimed at isolating Iran's economy, warning countries and businesses that help Tehran could face what he called "tremendous" economic consequences.The announcement comes as the conflict approaches its sixth month, with the Strait of Hormuz still heavily disrupted and no clear diplomatic or military resolution in sight. Trump is also facing growing scrutiny at home over the economic cost of the war and pressure on US military resources ahead of the November elections.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-icc-officials-including-president-tomoko-akane-vows-to-systematically-dismantle-court-1787109053555">US sanctions ICC officials, including President Tomoko Akane, vows to 'systematically dismantle' court</a><h2>Trump warns Iran's partners</h2>In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the campaign as the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY"."This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale," he wrote.Trump warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide support to Iran would face "TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences". He did not specify what penalties would be imposed or name any country other than Iran.Trump said Washington would target activities including "oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries" and "front companies".

<h2>Economic pressure alongside naval blockade</h2>The announcement follows similar warnings from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said last week that Washington was preparing to intensify efforts to economically isolate Iran.Bessent said the campaign would form part of a two-pronged strategy involving economic isolation and a US naval blockade.The Treasury has already been pursuing sanctions against Iran under a campaign known as Operation Economic Fury, aimed at cutting off Tehran's sources of funding.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-suspends-trade-with-iran-accuses-it-of-targeting-gulf-shipping-tehran-calls-claim-baseless-1787100695124">UAE suspends trade with Iran, accuses it of targeting Gulf shipping; Tehran calls claim baseless</a><h2>Strait of Hormuz remains key flashpoint</h2>The economic campaign comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted. The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, followed by Iranian missile and drone strikes across the region.The resulting security threat has sharply reduced commercial traffic through the strategic waterway.Trump said Wednesday that US military efforts were helping ships move through the strait, claiming that "a lot of boats are coming through". Axios reported that US forces had been facilitating the movement of 15 to 20 ships each night in recent weeks, roughly half the pre-war daily oil shipment volume.&nbsp;

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 19) announced a sweeping new campaign aimed at isolating Iran's economy, warning countries and businesses that help Tehran could face what he called "tremendous" economic consequences. The announcement comes as the conflict approaches its sixth month, with the Strait of Hormuz still heavily disrupted and no clear diplomatic or military resolution in sight. Trump is also facing growing scrutiny at home over the economic cost of the war and pressure on US military resources ahead of the November elections. Also read | US sanctions ICC officials, including President Tomoko Akane, vows to 'systematically dismantle' court Trump warns Iran's partners In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the campaign as the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY". "This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale," he wrote. Trump warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide support to Iran would face "TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences". He did not specify what penalties would be imposed or name any country other than Iran. Trump said Washington would target activities including "oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries" and "front companies".

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

NATO said on Wednesday that it is prepared to “address any threat” and defend all allies after reports said that Iran is considering attacking US military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump decides to escalate the war again. NATO is prepared to address any threat and would take necessary action to defend all its members, said an alliance official.&nbsp;The military alliance is “prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies,” the NATO official said, adding, “Our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-ceasefire-now-war-must-come-to-a-permanent-end-says-iran-s-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-1787080893639">‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi</a>&nbsp;“As demonstrated earlier this year when NATO air defences successfully intercepted ballistic missiles heading to Türkiye from Iran on four separate occasions, our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective,” said a NATO official.&nbsp;In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences. Iran denied at the time that it launched the missiles. Cyprus was also targeted by drone attacks in March.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a>&nbsp;Earlier in the day, the Financial Times reported that Iran has weighed attacking US military targets in Europe should Trump escalate the war, citing people close to the Iranian regime.&nbsp;According to the report, US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said to be the potential targets of Tehran’s attack.&nbsp;Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer airbase for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-both-war-and-diplomacy-araghchi-says-conflict-completely-dispelled-notion-of-tehran-s-weakness-1787060840037">‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness</a>&nbsp;According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had also explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens.

A NATO official said the military alliance is prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies. In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences.

NATO said on Wednesday that it is prepared to “address any threat” and defend all allies after reports said that Iran is considering attacking US military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump decides to escalate the war again. NATO is prepared to address any threat and would take necessary action to defend all its members, said an alliance official. The military alliance is “prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies,” the NATO official said, adding, “Our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective.” Also Read: ‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “As demonstrated earlier this year when NATO air defences successfully intercepted ballistic missiles heading to Türkiye from Iran on four separate occasions, our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective,” said a NATO official. In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences. Iran denied at the time that it launched the missiles. Cyprus was also targeted by drone attacks in March. Also Read: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria Earlier in the day, the Financial Times reported that Iran has weighed attacking US military targets in Europe should Trump escalate the war, citing people close to the Iranian regime. According to the report, US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said to be the potential targets of Tehran’s attack. Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer airbase for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March. Also Read: ‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had also explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens.

A NATO official said the military alliance is prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all allies. In March, four suspected Iranian ballistic munitions heading toward Turkey were neutralised by NATO defences.

NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe

After targeting US military infrastructure in the Middle East, Iran says it will now hit US military targets in Europe if the war escalates further, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing two people close to the Iranian regime.&nbsp;US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said the be the potential targets of Tehran attack, according to the report. Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer air base for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March.&nbsp;According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens.&nbsp;<h2>Warning to Gulf countries</h2>&nbsp;The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourist-helicopter-crashes-in-kenya-all-on-board-killed-1787137893493">Tourist helicopter crashes in Kenya, all on board killed</a>&nbsp;“Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency.&nbsp;He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said.<h2>Negotiation stalled</h2>&nbsp;Peace talks between Washington and Tehran to end the war has failed to yield any results so far and have stalled. And there are hardly any indications that talks will resume anytime soon.On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed &nbsp;that talks with Tehran have fallen apart, keeping the standoff in a volatile deadlock.&nbsp;

The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying that any support to its "enemy" would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.

After targeting US military infrastructure in the Middle East, Iran says it will now hit US military targets in Europe if the war escalates further, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing two people close to the Iranian regime. US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus are said the be the potential targets of Tehran attack, according to the report. Bulgaria had recently approved the use of its Bezmer air base for US refuelling aircraft, while the island nation Cyprus hosts a British military base, which was struck by a drone in March. According to one of the sources, Iranian forces had explored the possibility of attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens. Warning to Gulf countries The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran. ALSO READ: Tourist helicopter crashes in Kenya, all on board killed “Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency. He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said. Negotiation stalled Peace talks between Washington and Tehran to end the war has failed to yield any results so far and have stalled. And there are hardly any indications that talks will resume anytime soon. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that talks with Tehran have fallen apart, keeping the standoff in a volatile deadlock.

The Iranian regime also warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying that any support to its "enemy" would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.

Iran warns of attack on US military infrastructure in Europe: Report

Iran's armed forces on Wednesday (Aug 19) warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-new-infiltration-bill-could-turn-foreign-contacts-into-crimes-journalists-and-others-face-prison-under-proposed-law-details-inside-1786935582385">What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law</a>&nbsp;“Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency.&nbsp;The warning comes amid the ongoing war between Iran and the US, which began on February 28 following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes, including attacks on US bases across the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-owns-and-rules-this-waterway-tehran-warns-us-it-will-never-control-strait-of-hormuz-amid-trump-s-threat-1786785833003">‘Iran owns and rules this waterway’: Tehran warns US it will never control Strait of Hormuz amid Trump’s threat</a>&nbsp;Abdollahi questioned how a large number of US military aircraft, particularly refuelling planes, could be stationed at regional bases without the knowledge of host countries. “It seems unlikely that such a large number of military aircraft, particularly refuelling aircraft, could be present at regional bases without knowledge of host countries,” he said.&nbsp;He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-fake-news-trump-confronted-hegseth-over-us-munitions-shortages-claims-report-here-s-why-wh-says-1785993835957">‘100% fake news’: WH denies report claiming Trump confronted Hegseth over US munitions shortages</a>&nbsp;The warning comes as the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is being redeployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of deteriorating living conditions for its crew.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran’s armed forces warned Gulf nations that aiding or facilitating US military operations against Tehran constitutes direct involvement in the conflict, questioning host states' claims of non-involvement.  

Iran's armed forces on Wednesday (Aug 19) warned Gulf countries against assisting the US military, saying any such support would amount to participation in American military operations against Tehran. Also read: What's inside Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill that could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under this law “Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency. The warning comes amid the ongoing war between Iran and the US, which began on February 28 following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes, including attacks on US bases across the region. Also read: ‘Iran owns and rules this waterway’: Tehran warns US it will never control Strait of Hormuz amid Trump’s threat Abdollahi questioned how a large number of US military aircraft, particularly refuelling planes, could be stationed at regional bases without the knowledge of host countries. “It seems unlikely that such a large number of military aircraft, particularly refuelling aircraft, could be present at regional bases without knowledge of host countries,” he said. He also addressed Gulf states that have said they would not allow the US to use their territory for military action against Iran. “The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the US to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” Abdollahi said. Also read: ‘100% fake news’: WH denies report claiming Trump confronted Hegseth over US munitions shortages The warning comes as the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is being redeployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of deteriorating living conditions for its crew.

Iran’s armed forces warned Gulf nations that aiding or facilitating US military operations against Tehran constitutes direct involvement in the conflict, questioning host states' claims of non-involvement. &nbsp;

‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries

According to recent intelligence and reports from the Financial Times, Iran has actively considered expanding its retaliatory capabilities to target United States military assets and sites in Europe—including locations in Bulgaria and Cyprus—should the U.S. restart military engagements or escalate conflicts.


