President Donald Trump announced the blockade Monday, and the U.S. military confirmed Tuesday that it had taken effect. The move follows weeks of escalating violence around the Strait of Hormuz despite a June agreement intended to reduce hostilities and create space for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Interim Agreement Under Pressure

The temporary agreement, reached in mid-June after the United States lifted an earlier blockade imposed in April, created a 60-day window for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and addressing Iran’s disputed nuclear activities.

However, the agreement has done little to calm the fighting. fighting has intensified around the Strait of Hormuz. Before the conflict disrupted commercial traffic, roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded crude oil and natural gas passed through the strategic waterway.

Hours before restoring the blockade, Trump withdrew a proposal to impose a 20% transit fee on vessels using the strait. Speaking at the White House, he said Gulf leaders had offered to increase investment in the United States instead of introducing shipping charges. He added that the waterway should remain open to international shipping without tolls.

Military Operations Continue

U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out additional strikes inside Iran before the blockade resumed. The military said the operation targeted coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and maritime capabilities used to threaten commercial shipping.

The command said Iranian attacks on seven commercial vessels over the previous week left nearly a dozen civilians dead, injured or missing. It added that Iran had launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries.

Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said the operation responded to what he described as continued Iranian aggression against civilian shipping and regional security.

Iran acknowledged that strikes had occurred but did not immediately provide casualty figures or damage assessments.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, told state broadcaster IRIB that Washington was attempting to prevent Iran from exercising what he described as effective sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media later reported exchanges of fire in the strait but provided no additional details. Those reports could not be independently verified.

Regional Concerns Grow

Qatar called for renewed diplomatic efforts and condemned what it described as repeated Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, saying the strikes violated those countries’ sovereignty and the international rules-based order.

Iranian state media also reported explosions in Bushehr, Ahvaz and the southern port city of Bandar Abbas after U.S. forces said their latest round of strikes had concluded. The reports did not identify who carried out the attacks.

The reports fueled speculation that additional regional actors could become involved in the conflict. However, no Gulf government publicly claimed responsibility for the reported strikes.

Negotiations Face Mounting Pressure

Trump said additional U.S. military action could follow if negotiations fail to resume. At the same time, he said American and Iranian negotiators had remained in contact earlier in the day, despite expressing skepticism about the prospects for a breakthrough.

Regional officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, told The Associated Press that Pakistan-led mediation efforts remain active as negotiators try to restore the ceasefire before the conflict escalates further.

Separate U.S.-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel also continued in Rome after implementation of a framework agreement announced last month stalled. The agreement aims to secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Fighting continued around the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday as diplomats worked to preserve the interim agreement. With military operations expanding and negotiations under growing pressure, prospects for restoring the ceasefire before the 60-day deadline remain uncertain.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Strait of Hormuz | Iran | United States | Gulf Security | Maritime Trade | Diplomacy | Energy Markets

The post U.S. Reimposes Iran Port Blockade as Strait of Hormuz Fighting Threatens Ceasefire appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Hours later, Iran retaliated by attacking Bahrain and two tankers linked to the United Arab Emirates as they transited the Strait of Hormuz. Emirati officials said one mariner was killed and eight others were injured, raising concerns that another Gulf state could be drawn directly into the conflict.

The renewed fighting comes as Washington and Tehran compete for control of the strategic waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas shipments moved before the conflict. Markets reacted quickly, with Brent crude rising above $84 a barrel in early Tuesday trading amid concerns over global energy supplies.

U.S. Expands Military Campaign

U.S. Central Command said American forces struck targets near Abu Musa, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask and Konarak.

According to the military, the operation targeted Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and maritime assets.

Iran confirmed strikes had occurred around those locations but did not immediately report casualties or provide details on the extent of the damage.

Central Command said the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and civilians operating in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the White House, Trump described the operation as “another major attack.” He said U.S. forces were “hitting them very hard” and warned that the campaign would continue.

The president also announced that the United States would restore the maritime blockade after temporarily lifting it under last month’s interim peace agreement.

Trump added that his administration plans to recover the cost of maritime security operations by charging vessels that transit the strait. He argued that the United States should be compensated for protecting international shipping.

