US-Israel War on Iran

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    Trump claims limited talks with Iran are underway …

    WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has claimed that limited negotiations with Iran are currently taking place, while indicating that Washington is not pursuing an aggressive new military escalation against Tehran at this stage. Trump’s comments come amid continued tensions between the United States and Iran and growing international attention on efforts to reduce the conflict. Recent reports have also indicated that talks involving Iran and Oman have been taking place, although no final agreement has been reached. According to Trump, the United States is currently keeping a lower profile on the issue and is engaged in what he described as limited negotiations with Iran. He also claimed that Iran is facing severe economic difficulties and suggested that the country is under significant financial pressure. Trump argued that Iran’s economic situation has deteriorated considerably, making it difficult for the government to meet some of its financial obligations. These remarks were presented as part of his argument for maintaining economic pressure rather than immediately launching another major military campaign. The US president also referred to the wider impact of the conflict on energy markets and American consumers. Oil prices have remained closely linked to developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important route for global energy shipments. Recent market reports have shown that investors have been watching diplomatic developments closely as hopes for an agreement affect oil prices. Trump described the confrontation with Iran as a complicated strategic contest, comparing the situation to a game of chess. He suggested that a solution could eventually be reached through negotiations and pressure. US officials have reportedly been considering different approaches to the conflict, including diplomatic engagement and economic measures. Recent reporting indicates that progress has been discussed in Iran-Oman talks, although significant issues remain unresolved. The latest developments come as Washington continues to monitor Iran’s military and economic position while seeking leverage in negotiations. For global markets, the outcome of the diplomatic efforts could be particularly important. Any agreement that improves the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could influence crude oil prices and energy supplies worldwide. However, the situation remains fluid, and claims about the extent of direct negotiations have not been uniformly confirmed by all sides. Further diplomatic contacts are expected as the United States and its partners seek a way to reduce tensions and address the broader issues at the center of the conflict.

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    Hormuz uncertainty pushes global oil prices higher

    KARACHI: Global oil prices edged higher on Monday as uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continued to unsettle energy markets. Brent crude climbed by more than 1% in Asian trading, moving above $84 a barrel, while US crude prices also posted gains of over 1%. The market remains focused on the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes. Any prolonged disruption or uncertainty over shipping through the waterway could put further pressure on global energy prices. Iran has indicated that discussions with Oman on establishing alternative shipping routes are nearing completion. However, Tehran says the United States still needs to fulfil additional conditions before arrangements concerning the waterway can move forward. With the situation still unresolved, traders are closely watching developments around the Strait, with concerns over supply disruptions continuing to influence crude prices.

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    Pezeshkian says ‘now is the best time’ for Ira…

    TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the current moment as the “best time” for reaching an agreement with the United States, while making clear that Tehran’s broader policy toward Washington has not changed. Speaking to media representatives in Tehran on Sunday, Pezeshkian said the United States had been pushed toward negotiations and reconciliation with Iran, describing the development as a success for Tehran’s diplomacy. His comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and growing international efforts to find a diplomatic way out of the crisis. Pezeshkian suggested that the present circumstances could provide an opportunity to move toward an agreement if Washington was prepared to meet its commitments. The Iranian president accused the United States of failing to implement understandings reflected in an Islamabad memorandum and points jointly prepared by Iran and Oman. According to Pezeshkian, Washington’s failure to follow through on those commitments forced Tehran to respond. He said Iran had established a special team to deal with the crisis and that the group was continuing its work. “We are hopeful that Iran will move forward with dignity, determination and pride,” Pezeshkian said, stressing that Tehran would continue to protect what it considers its national interests. Despite signaling openness to negotiations, Pezeshkian adopted a tough tone toward Washington. He described the United States as a “criminal” and “colonial” power and insisted that Iran’s policy toward Washington remained unchanged. The president also warned against what he portrayed as attempts by the United States and Israel to weaken Iran from within. According to Pezeshkian, military pressure and war had failed to force Tehran into submission. He argued that Washington and Israel could now seek to exploit divisions within Iranian society by encouraging internal disputes. Pezeshkian urged Iranians to remain alert to what he described as such efforts, emphasizing that national unity was particularly important at the current stage. He called on the Iranian public to stand together to safeguard the country’s security and defence capabilities. The remarks underline the delicate balance in Tehran’s position: Iran appears willing to explore diplomacy while simultaneously maintaining its longstanding opposition to Washington’s policies. Pezeshkian’s comments could therefore signal a possible opening for renewed diplomatic engagement, but any breakthrough is likely to depend on whether Iran and the United States can overcome deep mistrust and resolve disagreements over previous commitments. For now, Tehran’s message is clear: the door to negotiations may be open, but Iran says it will enter those talks from a position of dignity, national unity and strength.

