US-Israel War on Iran

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    Araghchi says diplomacy possible if US changes course

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said a return to diplomacy with the United States remains possible, but Washington must first accept that its pressure-based approach will not work. Araghchi made the remarks on Friday after holding what he described as constructive and creative discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Jassim Al Thani. The Iranian foreign minister said the United States should take steps to rebuild trust and engage Tehran through respectful dialogue. He also called on Washington to recognise Iran’s rights and honour commitments made under previous agreements. The comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly over sanctions, maritime restrictions and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and the US reached a 14-point memorandum of understanding in Islamabad in June through mediation by Pakistan and Qatar. The understanding included measures aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, removing a US naval blockade and beginning a 60-day negotiating process. Tehran has since accused Washington of failing to implement important parts of the agreement. Iranian officials have maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will not be fully reopened until the United States fulfils its commitments. The diplomatic dispute has also triggered a sharp exchange between Iranian and US officials. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after Bessent accused Tehran of spending large amounts of money abroad while Iranian citizens face economic difficulties. Ghalibaf rejected the criticism and argued that Washington should focus on its own domestic challenges rather than spending heavily on overseas military deployments and allies. The latest statements come as the United States maintains pressure on Iran and closely monitors maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. US Central Command said its forces had cleared sea mines from internationally recognised shipping lanes in the strait. Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said American military personnel from several branches had taken part in the operation. According to US officials, American forces have helped commercial vessels pass through the waterway while also stopping ships accused of attempting to bypass the maritime blockade. Iran, however, disputes Washington’s position and has warned that continued economic and maritime restrictions could provoke retaliation. Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran would target US economic interests if the blockade continued. He also claimed that Iran had managed to maintain significant oil exports and establish alternative routes despite restrictions. Rezaei further warned against any military advance toward Beirut or southern Lebanon, calling the area a red line for Iran.

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    Iran vows to withstand sweeping new US sanctions

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran has said it is fully prepared to deal with the latest expansion of US economic sanctions, as Washington launches what it describes as a major campaign to cut Tehran off from international financial and trade networks. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said the government had anticipated the new measures and prepared a long-term strategy to limit their impact. He said Tehran had its own economic tools and expected to continue commercial relations with countries willing to trade with Iran. The remarks came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a broad package of sanctions targeting Iran’s financial connections and revenue sources. Washington said the measures were designed to put further pressure on Tehran and force it to choose between greater international isolation and a return to normal economic relations. Bessent described the campaign as an unprecedented financial offensive against Iran. He said the United States would target networks and channels allegedly used by Tehran to generate revenue and bypass existing sanctions. The new measures cover several sectors, including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The US Treasury also announced sanctions against dozens of entities, individuals and vessels allegedly connected to Iran’s economic activities. Washington warned governments, banks and businesses that continue dealing with Iran that they could also face consequences. Bessent said the administration would move quickly against entities that continued to support Tehran’s financial networks. Iran, however, rejected the pressure campaign and said it expected to maintain economic relations with key trading partners. China has also criticised the latest US measures, describing unilateral sanctions as illegitimate. Beijing said economic pressure would not resolve disputes and stressed that it would protect its own economic interests. China is particularly important to Iran because it remains a major buyer of Iranian oil. Analysts say the effectiveness of the latest sanctions will depend heavily on whether countries such as China enforce Washington’s restrictions. Experts have also questioned how much additional pressure the new measures can place on Iran’s energy sector. Some analysts argue that existing restrictions and disruptions to oil exports have already significantly affected Tehran’s energy revenues. The confrontation is also affecting global energy markets. Oil prices have risen sharply since the conflict began, raising concerns about inflation and fuel costs in several countries. Iran has warned that it could take further action against regional oil exports if the conflict continues. Tehran has also issued warnings to vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments normally travels. The latest sanctions come after months of escalating pressure between Washington and Tehran. The United States has repeatedly sought to use economic measures to force Iran to change its policies, while Tehran has continued to reject what it calls unilateral American pressure. The economic consequences are also being felt in the United States. Higher oil prices have pushed gasoline costs above $4 per gallon in parts of the country, adding to concerns over household expenses ahead of the November midterm elections. For Iran, the latest US campaign presents another major economic challenge. However, Tehran’s response indicates that it intends to rely on existing trade relationships, particularly with countries that oppose unilateral US sanctions, to keep its economy functioning.