Report says Iran planning to expand retaliatory attacks to Europe if US restarts war

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Iran will not accept another temporary ceasefire with the United States and wants a permanent end to the nearly six-month war.&nbsp;“We told the mediators that we will not accept a ceasefire; the war must come to an end,” Araghchi told semi-official Fars News Agency. “We were saying that the war must end in such a way that it will not be repeated.”&nbsp;“Security in the Gulf countries must be collective security that includes economic dimensions,” Araghchi added.“Qatar, along with Pakistan, played a very important role and entered into mediation, and our relationship with them is at a very good stage,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a>&nbsp;The 60-day ceasefire negotiated between the US and Iran technically ended on Monday. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks. President Donald Trump on Monday said he had no timeline for a deal.&nbsp;“The enemies were seeking our surrender; they went after changing the regime, fragmentation, and internal unrest, but whatever plan they pursued, they became disappointed and were defeated,” Araghchi further told Fars News Agency.&nbsp;Trump said on Tuesday that there were “no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled” with Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-both-war-and-diplomacy-araghchi-says-conflict-completely-dispelled-notion-of-tehran-s-weakness-1787060840037">‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness</a>&nbsp;Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement.&nbsp;<h2>Hegseth, Bessent ‘way out of their league’: Speaker Ghalibaf</h2>&nbsp;The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, attacked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, saying they are over their heads in the war with Iran.“Americans think squeezing Iran harder will win concessions that were never part of the agreement,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week, Bessent had threatened Iran with “never before seen” sanctions that would result in the “economic isolation of a country.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-t-beg-pakistan-strictly-warns-its-umrah-pilgrims-tells-them-to-fully-comply-with-saudi-laws-1786991746961">‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Americans think squeezing Iran harder will win concessions that were never part of the agreement. Bessent and Hegseth are way out of their league. Stop waiting for the clown crew to pull a rabbit out of their hat and clean up the mess you made.&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2089759296376480003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“Bessent and Hegseth are way out of their league,” Ghalibaf said.&nbsp;“Stop waiting for the clown crew to pull a rabbit out of their hat and clean up the mess you made,” he added.Ghalibaf continues to ruffle the Trump administration on social media with his posts. Last week, Ghalibaf accused the administration of “theater diplomacy on loop” in regard to President Trump threatening massive attacks before backing off and saying negotiations are back on.&nbsp;Tehran has also begun shifting toward a “fully offensive” military posture after efforts to reach a permanent agreement stalled, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Iran will not accept another temporary ceasefire with the United States and wants a permanent end to the nearly six-month war. “We told the mediators that we will not accept a ceasefire; the war must come to an end,” Araghchi told semi-official Fars News Agency. “We were saying that the war must end in such a way that it will not be repeated.” “Security in the Gulf countries must be collective security that includes economic dimensions,” Araghchi added. “Qatar, along with Pakistan, played a very important role and entered into mediation, and our relationship with them is at a very good stage,” he said. Also Read: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria The 60-day ceasefire negotiated between the US and Iran technically ended on Monday. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks. President Donald Trump on Monday said he had no timeline for a deal. “The enemies were seeking our surrender; they went after changing the regime, fragmentation, and internal unrest, but whatever plan they pursued, they became disappointed and were defeated,” Araghchi further told Fars News Agency. Trump said on Tuesday that there were “no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled” with Iran. Also Read: ‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement. Hegseth, Bessent ‘way out of their league’: Speaker Ghalibaf The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, attacked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, saying they are over their heads in the war with Iran. “Americans think squeezing Iran harder will win concessions that were never part of the agreement,” Ghalibaf wrote on X. Last week, Bessent had threatened Iran with “never before seen” sanctions that would result in the “economic isolation of a country.” Also Read: ‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws

Washington and Tehran had signed an interim memorandum on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a broader agreement. The ceasefire did not hold for long after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and both sides launched attacks and counterattacks.

‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that there are no ongoing talks between the US and Iran, and that no such talks are scheduled. He claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was open, while Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and is likely to remain closed until the US agrees with Iranian demands."There are no talks or conversations going on or scheduled with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.&nbsp;This is in direct contradiction to Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, who suggested there were “positive” and “active” talks between the US and Iran. Kushner told Fox News that “President Trump is going to be very patient... he doesn’t want to rush to a deal”.On Monday, Trump said that Iranian officials “want to make a deal, but they’re not going to make the kind of deal that I feel is necessary,” before repeating the key demand that Iran will never have nuclear weapons.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satyendar-jain-arrested-delhi-jal-board-scam-1787068144297">AAP leader Satyendar Jain and 5 others arrested in alleged ₹1.94-crore Delhi Jal Board scam</a>A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Iran is looking to shift to a "fully offensive" military posture. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansari, stated that broader US-Iran negotiations cannot resume until Iran and Oman finalise a bilateral agreement regarding navigation rules through the Strait. While discussing with Fox News the stalled peace negotiations surrounding the US-Iran war, Trump stated, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s** out of them."Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf ‌said in comments published by state ⁠media on ⁠Tuesday that the ‌Strait of Hormuz will ⁠remain closed until the ‌United States ‌meets ‌conditions ⁠of ⁠the interim deal with Iran, including ‌lifting the marine blockade and sanctions ‌as well as freeing ⁠Iran’s frozen assets.

Donald Trump denies ongoing US-Iran talks, contradicting envoy Jared Kushner, who said Washington and Tehran are engaged in “positive” and “active” conversations.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that there are no ongoing talks between the US and Iran, and that no such talks are scheduled. He claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was open, while Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and is likely to remain closed until the US agrees with Iranian demands. "There are no talks or conversations going on or scheduled with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. This is in direct contradiction to Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, who suggested there were “positive” and “active” talks between the US and Iran. Kushner told Fox News that “President Trump is going to be very patient... he doesn’t want to rush to a deal”. On Monday, Trump said that Iranian officials “want to make a deal, but they’re not going to make the kind of deal that I feel is necessary,” before repeating the key demand that Iran will never have nuclear weapons. Also Read: AAP leader Satyendar Jain and 5 others arrested in alleged ₹1.94-crore Delhi Jal Board scam A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Iran is looking to shift to a "fully offensive" military posture. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansari, stated that broader US-Iran negotiations cannot resume until Iran and Oman finalise a bilateral agreement regarding navigation rules through the Strait. While discussing with Fox News the stalled peace negotiations surrounding the US-Iran war, Trump stated, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s** out of them." Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf ‌said in comments published by state ⁠media on ⁠Tuesday that the ‌Strait of Hormuz will ⁠remain closed until the ‌United States ‌meets ‌conditions ⁠of ⁠the interim deal with Iran, including ‌lifting the marine blockade and sanctions ‌as well as freeing ⁠Iran’s frozen assets.

Donald Trump denies ongoing US-Iran talks, contradicting envoy Jared Kushner, who said Washington and Tehran are engaged in “positive” and “active” conversations.