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    Iran sets six conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz

    Iran has set six conditions for the United States to allow the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The demands were presented by Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. He warned that Tehran would not reopen the strategic waterway unless Washington changed its policy towards Iran. Zolghadr said the first condition was that the United States must not threaten Iran under any circumstances. He also said Washington must avoid any language or action that insults the dignity of the Iranian people. The second condition calls for a permanent end to what Iran describes as war and aggression against the country and its allies. These include Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq. Iran’s third demand is the lifting of the naval blockade imposed on the country. Tehran has also called for the withdrawal of US forces from areas surrounding Iran. The fourth condition concerns compensation for damage caused to Iran during the war. Zolghadr said Iran must receive full compensation for the losses it suffered. The fifth demand is the removal of what Tehran considers unfair and illegal sanctions imposed on the Iranian people. Iran’s sixth condition calls for the unconditional release of Iranian assets that have been seized or frozen abroad. Tehran wants these assets returned to the Iranian people. The Strait of Hormuz is a key international shipping route. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. A disruption in the waterway could have major consequences for global energy supplies and international trade. Iran has repeatedly stressed the strategic importance of the strait. Any decision regarding its reopening could therefore have wider regional and international implications. Zolghadr also said Iran would maintain its position regardless of whether the situation develops into further conflict or diplomatic negotiations.

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    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim Trump suffered…

    TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that international media outlets are increasingly portraying US President Donald Trump as having suffered a defeat in the conflict with Iran. In a statement, the IRGC said reports from various parts of the world were highlighting what it described as the failure of the United States to achieve its objectives against Iran. The Guards further claimed that the war had placed the Trump administration in a situation of its own making, with international coverage allegedly pointing to Washington’s difficulties in achieving its declared goals. According to the IRGC, recent agreements between the parties should not be viewed simply as diplomatic arrangements but as evidence of what it described as an American retreat in the face of Iran’s military capabilities and negotiating position. The Iranian force also maintained that the United States and Israel had failed to accomplish their stated objectives despite extensive military operations and accompanying media campaigns. The IRGC characterized the latest agreements as reflecting Iran’s ability to withstand military pressure and secure a stronger position at the negotiating table.

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    Houthis strike Yemen forces, 10 killed in Marib

    MARIB: At least 10 people, including eight members of Yemen’s government-aligned security forces and two civilians, were killed in fresh Houthi attacks in the oil-rich Marib province, raising fresh concerns over a possible escalation in the country’s fragile security situation. According to local officials and military sources, Houthi fighters targeted positions held by forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government with missiles and drones. The attacks reportedly struck several military locations in Marib, a strategically important province that has remained a major focal point in Yemen’s long-running conflict. The latest violence comes despite a significant reduction in large-scale fighting across Yemen in recent years. The renewed attacks have therefore sparked concerns that the relative calm could be disrupted and that low-intensity clashes could once again develop into broader military confrontations. Reports also indicated that Houthi attacks in Marib and neighbouring Hadramout on Friday resulted in additional casualties, suggesting that the latest violence may be part of a wider increase in militant activity across government-held areas. Marib holds particular strategic importance because of its oil and gas resources as well as its location. Control of the province has long been a key objective for both the Yemeni government and the Houthis. The latest strikes have added to fears of a new escalation in Yemen, where years of conflict have already caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Any renewed fighting around Marib could carry wider consequences because of the province’s economic resources and military significance. The Houthis, who control large parts of northern and western Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have been involved in a prolonged conflict with government forces and their allies. The fresh deaths underline the continuing fragility of Yemen’s security environment and could test efforts to preserve the relative calm that has emerged after years of intense fighting.

