International
Iran allows Bangladesh-bound oil tankers to transit Strait of Hormuz
Iran has allowed oil tankers bound for Bangladesh, along with several other countries considered “friendly” or “non-hostile,” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing regional tensions that have disrupted global shipping.
Oil prices rise another 5% in global markets
Stock and bond markets fell on Thursday as oil surged more than 5%, with Iran's denial of any talks with the U.S. deepening doubts over the prospect of a quick ceasefire in the near one-month-long Middle East war.
Iran threatens to block Bab al-Mandeb Strait
Iran has threatened to block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait-- a narrow waterway that controls sea traffic toward the Suez Canal-- if the United States and Israel escalate the war by attacking its islands, including Kharg. Tehran already has the Strait of Hormuz-- through which a fifth of the world's oil is normally shipped-- in a chokehold. Any disruption at Bab al-Mandeb could further the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
6 countries including Bangladesh to get safe passage through Hormuz: Iran
Ships from Bangladesh and five other countries will not be targeted in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has said. The other five countries are India, China, Russia, Pakistan and Iraq.
China sees 'ray of hope' for ending Iran war
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said a 'ray of hope' is emerging for resolving the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. Although Iran remains in a position to continue fighting, China believes new opportunities for dialogue are taking shape.
Iran wants to reach deal but is afraid to say so: Trump
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is actually interested in reaching a deal, but is afraid to express that interest amid the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.
Messages exchanged through mediators, no talks held: Iran
Iran has made it clear that no direct talks or dialogue are currently taking place between Iran and the United States. Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran has had no direct communication with Washington since the devastating Israeli and US attacks on Iran last month. However, important messages have been exchanged between the two sides over the past few days through the mediation of various friendly countries.
Iran rejects US 15-point plan as ‘maximalist’, war rages on
Iran has rejected a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the United States, describing it as “extremely maximalist and unreasonable”, a senior diplomatic source confirmed to Al Jazeera on Wednesday. The rejection came as fighting continued across the region, with fresh drone strikes on Saudi Arabia and a residential area hit in southern Tehran.
Pakistan conveys US ceasefire proposal to Iran
Pakistan has delivered a ceasefire proposal from the United States to Iran, according to sources.
Iran wants India as mediator in ongoing conflict
Amid the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, Iran has expressed interest in having India serve as a mediator, signalling a potential new equation in international diplomacy. Iran believes India has strategic relations with the United States, Israel and Iran simultaneously, which could make it an effective mediator.