{"id":30730,"date":"2026-08-04T22:46:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/us-enforces-iran-port-blockade-donald-trump-issues-last-chance-warning\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T22:46:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:16:34","slug":"us-enforces-iran-port-blockade-donald-trump-issues-last-chance-warning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/us-enforces-iran-port-blockade-donald-trump-issues-last-chance-warning\/","title":{"rendered":"US Enforces Iran Port Blockade; Donald Trump Issues Last Chance Warning"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"\">\n<div class=\"d1172d9b\">\n<p><span class=\"e81caeeb\">Sourav Rai | Harshita Giri<\/span><span class=\"c49a6b85\">2 minutes ago<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"f3e032cb\"><picture class=\"c62bd949\" style=\"visibility:visible\"><source media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/webp\/thumb\/360x0\/web2images\/1884\/2026\/08\/04\/letter-1945_1785863165.png\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/webp\/thumb\/512x0\/web2images\/1884\/2026\/08\/04\/letter-1945_1785863165.png\"\/><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/web2images\/1884\/2026\/08\/04\/letter-1945_1785863165.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">India&#8217;s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Indian cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya capsized and sank after being struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters in what he described as an &#8220;unprovoked attack&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size:0\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Sonowal said all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni, were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">The minister added that he has directed the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.<\/p>\n<p><iframe frameborder=\"0\" srcdoc=\"\" title=\"twitter\" class=\"twitter\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><span style=\"font-size:0\"\/><span style=\"font-size:0\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a deal could be struck to open the Strait of Hormuz; oil is now PLUNGING below $80.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">In an interview with CNBC, he said, \u201cI think there&#8217;s a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait. President Trump threatened the largest military campaign since World War II against the Iranians.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Meanwhile, some Iranian lawmakers are preparing to remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from office. Senior lawmaker Hosseinali Hajidelighani said on Tuesday, &#8220;We are gathering evidence and necessary documents to impeach Araghchi. We will initiate this process when the time is right,&#8221; Iran International reported.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian&#8217;s authority has reportedly been significantly curtailed. According to Israeli Channel 14, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reduced the president&#8217;s role in key national security and foreign policy decisions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">The report claims that IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi will now have the final say on major issues, including national security, the nuclear programme and negotiations with the United States, effectively sidelining the president&#8217;s authority in these areas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">According to the report, Pezeshkian had repeatedly complained that his government was being excluded from major policy decisions and had previously offered to resign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">The report further claims that the Supreme Leader has now made it clear that strategic decisions will be taken in line with the military&#8217;s recommendations.<\/p>\n<div class=\"f3e032cb\"><picture class=\"c62bd949\" style=\"visibility:visible\"><source media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/webp\/thumb\/360x0\/web2images\/1884\/2026\/08\/04\/ahmad-vahidi_1785828054.jpg\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/webp\/thumb\/512x0\/web2images\/1884\/2026\/08\/04\/ahmad-vahidi_1785828054.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"1095\" src=\"https:\/\/images.bhaskarassets.com\/web2images\/1884\/2026\/08\/04\/ahmad-vahidi_1785828054.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><span class=\"e913fbaa d3886593\"><strong>5 key developments in the past 24 hours<\/strong><\/span><strong\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><strong>1. US-Iran talks yet to be finalised<\/strong> The date and venue for the proposed US-Iran talks have not been confirmed. Pakistan and Qatar are reportedly being considered as possible hosts, with both countries attempting to facilitate negotiations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><strong>2. Iran shifts strategy to increase pressure on the US<\/strong> According to Reuters, Iran is focusing less on achieving a direct military victory and instead aims to increase pressure on the US and its allies by disrupting maritime trade, oil supplies and key shipping routes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><strong>3. Iran claims it downed a Reaper drone<\/strong> The IRGC claimed it shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz using its air defence systems but did not identify which country operated the aircraft.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><strong>4. CENTCOM seeks new ways to pressure Iran<\/strong> CNN reported that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has asked military analysts for fresh proposals to increase pressure on Iran, a move officials described as unusual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><strong>5. Saudi supertankers reroute after Houthi threats<\/strong> Six Saudi supertankers have reportedly diverted around southern Africa instead of using the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait following threats from Yemen&#8217;s Houthi rebels, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the region.