#us_president_donald_trump

US President Donald Trump Abruptly Ends Press Briefing, Refuses to Address Iranian Attacks on Vessels US President Donald Trump abruptly terminated a scheduled press briefing in the Oval Office on Saturday, ordering reporters to leave and using dismissive gestures to silence questions about Iranian gunboats firing on vessels, including Indian ships, in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has intensified regional tensions, with India summoning Iran’s envoy to protest the attacks. Trump’s refusal to address the issue has raised diplomatic concerns about the administration’s priorities and the security of critical maritime routes. The confrontation unfolded during a routine press interaction, where Trump abruptly cut off a reporter’s inquiry about the attacks. As the journalist attempted to ask about the shooting of naval vessels, including Indian-flagged ships, Trump intervened with a series of physical signals. He first made a quick, circular motion with his pointer finger, signaling aides to end the session. When the questioning persisted, he transitioned to a sharp, sideways thumb gesture—reminiscent of a baseball umpire’s signal for an out—and repeatedly commanded, “Out! Get out.” The abrupt dismissal occurred amid growing fears about maritime security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The incident followed Trump’s earlier social media announcement that the US Navy had intercepted and disabled an Iranian cargo ship, the MV Touska, after it breached a US-led naval blockade. Trump claimed US forces “blew a hole” in the vessel’s engine room to take custody of it. However, the administration’s response to the recent attacks on Indian ships has drawn criticism.#iran #india #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps

Oil Prices Drop Below $91 as Hormuz Crisis Intensifies Oil prices fell to their lowest level in weeks as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalated, with Iran initially declaring the waterway open for passage during a ceasefire in Lebanon, only to later backtrack. Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped more than 9 percent to $90.38 a barrel on Friday, marking its first drop below $91 since March 10. The decline followed statements from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who claimed the strait was “completely open” and would remain so for the duration of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which began on Friday. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Iran’s announcement, calling the waterway “ready for business and full passage,” but emphasized that the U.S. Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports would stay in place until a peace deal was reached. However, Iran reversed its stance on Saturday, warning that it would continue to restrict oil shipments through the strait as long as the U.S. blockade remained. This came after Trump reiterated that the blockade would “remain in full force” until Tehran reached an agreement with Washington, including on its nuclear program. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, has been a focal point of the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the waterway, and further restrictions could exacerbate supply constraints, potentially driving prices higher again. The near-total closure of the strait during the conflict has already triggered one of the worst energy shocks in history, with fuel prices soaring and governments implementing emergency measures to mitigate the impact. Since the U.S.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #iranian_foreign_minister_abbas_araghchi #strait_of_hormuz_waterway

U.S. Stocks Surge on Iran's Strait of Hormuz Reopening and Ceasefire U.S. stock markets experienced a significant rally on Friday, April 17, 2026, as geopolitical tensions eased following Iran’s declaration that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” for commercial vessels. This announcement came after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect on Thursday. The decision to reopen the critical waterway, a major oil transit route, led to sharp declines in oil prices and drove major indices to record highs. The S&P 500 closed up 1.2% at 7,126.06, crossing the 7,100 threshold for the first time. The Nasdaq Composite gained 1.52%, ending at 24,468.48, marking its 13th consecutive day of gains and the longest positive streak since 1992. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1.79%, or 868.71 points, to 49,447.43, while the Russell 2000 small-cap index also reached a new high. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced the strait’s reopening in a post on X, stating that the measure aligned with the ceasefire in Lebanon. The move was praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, who tweeted that Iran had agreed to keep the strait open permanently and that the U.S. Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until a peace agreement was reached. However, Iran’s Tasnim news agency noted that ships linked to hostile nations would be excluded, and the strait could be closed if the U.S. blockade persisted. Oil prices plummeted as fears of supply disruptions eased. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures dropped nearly 12% to $83.85 per barrel, while Brent crude fell 9% to $90.38.#strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #us_stock_markets #iranian_foreign_minister_seyed_abbas_araghchi #ceasefire_israel_lebanon