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    Iran displays wreckage of US, Israeli aircraft in …

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has put the wreckage of US and Israeli aircraft on public display, offering a dramatic glimpse of the military hardware Tehran says was destroyed during the recent war. Images released by Iranian state-linked media show sections of aircraft arranged as part of an exhibition, including what has been identified as the remains of a US F-15 fighter jet. The display reportedly includes the aircraft’s ejection seat, canopy and part of its tail. The exhibition appears designed not only to showcase recovered wreckage but also to underline Iran’s claims about the effectiveness of its air-defence capabilities during the conflict. The appearance of the F-15 debris is particularly significant. Recent reporting has identified the wreckage as belonging to an F-15E Strike Eagle, while Iranian authorities have presented it as evidence of a successful engagement against US airpower. However, claims surrounding aircraft losses have been contested throughout the conflict. In earlier incidents, Iranian officials announced that US aircraft had been destroyed, while American officials disputed some of the claims. Independent identification of battlefield wreckage has also sometimes proved difficult. Iranian forces have previously showcased captured or downed US military equipment as symbols of resistance. A similar exhibition in Tehran in 2019 displayed wreckage of a US Global Hawk drone claimed to have been shot down by Iran. The latest display comes after Iran also claimed on July 30 that three US F-35 fighter jets had been destroyed at Jordan’s Al Azraq airbase. That claim has not been independently established. By placing the aircraft remnants on display, Tehran is turning battlefield debris into a powerful political and military message—one intended to demonstrate that even advanced American and Israeli aircraft can be targeted during wartime. The exhibition is likely to fuel further debate over the scale of aircraft losses during the conflict and the competing narratives presented by Iran, the US and Israel.

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    Yemen launches counter-operation against Houthis a…

    Yemen’s internationally recognised government forces have launched a military counter-operation against the Houthis following a series of missile and drone attacks on military positions in the provinces of Marib and Hadramout, according to a military spokesman. Yemeni army spokesman Majed al-Nazili said the government forces had begun responding to the attacks and would not tolerate threats against civilians, troops or military positions. “We will give a decisive military response to the threats facing the Yemeni people and armed forces,” al-Nazili said, according to the statement cited by local media. The announcement comes after Houthi forces carried out a series of attacks on government-aligned military camps in Marib and Hadramout. Recent reports said at least 30 Yemeni government soldiers were killed and 15 others wounded in the strikes. The escalation has raised fresh concerns over the fragile security situation in Yemen, where large-scale fighting had significantly declined following the UN-mediated truce that began in April 2022. Although the truce formally expired later that year, the country avoided a full return to nationwide warfare for an extended period. The latest violence is being closely watched because Marib remains strategically important to Yemen’s government, while Hadramout is a major eastern province with significant military and economic importance. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that renewed military escalation could undermine diplomatic efforts and worsen Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis. The UN Security Council has stressed the need for restraint and a Yemeni-led political process as the most viable route toward a lasting settlement. The latest developments could therefore mark a dangerous turning point if the government’s promised counter-operation leads to sustained fighting. For millions of Yemenis already affected by years of conflict, renewed hostilities could bring further displacement, economic hardship and pressure on essential services. With both sides now trading threats and military strikes, attention is turning to whether the latest confrontation remains limited—or develops into a broader escalation across Yemen.

