Iran, meanwhile, has strongly criticised a US-backed draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council regarding the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “flawed†and “politically motivatedâ€. Tehran insists that the only way to resolve the crisis is by ending the war, lifting maritime blockades and restoring normal movement through the strategic waterway. Iran has also warned against any foreign naval deployment in the Strait of Hormuz and threatened a “decisive and immediate response†if Western powers cooperate with what it calls illegal US actions.
The crisis has expanded beyond diplomacy into military confrontation across the region. Israel has intensified airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah-linked sites, while Hezbollah says it has carried out multiple retaliatory attacks on Israeli military positions. Drone attacks and maritime incidents across the Gulf have further raised fears of a wider regional war. Explosions, fires on ships and drone intrusions into Gulf airspace have already disrupted maritime security and increased global concern over energy supplies.
At the centre of the conflict remains Iran’s nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran possesses more than 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, close to weapons-grade level. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the conflict cannot end unless Iran’s enriched uranium is removed from the country. Iran, however, says its forces are on “full readiness†to protect nuclear facilities from possible infiltration or military operations.
The ongoing conflict has triggered sharp reactions from global powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow’s proposal to remove Iran’s enriched uranium remains on the table, while French President Emmanuel Macron said any future maritime security mission in the Gulf would not amount to a military deployment. The United States and Gulf allies continue to accuse Iran of threatening one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The crisis has already rattled global oil markets, raised shipping insurance costs and intensified concerns over a broader conflict that could affect economies worldwide. Stay with TOI for live updates on US-Iran tensions, Israeli military operations, diplomatic negotiations, attacks in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz developments, nuclear concerns and the latest reactions from world leaders.
