US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: US carries out fresh strikes on Iran military site, downs Iranian attack drones

US carries out new strikes on southern Iran

The United States carried out new strikes on southern Iran on Thursday, after President Donald Trump threatened to "finish the job" if Tehran did not agree to a peace deal, AFP reported.

Three loud explosions rang out in the port city of Bandar Abbas in the early hours of Thursday morning, following US strikes earlier in the week that underscored the fragile state of a diplomatic push to get a provisional peace agreement across the finish line.

Iran war news: 4 vessels attempted to cross Hormuz Strait forced to turn back - state media

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that four vessels were confronted by naval forces as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz and enter the Persian Gulf without coordinating with Iranian authorities.

Citing an informed military official, Tasnim said the vessels received an initial warning from Iranian naval forces but warning shots were fired, after the ships disregarded the notice, forcing them to turn back.

Iran war news: Iran's oil storage crunch could threaten economy, warns ex-US official

Iran could be heading toward a major economic breaking point as the country rapidly runs out of oil storage capacity amid mounting pressure on its energy sector, former US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette warned.

Speaking to Fox News, Brouillette said Iran may be only 'four to six weeks away' from a critical threshold where it could be forced to shut in oil production due to limited storage availability.

According to him, Iran currently has only around 20 to 22 million barrels of available onshore storage remaining, sharply lower than the roughly 120 million barrels the country typically maintains in reserve capacity.

Brouillette warned that if production is halted for an extended period, restarting oil wells could become technically difficult and may permanently damage Iran’s long-term production capability and economic stability.

“This blockade is working very, very well,” he said, adding that Iran’s exports, production and storage flexibility are all under pressure. He also suggested that US President Donald Trump is aware of the growing strain on Tehran and is strategically leveraging the situation.

US Iran war: Iran conflict depleted key US missile systems, rebuilding could take years - Report

A new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies has warned that several critical US weapons systems used extensively during the Iran conflict may take years to return to prewar inventory levels, raising concerns over military readiness in other regions including the Western Pacific.

According to the report, US stockpiles of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs), along with THAAD and Patriot missile defence interceptors, were heavily depleted during Operation Epic Fury. US Central Command said more than 12,000 targets were struck during the campaign, which began in late February.

The report stated that over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles were deployed during the conflict and inventories may not recover to prewar levels until late 2030 or early 2031. THAAD and Patriot interceptor systems are also expected to require at least three years for replenishment.

“The depleted inventories have created a window of vulnerability for a potential Western Pacific conflict,” CSIS said, while noting that the US still retained sufficient munitions for plausible scenarios during the Iran war.

Iran war news: US adds Persian Gulf Strait Authority to Iran-related sanctions list

United States has imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions by adding the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its Specially Designated Nationals list, according to the Treasury Department’s website, Reuters reported.

Iran war news: Exchange of fire reported between US, Iran

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news reported that the IRGC navy fired on a US tanker that tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by turning off its radar system.

Tasnim also reported that the US then fired in response at area around Bandar Abbas, the southern Iranian port city located on the Strait of Hormuz.

"The sound of the explosions was related to this incident and did not cause any casualties or property damage," Tasnim reported on the Telegram messaging platform.

Iran war news: Israeli military issues evacuation order in Lebanon

Israel's military issued an evacuation warning for residents of the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon. The military said that it would operate against Iran-backed group Hezbollah in the area.

"The IDF is compelled to take forceful action against it," the Israeli military's order said.

It added that residents of the zone around certain buildings should leave and travel north of the Zahrani River.

Oil prices jump up again after news of US strikes on Iranian military site

Oil prices rose about 2% in early Thursday trading after Reuters reported fresh US strikes on an Iranian military site, raising concerns over escalating tensions even as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations to end their three-month conflict. Brent crude and US WTI futures both gained nearly 2%, reversing losses from the previous session when prices had fallen on hopes of a possible deal to ease sanctions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The uptick was also supported by a sixth straight weekly decline in US crude inventories.

Iran gets internet back after a monthslong shutdown, but heavy restrictions still there

Iranians began regaining internet access on Wednesday after authorities eased a months-long nationwide shutdown imposed during the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. While connectivity improved, users reported slow and restricted service, with platforms like YouTube and Instagram still heavily limited. The prolonged blackout severely affected businesses, online workers and communication, with analysts warning disruptions continue and access could be cut again amid fragile ceasefire negotiations.