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><span class=\"e913fbaa d3886593\"><em>For updates on the Iran war, go through the blog below\u2026<\/em><\/span><em\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"b5b79811\">\n<div class=\"d31625f9\">\n<h2 class=\"af59fc20\">Live Updates<\/h2>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Rubio says ultimate goal is to end Iran&#8217;s nuclear programme<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US&#8217;s ultimate goal is to completely dismantle Iran&#8217;s nuclear program. Right now, our focus is on Hormuz. After this, there will be long-term negotiations on nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Speaking to reporters at the White House, Rubio also spoke about the agreement on the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Indian cargo ship sinks after Red Sea attack; all 14 crew members rescued<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">India&#8217;s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Indian cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya capsized and sank after being struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters in what he described as an &#8220;unprovoked attack&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Sonowal said all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni, were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The minister added that he has directed the Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Oil prices plunge on US-Iran deal hopes<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">According to a report by Al Jazeera oil prices have tumbled after a top US official said Washington could soon reach a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over crude supply disruptions that have sent prices soaring in recent months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, dropped 5 percent to $76.32 a barrel, while the international benchmark Brent North Sea crude fell back below $80 a barrel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">&#8216;US wants denuclearisation of Iran in ultimate deal\u2019, says Rubio<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Speaking to reporters at the White House, Marco Rubio reiterated the US position that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that vessels are continuing to pass through it. However, he said Washington is working on an agreement that would allow more ships to transit the waterway safely.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">\u201cI think there is a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Iran and Oman on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term, as we move towards\u2026 longer-term talks about [Iran\u2019s] denuclearisation,\u201d said Rubio.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Scott Bessent announces deal could be struck to open Hormuz<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">In an interview with CNBC, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a deal could be struck to open the Strait of Hormuz; oil is now PLUNGING below $80.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">In his statement, he said, &#8220;I think there&#8217;s a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait. President Trump threatened the largest military campaign since World War II against the Iranians.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iran says talks with Oman on safe passage through Hormuz continue<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Iran has said it is in talks with Oman to create a safe and temporary route for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">According to Iranian negotiators, this arrangement could last from 1 to 3 months, and Iran will play a major role in it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">US long-range missiles nearly exhausted in Iran war: Report<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The US has used up nearly its entire stockpile of its most important long-range missiles in the five-month-long war with Iran, raising concerns in the Pentagon that US military readiness could be compromised in the event of a major conflict with China or Russia in the future, according to a Reuters report.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The report said that precision missiles like ATACMS and PrSM have been used most extensively in the conflict. According to US officials, their stockpiles are nearly depleted, although the number remaining was not disclosed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The stockpile of interceptor missiles for air defense systems like the Patriot and THAAD has also dwindled sharply. According to estimates, the US has used approximately 65% \u200b\u200bof its Patriot interceptors and at least 38% of its THAAD interceptors since February.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">However, President Donald Trump dismissed these claims, saying the US has the largest number of weapons in the world and defense companies are producing more than ever before.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Qatar-Russia foreign ministers hold talks<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Qatar&#8217;s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry, the two leaders discussed the regional situation, efforts to de-escalate tensions, and maintaining security and stability.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The Qatari Foreign Minister urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy. He also stressed the need to implement the US-Iran agreement and ensure unhindered passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Qatar says efforts are underway to hold US-Iran talks<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Qatar&#8217;s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majid al-Ansari, stated that mediators are in constant contact to advance the talks between the two countries. He added that Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are jointly assisting in the exchange of proposals between the US and Iran. These countries are trying to find a negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">US Treasury Secretary Bessent says agreement with Iran on Hormuz can be reached<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that an agreement between the US and Iran regarding opening the Strait of Hormuz could be reached by Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Speaking to CNBC, Bessant said that many ships are still transiting the Strait of Hormuz. If a deal is reached, energy prices will see some relief, and the market could see a rebound as oil prices fall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iranian lawmakers threatens to impeach Foreign Minister Araghchi<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Some Iranian lawmakers are preparing to remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from office. Senior lawmaker Hosseinali Hajidelighani said on Tuesday, Iran International reported.