US tracking closely how to get oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz: White House
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday said the United States is tracking "very closely" how to get oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. "As far as tankers through the Strait, it's something we're tracking very closely," Leavitt told reporters about the key shipping lane near Iran. However, the press secretary said there is no "specific timeline" on when the tankers could move freely.
"We're going to see prices at the pump go back down," Leavitt added, arguing the Trump administration's prioritization of domestic energy production will help stabilize prices when the military operation in Iran is over.
Trump to hit Iran harder if Tehran does not accept defeat, White House says
President Donald Trump is ready to hit Iran "harder than they have ever been hit before" if Tehran fails to understand that they have been defeated militarily, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.
Trump will host a cabinet meeting on Thursday at the White House, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.
Some Gulf states and Jordan urge Iraq to stop attacks launched from its territory
A joint statement by Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan on Wednesday called on Iraq to take the necessary measures to immediately stop attacks launched against neighbouring countries from Iraqi territory.
The statement said the call comes to preserve "brotherly relations" and avoid further escalations.
Since the start of the Israeli-U.S. war on Iran, Iran-backed Iraqi militias have claimed responsibility for attacks on several U.S. bases in the region.
Iran could take action in Bab al-Mandab Strait if provoked, Tasnim news agency says
Iran could open a new front in the Bab al-Mandab Strait if attacks are carried out on Iranian territory or its islands, Iran's semi-official Tasnim cited an unnamed Iranian military source as saying on Wednesday.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group has previously launched attacks in the region where the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait is located.
France's army chief to hold talks with other militaries on Hormuz
France's Armed Forces chief Fabien Mandon will hold a technical meeting by videoconference "soon" with army chiefs from countries keen to play role in restoring maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a French military official said on Wednesday.
The meeting would be unrelated to the United States approach to the issue and would remain in a framework of a defensive posture, the official said.
Tehran describes US 15-point plan as 'extremely maximalist and unreasonable': Report
According to sources, Tehran has received the 15-point plan proposed by the US, but described it as “extremely maximalist and unreasonable”, a high-ranking diplomatic source has confirmed to Al Jazeera.
Iran has reviewed US proposal and considers it excessive, says official
Iran has reviewed a US proposal to end the war and considers its conditions excessive, Iran's Press TV cited an official as saying on Wednesday, saying Tehran will end the war only at a time of its own choosing and if its conditions are met.
Iran demands recognition of Tehran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, as its "natural, legal right", the official added.
Pakistan delivered a US proposal to Iran, Turkey or Pakistan under consideration to host talks: Report
Pakistan has delivered a US proposal to Iran, a senior Iranian source told Reuters on Wednesday, but the venue of any talks between Tehran and Washington to end the war has yet to be decided.
The source, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, did not disclose details of the proposal and whether it was the 15-point U.S. framework proposal to end the war reported by news outlets.
The source also said Turkey was helping to find ways to end the way and "either Turkey or Pakistan are under consideration as the venue for such talks".
Hezbollah chief 'rejects talks with Israel', says fighters will continue 'without limits': Report
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said on Wednesday in a televised speech read on his behalf that negotiating with Israel under fire amounts to imposed surrender and called for unity against Israel.
The speech, aired on a Hezbollah affiliated television station, said Hezbollah fighters were prepared to continue "without limits".
Iranian-made ballistic missile falls into Lebanese territory
Lebanese army says, missile debris that fell on Tuesday over multiple areas in country identified as Iranian-made ballistic missile, in a post on X.
In a post on X, they added that the 'missile was likely not targeting Lebanon' but they will continue investigating the incident.
Sources say that the Iranian missile exploded mid-air, possibly due to a malfunction or an interception.
The army has no missile interceptor systems present.
Several wave of strikes were carried out on Tehran says Israeli military
Israeli military says that a short while ago several wave of strikes were carried out on Tehran.