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    Field Marshal Asim conveys US offer to Iran for Hormuz reopening

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: The United States has reportedly conveyed a proposal to Iran under which Washington would ease its economic pressure and blockade measures in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to attacks by Iran-linked groups. According to a report by Al Arabiya English, the proposal was conveyed to Iranian officials during Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran. The report attributed the details to a senior source and said the message was delivered as Pakistan continued its diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict. The source said Munir held a meeting with Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The meeting was described as “clear and decisive”. During the discussions, Munir reportedly called on Iran to stop attacks carried out by groups linked to Tehran. The Pakistani military chief also conveyed the US position on the need to restore conditions that could allow broader diplomatic engagement. According to the report, Munir also urged Tehran to resume implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding reached between Iran and the United States in June. He reportedly told the Iranian side that both Washington and Tehran had played a role in disrupting the implementation of the understandings reached under the agreement. The reported US proposal comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation. The strategically important waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, and disruptions to maritime traffic have already contributed to higher oil prices and increased concerns about energy supplies. Washington’s reported offer links the reopening of the waterway with broader steps aimed at reducing military escalation. The proposal would also involve easing the economic restrictions and blockade measures imposed on Iran. Iran has repeatedly rejected demands that it reopen the strait without corresponding commitments from the United States. Tehran has maintained that sanctions and restrictions must be addressed as part of any sustainable settlement. The June understanding also became a key element in subsequent diplomatic efforts. However, disagreements over its implementation reportedly prevented the arrangement from developing into a lasting agreement. Iranian officials have accused Washington of failing to fulfil its commitments, while the United States has continued to pressure Tehran over regional security and maritime access. Munir’s visit to Tehran therefore comes against the backdrop of a difficult diplomatic environment. Pakistan has sought to use its relations with both Iran and the United States to encourage dialogue and push for a peaceful resolution to the wider regional crisis. The reported meeting with Rezaei could be significant because of his position within Iran’s national security structure and his links to the country’s senior leadership. The discussions also highlight Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in attempts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad has consistently called for a peaceful, sustainable and comprehensive settlement rather than prolonged military confrontation. The reported US offer has not, however, been publicly confirmed in full by Washington or Tehran. The details were attributed to a senior source by Al Arabiya English, and the next steps will depend on whether the two sides can agree on reciprocal measures. With the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and attacks by Iran-linked groups remaining major points of contention, the reported proposal could provide a framework for renewed negotiations if both sides are prepared to make reciprocal concessions.

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    US offers $10m reward for five Iranian commanders

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has announced rewards of up to $10 million for information that helps identify or locate five senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program. The programme named IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters chief Ali Abdollahi, IRGC Aerospace Force UAV commander Sa’id Aghajani, IRGC Cyber-Electronic Command chief Hamidreza Zolasgharian and IRGC Intelligence Office commander Majid Khademi. Rewards for Justice said the five officials oversee different IRGC units involved in planning and carrying out operations that Washington describes as terrorism around the world. The programme also said informants who provide useful information could receive relocation assistance in addition to financial rewards. The announcement comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. The US has designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation since 2019 and has repeatedly accused the group and its affiliated units of supporting armed groups and threatening US personnel and facilities. China Rejects US Pressure on Iran Meanwhile, China has urged the United States not to interfere with its cooperation with Iran following Washington’s launch of “Operation Economic Outcast,” a new sanctions campaign aimed at isolating Tehran from the global financial system. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing’s cooperation with Iran complies with international law and should not face disruption. He warned that unilateral US sanctions could increase tensions, create wider economic risks and affect the global financial system. Lin also called for dialogue and negotiations to resolve the conflict, saying economic pressure and maximum-pressure policies cannot provide a lasting solution. He added that China would take necessary steps to protect its legitimate rights and interests. China remains one of Iran’s largest oil customers, while both countries maintain a comprehensive strategic partnership. Their bilateral trade exceeded $41 billion last year. Lin said China was closely following developments and again opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or approval from the UN Security Council.