Oil Price Fluctuates Ahead of Trump's Iran Deal Deadline Global oil prices have fluctuated ahead of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to open the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route. The cost of benchmark Brent crude rose above $111 (£84) a barrel in early trade, bouncing around the $110-a-barrel mark before settling at about $107. Oil and gas shipments from the Middle East have been severely disrupted as Tehran threatens to attack vessels trying to use the strait in retaliation for US and Israeli airstrikes since 28 February. On Monday, Trump threatened to take out Iran "in one night" if it failed to agree a deal with the US by 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT/01:00 BST Wednesday). Speaking at the White House, Trump said he believed "reasonable" leaders in Iran were negotiating in "good faith," but that the outcome was still uncertain. Stock markets in the US opened lower and saw choppy trade after he ramped up the threats on Tuesday morning. "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," he wrote on social media. The Nasdaq closed about 0.1% higher, the S&P 500 ended the day flat, and the Dow slipped about 0.2%. Iran has so far rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, demanding a permanent end to the war and the lifting of sanctions against the country. An initial rise in the price of oil on Tuesday suggested investors believed it may be harder than expected for the US to reach a deal due to Iran's hardline stance and that the war could be drawn out, said Ye Lin from research firm Rystad Energy. Meanwhile, traders are also trying to work out whether Trump actually wanted a deal or if he was "just putting up a smokescreen" while preparing for a larger attack, she said.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #jpmorgan #james_dimon

European Stocks Drop Amid U.S. Extension of Iran Strike Hiatus European stock markets continued their decline on Friday as U.S. President Donald Trump announced an extension of the military pause on attacks targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. The decision, which prolongs the 10-day hiatus until April 6, came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. Investors reacted with caution, as uncertainty over the geopolitical situation weighed on sentiment across the region. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.8% shortly after 1:45 p.m. London time, while the FTSE 100 dropped 0.2%, the CAC 40 in France declined 0.6%, and Germany’s DAX lost 1.2%. The sell-off followed a broader pattern of market volatility, with European bourses resuming declines from the previous session. Investors struggled to interpret mixed signals from U.S. and Middle Eastern leaders, particularly as peace talks remained inconclusive. Trump’s announcement came after a statement on Thursday evening in which he reiterated the pause on attacks, framing it as a gesture of goodwill to facilitate negotiations. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the president claimed the decision was requested by the Iranian government and emphasized that talks were progressing despite media criticism. “Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” he wrote. The U.S. president also highlighted a separate development, asserting that Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz as a “present” to the United States. However, Tehran has not publicly commented on the matter, leaving the claim unverified. Meanwhile, Asian markets had already fallen overnight, while U.S.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #stoxx_600 #g7_foreign_ministers_meeting

US President Donald Trump Announces 10-Day Delay in Attacks on Iranian Energy Sector US President Donald Trump has announced a 10-day postponement of planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, pushing the operation to April 6. The decision comes as Trump reiterated his claim that ongoing negotiations with Iranian officials on a peace deal are progressing “very well.” The delay follows weeks of escalating tensions in the region, with Iranian missiles and drones continuing to strike targets in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. The White House stated that the pause in military action is intended to provide additional time for diplomatic efforts to yield results. Trump’s administration has emphasized that the United States remains committed to holding Iran accountable for its regional aggression while seeking a resolution that avoids further escalation. However, analysts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a peace deal, citing deep-seated mistrust between the two nations and the complexity of the geopolitical stakes involved. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is facilitating communication between US and Iranian officials as part of broader mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The government in Islamabad has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, leveraging its historical ties with both countries. Dar’s comments were echoed by officials in Turkey and Egypt, which have also pledged support for diplomatic solutions. These nations have long been involved in regional diplomacy, with Turkey maintaining close relations with Iran despite its alliance with NATO, and Egypt seeking to balance its ties with both the US and Iran.#iran #united_arab_emirates #saudi_arabia #us_president_donald_trump #jordan

Gold prices rebound as technical support zones hold amid geopolitical calm Gold and silver prices showed a slight rebound on March 24, 2026, as market participants adjusted to reduced geopolitical tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s indication of pausing strikes on Iran. Analysts noted that the current price levels for gold and silver have established strong technical support zones, which are unlikely to break without new macroeconomic or geopolitical developments. Experts highlighted that while volatility remains, the recent lows for gold near Rs 1,30,000 per gram and silver near Rs 2,00,000 per gram are supported by oversold conditions and short-covering activity. Prithviraj Kothari, managing director at RiddiSiddhi Bullions Ltd, stated that the pause in strikes on Iran has eased immediate risks, allowing precious metals to stabilize. The latest gold rates from major Indian jewelry brands on March 24, 2026, reflected slight variations. Tanishq priced 22k gold at Rs 12,905 per gram in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai, while Kalyan Jewellers and Malabar Gold & Diamonds listed it at Rs 12,865 per gram. Joyalukkas also quoted Rs 12,865 per gram for 22k gold. IBJA, the Indian Bullion Jewellers Association, provided indicative retail selling rates for gold jewelry, with 24k gold (fine gold 999) priced at Rs 13,951 per gram on March 24, 2026. Other gold purities included 22k at Rs 13,617 per gram, 20k at Rs 12,417 per gram, 18k at Rs 11,301 per gram, and 14k at Rs 8,999 per gram. Silver prices stood at Rs 2,19,260 per kg. A comparison of IBJA rates between March 23, 2026, and March 24, 2026, showed minor declines across all gold purities, with 24k gold dropping by Rs 6, 22k by Rs 5, 20k by Rs 5, 18k by Rs 4, and 14k by Rs 3. These adjustments reflect minor fluctuations in the market.#us_president_donald_trump #ibja #prithviraj_kothari #riddisiddhi_bullions_ltd #tanishq