Trump denies US-Iran talks as Kushner says negotiations are active

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that the US-Israeli war of aggression demonstrated Iran’s resilience and completely dispelled the global perception of the country being weak. Araghchi added that Tehran’s post-war foreign policy will be fundamentally different from the period before the conflict.&nbsp;In an interview aired on Iranian state TV, Araghchi said the war had fundamentally altered international perceptions of Iran and argued that the country had demonstrated resilience despite sustained pressure.“In my view, Iran’s foreign policy in the post-war period will be completely different from the period before the war. The perception of Iran as weak has been completely eliminated,” he said.&nbsp;Araghchi said the US initially sought Iran’s unconditional surrender but subsequently shifted its objectives.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-t-beg-pakistan-strictly-warns-its-umrah-pilgrims-tells-them-to-fully-comply-with-saudi-laws-1786991746961">‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws</a>&nbsp;“It was the second or third day of the war when Trump posted a tweet in two words: ‘Unconditional surrender’. And, well, they were seeking surrender. They became disappointed, then they pursued regime change; they became disappointed, then they pursued partition; they became disappointed, then they pursued internal unrest. Every plan that they could pursue, they pursued, and they were unsuccessful in bringing this war to a rapid conclusion.”&nbsp;Regarding negotiations with the US, Araqchi said President Masoud Pezeshkian had supported considering Washington’s request for talks as a possible way to find a path toward ending the war.&nbsp;<h2>‘We forced the enemy to accept our conditions’</h2>&nbsp;Araghchi said Iran had won both the war and diplomacy. “We won the war and we also won in diplomacy, and we forced the enemy to accept our conditions,” he said, adding that Iran’s military capabilities gave its diplomacy strength in the negotiations.&nbsp;Araghchi said Iran resisted for days against the “world’s largest apparent military,” alongside another army claiming military power.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-of-28-cms-face-serious-criminal-charges-4-192-cases-pending-against-mps-and-mlas-supreme-court-told-1787055416892">14 of 28 CMs face serious criminal charges; 4,192 cases pending against MPs and MLAs, Supreme Court told</a>&nbsp;He said the memorandum of understanding signed with the US contained “13 provisions in our favour and one in theirs”.&nbsp;“America is now begging to negotiate with us according to our conditions,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Israel sabotaging ceasefire deal with US’</h2>&nbsp;Araghchi accused Israel of actively sabotaging diplomacy, calling the country “the biggest opponent and obstacle” to the implementation of a ceasefire understanding with the US.&nbsp;“The biggest opponent and obstacle to the implementation of the memorandum of understanding was and is the Zionist regime [Israel],” Araghchi said, adding, “They did their best to prevent such an understanding from happening, they did their best to make this understanding fail, and they did their best to prevent it from being implemented, and they are still continuing this effort.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Araghchi claimed that several ambassadors had told him that almost all clauses of the MoU were in Iran’s favour.&nbsp;“We fought with authority and negotiated with authority,” Araghchi said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-rejects-trump-s-renewed-appeal-to-block-e-jean-carroll-award-1786975184644">Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award</a>&nbsp;Araghchi’s statement comes as US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner has reiterated Washington’s firm stance on Iran, stating that the American leader remains clear that Tehran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the United States meets Tehran’s demands, including lifting a naval blockade.&nbsp;“I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding are implemented,” Ghalibaf said in a speech broadcast on state television.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US initially sought Iran’s unconditional surrender but subsequently shifted its objectives. Araghchi added that Iran successfully resisted the “world’s largest apparent military,” alongside another army claiming military power.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that the US-Israeli war of aggression demonstrated Iran’s resilience and completely dispelled the global perception of the country being weak. Araghchi added that Tehran’s post-war foreign policy will be fundamentally different from the period before the conflict. In an interview aired on Iranian state TV, Araghchi said the war had fundamentally altered international perceptions of Iran and argued that the country had demonstrated resilience despite sustained pressure. “In my view, Iran’s foreign policy in the post-war period will be completely different from the period before the war. The perception of Iran as weak has been completely eliminated,” he said. Araghchi said the US initially sought Iran’s unconditional surrender but subsequently shifted its objectives. Also Read: ‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws “It was the second or third day of the war when Trump posted a tweet in two words: ‘Unconditional surrender’. And, well, they were seeking surrender. They became disappointed, then they pursued regime change; they became disappointed, then they pursued partition; they became disappointed, then they pursued internal unrest. Every plan that they could pursue, they pursued, and they were unsuccessful in bringing this war to a rapid conclusion.” Regarding negotiations with the US, Araqchi said President Masoud Pezeshkian had supported considering Washington’s request for talks as a possible way to find a path toward ending the war. ‘We forced the enemy to accept our conditions’ Araghchi said Iran had won both the war and diplomacy. “We won the war and we also won in diplomacy, and we forced the enemy to accept our conditions,” he said, adding that Iran’s military capabilities gave its diplomacy strength in the negotiations. Araghchi said Iran resisted for days against the “world’s largest apparent military,” alongside another army claiming military power. Also Read: 14 of 28 CMs face serious criminal charges; 4,192 cases pending against MPs and MLAs, Supreme Court told He said the memorandum of understanding signed with the US contained “13 provisions in our favour and one in theirs”. “America is now begging to negotiate with us according to our conditions,” he said. ‘Israel sabotaging ceasefire deal with US’ Araghchi accused Israel of actively sabotaging diplomacy, calling the country “the biggest opponent and obstacle” to the implementation of a ceasefire understanding with the US. “The biggest opponent and obstacle to the implementation of the memorandum of understanding was and is the Zionist regime [Israel],” Araghchi said, adding, “They did their best to prevent such an understanding from happening, they did their best to make this understanding fail, and they did their best to prevent it from being implemented, and they are still continuing this effort.” Araghchi claimed that several ambassadors had told him that almost all clauses of the MoU were in Iran’s favour. “We fought with authority and negotiated with authority,” Araghchi said. Also Read: Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award Araghchi’s statement comes as US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner has reiterated Washington’s firm stance on Iran, stating that the American leader remains clear that Tehran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the United States meets Tehran’s demands, including lifting a naval blockade. “I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding are implemented,” Ghalibaf said in a speech broadcast on state television.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US initially sought Iran’s unconditional surrender but subsequently shifted its objectives. Araghchi added that Iran successfully resisted the “world’s largest apparent military,” alongside another army claiming military power.

‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness

The 60-day deadline between US and Iran has ended today without an end to the war. This is not a failure of diplomacy. It's the human will unwilling to see anything beyond big egos. The world doesn't know where the war stands today. Is peace president Trump really arm-twisting Iran? Is Iran still managing to stand up to the United States? And in all this, where is supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei?&nbsp;There's honestly confusion and lethargy that the world is feeling now. And we all ought to know, with crystal clear clarity when the world will see, feel and enjoy peace because every country is paying the price for this mindless war. Some through high fuel prices or food insecurity, others by losing their loved ones in the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump entered this 60-day period, demanding that Iran de-nuclearises itself. Iran on the other hand, wanted sanctions relief, security guarantees and an end to pressure tactics.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irgc-refutes-trump-s-claim-of-backchannel-talks-calls-it-result-of-his-delusion-1786980019117">IRGC refutes Trump’s claim of backchannel talks, calls it ‘result of his delusions’</a>&nbsp;Now as these 60 days end, Iran suddenly says the Memorandum of Understanding never really held value because the US violated it. So, should the world just sit and pay the price of two sides not willing to go beyond blackmailing? You see, the problem was never simply a lack of talks. The problem was that the two sides entered the talks with fundamentally different definitions of what would be an acceptable outcome.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-and-us-trade-barbs-as-60-day-mou-expires-without-a-deal-or-extension-1786984221684/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-and-us-trade-barbs-as-60-day-mou-expires-without-a-deal-or-extension-1786984221684/embed</a>&nbsp;And mind you, this should not be mistaken as the collapse of diplomacy. Deadlines are mere political tools, even narrative-building. But they do not magically resolve disagreements. There has to be a willingness to achieve peace. So, what was the point of this deadline? And what happens next. The deadline has expired and hopes have certainly dimmed.

US-Iran war: Trump’s 60-day deadline ends without peace as Iran rejects US pressure. What happens next, and can diplomacy still end the conflict?

The 60-day deadline between US and Iran has ended today without an end to the war. This is not a failure of diplomacy. It's the human will unwilling to see anything beyond big egos. The world doesn't know where the war stands today. Is peace president Trump really arm-twisting Iran? Is Iran still managing to stand up to the United States? And in all this, where is supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei? There's honestly confusion and lethargy that the world is feeling now. And we all ought to know, with crystal clear clarity when the world will see, feel and enjoy peace because every country is paying the price for this mindless war. Some through high fuel prices or food insecurity, others by losing their loved ones in the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump entered this 60-day period, demanding that Iran de-nuclearises itself. Iran on the other hand, wanted sanctions relief, security guarantees and an end to pressure tactics. Also Read: IRGC refutes Trump’s claim of backchannel talks, calls it ‘result of his delusions’ Now as these 60 days end, Iran suddenly says the Memorandum of Understanding never really held value because the US violated it. So, should the world just sit and pay the price of two sides not willing to go beyond blackmailing? You see, the problem was never simply a lack of talks. The problem was that the two sides entered the talks with fundamentally different definitions of what would be an acceptable outcome. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-and-us-trade-barbs-as-60-day-mou-expires-without-a-deal-or-extension-1786984221684/embed And mind you, this should not be mistaken as the collapse of diplomacy. Deadlines are mere political tools, even narrative-building. But they do not magically resolve disagreements. There has to be a willingness to achieve peace. So, what was the point of this deadline? And what happens next. The deadline has expired and hopes have certainly dimmed.

The US-Iran 60-day deadline has expired without peace. With Trump demanding Iran’s de-nuclearization and Tehran seeking sanctions relief and security guarantees, what happens next?

The Verdict | 60 days, no peace: Why the US-Iran war is still far from over

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi on Monday denied President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington was engaged in backchannel discussions with Iran’s IRGC.“There are no talks taking place between IRGC officials and the Americans, and this lie by Trump is merely fantasies caused by the delusions and nightmares he has suffered as a result of defeat and desperation in the war,” Mohbehi was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News agency.&nbsp;He further stressed that the IRGC “speaks its word on the battlefield” and that the “diplomatic matters fall within the remit of other parts of the Islamic Republic.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-rejects-trump-s-renewed-appeal-to-block-e-jean-carroll-award-1786975184644">Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award</a>&nbsp;“According to the information we have and based on the statements of the respected officials of the Foreign Ministry, even in this area, no talks are currently taking place with the Americans because of their broken promises and the dark experience of repeated and continual US breaches of commitments,” the IRGC spokesman said.&nbsp;Mohbehi further said that Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field and added that the US president’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The sooner and faster the Americans accept their failure and make decisions accordingly, the more they can save their country from greater and heavier losses," Mohebbi warned. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices.<h2>‘Victory lies in unity,’ says Iran’s judiciary chief</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei said that the country must not become complacent about the “enemy’s plots in hybrid warfare”, and emphasised that the “key to victory is unity and following the supreme leader”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cannot-live-with-war-former-iran-president-warns-against-prolonged-conflict-urges-diplomacy-1786912223136">‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy</a>&nbsp;“Following the defeat of the US enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the beliefs and perceptions of the leaders of US-aligned countries regarding our country’s power have changed,” he added.Various leaders and heads of administration and judiciary have been stressing unity among the Iranian people, who have been facing severe crackdowns by the regime before the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Internet censorship to end,’ says Iran’s vice president&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Monday that President Masoud Pezeshkian has decided the country’s censorship of the internet should be brought to an end, although he said the process would take time due to the involvement of myriad legal bodies and councils.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-mataram-row-which-section-of-the-new-law-can-put-sonia-gandhi-in-the-dock-1786971951028">Vande Mataram row: Which section of the new law can put Sonia Gandhi in the dock</a>&nbsp;Iran’s Tasnim News agency reported Aref as saying that improving the quality of internet connectivity for Iranians was a priority for the government, but he warned that Iran’s enemies were seeking to use economic pressure to undermine social resilience.He also urged Iranian media to take a more assertive role, saying, “The media must shift from a defensive position to an offensive one; because in media work, the first narrator is the winner.”

IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi said Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field. He added that Trump’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi on Monday denied President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington was engaged in backchannel discussions with Iran’s IRGC. “There are no talks taking place between IRGC officials and the Americans, and this lie by Trump is merely fantasies caused by the delusions and nightmares he has suffered as a result of defeat and desperation in the war,” Mohbehi was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News agency. He further stressed that the IRGC “speaks its word on the battlefield” and that the “diplomatic matters fall within the remit of other parts of the Islamic Republic.” Also Read: Supreme Court rejects Trump’s renewed appeal to block E. Jean Carroll award “According to the information we have and based on the statements of the respected officials of the Foreign Ministry, even in this area, no talks are currently taking place with the Americans because of their broken promises and the dark experience of repeated and continual US breaches of commitments,” the IRGC spokesman said. Mohbehi further said that Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field and added that the US president’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions. “The sooner and faster the Americans accept their failure and make decisions accordingly, the more they can save their country from greater and heavier losses," Mohebbi warned. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices. ‘Victory lies in unity,’ says Iran’s judiciary chief Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei said that the country must not become complacent about the “enemy’s plots in hybrid warfare”, and emphasised that the “key to victory is unity and following the supreme leader”. Also Read: ‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy “Following the defeat of the US enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the beliefs and perceptions of the leaders of US-aligned countries regarding our country’s power have changed,” he added. Various leaders and heads of administration and judiciary have been stressing unity among the Iranian people, who have been facing severe crackdowns by the regime before the war. ‘Internet censorship to end,’ says Iran’s vice president Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Monday that President Masoud Pezeshkian has decided the country’s censorship of the internet should be brought to an end, although he said the process would take time due to the involvement of myriad legal bodies and councils. Also Read: Vande Mataram row: Which section of the new law can put Sonia Gandhi in the dock Iran’s Tasnim News agency reported Aref as saying that improving the quality of internet connectivity for Iranians was a priority for the government, but he warned that Iran’s enemies were seeking to use economic pressure to undermine social resilience. He also urged Iranian media to take a more assertive role, saying, “The media must shift from a defensive position to an offensive one; because in media work, the first narrator is the winner.”

IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohbehi said Trump’s mental fantasies will not help him on the field. He added that Trump’s only real option is to accept defeat and meet Iran’s conditions. He also accused Trump of using his statements to temporarily manipulate global oil and energy prices.

IRGC refutes Trump’s claim of backchannel talks, calls it ‘result of his delusions’

US President Donald Trump has threatened to take military action against Oman if the Middle Eastern country interferes with US efforts amid the ongoing conflict with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Fox News on Monday (August 17), Trump issued the warning just days before the deadline for the 60-day US-Iran ceasefire. "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s*** out of them," he said.&nbsp;Trump was responding to a question about parallel negotiations between Iranian diplomats and Omani officials over a provisional arrangement for managing shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Over recent weeks, Iran and Oman have held talks aimed at reaching an agreement on the management of maritime traffic through the key waterway, which has become one of the major flashpoints of the wider Middle East conflict. Trump also called on Iran to surrender, according to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, who posted details of his interview with the president on X.&nbsp;"Iran should put up the white flag of surrender," Trump said, according to Yingst's post. "They're good poker players, but they're dying," he was quoted as saying. Trump also dismissed concerns over a fixed timeline for US military action, saying, "I have no time schedule. I'm not in a hurry...the midterms have nothing to do with my thinking."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mecca-joint-defence-agreement-saudi-turkey-pakistan-1786965964554">Trump hails Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact as ‘big, bold’ first step</a>&nbsp;In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the US administration's primary objective. "The number one Goal is, and always will be, that Iran cannot have, in any way, shape, or form, a Nuclear Weapon," he wrote. The remarks come as the deadline for the 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran approaches, raising further questions over the future of negotiations and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.<h2>Trump previously threatened to ‘blow up’ Oman over Strait of Hormuz negotiations</h2>Trump made a similar threat against Oman in May 2026 amid escalating tensions over control of the strategic waterway. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on May 27, Trump rejected any proposal that would allow Iran and Oman to jointly oversee the Strait of Hormuz. "No, the Strait is going to be open to everybody," Trump told reporters. “It's international waters, and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that, they'll be fine.”

Trump threatens Oman over the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Iran ceasefire deadline nears, escalating tensions over Iran, shipping and regional security

US President Donald Trump has threatened to take military action against Oman if the Middle Eastern country interferes with US efforts amid the ongoing conflict with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Fox News on Monday (August 17), Trump issued the warning just days before the deadline for the 60-day US-Iran ceasefire. "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s*** out of them," he said. Trump was responding to a question about parallel negotiations between Iranian diplomats and Omani officials over a provisional arrangement for managing shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Over recent weeks, Iran and Oman have held talks aimed at reaching an agreement on the management of maritime traffic through the key waterway, which has become one of the major flashpoints of the wider Middle East conflict. Trump also called on Iran to surrender, according to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, who posted details of his interview with the president on X. "Iran should put up the white flag of surrender," Trump said, according to Yingst's post. "They're good poker players, but they're dying," he was quoted as saying. Trump also dismissed concerns over a fixed timeline for US military action, saying, "I have no time schedule. I'm not in a hurry...the midterms have nothing to do with my thinking." Also Read: Trump hails Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact as ‘big, bold’ first step In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the US administration's primary objective. "The number one Goal is, and always will be, that Iran cannot have, in any way, shape, or form, a Nuclear Weapon," he wrote. The remarks come as the deadline for the 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran approaches, raising further questions over the future of negotiations and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump previously threatened to ‘blow up’ Oman over Strait of Hormuz negotiations Trump made a similar threat against Oman in May 2026 amid escalating tensions over control of the strategic waterway. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on May 27, Trump rejected any proposal that would allow Iran and Oman to jointly oversee the Strait of Hormuz. "No, the Strait is going to be open to everybody," Trump told reporters. “It's international waters, and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that, they'll be fine.”

Trump threatens Oman over the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Iran ceasefire deadline nears, escalating tensions over shipping and regional security

Twice in four months! Trump threatens to 'blow the s*** out of Oman' if it gets in way of Iran deal

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has said that Iran cannot continue living under war indefinitely despite having withstood external pressure and called for a cautious diplomatic approach towards the US and Israel. Khatami said the Islamic Republic had survived foreign aggression and remained resilient but argued that continued conflict would create serious challenges for the country and its people.&nbsp;The former president stressed that Iran could not indefinitely function under wartime conditions.“We cannot live with war. The people cannot, and it is not possible to continue daily life, meet people’s needs and govern society under such conditions,” he said.&nbsp;Khatami urged for diplomacy amid the risk of further military escalation remaining a major concern.&nbsp;“Although the United States cannot be trusted and Israel will stop at nothing to continue tensions and conflict, this obstacle must also be confronted with prudence and measured diplomacy,” Khatami said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-may-stalemate-did-us-manage-to-communicate-directly-with-irgc-top-commander-1786894585305">After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander</a><h2> Split in Iranian leadership over war strategy?</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s leadership is showing unity in its determination to withstand the US and its allies, but differences are emerging over how the conflict should ultimately end.The main divide is between the ultra-hardline Paydari movement, which opposes negotiations and seeks total victory, and a more pragmatic camp aligned with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-may-stalemate-did-us-manage-to-communicate-directly-with-irgc-top-commander-1786894585305">After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander</a> Paydari supporters argue that Iran must refuse any compromises and should continue to apply military pressure. They promote resistance and portray negotiations as a betrayal.&nbsp;However, in contrast, the pragmatists inTehran are pushing for a negotiated deal with the United States. Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf’s camp aims to use military action as leverage for negotiations.The pragmatists are also concerned about Iran’s worsening economic conditions, including a weakening currency, rising inflation and unemployment. They argue that prolonging the war would further alienate the public ultimately.

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami said the Islamic Republic had survived foreign aggression and remained resilient but argued that continued conflict would create serious challenges for the country and its people. He urged for diplomacy amid the risk of military escalation.

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has said that Iran cannot continue living under war indefinitely despite having withstood external pressure and called for a cautious diplomatic approach towards the US and Israel. Khatami said the Islamic Republic had survived foreign aggression and remained resilient but argued that continued conflict would create serious challenges for the country and its people. The former president stressed that Iran could not indefinitely function under wartime conditions. “We cannot live with war. The people cannot, and it is not possible to continue daily life, meet people’s needs and govern society under such conditions,” he said. Khatami urged for diplomacy amid the risk of further military escalation remaining a major concern. “Although the United States cannot be trusted and Israel will stop at nothing to continue tensions and conflict, this obstacle must also be confronted with prudence and measured diplomacy,” Khatami said. Also Read: After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander Split in Iranian leadership over war strategy? Iran’s leadership is showing unity in its determination to withstand the US and its allies, but differences are emerging over how the conflict should ultimately end. The main divide is between the ultra-hardline Paydari movement, which opposes negotiations and seeks total victory, and a more pragmatic camp aligned with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Also Read: After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander Paydari supporters argue that Iran must refuse any compromises and should continue to apply military pressure. They promote resistance and portray negotiations as a betrayal. However, in contrast, the pragmatists inTehran are pushing for a negotiated deal with the United States. Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf’s camp aims to use military action as leverage for negotiations. The pragmatists are also concerned about Iran’s worsening economic conditions, including a weakening currency, rising inflation and unemployment. They argue that prolonging the war would further alienate the public ultimately.

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami said the Islamic Republic had survived foreign aggression and remained resilient but argued that continued conflict would create serious challenges for the country and its people. He urged for diplomacy amid the risk of military escalation.

‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against prolonged conflict, urges diplomacy

The United States and Israel wiped out almost the entire leadership of Iran in the initial strikes and must have been pleased with the result, but little did Washington know that the leadership vacuum thus created would create a new problem for it later on. The killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior political leaders, in fact, strengthened the IRGC's grip on power.Besides, the uncertainty about the condition of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and his absence from public view further boosted IRGC commanders.&nbsp;Over two months later, around mid-May, US negotiators trying to strike a deal with Iran to end the war ran into a dilemma: they were not sure if the people across the table were actually in touch with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was wielding the real power in Iran.&nbsp;<h2>US taps Nechirvan Barzani for contacting IRGC&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;After the April 8 ceasefire and a summit in Islamabad, the US and Iran were trying to negotiate an end to the war, and in order to ensure that their efforts were not fruitless, Trump administration officials decided to bypass Iran’s negotiators and reach out directly to IRGC leadership, said an Axios report.&nbsp;And for doing so, they tapped Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan region in Iraq, who enjoys the trust of both US and IRGC leaders.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-cm-revanth-reddy-accuses-brs-leaders-of-using-black-magic-to-usurp-power-occult-charges-not-new-in-politics-1786884046815">Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accuses BRS leaders of using ‘black magic’ to usurp power; occult charges not new in politics</a>&nbsp;When the US felt it was closing in on a deal, Iran delayed its response for more than 10 days. It was then that the White House started to think that Iranian negotiators, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, were not empowered to strike a deal and were being overruled.&nbsp;<h2>Then-DNI Tulsi Gabbard called Barzani to set the ball rolling</h2>&nbsp;Around May 10, then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called Barzani and told him that the administration thought he could help get in touch with the commander of the IRGC, Gen. Ahmad Vahidi.Barzani, who had lived in Iran and studied at the University of Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war, is fluent in Farsi and has personal relationships with senior members of the Iranian regime, including top members of the IRGC.&nbsp;Gabbard made clear to Barzani that she was making the call with the approval of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.Gabbard told Barzani that the White House wanted to know if Vahidi and the IRGC leadership were on board with what Ghalibaf and Araghchi had been negotiating or whether they had other ideas or demands.&nbsp;<h2>‘But I want to talk directly to Gen. Vahidi’</h2>&nbsp;Barzani agreed to Gabbard’s request and reached out to his contacts at the IRGC and said he had a message from the Trump administration.“But I want to talk directly to Gen. Vahidi,” Barzani stressed.The Iranians agreed, and on May 14, an IRGC official arrived in Barzani’s office in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, carrying an encrypted phone for making a secure call.&nbsp;When Barzani asked Vahidi whether he was aligned with the Iranian negotiators, the Iranian general said he was. “I fully support them, and this is also the position of the IRGC. We prefer to solve this crisis through negotiations,” Vahidi said.Barzani called Gabbard right after his conversation with Vahidi and briefed her on his response. Gabbard, in turn, briefed the White House.&nbsp;The success made the Trump administration come up with another proposal. They asked Barzani if he would host secret talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Erbil.Barzani passed on the message to the Iranians, who did not rule it out but expressed apprehensions about their security.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-middle-east-commander-visits-uss-lincoln-amid-iran-war-gaza-and-lebanon-tensions-1786882278296">US top commander visits USS Lincoln amid Iran war, Gaza and Lebanon tensions</a>&nbsp;<h2>Wary of Israeli threats, Iranians couldn’t agree to Erbil meeting</h2>&nbsp;The Iranians believed Israeli intelligence had many assets in Iraqi Kurdistan and were wary that the Israelis would try to assassinate them in Erbil or while they travelled there and back.Consequently, the Erbil meeting never took place.&nbsp;The developments, detailed by three sources privy to the matter, show how difficult a task has it been for the US to negotiate with Iran.&nbsp;The US and Iran did sign a memorandum of understanding, but it failed.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistani and Qatari mediators continue to exchange messages between the US and Iran without any significant progress. Some believe the Pakistanis are giving more optimistic readouts than the talks justify.

Around mid-May, US negotiators trying to strike a deal with Iran to end the war ran into a dilemma: they were not sure if the people across the table were actually in touch with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was wielding the real power in Iran.

The United States and Israel wiped out almost the entire leadership of Iran in the initial strikes and must have been pleased with the result, but little did Washington know that the leadership vacuum thus created would create a new problem for it later on. The killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior political leaders, in fact, strengthened the IRGC's grip on power. Besides, the uncertainty about the condition of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and his absence from public view further boosted IRGC commanders. Over two months later, around mid-May, US negotiators trying to strike a deal with Iran to end the war ran into a dilemma: they were not sure if the people across the table were actually in touch with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was wielding the real power in Iran. US taps Nechirvan Barzani for contacting IRGC After the April 8 ceasefire and a summit in Islamabad, the US and Iran were trying to negotiate an end to the war, and in order to ensure that their efforts were not fruitless, Trump administration officials decided to bypass Iran’s negotiators and reach out directly to IRGC leadership, said an Axios report. And for doing so, they tapped Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan region in Iraq, who enjoys the trust of both US and IRGC leaders. Also Read: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accuses BRS leaders of using ‘black magic’ to usurp power; occult charges not new in politics When the US felt it was closing in on a deal, Iran delayed its response for more than 10 days. It was then that the White House started to think that Iranian negotiators, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, were not empowered to strike a deal and were being overruled. Then-DNI Tulsi Gabbard called Barzani to set the ball rolling Around May 10, then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called Barzani and told him that the administration thought he could help get in touch with the commander of the IRGC, Gen. Ahmad Vahidi. Barzani, who had lived in Iran and studied at the University of Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war, is fluent in Farsi and has personal relationships with senior members of the Iranian regime, including top members of the IRGC. Gabbard made clear to Barzani that she was making the call with the approval of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Gabbard told Barzani that the White House wanted to know if Vahidi and the IRGC leadership were on board with what Ghalibaf and Araghchi had been negotiating or whether they had other ideas or demands. ‘But I want to talk directly to Gen. Vahidi’ Barzani agreed to Gabbard’s request and reached out to his contacts at the IRGC and said he had a message from the Trump administration. “But I want to talk directly to Gen. Vahidi,” Barzani stressed. The Iranians agreed, and on May 14, an IRGC official arrived in Barzani’s office in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, carrying an encrypted phone for making a secure call. When Barzani asked Vahidi whether he was aligned with the Iranian negotiators, the Iranian general said he was. “I fully support them, and this is also the position of the IRGC. We prefer to solve this crisis through negotiations,” Vahidi said. Barzani called Gabbard right after his conversation with Vahidi and briefed her on his response. Gabbard, in turn, briefed the White House. The success made the Trump administration come up with another proposal. They asked Barzani if he would host secret talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Erbil. Barzani passed on the message to the Iranians, who did not rule it out but expressed apprehensions about their security. Also Read: US top commander visits USS Lincoln amid Iran war, Gaza and Lebanon tensions Wary of Israeli threats, Iranians couldn’t agree to Erbil meeting The Iranians believed Israeli intelligence had many assets in Iraqi Kurdistan and were wary that the Israelis would try to assassinate them in Erbil or while they travelled there and back. Consequently, the Erbil meeting never took place. The developments, detailed by three sources privy to the matter, show how difficult a task has it been for the US to negotiate with Iran. The US and Iran did sign a memorandum of understanding, but it failed. Meanwhile, Pakistani and Qatari mediators continue to exchange messages between the US and Iran without any significant progress. Some believe the Pakistanis are giving more optimistic readouts than the talks justify.

Around mid-May, US negotiators trying to strike a deal with Iran to end the war ran into a dilemma: they were not sure if the people across the table were actually in touch with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was wielding the real power in Iran.

After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC top commander

The United States is preparing to send the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East amid reports claiming poor conditions for US sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed to the region for over 240 days. This comes after a report suggested that several American sailors tried to jump from the ship in recent weeks due to an alleged mental health crisis among those on the ship. Over 5,000 sailors and Marines have been deployed on the aircraft carrier since November last year. It was deployed to the Middle East in January. While the vessel was earlier scheduled to return in May, the prolonged war between the US and Iran has extended its deployment period.The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter, that USS George Washington will replace USS Abraham Lincoln as part of a previously scheduled rotation plan. The Japan-based USS George Washington has been operating in the Pacific in recent weeks. Open-source tracking data showed the aircraft carrier transiting the Strait of Malacca this week alongside guided-missile destroyers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-abraham-lincoln-sailors-tried-to-jump-from-the-warship-families-say-here-s-why-1786519879712">USS Abraham Lincoln sailors tried to jump from the warship, families say. Here's why</a> Lawmakers have raised concerns over living conditions on the carrier, saying that the high tempo of operations and strain of extended deployment have resulted in challenges for sailors. Amid reports of mental health issues aboard the vessel, they have also urged the Pentagon to provide more information.Being deployed for over 250 days and without making any port call in 200 days, the Lincoln has set a record for consecutive days at sea. The aircraft carrier has also faced concerns over a shortage of food supplies for US troops aboard, water contamination and plumbing issues.&nbsp;In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Sen. Richard Blumenthal raised the issues. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” he wrote.Earlier this month, MS Now reported that USS Abraham Lincoln was running out of supplies, including food, toothpaste and soap. The report added that lawmakers were concerned over reports that sailors were struggling with exhaustion and mental health issues due to rare port visits.

US is sending USS George Washington to replace USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East following an extended deployment and reports of a severe mental health crisis among sailors.

