United States-Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran gave him a "gift" by allowing 20 large oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but skepticism is mounting across the shipping industry regarding this statement. On March 29 (local time), President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Iran had permitted the passage to demonstrate its seriousness in negotiations. He repeated the same remark in an interview with the Financial Times (FT) that day. He also asserted that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Majlis (parliament), had approved the move. Previously, President Trump had stated that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers flying the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a "gift" to the White House. On March 30, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt also reiterated President Trump's remark from the previous day, stating that 20 oil tankers would pass through the Strait of Hormuz within a few days. However, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence,

As the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran stands at a tipping point of further escalation, the Associated Press reported on March 30 (local time), citing U.S., Gulf, and Israeli officials, that America’s Gulf allies are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to continue military operations against Iran. Some countries are calling on the White House for a strong response, insisting that this is a golden opportunity to topple Iran’s theocratic regime. According to sources who requested anonymity, officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Bahrain conveyed in closed-door meetings that they do not want military operations to end until there is a significant change in Iran’s leadership or policies. President Trump, although struggling domestically as public sentiment worsens due to the Iran war ahead of the midterm elections, appears confident that he has secured the support of the Gulf allies. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One the previous da

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a plan to devastate Iran, prompting Iran to respond by threatening to blockade the Red Sea through Houthi rebels. Iran has also stated its intention to collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, causing international oil prices to soar to their highest levels since 2022. For President Trump, both successful negotiations with Iran or a large-scale bombing and ground campaign that devastates the country could provide him an opportunity to gain the upper hand. President Trump has set a negotiation deadline for the 6th of next month, and his approval rating is currently at its lowest since the start of his second term.Trump Pressures Iran with "Devastation" Threat... Oil Prices Approach Psychological Barrier According to CNBC, as of 7:38 p.m. Eastern Time on the 30th, May futures for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil were trading at $106.27 per barrel, up 3.30% from the previous trading day. The previous closing price was $102.88 per barrel, mean

Bloomberg reported on the 30th (local time) that "Iran is pressuring the Yemeni Houthi rebels to prepare to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea in case the war with the United States escalates." The outlet, citing European officials familiar with the matter, stated, "After the Houthi leadership, a militant group backed by Iran, launched ballistic missiles toward Israel last weekend, they are now considering options for even more aggressive military actions." It continued, "However, sources said there are disagreements within the Houthi leadership over the scale of the attacks, and this is one reason the Houthis joined the war only after more than a month had passed since it broke out." European officials told Bloomberg, "The hardliners within the Houthis want broader attacks, but the moderates are resisting. The decision to target Israel last weekend appears to have been a compromise between the divided factions." On the 28th, the Houthis announced in a statement that they would con

The Iranian parliament has approved a bill to impose toll fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This move is expected to face opposition not only from the United States but also from neighboring Middle Eastern countries, and there are concerns that it could put upward pressure on international oil prices. According to the semi-official Iranian media outlet Tasnim News on March 30 (local time), the Iranian parliament approved the bill, which was submitted earlier this month, to collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The bill also includes provisions banning the passage of vessels from the United States, Israel, and countries that have joined sanctions against Iran, as well as ships related to those countries. However, the specific amount of the toll has not yet been disclosed. Tasnim News reported that it is expected to be levied in Iranian rial. Regarding the imposition of tolls, not only the United States but also neighboring countries near the

U.S. President Donald Trump issued another strong warning to Iran on March 30 (local time). Regarding the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, he stated that if an agreement is not reached soon, he would destroy Iran’s power plants and oil facilities, including Kharg Island. President Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, saying, "Significant progress has been made, but if, for any reason, we do not reach a prompt agreement?which I think we will?and if the Strait of Hormuz does not immediately become 'operational,' I will blow up every power plant, oil field, and Kharg Island in Iran (perhaps even all desalination facilities)." President Trump emphasized that "we have not 'touched' them so far," underlining that the U.S. military is prepared to launch operations at any time. He added, "This will be retaliation for our many soldiers and others who were brutally slaughtered and killed by Iran during the former regime's 47 years of 'reign of terror.'" President Trump’s messag

The Washington Post (WP) reported that four major ballistic missile manufacturing facilities in Iran have been struck during the four weeks since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran. This conclusion is based on an analysis of satellite images by four experts commissioned by the WP. According to Yonhap News Agency on March 30, citing the WP, the ballistic missile fuel production facilities and military complexes at Khojir, Parchin, Hakimiyeh, and Shahroud in Iran have been found to be severely damaged as a result of the recent airstrikes. In the early phase of the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, there was a wave of large-scale Iranian missile retaliation. However, recently, the frequency of launches has dropped significantly and the scale of attacks has also decreased. The four damaged facilities are responsible for producing both solid and liquid propellants used in missile fuel. The destruction of these facilities effectively bri

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 29th (local time) that both direct and indirect negotiations with Iran are proceeding well, adding that Iran has accepted most of the 15 demands made by the United States. However, he continued to put pressure on Iran by mentioning his desire to "take Iran's oil" and referencing the possible occupation of Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian crude oil exports. According to reports from the Associated Press and CNN, President Trump made these remarks aboard his private plane while returning from Florida to Washington, D.C., saying, "Negotiations are going very well." When asked whether Iran had responded to the 15 demands from the United States, he replied, "They have agreed to most of the items. Why wouldn't they?" CNN, citing sources, reported that the 15 demands include restrictions on Iran's defense capabilities, the cessation of support for proxy groups, and recognition of Israel's existence. President Trump reinforced his position by statin

As U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that he wants control over Iran's oil, the possibility of a ground operation targeting Kharg Island, Iran's main crude oil export base, has been raised. With the pro-Iranian Houthi militia from Yemen joining the conflict, concerns have grown over a potential blockade of the Red Sea shipping route, sending international oil prices soaring into the USD 110 range. As markets braced for a sudden escalation and potential turmoil, President Trump responded by stating that negotiations with Iran are still ongoing and that "an agreement will be reached soon."Trump Hints at "Possible Occupation of Kharg Island"... U.S. Ground Operation Seen as Imminent In an interview with the Financial Times (FT), President Trump said, "To be honest, what I like the most is taking Iran’s oil. But some stupid people in the United States ask, 'Why do that?' They are stupid people." He continued, "We may or may not occupy Kharg Island. We have a lot of options. I don’t thi

International oil prices have surpassed the $115-per-barrel mark, and prices of key minerals such as aluminum have soared. The war is intensifying as the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen has officially declared its participation in the war. As the Houthis threaten the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key chokepoint in the Red Sea, global energy and commodity markets are facing yet another crisis. According to energy specialist media outlet OilPrice.com, as of 7:44 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) on March 29, Brent crude was trading at $115.61 per barrel, up 2.70% from the previous session. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude in the United States recorded a 2.42% increase, reaching $102.05 per barrel. Bloomberg reported, "With the Houthi rebels joining the Middle East conflict, the market is adjusting its initial volatility range." The report continued, "Amid concerns that attacks on production facilities in the Middle East could further disrupt supply, Brent crude rose 2%, while S&P 500