Iran

Preventing Iranian nuclear weapon remains 'core issue', says Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked in a Fox News interview about Iran's latest proposal, which would postpone discussions on its nuclear programme but end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade and ends the war. "There's no doubt in my mind that at some point in the future, if this radical clerical regime remains in charge in Iran, they will decide they want a nuclear weapon," Rubio said. "That fundamental issue still has to be confronted," he said. "That still remains the core issue here." Asked if he thinks the Iranians are serious about a deal, Rubio said they are skilled negotiators looking to buy time. "We can't let them get away with it," Rubio said. "We have to ensure that any deal that is made, any agreement that is made, is one that definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.

US guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepts Iranian tanker

The interception of the M/T Stream comes as American forces maintain a strict maritime restrictive operation in the region

Iran turns to Caspian Sea to secure food supplies amid US naval blockade

With the United States trying to squeeze Iran by blockading goods from entering or exiting its ports, food suppliers are rerouting imports via the Caspian Sea to ensure food keeps getting into the country. The head of the Association of Iran's Food Industries said Monday that alternative import routes are being "incorporated into the supply chain for essential goods". "At present, there is no problem with the country's food security, but maintaining this situation requires careful planning," Mohammad Reza Mortazavi said, according to the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. The Caspian is the world's largest inland body of water and its southern coastline stretches more than 430 miles (700 km) in northern Iran. Iran is a net importer of food staples like grain and cooking oil.

West Asia war: US extends ceasefire, keeps Iran port blockade | Strait of Hormuz | US-Iran war

The United States has extended its ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan's request while awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran, even as it continues its blockade of Iranian ports.

Best of BS Opinion: Hopes fade for early resolution of West Asia crisis

From rising West Asia tensions and oil shocks to heat stress on food systems and women farmers' role in India, here are the key insights from Business Standard's Opinion page today

Trump says Iran can reach out to US if it wants to negotiate end to war

Trump canceled a trip by his envoys to Pakistan on Saturday, dealing a new setback to peace prospects after Iranian Foreign Minister departed Islamabad after speaking only to Pakistani officials

Iran's foreign minister returns to Pak as Islamabad races to save talks

Iran's foreign minister arrived in Islamabad again on Sunday as Pakistan's political and military leadership scrambled to reignite ceasefire talks between Tehran and Washington. Abbas Araghchi had left Pakistan's capital late Saturday, creating confusion around an expected second round of talks, but he returned to Islamabad before continuing on to Moscow, Iranian state media said. He had been in Oman, which previously mediated talks and is located on the other side of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Two Pakistani officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the efforts, did not say when the Americans might return to the region to follow up on historic face-to-face talks earlier this month. The White House on Friday said it would dispatch envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad for a second round of talks. But shortly after Araghchi's departure was reported, President Donald Trump said he had called off the mission because of a lack of progress with Iran. "The

No clarity on US-Iran peace talks as Islamabad stays under lockdown

Large parts of Pakistan's capital remain under a tight security lockdown for over a week on Saturday, even as uncertainty persisted over the proposed second round of talks between the US and Iran. Arterial roads leading into Islamabad are sealed, while the Red Zone, housing key government buildings and diplomatic missions, remains under a strict security cordon. In the adjacent commercial 'Blue Area', markets are deserted, cafes are running short of supplies, and public transport disruptions with no service at bus terminals have left commuters stranded. For residents, uncertainty has become the hardest part. Islamabad is a city of transients, where many residents work during the week and return to family homes at the weekend. This is the second lockdown in recent weeks. Islamabad was earlier sealed on April 11 for talks between the US and Iranian delegations that ended without a deal. The city briefly reopened before restrictions were reimposed as Pakistan prepared to host another

US escalates rhetoric against Iran as blockade pressure intensifies

As the blockade deepens and rhetoric intensifies, the path forward remains uncertain, with both sides signaling resolve in a standoff that could shape regional security dynamics in the months ahead

'Iran has important chance to make a deal': Hegseth as US tightens blockade

Hegseth emphasized both diplomatic and military pathways, while asserting that enforcement actions are already underway across key waterways

US does not plan to renew Iranian, Russian oil waivers, says Scott Bessent

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday that the US does not plan to renew a waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products that are currently at sea. And, he said, a renewal of the one-time waiver for Iranian oil at sea is totally off the table. "Not the Iranians," Bessent told The Associated Press. "We have the blockade, and there's no oil coming out." "And we think in the next two, three days, they're going to have to start shuttering production, which will be very bad for their wells." Bessent's statements come as the world is on edge over the US-Israeli war in Iran, and global energy markets have been ensnarled by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US originally issued a waiver for Russian oil sales and petroleum products in March with the intent of stabilising global energy markets after crude oil prices surged above USD 100 per barrel. The Treasury Department renewed the waiver two days after Bessent said at the White House that he had no plan

Trump to send Witkoff, Kushner to Pak for talks with Iran, says White House

The White House also said that Iran had reached out and requested an in-person meeting

Talks with US in Pakistan was 'strategic mistake', says Iranian lawmaker

Member of Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Mahmoud Nabavian said - 'Putting the nuclear issue on the negotiation table in Pakistan was a strategic mistake'

How the war in Iran is shifting from bombardment to a test of wills

The conflict has morphed into a volatile standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, as the economic costs mount and US President Trump faces a political backlash at home

Trump's order to attack Iran gunboats highlights danger of 'mosquito fleet'

The target, Iran's so-called 'mosquito fleet', has been known to US officials for years and weapons testers have regularly evaluated new warships' ability to counter it

'Fracture has occurred in the enemy': Mojtaba Khamenei hails Iran's unity

In a message published on X, Mojtaba Khamenei said, 'Due to the strange unity created among compatriots, a fracture has occurred in the enemy'

India likely to hand over Chabahar port reins to Iranian entity

India plans to divest its stake in Chabahar Port ahead of US sanctions expiry, balancing strategic interests with geopolitical and legal risks

A new era and new leadership: The generals who are running Iran

The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ushered in a new form of collective leadership in the country, with more power for the Revolutionary Guards

Iranian Prez slams US for 'hypocritical' stance amid ceasefire extension

Pezeshkian's remarks come after US President Donald Trump said he had decided to extend the ceasefire with Iran to give its leadership more time to come up with a unified proposal for negotiations