The United States is preparing to send the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East amid reports claiming poor conditions for US sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed to the region for over 240 days. This comes after a report suggested that several American sailors tried to jump from the ship in recent weeks due to an alleged mental health crisis among those on the ship. Over 5,000 sailors and Marines have been deployed on the aircraft carrier since November last year. It was deployed to the Middle East in January. While the vessel was earlier scheduled to return in May, the prolonged war between the US and Iran has extended its deployment period. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter, that USS George Washington will replace USS Abraham Lincoln as part of a previously scheduled rotation plan. The Japan-based USS George Washington has been operating in the Pacific in recent weeks. Open-source tracking data showed the aircraft carrier transiting the Strait of Malacca this week alongside guided-missile destroyers. Also read | USS Abraham Lincoln sailors tried to jump from the warship, families say. Here's why Lawmakers have raised concerns over living conditions on the carrier, saying that the high tempo of operations and strain of extended deployment have resulted in challenges for sailors. Amid reports of mental health issues aboard the vessel, they have also urged the Pentagon to provide more information. Being deployed for over 250 days and without making any port call in 200 days, the Lincoln has set a record for consecutive days at sea. The aircraft carrier has also faced concerns over a shortage of food supplies for US troops aboard, water contamination and plumbing issues. In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Sen. Richard Blumenthal raised the issues. “There have been widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns, and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,” he wrote. Earlier this month, MS Now reported that USS Abraham Lincoln was running out of supplies, including food, toothpaste and soap. The report added that lawmakers were concerned over reports that sailors were struggling with exhaustion and mental health issues due to rare port visits.

US is sending USS George Washington to replace USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East following an extended deployment and reports of a severe mental health crisis among sailors.

US replacing USS Abraham Lincoln amid reports of suffering troops? New aircraft carrier to arrive in Middle East

The United States, as per reports, has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its war with Iran, wiping out roughly a quarter of the military's fleet and raising fresh questions about how long Washington can sustain the campaign.Three US officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that at least 45 Reapers have been lost since the conflict began. The drones are widely used for surveillance and targeted strikes and can cost between $30 million and $50 million each, depending on their equipment and weapons. That puts the potential cost of the losses at more than $1.3 billion for the Reaper fleet alone.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-old-time-s-sake-iran-knew-trump-s-exact-location-in-turkey-full-scale-of-assassination-threat-revealed-1786589235642">'For old time's sake': Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey? Full scale of assassination threat revealed</a><h2>Drones caught in the Strait of Hormuz fight</h2>The MQ-9s have been heavily deployed around the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the centre of the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran.But the Reaper's design also makes it vulnerable. The remotely operated aircraft flies relatively slowly and often at low altitude, leaving it exposed to Iranian forces and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq.Notably, not all the drones were necessarily shot down. A fourth US official told the publication that some were lost after operators apparently lost their communications links with the aircraft, although the Pentagon has not disclosed how many.Before the war, the US military had about 185 Reapers, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps. None of the Marine Corps drones have been lost, according to a spokesman. The Air Force had already reported a sharp decline in its inventory. In May, Lt Gen David Tabor told senators that the number of remaining Air Force Reapers had fallen to around 135 and said he was "concerned" about the losses.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-alleged-nuclear-arsenal-no-longer-top-concern-for-us-vance-says-cheap-oil-is-priority-no-1-in-iran-war-nuclear-threat-goal-number-two-1786669765626">Iran's alleged nuclear arsenal no longer top concern for US? Vance says cheap oil is priority No. 1 in Iran war, nuclear threat 'goal number two'</a><h2>Iran war adds to wider weapons strain</h2>The drone losses are part of a much bigger problem for the Pentagon. During the first month of the Iran campaign, US forces fired more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors, according to earlier reporting by The Washington Post.Those demands have come on top of years of US military support for Ukraine, putting additional pressure on already stretched weapons supplies.The Trump administration is seeking $67 billion from Congress for an Iran war funding package, including money to replenish depleted stocks. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the conflict could cost $37.5 billion through September alone.&nbsp;

The US has reportedly lost dozens of its prized MQ-9 Reaper drones during the Iran war. The scale of the losses is now raising a bigger question about America's ability to sustain a long-running campaign. All you need to know.

The United States, as per reports, has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its war with Iran, wiping out roughly a quarter of the military's fleet and raising fresh questions about how long Washington can sustain the campaign. Three US officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that at least 45 Reapers have been lost since the conflict began. The drones are widely used for surveillance and targeted strikes and can cost between $30 million and $50 million each, depending on their equipment and weapons. That puts the potential cost of the losses at more than $1.3 billion for the Reaper fleet alone. Also read | 'For old time's sake': Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey? Full scale of assassination threat revealed Drones caught in the Strait of Hormuz fight The MQ-9s have been heavily deployed around the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the centre of the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran. But the Reaper's design also makes it vulnerable. The remotely operated aircraft flies relatively slowly and often at low altitude, leaving it exposed to Iranian forces and allied groups in Yemen and Iraq. Notably, not all the drones were necessarily shot down. A fourth US official told the publication that some were lost after operators apparently lost their communications links with the aircraft, although the Pentagon has not disclosed how many. Before the war, the US military had about 185 Reapers, including 165 operated by the Air Force and 20 by the Marine Corps. None of the Marine Corps drones have been lost, according to a spokesman. The Air Force had already reported a sharp decline in its inventory. In May, Lt Gen David Tabor told senators that the number of remaining Air Force Reapers had fallen to around 135 and said he was "concerned" about the losses. Also read | Iran's alleged nuclear arsenal no longer top concern for US? Vance says cheap oil is priority No. 1 in Iran war, nuclear threat 'goal number two' Iran war adds to wider weapons strain The drone losses are part of a much bigger problem for the Pentagon. During the first month of the Iran campaign, US forces fired more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors, according to earlier reporting by The Washington Post. Those demands have come on top of years of US military support for Ukraine, putting additional pressure on already stretched weapons supplies. The Trump administration is seeking $67 billion from Congress for an Iran war funding package, including money to replenish depleted stocks. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the conflict could cost $37.5 billion through September alone.

The US has reportedly lost dozens of its prized MQ-9 Reaper drones during the Iran war. The scale of the losses is now raising a bigger question about America's ability to sustain a long-running campaign. All you need to know.

Iran war eating into America's drone arsenal? US has lost nearly 1 in 4 MQ-9 Reaper drones, claims report

Reports say there had been multiple attempts by crew members onboard USS Abraham Lincoln to jump overboard. Pressure is mounting on Trump with despair growing amid the Iran war. Tune into Gravitas at 9 PM to find out more.

US Military Meltdown in Gulf Signals End of Trump Era | GRAVITAS

A top adviser to the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday that Iran could “prolong” the war with the US until President Donald Trump is out of office. “We have to attain deterrence so that the enemy never dares to attack us, so we can live with security,” Mohammad Reza Naqdi told PBS in an interview.&nbsp;Naqdi served as coordinating deputy of the IRGC from 2019 to 2025, a senior position overlooking coordination across the organisation. He is now a senior adviser to the IRGC commander, a position that carries less command authority but still has access to the IRGC’s top leadership in the advisory role.&nbsp;“One way is to prolong this war until we get to the next term of the presidency and cause attrition so that if anyone else wants to attack Iran, they will know there is a cost,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-canal-fees-surge-container-ship-shells-out-4-million-to-jump-queue-1786558494375">Panama Canal fees surge; container ship shells out $4 million to jump queue</a><h2>‘Certainly, victory is on our side’</h2>&nbsp;On being asked if he believes Iran is currently in control of the war, Naqdi said, “Certainly, victory is on our side.”&nbsp;Washington is conducting a “war without strategy,” he said. “Every two or three days, they announce a new objective,” including the invasion of Kharg Island and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” Naqdi added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-gives-intelligence-services-broad-powers-amid-rising-hybrid-threats-security-lapses-1786548101127">Germany gives intelligence services broad powers amid rising threats, security lapses</a>&nbsp;“The longer this war lasts, the more experience we gain. We had never seen a real war to gain real experience to learn how to fight with America. In these five months, we have learned how,” Naqdi added.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘American military is weaker than what we perceived’</h2>&nbsp;“We have also seen how the American military is weaker than what we perceived.”&nbsp;Replying to why Iran was bombarding ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC adviser said if vessels are traveling through an area out of Iran’s control, “it could be that they’re transporting supplies for the enemy.”&nbsp;Questioned on Iran’s inventory of missiles, Naqdi said that Iran manufactures more of these weapons than it uses every day.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/heaven-made-in-china-optical-shop-owner-learns-ai-painstakingly-gets-fame-as-video-goes-viral-1786540438553">Heaven – Made in China: Optical shop owner learns AI painstakingly, gets fame as video goes viral</a>&nbsp;“If there comes a day when Iran has no more missiles left, that’s when we will be even more dangerous for America. Because America has thousands of economic interests throughout the world, and all of them can be easily destroyed,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Naqdi’s remarks seem to be response to Trump’s assertions</h2>&nbsp;Naqdi’s remarks came a day after Trump claimed that Iran’s economy was in severe distress and its situation was “not sustainable”.&nbsp;Trump said Iran was facing 300% inflation, its currency has “almost no value” and is facing difficulties in paying its soldiers. He also claimed Iranian troops were leaving, arguing that the situation was “not sustainable”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-leader-thanks-indian-media-announces-push-for-recognition-of-republic-of-balochistan-1786479617334">Baloch leader thanks Indian media, announces push for recognition of ‘Republic of Balochistan’</a>&nbsp;“They’ve got 300% inflation. They have no value. Their currency has almost no value. They are not paying their soldiers. Their soldiers are leaving. So just keep that going. It’s not sustainable,” he said.&nbsp;He outlined three possible approaches for ending the conflict, including one of maintaining the current pressure and allowing Iran to fail economically.&nbsp;Naqdi’s attrition remarks seem to be a response to Trump’s assertions.

Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior adviser to the IRGC commander, said the US is conducting a war without strategy, as Washington announces a new objective every two or three days. He also claimed that Iran manufactures more missiles than it uses every day.