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    Pezeshkian rejects pressure as Iran seeks path to de-escalation

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not surrender to external pressure or compromise its military and defensive capabilities, while stressing that Iran remains open to diplomacy if it can help protect the country’s interests. In a televised interview marking the second anniversary of his presidency, Pezeshkian said Iran would resist any attempt to force it into submission. He maintained that Tehran had the right to preserve its defence capabilities and would not accept demands aimed at weakening its military strength. The Iranian president described his country’s response during the latest conflict with the United States and Israel as an act of self-defence. He praised Iran’s armed forces, including the Army, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Aerospace Forces, for their performance during the fighting. Pezeshkian also accused Washington and Tel Aviv of attempting to bring Gulf countries together against Iran. He said Tehran was working to prevent further regional divisions and maintained that Muslim countries should cooperate regardless of sectarian differences. He rejected claims that Iran sought territorial expansion or intended to attack neighbouring states. According to Pezeshkian, Iran wanted peaceful relations with countries in the region and had no plans to seize territory or expand its borders. The president also questioned why some regional countries allowed their territories to be used for attacks against Iran. He said Tehran did not seek confrontation with those states but would respond against locations from which it was attacked. Meanwhile, senior US military officials are reportedly pushing for a path toward de-escalation as concerns grow over the effectiveness and sustainability of further military action against Iran. According to a report, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine has privately urged senior Trump administration officials to explore options for ending the conflict. The discussions reportedly involved senior figures including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. US officials are said to believe that continued air operations alone may not be enough to force Tehran to accept Washington’s demands. There are also concerns about Iranian retaliation against US allies and regional energy infrastructure. The report further indicated that shortages of some US weapons, including air-defence interceptors and precision munitions, could make a prolonged conflict increasingly difficult. Despite the concerns, US officials reportedly believe American forces could still inflict significant damage on Iran if President Donald Trump orders further escalation. At the same time, Washington is examining diplomatic options that could allow Trump to present an agreement as a political achievement. A possible agreement between Iran and Oman could provide a major breakthrough in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official. Washington expects Tehran and Muscat to reach an understanding that would allow commercial shipping and oil traffic to resume through the strategic waterway. The United States has indicated that it could lift its blockade of Iranian ports once commercial shipping is restored and Iran fulfils its commitments. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant share of global oil supplies traditionally passing through it. Disruptions caused by the conflict have contributed to higher energy prices and increased inflationary pressure. The latest diplomatic activity follows several previous claims that a deal over the strait was close, although Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that formal negotiations were taking place. Regional tensions have also prompted Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to strengthen military cooperation through a joint defence agreement signed in Makkah. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all three. The countries said the pact was intended to strengthen collective deterrence and protect regional security. Türkiye stressed that the agreement was defensive and was not directed against any particular country. However, the deal comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran and growing concerns about the conflict spreading across the Gulf and wider Middle East. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are continuing on the Lebanon front, where officials are discussing arrangements for monitoring the potential disarmament of Hezbollah under a US-backed framework. Pezeshkian has also defended diplomatic engagement with Washington despite opposition from Iranian hardliners. The Iranian president argued that dialogue could be useful if it allowed Tehran to safeguard its national interests and secure its rights.

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    Pakistan played key role in easing US-Iran tensions: analysis

    Pakistan played an important mediating role in efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran and helped bring the two sides to the negotiating table, according to an analysis by South Asian Voices, a policy platform focusing on security, political and economic developments in South Asia. The analysis said Pakistan stepped in at a critical stage when tensions between Washington and Tehran had escalated sharply and both sides had suffered significant losses. According to the assessment, Islamabad successfully facilitated communication between the United States and Iran and helped bring a global power and a major regional power into direct negotiations. The report described Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement as significant, arguing that Islamabad managed to perform a role that several major powers, including China, France, Germany, India and the United Kingdom, had been unable to achieve. The analysis further noted that talks between American and Iranian representatives in Islamabad continued for more than 20 hours. It described the discussions as the highest-level direct contact between the United States and Iran since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Although Washington and Tehran subsequently accused each other of violating the terms of a ceasefire, the two sides did not completely abandon the diplomatic process, according to the analysis. The report therefore argued that it would be inaccurate to hold the mediator responsible for the failure of the process, stressing that Pakistan’s role should instead be viewed in the context of its efforts to keep communication channels open between the two sides. The assessment highlights Islamabad’s growing diplomatic role in attempts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran and underscores Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue during a period of heightened regional instability.