US military carries out new strikes in Iran

The US military carried out fresh strikes in Iran on Wednesday, targeting a site that posed a threat to American forces and commercial shipping in the region, a US official told Reuters. The US official also said American forces intercepted drones launched from Iran, reported CNN.

Explosions heard east of Bandar Abbas, Iranian air defences activated: State media

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that three explosions were heard east of the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Wednesday, with air defence systems activated in the area for several minutes. The cause of the blasts was not immediately clear.

‘Won’t be pushed back by Trump’s rhetoric’: Iran maintains 'red lines' on uranium enrichment

The national security commission of the Iranian parliament Ebrahim Azizi said on X, "Iran will not be pushed back by Trump’s rhetoric from its red lines: the right to enrich uranium, possession of enriched uranium, authority over the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of sanctions.It is obvious Trump, seeking a way out of this strategic deadlock, alternates between issuing threats and appealing for an agreement."

Israel's military tells residents across southern Lebanon to leave as it fights Hezbollah

The Israeli military on Wednesday urged residents across southern Lebanon to evacuate as it expanded operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, warning that it would “work with extreme force” in the area.

The warning, issued during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, came a day after clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters along a strategic river in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces have since advanced farther north ahead of planned talks in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli delegations.

Trump says Iran 'negotiating on fumes,' insists that midterm elections won't impact his war strategy

President Donald Trump assertedthat Iran is “negotiating on fumes” and insisted that November's midterm elections won't make him rush into a deal to end the nearly three-month-old conflict that's spurred unease across the global economy.

Speaking at the start of a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed confidence that a deal is near. Over the weekend, he even declared that his administration and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a settlement, though the talks are still in flux.

The president is looking for a settlement that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and provide him with a credible argument that Iran’s nuclear capability has been diminished enough to declare victory, winding down a conflict that's been politically unpopular for Republicans.

But as things stand, Trump also risks finding that closure to his war of choice comes with an unsatisfactory ending.

The emerging deal puts off many critical issues to be resolved later and has already exposed the Republican president to fierce criticism — even from some of his own supporters — that Iran's hard-line leaders will emerge from the conflict battered but emboldened. It all comes to a head just as the midterm elections to determine control of Congress come into focus and as Republicans worry that rising costs and fuel prices are darkening the American electorate's mood.

But Trump on Wednesday dismissed the idea that the upcoming elections would shape his Iran strategy.

“They thought they were gonna outwait me. You know, 'We’ll outwait him. He’s got the midterms,'” Trump said. “I don’t care about the midterms.”

South Korea summons Iran envoy over ship attack

Seoul on Wednesday summoned Iran's ambassador to protest after a probe concluded it was "highly likely" that an Iranian-made missile was to blame for a strike on a South Korean ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

In remarks carried by Iranian state media, Tehran's envoy to Seoul denied his country had anything to do with the incident.

The South Korean cargo ship was hit by unidentified projectiles on May 4 in the strait, a key waterway virtually closed since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28.

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had "taken some shots" at the Panama-flagged vessel, while Tehran had denied responsibility for the attack.

Iran war news: Iran expands curbs on international media content sharing with Israeli outlets

Iran has widened restrictions on the distribution of news content from the country, instructing international media organisations to limit the use of their reporting by Israeli media outlets.

A directive issued on Tuesday to several international news organisations operating in Tehran outlined mandatory wording to be attached to “all submitted content, including photos, videos, reports, and other media productions”.

The instructions, sent by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance — the body responsible for regulating media activity — were received by multiple organisations, including The Associated Press.

“Responsibility for failing to comply with this directive rests with the submitting media outlet,” the notice, translated from Farsi, stated.

Hamas armed wing confirms leader killed in Gaza strike

Hamas's armed wing confirmed on Wednesday that its chief, Mohammed Odeh, was killed a day earlier in an Israeli strike in Gaza, after Israel had earlier announced his death.

In a statement naming him as the "Chief of Staff of the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades", Hamas's armed wing said Odeh died "on Tuesday evening... in a cowardly assassination operation that resulted in the martyrdom of him, his wife and his children".