Israel says it has 'dropped more than 15,000 bombs on Iran': Report
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz says that the Israeli army has “crossed the 15,000-munitions threshold” in Iran since the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28, as reported by Al Jazeera.
That is four times more than the 12-day hostilities in June last year, the minister added.
In a joint briefing with Eyal Zamir, Israeli army chief of staff, Katz said that Tel Aviv has approved a new series of targets for strikes in Iran and Lebanon.
163 people evacuated from Iran's Bushehr NPP says Rosatom head Likhachev
The situation at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant continues to develop along a worst-case scenario, the head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Alexei Likhachev, said on Wednesday.
The International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday said it had been informed by Iran that a projectile struck the premises of the Bushehr NPP.
Likhachev said the strike, which caused no casualties, occurred at around 1800 GMT on Tuesday and hit an area near an operational power unit.
He added that Rosatom had begun a third phase of personnel evacuation, with one group departing by road towards the Iranian-Armenian border on Wednesday morning and two more groups set to leave shortly.
Until the situation stabilises, Rosatom is temporarily reducing the number of staff at the plant to a minimum.
Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom evacuated a further 163 of its staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant on Wednesday, the state-run RIA news agency reported.
It cited Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev as saying about 300 of the company's staff remained at Bushehr, but more would be leaving.
BlackRock CEO Fink warns of 'global recession' if oil goes to $150: Report
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said oil prices could reach $150 a barrel and cause a "global recession" if Iran "remains a threat" even after the war ends.
"If there is a cessation of war, and yet Iran remains a threat, a threat to trade, a threat to the Strait of Hormuz, a threat to this peaceful coexistence of the GCC region, then I would argue that we could have years of above $100 closer to $150 oil which has profound implications in the economy," Fink told BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast published on Wednesday.
"We will have global recession," he said, when asked if oil stays at $150 a barrel.
Oil prices have remained volatile and risen sharply since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began. However, prices sank about 4% on Wednesday after reports the U.S. had sent Iran a 15-point proposal aimed at ending the war, raising prospects of a ceasefire.
The war has all but halted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about one-fifth of the world's gas and crude supply, causing what the International Energy Agency has called the biggest-ever oil supply disruption.
UN rights chief urges states to end extremely dangerous Iran conflict
The United Nations' top rights official on Wednesday urged states to end the Iran conflict, describing the situation in the Middle East as extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
"This conflict has an unprecedented power to ensnare countries across borders and around the world," United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva called by Gulf states.
"The only guaranteed way to prevent this is to end the conflict, and I urge all states, and particularly those with influence, to do everything in their power to achieve this," he said.
Iran's ambassador to Pakistan says no talks with US yet, IRNA reports
No direct or indirect talks between Tehran and Washington have taken place, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan was quoted as saying on Wednesday by state media, contradicting U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about Iran seeking a deal.
"Based on my information, contrary to Trump's claim, no direct or indirect negotiations have taken place between the two countries so far," Reza Amiri Moghadam said, adding that "friendly countries seek to lay the ground for dialogue between Tehran and Washington, which we hope will be fruitful in ending this imposed war".
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Islamabad was ready to host any talks.
Iran has received 15-point US ceasefire proposal, two Pakistani officials say
Iran has received a 15-point proposal from the US to reach a ceasefire in the war, two Pakistani officials said on Wednesday.
The Pakistani officials described the proposal broadly as touching on sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, a rollback of Iran's nuclear program, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limits and access for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.
The officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to release the details.
Iran has insisted it isn't engaged in negotiations with the U.S. and a military spokesman mocked America over its diplomatic efforts Wednesday.
Thai tanker safely transits Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran
A Thai oil tanker has safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic coordination between Thailand and Iran, and was not required to pay to escape the blockade, a Thai official and the oil major that owns the vessel said on Wednesday.
The Bangchak Corporation-owned tanker crossed the strategic waterway on Monday after successful talks between Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran's ambassador to Thailand.