A top adviser to the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday that Iran could “prolong” the war with the US until President Donald Trump is out of office. “We have to attain deterrence so that the enemy never dares to attack us, so we can live with security,” Mohammad Reza Naqdi told PBS in an interview. Naqdi served as coordinating deputy of the IRGC from 2019 to 2025, a senior position overlooking coordination across the organisation. He is now a senior adviser to the IRGC commander, a position that carries less command authority but still has access to the IRGC’s top leadership in the advisory role. “One way is to prolong this war until we get to the next term of the presidency and cause attrition so that if anyone else wants to attack Iran, they will know there is a cost,” he said. Also Read: Panama Canal fees surge; container ship shells out $4 million to jump queue ‘Certainly, victory is on our side’ On being asked if he believes Iran is currently in control of the war, Naqdi said, “Certainly, victory is on our side.” Washington is conducting a “war without strategy,” he said. “Every two or three days, they announce a new objective,” including the invasion of Kharg Island and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” Naqdi added. Also Read: Germany gives intelligence services broad powers amid rising threats, security lapses “The longer this war lasts, the more experience we gain. We had never seen a real war to gain real experience to learn how to fight with America. In these five months, we have learned how,” Naqdi added. ‘American military is weaker than what we perceived’ “We have also seen how the American military is weaker than what we perceived.” Replying to why Iran was bombarding ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC adviser said if vessels are traveling through an area out of Iran’s control, “it could be that they’re transporting supplies for the enemy.” Questioned on Iran’s inventory of missiles, Naqdi said that Iran manufactures more of these weapons than it uses every day. Also Read: Heaven – Made in China: Optical shop owner learns AI painstakingly, gets fame as video goes viral “If there comes a day when Iran has no more missiles left, that’s when we will be even more dangerous for America. Because America has thousands of economic interests throughout the world, and all of them can be easily destroyed,” he said. Naqdi’s remarks seem to be response to Trump’s assertions Naqdi’s remarks came a day after Trump claimed that Iran’s economy was in severe distress and its situation was “not sustainable”. Trump said Iran was facing 300% inflation, its currency has “almost no value” and is facing difficulties in paying its soldiers. He also claimed Iranian troops were leaving, arguing that the situation was “not sustainable”. Also Read: Baloch leader thanks Indian media, announces push for recognition of ‘Republic of Balochistan’ “They’ve got 300% inflation. They have no value. Their currency has almost no value. They are not paying their soldiers. Their soldiers are leaving. So just keep that going. It’s not sustainable,” he said. He outlined three possible approaches for ending the conflict, including one of maintaining the current pressure and allowing Iran to fail economically. Naqdi’s attrition remarks seem to be a response to Trump’s assertions.

Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior adviser to the IRGC commander, said the US is conducting a war without strategy, as Washington announces a new objective every two or three days. He also claimed that Iran manufactures more missiles than it uses every day.

Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that his country had “astonished the whole world” in the war against the United States and Israel and has proved that it is a “tough and invincible” power.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters, Araghchi said, “Our armed forces made tremendous sacrifices and managed to incapacitate and defeat what was ostensibly the largest army in the world. This is not a slogan; it is a reality that the entire world is acknowledging.”&nbsp;The foreign minister said that Iran has displayed deep resilience in the conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In the recent war, it was the Islamic Republic of Iran that proved itself to the world and demonstrated that it is a resilient and invincible power,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-m-their-banker-trump-says-us-controls-tehran-s-frozen-assets-claims-iran-s-economy-in-severe-distress-1786471915812">‘I’m their banker’: Trump says US controls Tehran’s frozen assets, claims Iran’s economy in severe distress</a><h2>‘You Iranians have achieved something extraordinary’</h2>&nbsp;“I have heard this repeatedly from foreign ministers and officials from other countries: ‘You Iranians have achieved something extraordinary. You astonished the entire world.’ Those are their exact words,” Araghchi added.&nbsp;Iran has refused to back down on demands that the US end its blockade of Iranian ports, lift sanctions on the Islamic Republic, and fulfill other conditions before Tehran will consider reopening the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also Read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-helicopter-opens-fire-on-panama-flagged-ship-breaking-blockade-of-iran-1786456732550">: US helicopter opens fire on Panama-flagged ship ‘breaking blockade of Iran’</a>&nbsp;Iran effectively closed the strait after Israel and the US attacked the country on Feb. 28. The closure of the vital waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil supplies passed before the war, and uncertainty around its future have kept energy prices a major focus of US politics ahead of the midterm elections in November.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistani interior minister meets Araghchi in Tehran</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Tuesday afternoon for talks.He also spoke to Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, state broadcaster IRIB reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-turns-around-iran-s-demand-for-compensation-back-on-it-says-tehran-must-pay-for-those-killed-wounded-1786381999140">Trump turns around Iran’s demand for compensation back on it, says Tehran must pay for those killed, wounded</a>&nbsp;Naqvi arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials, as Pakistan has been mediating between the US and Iran alongside Oman and Qatar to try to bring the two sides to some sort of lasting peace agreement.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg in Islamabad on Tuesday that the US and Iran are close to “some sort of an arrangement.”“Things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal,” he said. “The signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has displayed deep resilience in the conflict and has demonstrated to the world that it is a resilient and invincible power. He added that foreign ministers and officials from other countries tell him that Tehran has astonished the world.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that his country had “astonished the whole world” in the war against the United States and Israel and has proved that it is a “tough and invincible” power. Speaking to reporters, Araghchi said, “Our armed forces made tremendous sacrifices and managed to incapacitate and defeat what was ostensibly the largest army in the world. This is not a slogan; it is a reality that the entire world is acknowledging.” The foreign minister said that Iran has displayed deep resilience in the conflict. “In the recent war, it was the Islamic Republic of Iran that proved itself to the world and demonstrated that it is a resilient and invincible power,” he said. Also Read: ‘I’m their banker’: Trump says US controls Tehran’s frozen assets, claims Iran’s economy in severe distress ‘You Iranians have achieved something extraordinary’ “I have heard this repeatedly from foreign ministers and officials from other countries: ‘You Iranians have achieved something extraordinary. You astonished the entire world.’ Those are their exact words,” Araghchi added. Iran has refused to back down on demands that the US end its blockade of Iranian ports, lift sanctions on the Islamic Republic, and fulfill other conditions before Tehran will consider reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read: US helicopter opens fire on Panama-flagged ship ‘breaking blockade of Iran’ Iran effectively closed the strait after Israel and the US attacked the country on Feb. 28. The closure of the vital waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil supplies passed before the war, and uncertainty around its future have kept energy prices a major focus of US politics ahead of the midterm elections in November. Pakistani interior minister meets Araghchi in Tehran Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Tuesday afternoon for talks. He also spoke to Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, state broadcaster IRIB reported. Also Read: Trump turns around Iran’s demand for compensation back on it, says Tehran must pay for those killed, wounded Naqvi arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials, as Pakistan has been mediating between the US and Iran alongside Oman and Qatar to try to bring the two sides to some sort of lasting peace agreement. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg in Islamabad on Tuesday that the US and Iran are close to “some sort of an arrangement.” “Things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal,” he said. “The signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has displayed deep resilience in the conflict and has demonstrated to the world that it is a resilient and invincible power. He added that foreign ministers and officials from other countries tell him that Tehran has astonished the world.

‘Astonished the world’: Iran proved it’s tough and invincible, says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

US President Donald Trump has said that he could either keep up economic pressure on Iran and allow its economy to deteriorate further or launch a major military strike, as he accused Tehran of being “devious negotiators”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump further said in an interview with Real America’s Voice that Iran’s economy is in severe distress and that he was “sort of negotiating” with Tehran.&nbsp;Trump said the US could continue with its current approach and allow Iran’s economy to deteriorate further.&nbsp;“Do what I’m doing now: just bop along and look how bad they’re doing,” he said, pointing to Iran’s economic difficulties.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said Iran was struggling to access borrowing and that the US had control over frozen Iranian assets.&nbsp;“We control their money, what they had, which is a lot,” Trump said in the phone interview. “We have total control of it. I’m their banker. I am their banker.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-213-over-3-000-missing-rescuers-race-against-time-1786461025374">Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 213, over 3,000 missing; rescuers race against time</a><h2>‘Situation in Iran not sustainable,’ says Trump</h2>&nbsp;Trump claimed Iran’s economy was in severe distress, saying it was facing 300% inflation, a currency with “almost no value” and difficulties paying its soldiers. He also claimed Iranian troops were leaving, arguing that the situation was “not sustainable”.“They’ve got 300% inflation. They have no value. Their currency has almost no value. They are not paying their soldiers. Their soldiers are leaving. So just keep that going. It’s not sustainable,” he said.&nbsp;He outlined three possible approaches for ending the conflict: maintaining the current pressure and allowing Iran to fail economically, launching a severe military attack by hitting them “really, really hard”, or relying primarily on economic pressure.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-helicopter-opens-fire-on-panama-flagged-ship-breaking-blockade-of-iran-1786456732550">: US helicopter opens fire on Panama-flagged ship ‘breaking blockade of Iran’</a>&nbsp;Trump said economic pressure was already part of the US approach. Trump also accused Iranian officials of being “very devious negotiators”, claiming they would agree to something and then tell the media they had not done so.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘They are very devious negotiators’</h2>&nbsp;“You see, they are very devious negotiators because they’ll agree to something, then they’ll go out and tell the press that they did not do it. They’re very dishonest people,” the president said.&nbsp;Asked how the conflict could finally end, Trump said his main objective was to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. “I’m in this thing for one primary reason: that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, claiming that US military action had already prevented Tehran from acquiring one.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-turns-around-iran-s-demand-for-compensation-back-on-it-says-tehran-must-pay-for-those-killed-wounded-1786381999140">Trump turns around Iran’s demand for compensation back on it, says Tehran must pay for those killed, wounded</a>&nbsp;Trump’s comments came as the conflict, which began in late February, continued to produce mixed signals over the prospects of a diplomatic settlement.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Rejects concerns over US ammunition supplies</h2>&nbsp;The president also rejected concerns over US ammunition supplies, saying the country was producing munitions at a rapid pace. “We’re fine with munitions,” Trump said, adding that the US was “building them like crazy”.&nbsp;Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for the lower stockpile, claiming Biden had provided $300 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mojtaba-khamenei-appoints-iran-s-6-new-military-commanders-fills-up-vacant-posts-1786391474930">Mojtaba Khamenei appoints Iran’s 6 new military commanders, fills up vacant posts</a>&nbsp;Pakistan said on Tuesday that the US and Iran were close to “some sort” of agreement, while Qatar said talks on arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage.&nbsp;Trump has repeatedly switched stances between threatening a major escalation of the conflict and suggesting that a peace deal could be close.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said Iran is struggling to access borrowing and that the US had control over frozen Iranian assets. Trump further said that Iran’s economy was in severe distress, and was facing 300% inflation. He also claimed that Iranian troops were leaving.