Iran war news: Trump says US will ‘watch over’ Strait of Hormuz, warns Oman against interference

US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will remain “open to everybody” and asserted that the United States would “watch over it” as part of ongoing negotiations with Iran, CNN reported.

Rejecting any short-term arrangement allowing Iran and Oman to control the strategic waterway, Trump said the strait is “international waters” and that “nobody’s going to control it.”

Trump also warned Oman against interference, saying, “Oman will behave just like everybody else or we’ll have to blow ‘em up,” while Iran has maintained that management of the strait is a matter to be coordinated between Tehran and Muscat, not the United States.

US-Iran war: Trump says he won’t be rushed into Iran deal, cites 'no concern for midterms'

US President Donald Trump said he will not be rushed into a deal with Iran, stating that he “doesn’t care about the midterms.” Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump said Iran cannot “outwait” his administration and referenced a recent GOP primary win as political validation. He added that the US is still not satisfied with the terms but expressed confidence that a deal could be reached or the US would “finish the job.” Donald Trump further said that Iran's negotiation team just wants to make a deal and they don't have any other choice.

Iran war news: Trump jokes Hegseth 'loves war' during Cabinet meeting amid stalled Iran talks

US President Donald Trump, while introducing members of his Cabinet at the White House, joked that US secretary of war Pete Hegseth 'loves war'.
Trump's remark comes at a time when Hegseth is facing heightened scrutiny over his approach to the Iran conflict and military messaging.

Iran war news: Pakistan PM Sharif speaks to Iranian President, hopes for US-Iran peace deal to finalise soon

Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call earlier in the day from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the Pakistan PM Office.

During the conversation, PM Sharif expressed hope that a peace deal with Iran could be finalized soon.

US-Iran war: Trump says US ‘not satisfied yet’ with Iran deal, warns of possible action if talks fail

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Iran “very much wants” to make a deal but added that Washington is not satisfied with the current terms, Reuters reported.

“Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal. So far they haven't gotten there ... we're not satisfied with it, but we will be. We will be either that or we'll have to just finish the job,” Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House.

Iran war news: Iranian media says Trump may declare Iran talks a success unilaterally, but key issues remain unresolved

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that US President Donald Trump could unilaterally announce success in negotiations with Tehran, even as unresolved issues continue to stall a final agreement, according to a member of the Iranian negotiating team

Israel Iran war: Explosion, Israeli fighter jets visible over Lebanon’s city of Tyre, Al Jazeera reports

Loud explosions were heard in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre after Israeli fighter jets carried out air strikes on the Masaken area, according to Al Jazeera

The strikes came shortly after Israeli warplanes were seen flying over the city. Additional air strikes were also reported further east within the past hour.

Iran war news: White House says negotiations with Iran ‘proceeding nicely’ even as Trump reiterates 'red lines'

The White House said negotiations with Iran are “proceeding nicely” even as it reiterated that President Donald Trump’s “red lines” in the talks remain clear.

Iran war news: White House rejects Iran report on draft deal to reopen Hormuz, lift naval blockade

Iranian state TV on Wednesday claimed that a draft framework with the United States included commitments to lift the naval blockade on Iran, restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and withdraw American forces from the Gulf region, but the White House swiftly rejected the report as “a complete fabrication”.

According to the report, Tehran and Washington have in recent days exchanged proposals aimed at ending the conflict that erupted on February 28 and spread across the Middle East, while a fragile ceasefire has remained in place since April 8.

Iranian state TV described the document as a draft outline of a potential memorandum of understanding but said the framework was “still not finalised”.

The report said the US had committed to ending what Iran described as harassment of ships travelling to and from the Islamic Republic and lifting the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports and coastlines since April 13.

In return, Iran would allow commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to resume within a month under conditions similar to those before the war, the report added.

The White House, however, strongly denied the claims.

“This report from Iranian controlled media is not true and the MOU they ‘released’ is a complete fabrication. Nobody should believe what Iranian state media is putting out. FACTS MATTER,” it said in a post on X.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes and has been at the centre of escalating tensions during the conflict.

Israel Iran war: IDF strikes Hezbollah targets near Tyre after evacuation warning in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military said it launched strikes on what it described as Hezbollah command centres in and around the Tyre area of southern Lebanon on Wednesday, shortly after issuing an evacuation warning for the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said residents in parts of the area had been warned to leave ahead of the strikes.