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    Israel faces new challenges after Iran conflict

    ByJustpaste.in

    After years of pushing the United States to confront Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw Washington join Israel in military action against Tehran. However, after six months of inconclusive conflict, Israel could now face a more difficult strategic situation than before the war. Iran has survived the confrontation and appears increasingly confident. Analysts say Israel achieved significant military successes but failed to translate them into a lasting strategic advantage. A major factor behind the uncertainty has been US President Donald Trump’s shifting policy. Trump joined Israel in launching the conflict in late February but called for a ceasefire in April and backed renewed negotiations with Iran amid growing public opposition and rising oil prices. “This is a colossal failure of Israeli strategy regarding Iran,” said Danny Citrinowicz, a former senior Israeli intelligence analyst on Iran who now works at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. He acknowledged Israel’s operational gains but said the country had failed strategically. Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict. Khamenei had suppressed domestic dissent and supported groups hostile to Israel, including Hamas, which carried out the October 7, 2023 attacks. However, his removal could create a new problem for Israel. Khamenei was also viewed as cautious about pursuing a nuclear weapon. Analysts warn that Iran could now reconsider that position if it believes its conventional military deterrents have weakened. Trump has recently threatened further economic pressure and occasionally ordered new strikes against Iran, while also supporting a possible agreement that could provide Tehran with sanctions relief. Netanyahu strongly opposed the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under former US President Barack Obama. Citrinowicz said Israel now faces a difficult choice: accept a new nuclear agreement that could strengthen Iran economically, or continue military pressure and risk pushing Tehran toward developing a nuclear weapon. “Israel is trying to do both but it’s not going to work,” he said. Degrading Iran or seeking regime change A June survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Agam Institute found that 92% of Israelis believed Iran had either won or gained from the conflict. The findings could create additional political pressure on Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 elections. Netanyahu previously said he wanted to “create conditions for regime change,” although he stopped short of making the overthrow of Iran’s government an official war objective. Some analysts believe Netanyahu may instead be following an Israeli strategy used in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria: inflicting extensive damage on an adversary and maintaining the ability to launch future attacks when necessary. Israel has often referred to this approach as “mowing the grass.” A foreign diplomat based in Israel told AFP that Netanyahu may not view the conflict as a failure, arguing that the United States had been drawn directly into confrontation with Iran while Israel had, for now, stepped back. Iranian counterattacks killed 25 people in Israel and four in the occupied West Bank. In the later stages of the conflict, however, Tehran increasingly focused its attacks on Gulf Arab countries hosting US military bases. Alex Grinberg, a senior Iran-focused fellow at the Turan Research Centre, said the conflict had dealt a serious blow to Iran by destroying parts of its nuclear infrastructure, eliminating key personnel and worsening its economic situation. He argued that Israel had achieved its immediate objective of reducing Iran’s strategic ability to threaten Israel, but questioned whether Washington and Tehran could reach an agreement that would serve Israel’s long-term interests.

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    Iran, Oman move toward temporary Hormuz shipping c…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran and Oman have agreed on a framework for establishing a temporary maritime corridor through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, in a move aimed at restoring safer shipping and reducing risks in one of the world’s most important waterways. The understanding emerged during talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, in Tehran on Tuesday. The two sides discussed measures to resume safe navigation while protecting the sovereignty and maritime rights of both countries. According to a joint statement, the proposed framework includes the creation of a joint temporary navigational corridor and a coordinated project to clear possible mines from the waterway. The initiative is intended to provide a practical mechanism for ships to move through the strait while longer-term arrangements are negotiated. The Strait of Hormuz has remained heavily disrupted since the outbreak of the wider Iran war in February. Before the conflict, the waterway handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for energy markets and international shipping. The latest agreement, however, is being viewed as an interim measure rather than a final settlement. Iranian and Omani officials are expected to continue technical discussions on establishing a permanent navigational corridor, managing vessel traffic and sharing information about maritime movements. The two countries also intend to examine future arrangements for administering the strait and providing navigation and security services. They have stressed that any long-term mechanism should take into account the rights and interests of other Gulf states bordering the waterway. Iranian officials have also indicated that further technical negotiations could continue over the coming weeks. The proposed arrangement is particularly significant because the strait connects the energy-rich Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. Araghchi said discussions with regional partners had focused on diplomatic and regional solutions, while emphasizing continued technical-level contacts over navigation and the future management of the waterway. For Oman, which has traditionally played a mediating role in regional disputes, the initiative offers another opportunity to promote dialogue and maritime stability. For Iran, reopening a controlled shipping route could ease economic pressure while maintaining its position on sovereignty and security in the strait. The success of the temporary corridor will ultimately depend on security conditions, mine-clearing efforts and agreement over how commercial vessels will be guided. Still, the latest Iran-Oman talks provide a potentially important opening for restoring maritime traffic and creating a pathway toward a more permanent solution.