PM Modi, U.S. President Trump discuss West Asia crisis; focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open for shipping Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Tuesday, focusing on the escalating tensions in West Asia and the critical need to maintain the security and accessibility of the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping. The call was initiated by Trump, following his decision to extend Washington’s deadline for Iran to reopen the strategically vital waterway by five additional days. Modi emphasized India’s support for de-escalation and the restoration of peace in the region, stating that ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open is essential for global stability. The discussion came a day after Trump announced the extension of the deadline for Iran to resume operations at the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. leader also mentioned that he would delay potential strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, citing “productive conversations” between Washington and Tehran aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution” to the conflict. Modi, in a social media post, highlighted the importance of maintaining open and secure shipping routes, noting that both nations agreed to continue coordination on efforts to promote peace and stability. U.S. Envoy to India Sergio Gor confirmed that the leaders deliberated on the significance of the Strait of Hormuz, describing the conversation as focused on the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Trump’s remarks on Monday, March 23, 2026, underscored the U.S. commitment to avoiding further escalation while seeking diplomatic solutions.#iran #middle_east #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #prime_minister_narendra_modhi

Brent crude jumps over 60 pc since US-Israel strike on Iran Brent crude prices have surged more than 60 percent since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, rising from approximately $70 per barrel to around $112 per barrel on Monday. The sharp increase follows heightened tensions in the region, with key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz under threat. Crude oil futures for May on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) also rose by 0.65 percent, reaching Rs 9,318 per barrel. Over the past 30 days, Brent crude has climbed about 56 percent, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices hovered near $98.75 per barrel after a 2 percent gain in the previous session. The ongoing conflict has disrupted oil production in the Middle East, prompting force majeure declarations at several facilities and leading to production cuts. Escalating tensions have also raised concerns about the safety of critical shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a vital artery for global oil trade. US President Donald Trump has imposed a 48-hour deadline on Iran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran’s power plants would face severe consequences if the waterway remains closed. Iran’s administration has countered with threats to target energy infrastructure in Gulf countries, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked and that navigation continues despite wartime conditions. Goldman Sachs has adjusted its forecasts, raising its 2026 average Brent crude price estimate to $85 per barrel from $77 per barrel. The firm predicts a near-term average of $110 per barrel for March and April, with flows through the Strait of Hormuz expected to remain at only 5 percent of normal levels for six weeks before a gradual recovery over a one-month period.#iran #brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #goldman_sachs

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday (March 21, 2026) that the country would take severe action against Iranian power plants if Iran fails to fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The statement came amid heightened tensions in the region, with the U.S. military confirming earlier that it had destroyed an Iranian bunker near the Strait, which housed weapons targeting oil and gas shipments. Meanwhile, India’s government reversed its earlier decision to impose air fare caps introduced in December to control rising ticket prices, following widespread flight cancellations by low-cost carrier IndiGo. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson warned employees of potential challenges due to the soaring cost of aviation turbine fuel, urging stricter controls on non-essential spending. In Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not attend a public gathering at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan for Id prayers, marking the first time in 20 years he had skipped the event. The UAE emphasized its commitment to the safety of Indian citizens in the Gulf, stating they are treated like family amid regional conflicts, including attacks from Iran. India’s Election Commission established 19 Appellate Tribunals in West Bengal to address disputed cases rejected by judicial officers, as the state faces a backlog of 60 lakh under-adjudication cases ahead of an upcoming Assembly election. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath highlighted the redeveloping of Second World War-era oil tank farms in Trincomalee as a long-term solution to the country’s energy crisis, with support from India and the UAE. A Parliamentary Standing Committee urged the Election Commission to ensure no voter is excluded from electoral rolls or faces undue hardship during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.#iran #uae #us_president_donald_trump #india_air_india_ceo_campbell_wilson #bharat_nitish_kumar