The latest attacks come amid continued cross-border tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, with hostilities escalating despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Iran war news: Accident at Iranian petrochemical plant kills 1, injures 2

Iran’s state-owned TV network reported an unspecified “incident” at the country’s largest petrochemical complex in Asaluyeh.
Broadcaster IRIB said the incident at the plant’s air unit killed at least one person and injured two others.

‘Complete fabrication’: White House slams Iran reporting on peace deal, says it crosses major US red lines

Iran war news: Draft US–Iran deal proposes reopening Hormuz shipping, lifting naval blockade

Iran has said a draft version of an unofficial framework agreement with the United States would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end an existing naval blockade, according to state media.

The proposed memorandum of understanding reportedly outlines a phased arrangement under which maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would be restored, in exchange for a US military withdrawal from areas near Iran and the lifting of naval restrictions.

Islamabad memorandum framework not finalised yet, no step without ‘tangible verification’: Iran state TV

The so-called Islamabad memorandum framework is not yet finalised and no step will be taken without “tangible verification,” Iranian state TV reported.

According to the report, officials stressed that the draft understanding remains under discussion and has not been approved in its final form. It added that any implementation of proposed measures would require verifiable assurances before moving forward.

The report said the draft discussions include proposals for a US troop pullback from areas near Iran and a possible easing of naval restrictions, including the lifting of a blockade, as part of a broader tentative understanding being negotiated through intermediaries.

Unofficial draft MoU with US proposes troop pullback near Iran, lifting of naval blockade

An unofficial draft of a memorandum of understanding with the United States proposes a withdrawal of US military forces from areas near Iran, along with the lifting of a naval blockade, Iranian state TV reported.

Iran war news: IRGC Navy says vessels of 'hostile countries' still barred from passing Strait of Hormuz

Israel Iran war: Israel and Hezbollah clash along strategic Lebanese river after overnight strikes; tensions escalate in southern Lebanon

Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters clashed along a strategic river in southern Lebanon, as Israeli troops reportedly pushed further north following overnight strikes, AP reported.

The clash took place near the Litani River, a key geographic marker that has long served as a de facto boundary in Lebanon, with large areas south of the river currently under Israeli military control despite a ceasefire arrangement that has been in place for over a month.

A US-brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict appears increasingly fragile, with escalating hostilities complicating broader diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the region. Analysts say the situation could also impact parallel discussions involving Iran, which has called for any agreement to include an end to the fighting in Lebanon.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after meeting senior defence and military officials that Israel would expand its operations in Lebanon, signalling a possible escalation ahead of scheduled talks in Washington involving Lebanese and Israeli delegations in the coming days.

Iran war news: IRGC official warns of strong retaliation, threatens to turn Iran’s coastline into ‘graveyard for aggressors’

An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval official has warned that Iran is prepared to respond forcefully to any attack, even as he said the likelihood of war with the United States remains low, Tasnim news agency reported.

Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the IRGC Navy, told the semiofficial Tasnim news agency that Iranian forces were “lying in wait,” adding that the perceived weakness of the adversary made a large-scale conflict unlikely.

However, he issued a sharp warning against any military action, saying Iran would turn its southern coastline “from Chabahar to Mahshahr into a ‘graveyard of aggressors’,” referring to key areas along the country’s Gulf coast.

His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington and continued exchanges of rhetoric over regional security issues.

Iran war: Trump gathers Cabinet as he looks to seal deal to end war that some backers worry will embolden Iran

US Iran war: Iran Guards official says 'low' possibility of renewed war with US

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards official said on Wednesday that renewed war with the United States was unlikely but warned that Iran stood ready against any attack.

"The possibility of war is low because of the enemy's weakness, the armed forces are lying in wait with full magazines," said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying.

"Do not doubt that we will turn the area from Chabahar to Mahshahr into a graveyard for aggressors," he said, naming places at each end of Iran's lengthy southern coast.

US Iran war: 'Starting new forever wars...': US Senator slams Trump over Iran war

US Senator Mark Warner heavily criticised President Donald Trump for starting a new 'forever' war and claimed that American military actions continue to take place against Iran.


In a post on X, the Senator who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intel Committee slammed Trump for breaking promises and raising costs.