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">\u201cWe are gathering evidence and necessary documents to impeach Araghchi. We will initiate this process when the time is right.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Hajideligani also questioned the ceasefire talks with the US. He said that it was wrong to hold talks at that time. He said that resuming talks could lead to another war.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">He also said that any agreement that compromises Iran&#8217;s sovereignty or accepts another country&#8217;s control over any part of its maritime territory would be against the constitution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Yemen govt claims 4 killed in Houthi landmine explosion<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Yemen&#8217;s government has blamed Iran-aligned Houthi rebels for a deadly explosion in the western Hodeidah province.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">According to Anadolu report, four members of the same family were killed and six others injured in a landmine explosion late Monday night.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The government alleged that the landmine was planted by Houthi rebels. The Houthis&#8217; indiscriminate mine-laying has made the area extremely dangerous.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Houthis claim drone attack on Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Najran airport<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Yemen&#8217;s Houthi rebels have claimed they targeted a sensitive facility at Najran Airport in the southern Saudi Arabian city with a drone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The Houthis said the attack was in response to Saudi Arabia violating Yemeni airspace by flying drones over Saada and Hajjah provinces.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Hezbollah chief rejects direct talks with Israel, criticises Lebanese president<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has strongly rejected direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, saying such talks would bring the country &#8220;nothing other than shame, humiliation, disappointment and constant concessions.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Speaking in a televised address marking the 40-day mourning period for Imam Husayn at the end of Ashura, Qassem denounced any move towards direct engagement with Israel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">He also criticised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, accusing him of failing to act as a unifying figure. Qassem said the president had &#8220;not acted as an arbiter and unifier, but instead became a source of division&#8221;, adding that such an approach was inconsistent with both the responsibilities of the office and Lebanon&#8217;s national interests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iran to increase control over ships in Hormuz: Report<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">A temporary maritime arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz is under discussion between Iran and Oman. Under this plan, Iran would have complete control over all ships entering the Strait.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Meanwhile, Oman will provide clearance to ships transiting the Strait through a separate sea route. However, according to a Reuters report, Oman will inform Iran before granting clearance to any vessel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Ship attacked in Hormuz, one sailor missing<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The Liberian-flagged commercial ship Minoan Pioneer was attacked by a drone or missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">According to Reuters, the crew was forced to abandon ship after the attack. One sailor is currently missing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">British maritime security company Vanguard said the projectile hit the ship&#8217;s engine room, causing a fire on board.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">According to the company, efforts are underway to control the fire. The ship&#8217;s third engineer is still reported missing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Goldman sees Brent at $80-$90 amid US-Iran war uncertainty<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Goldman Sachs expects Brent crude oil to remain in the $80-$90 per barrel range until there is either confirmation of a new US-Iran nuclear agreement or a significant escalation in regional attacks, according to the bank&#8217;s latest assessment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The investment bank said it estimates the fair value of Brent spot prices at around $80 per barrel, suggesting that current market prices reflect only a moderate geopolitical risk premium despite ongoing tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The international benchmark Brent crude was trading at about $84.90 per barrel at 07:55 GMT, remaining near the upper end of Goldman Sachs&#8217; expected trading range.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">UN reports 125 Israeli airspace violations over Lebanon in 4 days despite ceasefire<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said it recorded 125 Israeli airspace violations over Lebanon between Thursday and Sunday, with surveillance and armed drones spending a combined 418 hours in Lebanese airspace despite an ongoing ceasefire.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The UN said the violations included drone activity near or above UNIFIL positions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The development comes as a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon remains in effect, while Lebanon&#8217;s Health Ministry said 4,333 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since Israel resumed its offensive on March 2.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iran says ties with Iraq are at their strongest as bilateral cooperation deepens<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said relations between Tehran and Baghdad are &#8220;currently at their best,&#8221; highlighting growing cooperation across political, economic and security sectors.