What we know on the 17th day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran People sift through the rubble in a house in the Beryanak District that was damaged by missile attacks in Tehran, Iran, on March 15, 2026. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images US President Donald Trump is seeking international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway where oil transport has been disrupted since the US and Israel launched their conflict with Iran. Trump claimed the US has received “some positive response” from countries but noted that some “would rather not get involved.” His allies have remained noncommittal, at least publicly, about sending warships. Later Monday, Trump stated that “numerous countries have told me they’re on the way,” though he did not name any. He criticized the UK and others for being unenthusiastic about helping the US after decades of security support. Oil and gas prices remained elevated Monday, driven by attacks on oil facilities in the region over the weekend. Strikes continue to destabilize the Middle East. Here’s what to know on Day 17. What are the main headlines? A man pumps gas at a Shell station in Washington, D.C., on March 5, 2026, as the price of oil and gas surges amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. A man pumps gas at a Shell station in Washington, D.C., on March 5, 2026, as the price of oil and gas surges amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. * Strait of Hormuz: Trump attempted to ease concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, stating that “China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK and others” might send warships to protect the vital shipping lane. He warned that NATO faces a “very bad” future if US allies fail to assist. Australia and Japan said they are not planning to send ships, while the UK claimed it was working with allies to reopen the strait without details.#iran #israel #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #iraqi_airport

Mount Pleasant v LA Galaxy: Ten players from Jamaican side refused entry to US for Concacaf Champions Cup tie Ten players from Jamaican club Mount Pleasant have been denied entry to the United States for their Concacaf Champions Cup match against LA Galaxy on Wednesday. The team, which won the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, is set to make its debut in the tournament at the Dignity Health Sports Park in California. However, visa restrictions have forced the club to call up several academy players for the fixture. Mount Pleasant’s sporting director, Paul Christie, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “We don’t want to just show up for the game, we want to be able to compete, but we are not being given the opportunity to be at our best.” The squad includes seven players from Haiti, raising concerns about the impact of U.S. travel policies on Caribbean teams. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a partial travel ban on Haitian nationals in June 2025, though exemptions exist for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The Champions Cup, organized by Concacaf, involves teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, but it remains unclear if an exemption applies to the tournament. The visa complications highlight potential challenges for Haiti at the World Cup, where the nation has qualified for the second time in its history. Haiti is grouped with Morocco, Scotland, and Brazil, and while the U.S. has promised exemptions for athletes, no such guarantees exist for spectators. The State Department clarified that a Fifa Pass for World Cup tickets does not extend to individuals “otherwise not eligible” for visas, though exceptions are made for athletes and support staff. The U.S.#us_president_donald_trump #concacaf_champions_cup #mount_pleasant #la_galaxy #haiti

Dalal Street takes cues from Don, sensex up 640 points Indian stock markets rebounded on Tuesday as traders interpreted statements by US President Donald Trump as a potential signal that tensions in West Asia could ease, leading to a recovery in regional supply chains. The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex surged 640 points, or 0.8%, to close at 78,206, while the Nifty 50 index gained 234 points, or 1%, to finish at 24,262. The rally followed Trump’s remarks during a press conference, where he suggested a resolution to the ongoing turmoil in the region might be imminent, prompting optimism among investors. Asian markets, including India’s, mirrored the positive sentiment, with traders closely following developments in the US and global markets. European and US indices also showed gains, with US markets reversing early losses after Trump’s comments. The improved outlook for regional stability and trade flows appeared to lift investor confidence, particularly in sectors reliant on global supply chains. Despite the rally, market participants noted that elevated levels of the India VIX, a measure of equity market volatility, continued to reflect underlying uncertainty. Analysts suggested that investors remained cautious, with the market likely to stay volatile until clearer signals of geopolitical de-escalation emerge. “Greater clarity could trigger value buying in sectors most affected by recent volatility,” said Nair, a market commentator. Foreign institutional investors were net sellers on Tuesday, withdrawing Rs 4,673 crore from the market, according to BSE data. However, the day’s rally added nearly Rs 6 lakh crore to investors’ portfolios, with the BSE’s market capitalisation rising to over Rs 447 crore. Among the 30 Sensex constituents, 24 closed higher, with banking and industrial firms leading the gains.#nifty_50 #us_president_donald_trump #icici_bank #s_p_bse_sensex #hdfc_bank

