Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - President Donald Trump has directed his national security team to prepare contingency plans for an extended naval blockade of Iran, signaling his preference for decisive strategic victories over quick diplomatic exits from the ongoing conflict. Sources familiar with the discussions reveal that Trump views the current Strait of Hormuz standoff as a leverage point against Tehran's nuclear program and regional proxies, despite military advisors warning that none of the available escalation paths guarantee swift resolution.
The order comes after Iran's latest Hormuz first peace proposal offering to reopen the strait and end hostilities while delaying nuclear talks drew a cool response from the White House. Trump, who canceled US envoy travel to Pakistan last week calling it a waste of time, now sees prolonged pressure as the path to force Iranian capitulation on core US demands: verifiable nuclear rollback, missile restrictions, and cessation of proxy support to groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Pentagon planners are mapping scenarios for 6-12 months of sustained blockade, including reinforced carrier strike groups, allied burden sharing with Israel and Gulf states, and contingency fuel releases from US strategic reserves to blunt global inflation. Economic advisors caution that extended closure risks $150-200/barrel oil spikes and recession, but Trump reportedly dismisses these as short term pain for longterm gain against what he calls Iran's death cult regime.
Trump's pivot to extended blockade planning rejects off ramps like Iran's phased proposal, betting economic strangulation will break Tehran's nuclear ambitions where diplomacy has faltered. With no clean military victory on offer and global markets jittery, the strategy risks entrenching a war of attrition prolonging uncertainty around the world's energy lifeline.
Iran has demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to peace with Iran if regional security interests are protected.
At least 164 people have died and 971 have been injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering a state of emergency and a major international relief effort.
At least 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering a state of emergency and international offers of aid.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes killed at least 32 people, causing building collapses, injuries, and widespread disruption across affected regions.
Iran has warned that ships entering the Strait of Hormuz without authorization could face action, raising concerns over shipping security and global energy supplies in the Gulf region.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin powerful earthquakes struck near its Caribbean coast, causing building collapses, widespread panic, and ongoing aftershocks.
Indian refiners are expected to remain cautious despite a temporary U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian oil, citing concerns over payments, shipping, insurance, and regulatory risks.
Iran has hailed the U.S.-Iran agreement as a victory for Tehran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tours Gulf nations to reassure allies about the fragile regional peace framework.
Iranian President Pezeshkian said Tehran’s missile and deterrence capabilities are non-negotiable, signaling that any future deal with the U.S. will not include restrictions on Iran’s defense program.
President Trump criticized Keir Starmer following his resignation announcement, linking the move to disagreements over energy, immigration, and broader policy decisions.
The U.S. Senate approved a War Powers resolution seeking to limit military action against Iran without congressional approval, marking a significant political setback for President Trump.
India is helping build Mongolia’s first oil refinery through a $1.7 billion project, a major step toward boosting Mongolia’s energy security and strengthening bilateral ties.
Iran says it will decide how to use its unfrozen assets while maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its intention to shape the terms of any long-term agreement with Washington.
Lebanon-Israel talks are set to resume as Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions. The developments come as U.S.-Iran negotiations continue under a fragile regional ceasefire framework.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions, signaling its intention to play a direct role in the future management of one of the world's most critical shipping routes.
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