The proposal represents a major shift from longstanding U.S. policy supporting unrestricted freedom of navigation through international waterways. Before fighting escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, commercial traffic moved through the strait without tolls. Any effort by Washington or Tehran to impose transit fees would challenge established maritime practice and could further increase regional tensions.

Iran Targets Tankers and Bahrain

The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry said Iran fired two cruise missiles at the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Both vessels caught fire after the strikes, although authorities said firefighters later brought the blazes under control.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the attack. It alleged the ships ignored repeated warnings and entered what it described as a minefield before they were targeted.

According to Emirati officials, one Indian national was killed. Six other Indian nationals and two Ukrainians were injured.

The ministry warned that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents.”

Officials noted that similar language preceded the UAE’s earlier entry into military operations against Iran. Fighter aircraft were also reported over Dubai on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, Bahrain came under renewed Iranian attack following the latest U.S. strikes. Authorities activated missile warning sirens twice and urged residents to seek shelter.

Officials had not reported casualties or damage by the time of publication.

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai canceled consular appointments through Wednesday because of the deteriorating security situation.

Trump Defends Maritime Policy Shift

Earlier Monday, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that last month’s interim agreement had been a test of Iran’s intentions.

He said Tehran had failed that test and argued that agreements have little value if they are not honored.

Iran maintains that the interim agreement gives it authority to regulate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and potentially collect transit fees. The United States rejects that interpretation.

According to The Associated Press, the United States military and the International Maritime Organization have worked to establish an alternative shipping corridor closer to Oman’s coastline. Iran has repeatedly attacked vessels using that route, accusing Washington of violating the interim agreement. In turn, U.S. military operations have prompted additional Iranian attacks against Gulf allies.

Maritime Tensions Deepen

The latest military exchanges have further weakened the interim agreement reached last month, under which both sides committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Washington suspended an earlier blockade.

In a social media post, Trump announced that the United States was “reinstating the Iranian blockade” while saying all other countries would continue to have access to the waterway.

He also said the United States would seek reimbursement equal to 20% of cargo values to cover maritime security costs.

Separately, the U.S. military said its blockade of Iranian ports would resume at midnight Wednesday local time in Dubai.

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the expanding conflict. With military operations continuing and both sides signaling further action, uncertainty persists over commercial shipping, global energy markets and regional security.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: United States | Iran | Strait of Hormuz | Gulf Security | Maritime Trade | Bahrain | United Arab Emirates | Oil Markets

The post US Launches New Strikes on Iran as Fighting Escalates Across Strait of Hormuz appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The post US Presses Iran to Publicly Guarantee Safe Strait of Hormuz Transit as Nuclear Talks Face New Strains appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Wall Street recovered from steeper early losses as Trump later suggested that the latest fighting did not necessarily signal a return to full-scale war. Even so, the renewed uncertainty highlighted how developments in the Middle East continue to influence investor sentiment, inflation expectations and monetary policy outlooks.

The benchmark S&P 500 closed down 21.14 points, or 0.3%, at 7,482.71 after falling as much as 1.1% during the session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 576.76 points, or 1.1%, to 52,348.39, while the Nasdaq Composite edged up 51.96 points, or 0.2%, to 25,870.65.

Oil market reacts to renewed geopolitical concerns

The sharpest market move occurred in energy trading, where Brent crude rose 5.2% to settle at $78.02 per barrel after briefly climbing above $80.

Although oil prices remain well below the nearly $120 peak reached earlier during the conflict, the rebound reversed much of the decline seen after hopes emerged that hostilities were easing.

Markets remain focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global crude exports. Investors fear that prolonged fighting could disrupt oil shipments from the Persian Gulf, tightening supplies and placing renewed upward pressure on energy costs.

Higher oil prices could complicate efforts to bring inflation lower, potentially forcing the Federal Reserve and other central banks to keep interest rates elevated for longer. While higher borrowing costs help contain inflation, they also tend to slow economic growth and weigh on financial markets.

Housing and travel stocks come under pressure

Rising Treasury yields added pressure to sectors sensitive to borrowing costs, particularly housing-related companies.

Builders FirstSource, a supplier of building materials including countertops and windows, fell 5.4%. Homebuilders PulteGroup also declined 5.4%, while D.R. Horton lost 4.6% as investors anticipated that higher mortgage rates could weaken housing demand.