US President Donald Trump has said that he could either keep up economic pressure on Iran and allow its economy to deteriorate further or launch a major military strike, as he accused Tehran of being “devious negotiators”. Trump further said in an interview with Real America’s Voice that Iran’s economy is in severe distress and that he was “sort of negotiating” with Tehran. Trump said the US could continue with its current approach and allow Iran’s economy to deteriorate further. “Do what I’m doing now: just bop along and look how bad they’re doing,” he said, pointing to Iran’s economic difficulties. He said Iran was struggling to access borrowing and that the US had control over frozen Iranian assets. “We control their money, what they had, which is a lot,” Trump said in the phone interview. “We have total control of it. I’m their banker. I am their banker.” Also Read: Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 213, over 3,000 missing; rescuers race against time ‘Situation in Iran not sustainable,’ says Trump Trump claimed Iran’s economy was in severe distress, saying it was facing 300% inflation, a currency with “almost no value” and difficulties paying its soldiers. He also claimed Iranian troops were leaving, arguing that the situation was “not sustainable”. “They’ve got 300% inflation. They have no value. Their currency has almost no value. They are not paying their soldiers. Their soldiers are leaving. So just keep that going. It’s not sustainable,” he said. He outlined three possible approaches for ending the conflict: maintaining the current pressure and allowing Iran to fail economically, launching a severe military attack by hitting them “really, really hard”, or relying primarily on economic pressure. Also Read: US helicopter opens fire on Panama-flagged ship ‘breaking blockade of Iran’ Trump said economic pressure was already part of the US approach. Trump also accused Iranian officials of being “very devious negotiators”, claiming they would agree to something and then tell the media they had not done so. ‘They are very devious negotiators’ “You see, they are very devious negotiators because they’ll agree to something, then they’ll go out and tell the press that they did not do it. They’re very dishonest people,” the president said. Asked how the conflict could finally end, Trump said his main objective was to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. “I’m in this thing for one primary reason: that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, claiming that US military action had already prevented Tehran from acquiring one. Also Read: Trump turns around Iran’s demand for compensation back on it, says Tehran must pay for those killed, wounded Trump’s comments came as the conflict, which began in late February, continued to produce mixed signals over the prospects of a diplomatic settlement. Rejects concerns over US ammunition supplies The president also rejected concerns over US ammunition supplies, saying the country was producing munitions at a rapid pace. “We’re fine with munitions,” Trump said, adding that the US was “building them like crazy”. Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for the lower stockpile, claiming Biden had provided $300 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine. Also Read: Mojtaba Khamenei appoints Iran’s 6 new military commanders, fills up vacant posts Pakistan said on Tuesday that the US and Iran were close to “some sort” of agreement, while Qatar said talks on arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage. Trump has repeatedly switched stances between threatening a major escalation of the conflict and suggesting that a peace deal could be close.

US President Donald Trump said Iran is struggling to access borrowing and that the US had control over frozen Iranian assets. Trump further said that Iran’s economy was in severe distress, and was facing 300% inflation. He also claimed that Iranian troops were leaving.

‘I’m their banker’: Trump says US controls Tehran’s frozen assets, claims Iran’s economy in severe distress

Pakistan on Tuesday said that the US and Iran are close to a “some sort of” arrangement. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif signalled “things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal" in an interview with Bloomberg. These comments offered another glimmer of hope as the US and Iran both are seeking reparation from each other.&nbsp;“The signals in the last two to three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement,” added Asif without providing any details. The comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was meeting Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Tuesday.&nbsp;Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a briefing earlier on Tuesday that separate discussions between Oman and Iran over management of ⁠the Strait of Hormuz and opening a channel were at a “critical juncture.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-denies-frequent-contact-fed-chair-kevin-warsh-interest-rates-1786457727700">Trump denies frequent contact with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh amid pressure over interest rates</a>There had been no response from either the US or Iran either confirming or denying Asif's comments. Despite tentative signs of progress in diplomacy, there were reports of new attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea, highlighting the widening threat to maritime trade.Earlier today, a Panama-flagged container vessel named Vela Nova was struck by a missile fired from a US helicopter off the coast of Pakistan.The WSJ reported that the US military struck it after its crew ignored ⁠warnings from personnel working to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Four other crew members were killed in a suspected attack by Houthis ​on a small cargo vessel in the Bab ​el-Mandeb strait, said Yemen's Transport Ministry. The Houthis have not claimed the attack. They have maintained a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea since July 20, in response to what they described as a Saudi siege.&nbsp;Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday that the strait won’t reopen until Washington lifts its naval blockade and sanctions, withdraws American forces from the region, pays war reparations, and releases frozen Iranian assets. The council also called for an end to US attacks on Iran’s regional allies. Trump traded barbs, saying that “If there’s damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages.” He also claimed that Hormuz is under US control.

Pakistan says the US and Iran may be nearing a deal as talks over the Strait of Hormuz reach a critical stage amid fresh attacks on Gulf shipping.

Pakistan on Tuesday said that the US and Iran are close to a “some sort of” arrangement. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif signalled “things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal" in an interview with Bloomberg. These comments offered another glimmer of hope as the US and Iran both are seeking reparation from each other. “The signals in the last two to three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement,” added Asif without providing any details. The comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was meeting Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Tuesday. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a briefing earlier on Tuesday that separate discussions between Oman and Iran over management of ⁠the Strait of Hormuz and opening a channel were at a “critical juncture.” Also Read: Trump denies frequent contact with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh amid pressure over interest rates There had been no response from either the US or Iran either confirming or denying Asif's comments. Despite tentative signs of progress in diplomacy, there were reports of new attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea, highlighting the widening threat to maritime trade. Earlier today, a Panama-flagged container vessel named Vela Nova was struck by a missile fired from a US helicopter off the coast of Pakistan. The WSJ reported that the US military struck it after its crew ignored ⁠warnings from personnel working to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Four other crew members were killed in a suspected attack by Houthis on a small cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, said Yemen's Transport Ministry. The Houthis have not claimed the attack. They have maintained a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea since July 20, in response to what they described as a Saudi siege. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday that the strait won’t reopen until Washington lifts its naval blockade and sanctions, withdraws American forces from the region, pays war reparations, and releases frozen Iranian assets. The council also called for an end to US attacks on Iran’s regional allies. Trump traded barbs, saying that “If there’s damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages.” He also claimed that Hormuz is under US control.

Pakistan says the US and Iran may be nearing a deal as talks over the Strait of Hormuz reach a critical stage amid fresh attacks on Gulf shipping.

Pakistan says US, Iran close to ‘some sort of arrangement’ despite shipping attacks

US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by demanding that Iran pay billions in war reparations and compensation for damages caused over the past 50 years. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump asserted that the US Navy maintains "100 percent control" and an infallible blockade over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.


US-Iran war: Trump says Iran should pay for damages it’s done over 50 years

us-iran-war

Us Iran War, News on Us Iran War, stories on Us Iran War, articles on Us Iran War, Us Iran War stories at Wion, Us Iran War news, Us Iran War latest news

us iran-war

US-Iran War: Iran says weighing the new US proposal

Iran discovers 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas amid war and sanctions

The Verdict: Is Trump ending the Iran war or starting a bigger economic battle?

US switch to economic war against Iran is admission of its military defeat: IRGC

‘Confrontation like an earthquake’: Iran warns Trump against US sanctions

US-Iran war: Iran president urges end to war from position of strength

Iran says it has built a 'solid defensive shield' as Trump ramps up economic war

‘It is better we end the war now’: Iran’s Pezeshkian

Trump Launches “Economic Warfare” Against Iran As Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Deepens

US-Iran war: Trump announces 'most crushing economic op ever' against Iran

Trump launches 'crushing' economic campaign against Iran. Who else could be hit?

NATO vows to defend all allies after reports on Iran’s threat of Europe strikes

Iran warns of attack on US military infrastructure in Europe: Report

‘Any assistance to US military amounts to participation in US military operation’: Iran’s stark warning to Gulf countries

Report says Iran planning to expand retaliatory attacks to Europe if US restarts war

‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Abbas Araghchi

Trump denies US-Iran talks as Kushner says negotiations are active

‘Iran won both war & diplomacy’: Araghchi says war has changed global perception

The Verdict | 60 days, no peace: Why the US-Iran war is still far from over

IRGC denies Trump claim of backchannel talks, calls it ‘result of his delusions’

US-Iran war: Twice in four months! Trump threatens to blow the s*** out of Oman

‘We cannot live with war’: Former Iran president warns against dragging conflict

After May stalemate, US manoeuvred to communicate directly with IRGC commander

US replacing USS Abraham Lincoln amid reports of suffering troops?

$1.3 billion gone? US has lost nearly 1 in 4 MQ-9 Reaper drones, claims report

US Military Meltdown in Gulf Signals End of Trump Era | GRAVITAS