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    Iran warns Oman deal does not mean Hormuz is fully…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran has cautioned that its emerging understanding with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the strategic waterway will immediately reopen to normal international shipping. The clarification came after Iran and Oman agreed on a temporary maritime corridor intended to facilitate navigation through the strait. Iranian officials stressed that the arrangement remains limited and does not amount to a full restoration of commercial traffic. Mukhtar Haddad, editor-in-chief of Iran’s Al-Wefaq newspaper, told Arab media that Tehran and Muscat had been discussing the management of the waterway for some time. He said the talks could lead first to a temporary agreement and eventually to a permanent arrangement, but neither step should automatically be seen as a decision to fully restore shipping. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also sought to temper expectations, saying Tehran and Muscat had agreed on a new temporary route but that the understanding did not mean the strait would be completely and immediately reopened. Gharibabadi said Iran remained in a state of war and had made clear to mediators that conditions during an armed conflict could not be treated in the same way as normal circumstances. He added that the United States would need to fulfil its obligations under an earlier memorandum of understanding before Iran considers fully reopening the waterway. Under the joint Iranian-Omani framework, the proposed maritime corridor would be temporary. Russian media reported that vessels entering the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian waters, while ships returning from the Gulf would use Omani waters. The reported corridor would operate like a two-way maritime route and have a width of about 11.25 kilometres. Iran and Oman are expected to hold further negotiations over the next 30 to 60 days to discuss the possibility of establishing a permanent navigation arrangement. The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of a wider regional security crisis. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, claimed that the US Navy had removed or neutralised all mines in international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that any vessel that attempted to lay new mines would be destroyed. Despite the temporary corridor agreement, Iran’s latest statements underline that a complete reopening of Hormuz remains a separate and politically sensitive issue. For shipping companies and global energy markets, the distinction could prove crucial: a limited navigation arrangement may ease some pressure, but it does not yet signal a return to normal maritime traffic.

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    US, Iran tensions rise over new sanctions

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States and Iran have stepped up their hostile rhetoric as Washington prepares to announce a new package of economic sanctions targeting Tehran and potentially countries that continue doing business with it. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to outline the measures on Monday, with Washington describing them as among the toughest sanctions imposed on Iran. The measures could also affect major trading partners, including China, which remains a key buyer of Iranian oil. Iran has rejected the planned sanctions, calling them an unlawful attempt by the United States to impose its authority beyond its borders. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said secondary sanctions had no basis in international law. US President Donald Trump has warned countries providing economic support to Iran that they could face consequences. He said Tehran wanted an agreement but had not yet accepted what Washington considers acceptable terms. The confrontation comes as the war approaches its sixth month. Although the United States and Iran are not currently exchanging fire, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. The situation has also severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Ship-tracking data showed that only a handful of commercial vessels crossed the waterway on Thursday, while major crude oil and liquefied natural gas carriers remained largely absent. Iran has nevertheless allowed several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the strait after requests from Baghdad. The permission was reportedly discussed during the recent visit of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Iraq. Oil flows through the waterway have fallen sharply from pre-war levels. US officials said an average of around 8 million barrels of oil a day was moving through the strait, compared with more than 20 million barrels before the conflict. The disruption has contributed to higher oil prices and raised concerns about wider effects on the global economy. US military operations have inflicted heavy damage on Iran’s military capabilities and economy, but Tehran still retains missile and drone capabilities that could threaten shipping and regional targets. Washington has also yet to achieve some of its stated objectives, including fully determining the status of Iran’s nuclear programme and creating conditions for political change in Tehran. International nuclear inspectors have been unable to access Iran since 2025. Iranian military officials have continued to threaten a strong response to any further attacks. However, President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a diplomatic solution and an end to the conflict. Iranian officials have also acknowledged the growing economic pressure. Ghalibaf warned that military strength alone would not be enough to sustain the country if economic activity, production and financial circulation continued to suffer.