Travel-related companies also retreated as rising fuel prices threatened to increase operating costs. American Airlines fell 4%, and cruise operator Carnival dropped 3.9%.

AI shares provide support for Wall Street

Technology stocks helped limit broader market losses after several leading artificial intelligence companies recovered from recent weakness.

The sector has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks as investors questioned whether heavy spending on AI infrastructure, including chips and data centers, will generate sufficient long-term returns.

Nvidia climbed 3.7%, making it the strongest contributor to gains in the S&P 500 due to its large market value.

Broadcom advanced 4.8% after Apple announced a multiyear agreement under which Broadcom will design and manufacture custom components for the technology company’s products. Apple said the deal could exceed $30 billion in value.

Bond yields climb alongside oil prices

The bond market also reflected growing inflation concerns.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury briefly approached 4.60% before easing to 4.57%, compared with 4.55% late Tuesday. Before the conflict involving Iran began, the yield had stood at 3.97%.

Higher Treasury yields generally translate into increased borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, affecting mortgages, corporate financing and other forms of credit.

European and Asian markets post mixed performances

European equity markets declined sharply after Trump’s comments raised fresh doubts about the ceasefire.

Germany’s DAX index fell 2.2%, while France’s CAC 40 also lost 2.2%.

Asian markets produced mixed results. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 5.3%, extending recent volatility driven largely by swings in artificial intelligence-related stocks.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index bucked the broader regional trend, gaining 3%.

Among the strongest performers was Chinese artificial intelligence startup Zhipu, also known as Z.ai and traded as Knowledge Atlas Technology, whose shares surged 13.4%.

China National Radio reported that nearly 70% of the company’s cornerstone investors intend to retain their holdings even as a six-month lock-up period following Zhipu’s January market debut expires this week, easing concerns that the event could trigger significant selling pressure.

The company’s share price has risen more than 1,300% since its initial public offering in Hong Kong.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Oil Prices | Global Markets | Donald Trump | Iran Ceasefire | Inflation | Federal Reserve | AI Stocks | Wall Street

The post Oil surges and global stocks retreat as Trump questions Iran ceasefire durability appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Trump said he believes the ceasefire is effectively over and questioned the value of continuing negotiations with Tehran. At the same time, he maintained that the latest military operations should not be viewed as the beginning of another prolonged conflict.

The mixed messaging comes only weeks after the United States and Iran reached an interim agreement designed to halt hostilities and create a pathway toward negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington has accused Iran of continuing attacks against commercial shipping in the strategic waterway and of delaying progress toward a broader nuclear agreement. Tehran, meanwhile, contends that the United States has failed to uphold its own commitments under the temporary arrangement.

Regional Mediators Intensify Diplomatic Efforts

As military operations resumed, regional governments accelerated diplomatic efforts to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing altogether.

According to a regional intelligence official involved in mediation efforts, senior officials from Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt remain engaged in continuous discussions aimed at preserving the agreement. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi leaders are also participating in efforts to reduce tensions.

The official, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, described the situation as increasingly fragile amid growing mistrust between Washington and Tehran.

One of the principal disputes centers on security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas exports. U.S. officials accuse Iran of threatening freedom of navigation, while Iranian officials argue that Washington has violated understandings reached during negotiations and has failed to ensure implementation of a ceasefire involving Lebanon, including an Israeli military withdrawal.

Nuclear negotiations were expected to become the next phase of diplomacy following last month’s interim agreement, with both sides exploring a more durable settlement.

Military Pressure Raises Questions About Negotiations

Hours after warning that additional military action could occur, Trump confirmed that U.S. forces had launched fresh strikes intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Anything that happens is going to happen very fast,” Trump said before the operation. “We’re not looking for a long time.”

He later suggested that the United States might no longer prioritize preserving the ceasefire.

“I think it’s over,” Trump said, adding that Washington could “just finish the job.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected Trump’s position, accusing the United States of repeatedly violating the interim agreement.

“The era of bullying and extortion is over,” Qalibaf wrote on X. “It leads nowhere. We don’t fold.”

Pakistan, which helped broker the ceasefire, urged both governments to maintain dialogue.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said continued diplomacy remained the only viable path toward achieving lasting regional peace.