US to Hit Iran 'Twenty Times Harder' if Oil Flow Stops US President Donald Trump warned that his administration would respond "twenty times harder" to any disruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a potential escalation in tensions with Iran. The statement came amid ongoing military confrontations between the US, Israel, and Iran, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. Separately, Israel announced plans to strike Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, urging residents of Tyre and Sidon to evacuate areas near military infrastructure. The Israeli military warned that the strikes would target "military infrastructure belonging to the terrorist organization Hezbollah," as part of an ongoing campaign against the group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government's commitment to the offensive, stating that actions taken so far were "breaking the bones" of Iran's leadership. He emphasized that the goal was to "bring the Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny," though he acknowledged the conflict was far from over. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a US air base in northern Iraq, calling it the "headquarters of the invading US army" in the region. The attack, which was not confirmed by the US, followed reports of increased missile activity in the area. In response to the escalating conflict, Turkey deployed a US Patriot missile system to its southeastern province of Malatya, citing heightened threats from Iran. The move came after NATO intercepted a second ballistic missile launched from Iran into Turkish airspace, underscoring the regional instability.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #hezbollah #us_president_donald_trump #israeli_prime_minister_benjamin_netanyahu

Market Volatility and Global Tensions Shape Early Trading Outlook Stock futures are declining ahead of Monday’s market open, following a turbulent week on Wall Street. The downturn comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting economic dynamics, with investors closely monitoring key developments that could influence market sentiment. Here are five critical factors shaping the trading environment: Oil Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty U.S. crude futures reached above $100 per barrel for the first time since late 2022, driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions and supply constraints. The U.S.-Iran conflict has intensified, with Iran vowing to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that resolving the situation could stabilize prices, but President Donald Trump defended the recent spike, calling it a “small price to pay.” The sharp rise in oil prices has rattled equity markets, contributing to the Dow Jones’ worst weekly performance in nearly a year. Meanwhile, Iran announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of its former Supreme Leader, as its new leader, further escalating regional tensions. Affordability Concerns Intensify Amid War Costs The U.S.-Iran conflict has heightened concerns about rising living costs, particularly for everyday consumers. Democrats are framing the war as a catalyst for inflation, citing surging gas prices, while some Republicans argue the conflict is short-lived and unlikely to cause significant economic harm. The timing of the latest negative jobs report has also complicated the administration’s messaging, as a tight labor market combined with higher fuel costs could pressure President Trump to reconsider his stance on the war.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #mohammad_khamenei #food_and_drug_administration

War with Iran 'very far ahead of schedule,' US President Donald Trump tells journalists US President Donald Trump claimed the war with Iran is "very far ahead of schedule" during a press conference in Florida, marking his first opportunity to address journalists since the conflict began 10 days ago. Trump asserted that Iran's military capabilities have been severely diminished, stating the country now has "no navy, no communications, no air force" and its missile and drone programs are "down to a scatter." He emphasized that Iran's forces are "nothing left in a military sense," signaling a significant shift in the conflict's trajectory. The war, which began with joint US-Israeli operations targeting Iran's missile infrastructure, naval assets, and regional influence, has seen Iran retaliate with persistent attacks on Israel and Gulf states. These strikes have contributed to a sharp rise in global energy prices, with crude oil surging over 15% from previous levels. Meanwhile, Iran announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as its new supreme leader, a move that has intensified regional tensions. In a separate development, a powerful explosion and jet activity were reported overhead in Tehran late Monday, though details remain unclear. Trump also engaged in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin. The conversation, described as "frank and businesslike," focused on potential diplomatic solutions to the conflict, with Putin reportedly proposing ideas for a "quick political and diplomatic settlement." The discussion also touched on Venezuela and its impact on the global oil market.#iran #us_president_donald_trump #mojtaba_khamenei #iranian_supreme_leader #pope_leo_xiv

US President Donald Trump suggested the United States could take steps to ease pressure on global oil markets amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, including temporarily allowing India to continue purchasing Russian crude. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump responded to questions about Washington’s decision to permit certain Russian oil sales to India following the announcement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “If there were some, I would do it just to take a little of the pressure off,” Trump said, referencing potential measures such as using the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). He emphasized that global oil supply remained strong despite the crisis, stating, “I think that the oil pressure—there’s a lot of oil. We’ve got a lot of oil. Our country has a tremendous amount and there’s a lot of oil out there. That’ll get healed very quickly.” The US granted a temporary waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil after shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf. Bessent explained that the waiver was intended to stabilize global supply during the crisis, noting, “We had asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did. They were going to substitute it with US oil,” but added that the waiver was a short-term measure to prevent sharp rises in global oil prices. The waiver, which permits India to accept Russian oil for 30 days, reflects Washington’s effort to balance geopolitical tensions with economic stability. India’s energy situation remains stable, with government sources stating the country is reviewing its energy situation twice daily and remains in a “very comfortable position” regarding energy security.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #scott_bessent #us_president_donald_trump