Strait Of Hormuz

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran has officially concluded, while insisting America’s ongoing actions in the Strait of Hormuz remain “defensive in nature.” Rubio stated the U.S. would only respond if attacked first, amid rising tensions and recent clashes with Iran near the critical shipping route. He also confirmed that only two American-flagged merchant vessels have so far crossed the Strait under U.S. protection efforts. Watch the full update on escalating Gulf tensions, Trump’s demands on Iran, and the future of Hormuz security.

US President Donald Trump says he is “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz. He claims that China is happy, the world benefits, and tensions will “never happen again,” and that China won't send weapons to Iran now. However, China's Foreign Ministry has repeatedly denied in recent days that the country is providing any form of military support to Iran. Watch.

Trump’s ambitious naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is under intense scrutiny after reports suggested limited impact on Day 1. Despite deploying over 10,000 troops, warships, and aircraft, merchant vessels were seen navigating the critical waterway. As questions mount over the blockade’s effectiveness, Washington appears to be recalibrating its strategy, with fresh diplomatic outreach toward Iran reportedly on the table. Talks in Islamabad could signal a shift from military pressure to negotiations, raising global stakes for energy markets and regional stability. Is this a strategic pivot or a setback for U.S. policy?

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire with Iran is “holding well” as tensions escalate in the Middle East. He confirmed that the U.S. Navy will enforce a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil corridor, aiming to restrict Iran’s ability to export crude. The move follows marathon talks that failed to produce a lasting agreement, raising concerns over global energy security and geopolitical stability. With oil tankers already steering clear of the waterway, the development could have far-reaching economic and strategic implications worldwide.

The European Union has refused to expand its naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz, despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there is “no appetite” among member states to change the mandate of Operation Aspides. While the EU may strengthen its presence in the Red Sea, it is not ready to extend operations into Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran. The decision comes as global shipping risks escalate following attacks on key oil routes.

Hormuz closure: A number of US partners, including Germany, Spain, UK and Italy, have indicated they had no immediate plans to send ships to help reopen the strategic waterway, which Iran's drone-missile and naval mines salvo has effectively shut, saying that this is 'not our war'. Appearing to accuse Western allies of ingratitude, US President Donald Trump on Monday said some countries 'weren't enthusiastic enough' to act on his call for deploying warships to escort tankers through the closed off Strait of Hormuz, key waterway through which 20 per cent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flow. Watch.

Iran has issued a sharp warning to U.S. President Donald Trump amid reports of plans to deploy troops to seize Kharg Island — the heart of Iran’s oil exports. Tehran says any foreign military presence on its soil would be “illegal” and a violation of international law. Iranian officials also slammed the U.S. and Israel, calling the ongoing war “brutal, illegitimate and unjustified.” Kharg Island handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude exports, making it a critical flashpoint in the conflict. As tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, fears of a global oil shock are rising.

The annual trade between India and Oman is less than $13 billion, but the trade relationship is crucial for India as tensions in the Middle-Eastern region are on the rise. Oman is a major bridge to the Strait of Hormuz which is present between Oman and Iran, it is an important route for global oil shipments. India is all set to sign a crucial trade deal with Oman soon after the Loksabha elections.

IEA is closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz situationThis comes in the backdrop of India, the world's third-largest oil importer trying to buffer its consumers from any spike in global prices

The strait lies between Oman and IranThe UAE and Saudi Arabia have sought to find other routes to bypass the Strait, including building pipelines