Analysts See Continued Bargaining Despite Escalation

Despite Trump’s increasingly confrontational rhetoric, some analysts believe both governments remain engaged in a broader negotiating strategy.

Michael Eisenstadt, director of the Military and Security Studies Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said public declarations about abandoning the memorandum of understanding may themselves be part of ongoing negotiations.

“We’re still in negotiating mode, no matter what the president says,” Eisenstadt said.

Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, said Washington appears to be increasing military pressure while attempting to preserve diplomatic options.

However, he cautioned that such coercive tactics carry significant risks if military escalation begins to outpace political control.

Vaez also argued that Iran retains strong incentives to continue negotiations because it needs the economic relief envisioned under the interim agreement.

Political and Economic Risks Continue to Grow

Vice President JD Vance defended the renewed military action, saying Iran had complied with the agreement only briefly before resuming attacks on shipping.

“If they shoot at ships, we’re going to knock the hell out of them,” Vance said during an event in Milwaukee.

Trump has also revived threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure, including electric facilities, desalination plants and the country’s oil-production hub on Kharg Island, saying the United States could seize the island if necessary.

Meanwhile, continued instability has renewed concerns about global energy markets.

Trump acknowledged that military operations can push oil prices higher but argued the consequences are justified if they prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The economic implications may also carry domestic political consequences.

With U.S. midterm elections less than four months away, sustained increases in fuel prices could create additional political pressure for Republicans seeking to maintain control of Congress, even as the administration argues that its strategy is necessary to address long-term security concerns.

Whether the renewed military campaign represents a negotiating tactic or the beginning of a broader escalation remains uncertain, as regional mediators continue working to prevent the temporary ceasefire from unraveling completely.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Iran Conflict | Donald Trump | Strait of Hormuz | Ceasefire | Nuclear Talks | U.S. Military | Middle East | Oil Prices

The post Trump’s New Iran Strikes Cloud Ceasefire Future as Diplomats Race to Prevent Wider Conflict appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Mass funeral processions in Tehran and other cities drew large crowds of supporters who praised Khamenei as a defender of the Islamic Republic and an opponent of the United States and Israel. At the same time, many Iranians reflected on years of political repression, economic hardship and growing polarization that critics say intensified during his leadership.

Interviews conducted by The Associated Press with Iranians from different backgrounds highlighted starkly different views of Khamenei’s rule, underscoring the divisions that continue to shape the country’s political landscape as its leadership transitions to a new era.

A legacy that divided Iranian society

One Tehran-based technology worker, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said Khamenei’s leadership widened political and religious divisions even within families.

Raised in a traditional religious household in Qom, the center of Shiite religious scholarship in Iran, he said he abandoned both regular prayer and support for clerical rule while still in his twenties. Today, he said, political and religious disagreements have become so severe that meaningful discussions with relatives are nearly impossible.

He described Iranian society as deeply fractured, blaming Khamenei for creating divisions that extend beyond supporters and opponents of the Islamic Republic.

Funeral ceremonies, however, presented a contrasting image. Many mourners portrayed Khamenei as a martyr whose resistance to Western pressure and Israel defined his leadership. Some participants echoed hard-line slogans opposing negotiations with Washington, while others called for retaliation following his death.

“Our goal is to prove to the world that we will not submit to oppression and tyranny, and that we will avenge the blood of our leader,” 60-year-old mourner Hossein Akbari said during the funeral in Tehran.

Three decades of expanding state power

Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed shah.

Throughout more than three decades in office, Khamenei expanded Iran’s nuclear program, developed its missile capabilities and strengthened alliances with armed groups across the Middle East while resisting international sanctions and pressure.

Domestically, he consolidated clerical rule by weakening reformist movements and significantly expanding the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps across military, political and economic institutions. His government also maintained strict enforcement of religious and social regulations despite growing demands among younger Iranians for greater personal freedoms.

Protest crackdowns reshaped public opinion

Many observers view the government’s suppression of mass protests following the disputed 2009 presidential election as a defining moment of Khamenei’s rule. Security forces killed dozens while suppressing demonstrations challenging the election outcome, weakening hopes among many reform-minded Iranians that change could be achieved through political participation.

A senior adviser to reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged last month that Iranian society had become “severely polarized” between committed supporters of the Islamic Republic and those seeking its collapse. Ali Rabiei, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said a large segment of society remained between those competing camps and could support gradual reforms within the existing political system.