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Speaking in Iraq&#8217;s Najaf on Monday, Araghchi said the recent visit of the Iraqi prime minister to Tehran led to &#8220;very fruitful discussions&#8221; and reaffirmed the two countries&#8217; shared positions on key regional issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Aramco says Houthi attacks had no material impact on oil production<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Saudi Aramco CEO Amin H. Nasser said Houthi attacks on the company&#8217;s facilities had no material impact on its operational capabilities or oil production.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Nasser said this included the July attacks that targeted Aramco&#8217;s operations along the Red Sea coast and other locations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Pezeshkian says Iran does not want to escalate conflict<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Iran does not want to continue or escalate the conflict, but will defend the country if its security is threatened.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">&#8220;Whether it is a neighbourhood dispute or a conflict between two countries, war is like a disease,&#8221; Pezeshkian said. &#8220;We will protect our borders, but we do not want to escalate the conflict.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iran&#8217;s President Pezeshkian dismisses resignation reports, says he is working with military<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected reports that he intends to resign, saying in an interview with state television that he has no plans to step down.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">His remarks came after senior cleric Mohammad-Baqer Kharrazi claimed that Pezeshkian had threatened to resign on 28 occasions and had been warned that any future resignation would be accepted. Pezeshkian said he remains committed to working alongside the military.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iran says planned strikes on Ukraine were cancelled after Kyiv&#8217;s apology<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">A senior Iranian official has claimed that Tehran cancelled plans to strike three targets in Ukraine after Kyiv apologised for a 25 July attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran&#8217;s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, told state television that the armed forces had completed preparations for the strikes before the operation was called off.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Rezaei also warned that Iran would not allow any unauthorised maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, saying any hostile naval vessel attempting to use an &#8220;illegal route&#8221; would be targeted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Iranian authorities said one crew member was killed in the Ukrainian strike. Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, had assured him the attack was unintentional and that Kyiv did not seek further escalation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iraq seeks understanding with Iran to ensure safe Hormuz transit<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Iraq&#8217;s Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair has said Baghdad is holding talks with Iran to ensure the smooth passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Khudair expressed hope that the two sides would reach a &#8220;significant understanding&#8221; in the coming days that would help safeguard shipping and ensure the uninterrupted movement of oil tankers through the strategic waterway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Shipping traffic remains low in Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Shipping traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb remained subdued at the start of the week amid uncertainty over possible US-Iran negotiations, according to Reuters, citing maritime data from Kpler.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">On Monday, 20 vessels including 12 tankers and eight bulk carriers passed through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, unchanged from the previous day. Traffic through the route has fallen sharply since the Iran-aligned Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea on 20 July and launched attacks on Saudi tankers and oil facilities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Transit through the Strait of Hormuz also remained limited, with only six vessels crossing on Monday, down from seven a day earlier. Before the conflict, around 130 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iran&#8217;s military tightening grip on government<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Power struggles within Iran&#8217;s leadership are reportedly intensifying. According to Israeli Channel 14, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has told President Masoud Pezeshkian that the government will now operate in line with the military&#8217;s directives.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The report claims the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will have the final say on key issues, including negotiations with the United States and national security. Senior military commander Ahmad Vahidi has reportedly been given ultimate authority over these matters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">It also claims that Pezeshkian has offered to resign several times, arguing that his government was being sidelined on foreign policy and security decisions. According to the report, Khamenei has rejected those resignation offers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Reuters\/Ipsos poll shows drop in Trump&#8217;s approval rating<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">US President Donald Trump&#8217;s approval rating has fallen to 35%, according to the latest Reuters\/Ipsos poll.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Reuters said the figure is down from 37% last month and comes amid public dissatisfaction over Trump&#8217;s handling of the economy, including rising fuel prices linked to the conflict with Iran.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The nationwide online survey also found that, for the first time in nearly a decade, voters viewed Democrats as better managers of the economy than Republicans, a shift that could affect the party&#8217;s prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Trump, however, dismissed the findings, claiming on his Truth Social platform that his &#8220;real&#8221; polling numbers were the highest they had ever been.