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    Iran threatens action over US economic support

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran’s National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei has warned that the interests of countries assisting the United States in its economic war against Iran could be targeted. In an interview, Major General Mohsen Rezaei urged Iran’s neighbouring countries not to cooperate with Washington against Tehran. He warned that Iran could consider them hostile if they joined the US economic campaign. Rezaei said Iran did not want to escalate the conflict. However, he warned that any neighbouring country supporting the economic war could face attacks on its interests. He also threatened to prevent even a single drop of oil from passing through the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz. He said other routes used to import oil through the Persian Gulf could also be targeted. Rezaei further warned that locations linked to Iranian opposition groups could also come under attack if the United States continued meeting groups opposed to the Iranian government. According to Rezaei, the US had expected to end the conflict within a few days and take control of Iran’s oil and gas resources. He claimed that around 1,200 oil tankers had become unusable during the conflict, affecting 15 per cent of the global fleet. He said Tehran should reconsider its approach to the conflict and its diplomatic engagement with the international community. Rezaei accused Washington of failing to honour its commitments. Rezaei said Iran was no longer the same country it was before the conflict. He described new military appointments by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as a sign that Iran was preparing for war. He added that the perception of the United States among Iranian youth had also changed. According to him, many young Iranians no longer view America as a country committed to peace. Rezaei accused Washington of betraying negotiations, diplomacy and agreements it had signed. He also warned that US policies could encourage more countries to seek nuclear weapons. He criticised US President Donald Trump and claimed that the world had begun viewing Iran differently. Rezaei said Iran would change its approach to warfare and use the lessons learned from the current conflict in any future war. Asked about the Makkah agreement involving Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, Rezaei said it indicated that the United States had informed those countries of its intention to leave the region. On former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Rezaei said those who believed his return would turn Iran into a “paradise” should reconsider their view. He claimed that bringing Pahlavi back to power could instead lead to Iran being divided into five parts.

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    Iran leaders plan response to US economic pressure

    ByJustpaste.in

      Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the head of the judiciary have held a high-level meeting to discuss the country’s response to growing economic pressure from the United States. According to Iranian media reports, the meeting focused on the situation created by Washington’s announcement of an economic campaign against Tehran and the steps Iran can take to reduce its impact on the economy and ordinary citizens. The three officials, who represent Iran’s executive, legislative and judicial branches, stressed the need for stronger coordination among state institutions. They said government bodies should work more closely to respond quickly to economic challenges and prevent external pressure from creating further difficulties for the public. The leaders also discussed ways to protect people’s purchasing power and prevent economic hardships from placing an additional burden on households. They emphasized that government policies should give particular attention to low-income and vulnerable groups that could face greater difficulties as economic pressure increases. Iranian media reported that the officials called for practical measures to ease pressure on citizens while maintaining economic stability. They also stressed the importance of ensuring that essential needs remain accessible and that government institutions coordinate their efforts instead of pursuing separate or conflicting policies. The meeting also highlighted the importance of protecting Iran’s national interests as tensions with the United States continue. The officials agreed that economic planning should focus not only on dealing with immediate challenges but also on strengthening the country’s ability to withstand external pressure in the longer term. Pezeshkian’s administration has faced the challenge of managing economic difficulties while navigating Iran’s tense relations with Washington. The latest meeting reflects an effort by the country’s top leadership to present a coordinated approach and ensure that government institutions respond collectively to the economic situation. The leaders further emphasized that any response to the economic pressure should prioritize the welfare of the Iranian people. They called for continued cooperation among the three branches of government and urged officials to take steps that can protect vulnerable communities while preserving Iran’s broader economic and national interests.