Election turnout has reflected growing public disillusionment. Participation in Iran’s most recent presidential election fell to one of the lowest levels on record, although reformist candidate Pezeshkian ultimately secured 16.3 million votes compared with 13.5 million for his hard-line rival.

January crackdown deepened public anger

Successive waves of protests since 2009 have been met with force, but January’s nationwide demonstrations became the deadliest in recent years after security forces killed thousands while suppressing protests that began over economic conditions before expanding into calls for Khamenei’s removal.

The sister of a protester killed in Tehran on Jan. 9 described Khamenei’s legacy as one of “injustice,” saying her family continues to struggle emotionally and financially following her sister’s death.

She said worsening economic conditions have added to the hardship facing ordinary families, with workers increasingly unable to afford basic necessities.

During this year’s Ashoura commemorations, videos shared on social media showed some participants carrying photographs of relatives killed during the January crackdown, reflecting a quieter form of public dissent. The authenticity of those videos could not be independently verified.

Uncertain future after Khamenei

Despite Khamenei’s death and the recent U.S.-Israeli military campaign, Iran’s leadership has remained intact. Authorities emerged from the conflict with an interim agreement with the United States that could eventually lead to sanctions relief if negotiations produce a comprehensive nuclear agreement, although the outcome remains uncertain.

A 35-year-old woman who participated in January’s protests said the interim deal represented a political success for the Islamic Republic but cautioned that ordinary Iranians would judge it by whether it produced meaningful improvements in daily life.

She also expressed concern over growing divisions among opponents of clerical rule, with some favoring rapid political change while others advocate gradual reform.

Economic hardship remains the most immediate concern for many Iranians. A 33-year-old former technology worker in Tehran said rising unemployment, inflation and falling incomes have left many families focused simply on paying for rent and food after layoffs spread through the private sector.

Governance challenges remain

Rebin Rahmani, director of the Kurdish Human Rights Network, said the Islamic Republic continued relying on security measures rather than political reforms to address mounting economic and social challenges, warning that periodic unrest was likely to continue.

Within the government, President Pezeshkian and other pragmatists hope ongoing negotiations with Washington could eventually secure sanctions relief and help revive Iran’s economy. According to the report, they currently appear to have tentative backing from Khamenei’s son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains in hiding and has expressed cautious support for continued talks in a written statement.

Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, said the country’s greatest challenge may emerge after wartime unity fades.

“Wartime gave the system a degree of cohesion under shared duress,” Vaez said. “But the governance challenges remain just as stark.”

As Iran moves beyond Khamenei’s rule, competing political factions now face the task of defining the future direction of the Islamic Republic while confronting persistent economic difficulties and a society that remains deeply divided.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Topics: Iran | Ali Khamenei | Middle East | Iranian Politics | U.S.-Iran Relations | Political Unrest | Economic Crisis | Nuclear Talks

The post Iran Confronts Deep Political Divisions as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Is Laid to Rest appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

According to U.S. Central Command, American forces targeted Iranian military assets in response to attacks on commercial vessels operating in international waters. The renewed military action comes as Iran continues funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death at the start of the conflict has added uncertainty to the country’s political and security landscape.

The latest exchange further complicates efforts to restore unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and secure a lasting end to the war that began on Feb. 28.

US expands military campaign following shipping attacks

In a statement posted on social media, U.S. Central Command said the strikes were intended “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”

Two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the operation was ongoing, said American forces were targeting Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, ground-to-air missile batteries, launch sites for anti-ship cruise missiles and drones, as well as Iranian port infrastructure.

One of the officials said the operation was expected to continue for several hours and would strike roughly eight times as many targets as the retaliatory attacks conducted at the end of June. The official said Washington believed Iran had ignored previous warnings and was therefore increasing military pressure.

Iranian state media reported explosions in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on X that the American strikes violated the interim agreement reached between the two countries.

The operation also coincided with President Donald Trump’s attendance at a NATO summit in Turkey.

Washington revokes Iranian oil sales license

Hours after the attacks on commercial shipping, the United States revoked a license that had temporarily allowed the sale of Iranian oil under the interim agreement reached to reduce hostilities.