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Netanyahu acknowledges differences with Trump over Gaza plan<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he has differences with US President Donald Trump over last week&#8217;s Board of Peace agreement aimed at stabilising Gaza.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Speaking after meeting the Board of Peace&#8217;s lead envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, Netanyahu said he did not hide his disagreements with Trump, insisting that Hamas must disarm and Gaza must be demilitarised before any reconstruction begins.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Trump had described the agreement as &#8220;historic&#8221;, saying it would lead to Hamas disarming and Israeli forces gradually withdrawing from Gaza. However, following objections from Israel, the Board of Peace later said Hamas must fully disarm before any Israeli withdrawal takes place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Iran claims planned strikes on three Ukrainian targets were called off<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">A senior Iranian official has claimed that Tehran had planned to strike three targets in Ukraine but cancelled the operation after receiving what he described as an apology from Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, told Iranian state television that the military had completed preparations for the strikes, but the operation was called off at the last moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Senior Iranian official warns US over naval blockade<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">A senior Iranian official has warned that Tehran will not tolerate the continued US naval blockade of its ports.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said on X that if the blockade continued, US vessels and forces would face &#8220;serious risks and casualties&#8221;. He added that Iran would not allow the opening of a second corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The US reinstated its blockade of Iranian ports in July after a memorandum of understanding signed with Tehran in June collapsed over disagreements regarding control of the strategic waterway. Since then, the US military says it has redirected 44 vessels, disabled two and boarded two others.<\/p>\n<p><iframe frameborder=\"0\" srcdoc=\"\" title=\"twitter\" class=\"a105db28 twitter\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">US Senator Schumer says trump&#8217;s Iran war is pushing up fuel prices<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticised President Donald Trump over the conflict with Iran, accusing him of favouring major oil industry donors while Americans face higher fuel costs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">In a post on X, Schumer claimed Trump&#8217;s war in Iran had benefited &#8220;Big Oil&#8221; companies that supported his election campaign, saying it was &#8220;the one promise he actually delivered on&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">He added that Americans were now paying more than $4 a gallon for petrol and facing rising energy costs.<\/p>\n<p><iframe frameborder=\"0\" srcdoc=\"\" title=\"twitter\" class=\"a105db28 twitter\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Saudi Crown Prince, Erdogan discuss Houthi attacks in Red Sea<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan held a phone call to discuss the latest regional developments, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">During the conversation, Erdo\u011fan reaffirmed T\u00fcrkiye&#8217;s condemnation of Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and welcomed the formation of the Saudi-led multinational maritime defence alliance, wishing it success in safeguarding regional shipping routes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">Saudi Arabia recently announced the coalition following Houthi claims of attacks on four Saudi tankers and oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Cargo vessel hit by projectile off Oman coast<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">A cargo vessel has reported being struck by an unidentified projectile about 20 nautical miles (37km) northeast of Khasab, Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">The UKMTO said the incident is under investigation and advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.<\/p>\n<p><iframe frameborder=\"0\" srcdoc=\"\" title=\"twitter\" class=\"a105db28 twitter\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"d2656f9b\">\n<div class=\"dd677d39\"><span class=\"a64bafc8\">Trump says Iran has &#8216;last chance&#8217; to reach deal<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">US President Donald Trump has said Iran is facing its &#8220;last chance&#8221; to reach an agreement, claiming fresh talks between Washington and Tehran could begin within days.<\/p>\n<p class=\"a105db28\" style=\"word-break:break-word;white-space:pre-line;text-align:left\">His remarks came despite Tehran earlier on Monday denying that any negotiations with the United States were currently under way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size:0\"\/><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sourav Rai | Harshita Giri2 minutes ago India&#8217;s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Indian cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya capsized and sank after being struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters in what he described as an &#8220;unprovoked attack&#8221;. Sonowal said all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni, were&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":30731,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[24677,24293,24678,24673,24676,24674,24672,24675],"class_list":["post-30730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nation","tag-commercial-shipping","tag-donald-trump","tag-international-diplomacy","tag-iran-port-blockade","tag-middle-east-tension","tag-tehran-talks","tag-us-iran-conflict","tag-us-military"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30730","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30730"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30730\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petrolnews.in\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}