"I requested that if Thai ships need to pass through the strait, could they assist in ensuring safe passage?" Sihasak told reporters late on Tuesday.
"They responded that they would take care of it and asked us to provide the names of the vessels that would be transiting."
The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has effectively cut off the delivery of about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz, causing widespread disruption.
Since the conflict began on February 28, Thailand has faced soaring transportation costs and lengthening queues at its gas stations, despite assurances from the government that supplies remain sufficient.
The safe transit for the Thai tanker comes two weeks after the Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was attacked by a projectile in the strait, causing a fire onboard and forcing the crew to evacuate.
Iranian and Omani authorities have reached the vessel, but Thailand is still awaiting information on the status of three missing crew members, according to the Thai foreign ministry.
Another Thai vessel, owned by SCG Chemicals, is also awaiting clearance to transit the strait, Sihasak said.
'Friends have a special place'
In a statement, Bangchak said its vessel, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since March 11, was currently on its way back to Thailand. It gave credit to the coordination between Thailand's foreign ministry and Iranian authorities.
The company and a source in the Thai foreign ministry said no payment was involved.
Iran has told the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the strait if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
To secure the Bangchak tanker's transit, the Thai embassy in Muscat also worked with Omani authorities, coordinating alongside Iran via its embassy in Bangkok, the Thai foreign ministry source said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.
In a post on X, Iran's embassy in Thailand said that passage of the Thai ship reflected the close ties between the two countries
Shehbaz Sharif briefs Saudi Crown Prince as Pakistan pushes to mediate US-Iran talks
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman about Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tenuous West Asia situation.
The prime minister said in a statement on X that he spoke with the crown prince and discussed the regional situation in addition to exchanging traditional Eid greetings.
The call comes a day after Sharif offered to host talks between the US and Iran for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.
Sharif said that during the call, he appreciated the Kingdom's restraint and, "I stressed the urgent need for de-escalation, an end to hostilities, and unity in the ranks of the Ummah".
"I also briefed His Royal Highness on Pakistan's diplomatic outreach efforts for regional peace and stability. We agreed to remain in close coordination," he said.
Sharif also reiterated Pakistan's strong condemnation of the recent attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed Islamabad's unwavering solidarity and unequivocal support for Saudi Arabia in these challenging times.
During the conversation, he conveyed warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the Crown Prince as well as King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to the royal family and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.
In an X post on Tuesday, Sharif said that Islamabad was "ready and honoured" to facilitate "meaningful and conclusive talks" between the US and Iran to end the ongoing conflict.
Hours later, US President Donald Trump shared Sharif's post on his Truth Social platform.
According to media reports, the US on Tuesday sent Iran a 15-point plan and ceasefire proposal to end the war in the Middle East.
The peace plan was shared with Iranian officials via Pakistan.
Also on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, exchanging views on the evolving regional situation, according to the Foreign Office.
"Dar underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward," it said.
Separately, Dar received British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at the Foreign Office, and the two held discussions on the evolving regional situation.
Dar "underscored that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path forward, emphasising the urgent need for early resolution of the conflict," FO said.
The deputy prime minister also met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who called on him, and their discussions focused on the unfolding regional and global developments.
Dar "underscored the urgent need to promote de-escalation in the Middle East and the wider region through dialogue and diplomacy".
Reiterating the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, they agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest, according to FO.
Starting February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The joint strikes came after days of build-up, with Trump ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.
Iran's retaliation escalated the war to the entire Gulf region.
According to official sources, Pakistan is in contact with both the US and Iran, and facilitating backdoor communication, including initial drafts of respective demands for creating peace in the region.
Australia to temporarily restrict Iranian visitor visa holders from travelling
Australia's home affairs ministry said on Wednesday it would temporarily restrict some Iranian visitor visa holders who are outside Australia from travelling to the country, saying the move was to protect the integrity of its immigration system.