A U.S. official said the authorization was withdrawn because Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz required consequences. The official also spoke anonymously because they were discussing internal government reasoning.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, saying the United States had breached the interim agreement and would bear responsibility for the consequences.

U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports have remained in place since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. During the conflict, however, Washington had twice permitted limited Iranian oil sales as an incentive to support negotiations after fighting disrupted maritime traffic through the strait.

Commercial vessels come under attack

The latest attacks represented the largest number of strikes against commercial vessels in a single day since late April, according to the U.N. International Maritime Organization.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said one tanker caught fire after being struck while sailing off the coast of Oman. Iranian state television reported that the liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after disregarding warnings, though it stopped short of directly claiming responsibility.

The other two ships sustained damage but remained seaworthy, and no injuries were reported, according to the British maritime agency.

Location data released by the agency indicated all three incidents occurred near Oman or the neighboring United Arab Emirates, suggesting the vessels were using the internationally recognized route close to Omani waters.

Iran has repeatedly declared that only shipping routes approved by Tehran are safe and has been suspected of previous attacks against vessels using routes closer to Oman.

Before the conflict, approximately one-fifth of globally traded oil and natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption a significant concern for global energy markets.

Regional concerns over maritime security

Qatar condemned the attack on one of its vessels after Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat had been targeted in what he described on X as an unacceptable attack on international navigation and global energy security.

Al-Ansari said Qatar held Iran “fully legally responsible.”

The Joint Maritime Information Center, a multinational organization overseen by the U.S. Navy, advised commercial shipping earlier this week that the expanded route around Oman remained open to maritime traffic.

Under the interim arrangement, Iran and the United States had agreed to allow ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz without charges for 60 days. Tehran, however, maintained that it should regulate vessel routing and later impose transit fees, a proposal rejected by the United States and several Gulf Arab states.

Shipping data firm Kpler reported that at least 108 vessels transited the strait during the previous weekend using multiple available routes.

Funeral ceremonies for Khamenei continue

Iranian authorities transported Khamenei’s body to the religious city of Qom, where large crowds gathered Tuesday for funeral ceremonies.

State television broadcast live footage showing hundreds of thousands of mourners walking toward Jamkaran Mosque. In Shiite tradition, the site is associated with Muhammad al-Mahdi, the 12th Imam, who is believed to one day return.

Khamenei’s son and successor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly since the ceremonies began in Tehran on Saturday. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father.

Late Tuesday, Khamenei’s body arrived in Najaf, Iraq, where officials from both countries received it ahead of planned processions in Najaf and Karbala. He is scheduled to be buried Thursday at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Topics: United States | Iran | Strait of Hormuz | Gulf Security | Commercial Shipping | NATO | Oil Exports | Regional Conflict

The post US launches broader strikes on Iran after attacks on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The talks, facilitated by Pakistan with support from Qatari mediators, are intended to address unresolved elements of an interim agreement that halted direct hostilities between Washington and Tehran earlier this week. However, officials on both sides have signaled that progress could be difficult unless regional violence subsides.

Iran announced Saturday that it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing what its military described as a failure by the United States to fulfill commitments related to ending hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The strategic waterway remains one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, making any disruption a matter of global economic concern.

U.S. officials disputed Tehran’s claim. A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command stated that commercial shipping continued to move through the strait and that American forces were monitoring the area to ensure freedom of navigation. According to the military, dozens of merchant vessels carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil transited the waterway on Saturday.

The disagreement emerged just hours before negotiators arrived in Switzerland. Iranian state television showed members of Tehran’s delegation landing in the country, led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi alongside senior economic and energy officials.

On the U.S. side, Vice President JD Vance departed for Switzerland Saturday evening. Before leaving, he expressed optimism about discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear activities and efforts to secure a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. He confirmed that senior negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were already participating in discussions.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also traveled to Switzerland as diplomatic efforts intensified.

Regional Conflict Threatens Negotiations

Iranian officials have indicated that implementation of a final agreement depends on commitments being honored by all parties involved.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said negotiations toward a permanent arrangement would proceed only after key obligations are fulfilled, warning that failure to do so could place the broader understanding at risk.

The interim agreement signed earlier this week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian established a 60-day framework for negotiating a comprehensive nuclear accord. As part of the arrangement, Washington lifted restrictions on Iranian ports and allowed Iran to resume oil exports while discussions continue.

Trump responded to Iran’s latest Strait of Hormuz announcement by warning that the United States could impose transit tolls in the waterway if a permanent agreement is not reached within the negotiation period. He described the proposed charges as compensation for American security efforts in the region.

Lebanon Remains Central Obstacle

Efforts to sustain diplomacy have been complicated by continued clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

A Hezbollah official told The Associated Press that Iran had informed the group it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Israel publicly committed to a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon and ended military operations there. The official also stated that Hezbollah would halt attacks if Israel agreed to stop its military campaign.

Later Saturday, an Israeli military official said the armed forces had received updated instructions from political leaders to cease offensive operations while maintaining defensive capabilities and retaining the right to respond to attacks.

The official also reported that five Israeli soldiers had been killed during the previous 48 hours in southern Lebanon.

Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a formal participant in the U.S.-Iran agreement currently under negotiation.

Civilian Casualties Continue to Rise

Despite diplomatic efforts, violence persisted across southern Lebanon on Saturday.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people, including two children. Several individuals were reported trapped beneath collapsed buildings following attacks on Nabatiyeh and nearby communities.

Israeli military officials stated that Hezbollah launched more than 50 projectiles toward Israeli positions overnight. In response, the Israeli military said it conducted strikes against Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry later announced that fatalities linked to the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah had surpassed 4,000.

The conflict escalated shortly after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iran on Feb. 28. Since then, Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones toward northern Israel, while Israeli forces have expanded operations in parts of southern Lebanon.

Further U.S.-supported discussions involving Lebanon and Israel are expected to take place in Washington next week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon until security threats are eliminated. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has insisted it will continue military operations unless Israel commits to a withdrawal.

Uncertainty Ahead

Residents on both sides of the border expressed skepticism that hostilities would end quickly despite growing diplomatic activity.

While many civilians hope a ceasefire could bring stability to communities devastated by months of fighting, continued military exchanges underscore the challenges facing negotiators as they attempt to secure both a broader U.S.-Iran agreement and a lasting reduction in regional violence.

With talks set to begin in Switzerland, the success of the diplomatic effort may depend as much on developments in Lebanon as on negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

Tags: Iran, United States, Lebanon, Israel, Hezbollah, Strait of Hormuz, Nuclear Talks, Diplomacy

The post US-Iran Talks Set for Switzerland as Hormuz Dispute and Lebanon Fighting Complicate Diplomacy appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

During a media briefing on Thursday, Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, said vessels operated by major shipping firms had resumed transits through the strategic waterway for the first time in 110 days.

According to Lloyd’s List, many vessels had effectively been stranded in the region since February amid security concerns linked to the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, serving as a key route for global energy supplies. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil shipments moved through the passage off Iran’s coast.

Major Shipping Companies Resume Operations

Lloyd’s List reported that vessels controlled by several major shipping operators, including Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen and NYK, had successfully transited the strait.

The company also said two sanctioned crude oil tankers owned by Iran’s National Iranian Tanker Company entered the waterway.

Lloyd’s List did not disclose the total number of ships that had crossed through the strait as of Thursday.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on social media platform X that a merchant vessel operated by Grimaldi Group was among the first ships to complete the transit following the agreement.

Separate tracking data from maritime analytics company Kpler showed six verified vessel crossings on Wednesday and another 11 on Thursday.

Alternative Routes Being Used

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that the U.S. Navy had lifted its blockade of the strait, allowing some ships to access Iranian ports.

Despite the resumption of traffic, maritime industry representatives said the primary shipping corridor remains unavailable.

Phillip Belcher, marine director of Intertanko, an international trade association representing independent tanker owners, said the central route through the Strait of Hormuz remains closed because of an estimated 80 naval mines that still require clearance.

According to Belcher, vessels are currently using alternative northern and southern routes through the strait.

The northern passage runs through Iranian territorial waters, while the southern route passes through waters controlled by Oman.

“Those two routes now seem to be fully open,” Belcher said.

Full Reopening Expected to Take Time

Industry officials cautioned that restoring normal operations across the entire strait could take weeks or months.

Belcher said the alternative routes do not provide the same capacity as the main central shipping channel traditionally used by commercial vessels.

“This is like a highway where the road in the middle is closed and you’re using that hard shoulder,” Belcher said. “That’s now being used as the main route. We need to get back to having the highway open.”

Lloyd’s List estimates that approximately 550 merchant vessels remain positioned to depart the Persian Gulf once maritime traffic returns to normal levels.

That total includes about 160 oil tankers, 200 bulk carriers, 60 container ships and 10 vehicle carriers, according to the maritime intelligence firm.

Global Energy Markets Monitor Developments

The reopening of portions of the Strait of Hormuz is being closely watched by shipping operators, energy markets and governments because of the waterway’s importance to international trade and global oil supplies.

While vessel movements have resumed, maritime industry officials say a full return to normal operations will depend on continued security improvements and the reopening of the strait’s main shipping corridor.

Tags: Strait of Hormuz, Iran, United States, Global Shipping, Oil Markets, Maritime Trade, Persian Gulf, Energy Security

The post Commercial Ships Resume Strait of Hormuz Transit Following U.S.-Iran Agreement appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he signed the agreement on Wednesday while in France following the G7 summit, marking a departure from earlier reports that the document had been digitally signed days earlier. The signing reportedly took place at Versailles during a meeting involving French President Emmanuel Macron.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was involved in mediation efforts, said the agreement is already taking effect and confirmed that a formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday.

Nuclear Commitments and Sanctions Relief

According to details described by U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the agreement requires Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as a minimum step toward limiting its nuclear capabilities.

In return, the United States is expected to begin waiving certain sanctions on Iran, allowing the country to resume oil exports immediately. Officials said the measures would not fully remove sanctions at this stage but would ease key restrictions tied to Iran’s energy sector.

The agreement also outlines a broader pathway for lifting additional sanctions in phases, depending on progress in ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Strait of Hormuz to Reopen Temporarily

A central component of the agreement is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for a limited period of 60 days, restoring passage for commercial shipping through one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

U.S. officials said the accord includes provisions for the eventual removal of mines and the restoration of normal shipping traffic, which had been heavily disrupted during recent hostilities in the region.

The reopening is expected to ease pressure on global energy markets after months of instability that significantly reduced oil and gas flows through the narrow waterway.

Lebanon Ceasefire and Regional Security Terms

The agreement also addresses ongoing violence in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and affirming Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

According to officials involved in the drafting process, the deal requires an end to military operations in Lebanon while supporting efforts to stabilize the border region. However, Israel has previously indicated it would continue operations against Hezbollah, raising questions over implementation.

The accord reflects broader efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts that expanded alongside the Iran-Israel confrontation earlier this year.

Mediation and International Involvement

Pakistani officials played a role in facilitating early negotiations, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirming that the agreement follows extended diplomatic discussions involving multiple international stakeholders.

Iranian state media later published text consistent with the U.S.-released version of the draft, although neither government has formally released the full document.

It remains unclear whether Iran’s reported signing triggers the start of a formal negotiation timeline for a permanent agreement.

Political Uncertainty and Strategic Implications

The deal is expected to face scrutiny in Washington and among key U.S. allies, particularly given its scope and the level of sanctions relief included in the initial phase.

Officials noted that Iran would be allowed to resume oil exports immediately, a significant shift from previous policy frameworks that restricted Iranian energy sales under sanctions regimes.

The agreement also marks a departure from the 2015 nuclear accord, from which Trump withdrew during his first term, describing it at the time as insufficient.

While Trump has framed the new deal as a step toward stabilizing the region, he also indicated it remains reversible if negotiations fail to progress.

“If I don’t like it, we’ll go back to shooting at them,” Trump said, underscoring the provisional nature of the arrangement.

Economic and Regional Impact

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to have immediate implications for global energy markets, given its role as a key transit route for oil and gas shipments.

Analysts and officials have long warned that disruptions in the strait could significantly affect global prices, supply chains and energy security. The agreement seeks to restore pre-war shipping levels within 30 days, according to U.S. officials.

The broader financial package associated with reconstruction and investment in Iran remains contingent on future negotiations and participation by third countries.

While supporters of the agreement describe it as a step toward de-escalation, its long-term durability will depend on compliance mechanisms and political support among regional powers, many of whom remain divided over the terms.

The post Trump Signs Iran Agreement as U.S. Officials Outline Major Nuclear and Sanctions Concessions appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.