He said, "Donald Trump keeps claiming the war is about to end... but the truth is, America is still striking Iran. He's breaking every promise, starting new forever wars, and raising costs on everything."

His remarks come as peace hangs by the precipice in West Asia and the Gulf region and talks move at a glacial pace.


CNN reported results of key polls conducted in recent weeks, where the American public expressed its inhibitions that they did not like the war to begin with and that they don't think it will result in much positive outcomes.


Citing a Fox News poll last week it reported that polls showed just 39% of registered voters wanted US military operations to last "as long as it takes to achieve US objectives," compared to 61% who instead preferred a "limited timeframe."


A New York Times-Siena College poll showed 52% of registered voters said the United States should end military operations even if it can't reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear program and that just 37% wanted to resume military operations if the countries can't come to an agreement on Iran's nuclear program.


Meanwhile, CNN also reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to retaliate after the US carried out what it described as "self-defense strikes" on Iranian missile launch sites and boats around the Strait of Hormuz.


As per the report, the IRGC also claimed that 25 vessels, including oil tankers, transited Hormuz during the "last day and night."


As talks continue to arrive at a memorandum of understanding, disputes over language concerning Iran's nuclear program and sanctions have held up a deal between Washington and Tehran, CNN noted. (

US Iran war: UK energy bills to rise as Mideast war impacts households

British energy bills are set to rise this summer, the sector regulator announced on Wednesday, as the Middle East war drives wholesale gas prices higher.

The US-Iran conflict, with its effective months-long closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, has sent oil and gas prices soaring and raised concerns about a fresh spike in inflation.

Energy market regulator Ofgem said the price cap that suppliers can charge customers will increase by 13 percent from July, adding around £18 ($24) per month to the average bill.

A typical annual bill for gas and electricity will rise to about £1,862 per year, Ofgem, which sets the cap every quarter, said in a press release.

The regulator cited "volatility in global energy markets" as a reason for the unusual summer increase, a period when energy demand is typically lower.

"Higher wholesale gas prices, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, is impacting the price we pay for energy," said Ofgem chief executive Tim Jarvis.

US Iran war: Iran Guards official says 'low' possibility of renewed war with US

Iran war: Tabriz International Airport to reopen after US-Israeli war disruptions

Tabriz International Airport in northwestern Iran is set to reopen on Wednesday, according to Iran’s IRIB broadcaster, which cited a spokesperson for the country’s Civil Aviation Organization.

The airport will become one of around 20 terminals across Iran that have resumed operations following disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war, the organisation said.

Iran war: Israeli air raids hit southern Lebanon’s Braiqaa, destroy two homes

Israel’s military carried out multiple air strikes on the town of Braiqaa in southern Lebanon, destroying two houses, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. No casualties were immediately reported.

The strikes came amid a wider escalation in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks on Tuesday reportedly killed at least 31 people. Displacement warnings and evacuation threats also affected around 50 towns, villages and one city across the country.

US Iran war: US 'lack of stability' main obstacle to ceasefire negotiations: Iran's Consul General in Mumbai

Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, termed Washington's lack of stability in the decision-making process as one of the main obstacles behind the agreement on a ceasefire framework.

Speaking with ANI, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh questioned the abilities of US negotiators, as they constantly halt negotiations to report back to their headquarters, showcasing an inability to make decisions on their own.

"At present, the main obstacle is the United States. They lack stability in their decision-making. The individuals they send for negotiations often do not have sufficient expertise or experience. In contrast, Iran has demonstrated that it sends highly skilled negotiators who are capable of decision-making and accountability, and who have been able to move matters forward effectively," he told ANI.

"Meanwhile, in the U.S., even minor issues require halting negotiations for consultation or reporting back to their headquarters. In addition, as I mentioned, the tone of American officials, particularly Trump, during the negotiations has caused constant shifts in direction," he added.

Iran's general consul further called out US President Donald Trump's inconsistency, which he said has made it extremely challenging to achieve an outcome.

Israel Iran war: Israel says killed new chief of Hamas armed wing in Gaza strike

Iran war: IRGC threatens retaliation after US strikes near Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened retaliation against the United States after American forces carried out strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC also claimed that 25 vessels, including oil tankers, container ships and commercial vessels, safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under its coordination and security protection.

In a statement carried by the IRGC’s official outlet Sepah News, the IRGC Navy said the vessels transited the strategic waterway after receiving authorization. The force added that it is “firmly carrying out intelligent control” over the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any “act of aggression” would face a “strong and crushing response.”

Earlier on Monday, the US military said it had targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to lay mines in southern Iran.

"US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said in a statement.

"Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire," he said.

Iran war: UAE welcomes UN Security Council condemnation of Barakah drone attack

The United Arab Emirates has welcomed a UN Security Council statement expressing “grave concern” over the May 17 drone attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant.

In a post on X, the UAE mission to the UN said the Security Council had spoken “in unity,” calling for an “immediate and permanent cessation” of attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in the UAE, including threats against peaceful nuclear facilities.

The mission also demanded accountability for those behind the “act of aggression,” including actors operating through proxy networks.

Earlier, the UAE Foreign Ministry had urged Iraq to prevent hostile actions launched from its territory following the drone strike on the nuclear plant.

Iran war: IMF says Bangladesh requests new assistance program amid Iran war fallout

The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday it was in negotiations with the Bangladeshi government for a new assistance program at Dhaka's request, as the South Asian country reels from the economic fallout of the Iran war.

"The Bangladeshi authorities have requested a new IMF-supported program," said Ivo Krznar, the Fund's Mission Chief for Bangladesh. "IMF staff are in discussions with the authorities on their reform agenda and policy priorities."

In March, Bangladesh's government said it was seeking loans of around $2 billion from multilateral donors to tackle energy security concerns sparked by the surging fuel prices caused by the war on Iran.

In a virtual meeting last week between Bangladesh Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke, both sides agreed to move quickly toward a new program, the finance ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Bangladesh is already in the middle of a $5.7 billion IMF program, which began in 2023 and was due to run for four years.

Last week, the World Bank said it had approved a $350 million loan to help Bangladesh manage rising fuel import pressures and strengthen energy security after shortages linked to the Middle East war.

Iran war news: Iran slams US 'self-defence strikes' amid peace talks, says exposes Washington's 'dishonesty and unreliability'

Iran on Tuesday strongly condemned the recent US 'self-defence strikes' on the Islamic Republic, as well as the maritime blockade on its ports, saying such actions expose Washington's "dishonesty and unreliability" even as diplomatic efforts continue to end the crisis in West Asia.

In an official statement issued by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated by the Embassy of Iran in India, the Islamic Republic stated that the US military has continued "unlawful and unjustifiable actions" since the announcement of a ceasefire on April 8, 2026, including the maritime blockage against Iranian ports and its commercial vessels and the "flagrant violation of the ceasefire in the Hormozgan region".

"The terrorist military of the United States, continuing its unlawful and unjustifiable actions since the announcement of the ceasefire on April 8, 2026, particularly through repeated acts of maritime piracy against Iranian commercial vessels, has, over the past 48 hours, committed a flagrant violation of the ceasefire in the Hormozgan region," the statement read.

This comes after the US military carried out "self-defence strikes" targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing ceasefire between the two countries, CNN reported, citing US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Iran war news: India says 10 sailors released by Iran

Ten Indian sailors, detained in Iran in July 2025 on an oil tanker, have been released after "sustained diplomatic engagement", India's shipping authorities said late Tuesday.

The sailors on the MV Harbour Phoenix were "detained, arrested and imprisoned in Iran following the vessel's interception near Jask Port in July 2025", the Directorate General of Shipping said in a statement.

"The seafarers have now been released and reunited safely," the shipping authority said.
"Necessary arrangements are being coordinated for the earliest return of the crew members to India."

New Delhi and Tehran have long-standing diplomatic and energy ties, but India also balances that with close links to the United States and to Israel.

Iranian forces regularly announce the interception of ships it says are illegally transporting fuel in the Gulf.

India has pursued a policy of quiet diplomacy and minimal public comment during negotiations for the release of the sailors.

It did not give further details on the reason for their arrest or about the vessel, which ship tracking sites list as a Palau-flagged oil products tanker.

India has one of the world's largest merchant navy workforces, with thousands of Indian sailors operating in Gulf shipping lanes.

Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz -- which normally carries about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments -- since the United States and Israel launched attacks on February 28.

India, the world's third-largest oil buyer, normally sources about half of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz.