Live updates on the US-Israel-Iran war: Trump escalates threats, Iran retaliates, and oil prices surge as the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupts global markets.
The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.
The escalating conflict in West Asia has resulted in 19 ships carrying essential energy resources for India being stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the country's energy supply.
Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring continued cooking gas supply to India amidst regional conflict. These tankers are expected to reach Indian shores soon, following the successful transit of previous vessels.
Equipped with advanced weaponry, the HMS Anson is fitted with "Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles" with a range of 1,600 km and "Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes," providing formidable offensive capabilities.
Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed UN resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution that was already diluted to secure their abstentions.
18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers still remain in the western Persian Gulf region
Donald Trump claims a peace deal with Iran is 'largely negotiated' after calls with Israel and other allies, but Iran rejects Trump's claim on Strait of Hormuz.
Amidst rising Middle East tensions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights India's strategic dialogue with Iran to safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring India's energy security and continued oil trade.
Fathali further stated that Tehran has instructed its embassy in India to facilitate the Indian government, ensuring smooth operations amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for strikes on an American base, alleging it was in response to earlier aerial attacks near Bandar Abbas Airport. The incident follows reports of confrontations between Iranian and US forces in the Strait of Hormuz.
When missiles fly in this region, they are never just aimed at military targets.
Crude oil prices reached a new record high in futures trade, both domestically and internationally, as escalating military tensions between the US and Iran in West Asia continue to fuel market volatility. Diplomatic efforts concerning the Strait of Hormuz are being closely watched for potential price stabilisation.
Gold prices in the national capital fell by Rs 600 to Rs 1.64 lakh per 10 grams, influenced by tentative progress in US-Iran negotiations, which reduced demand for precious metals. However, unresolved tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to keep traders cautious.
US President Donald Trump on Friday referred to the Strait of Hormuz as a potential "gusher" for the world and spoken about "opening it for the world."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the West Asia crisis and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. They also reviewed progress in bilateral ties and anticipated upcoming deals in the energy sector.
India possesses approximately 100 million barrels of commercial crude oil stocks, capable of covering 40-45 days of its requirements if flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, according to Kpler.
The Kuwaiti Army reported intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks, while tensions escalate between the US and Iran with reported strikes and confrontations near the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington is considering a "joint venture" with Iran to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following his announcement of a two-week ceasefire.
The American warship stopped the tanker "after it attempted to sail to an Iranian port," according to a statement released by CENTCOM.
Khamenei urged the pilgrims for unity and called on them to pray for "the liberation of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the alleviation of the great hardships afflicting Muslims, and the attainment of ultimate victory against global arrogance."
US President Donald Trump has dismissed media reports suggesting that diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran have stalled, maintaining that dialogue persists despite intensifying geopolitical friction across the Middle East.
'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'
The White House has not announced any decision following US President Donald Trump's meeting with his national security team regarding Iran, despite Trump's earlier indication that the discussion would lead to a 'final determination' on the matter.
The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.
The fragile ceasefire in West Asia between the US and Iran to halt the hostilities in the region for two weeks faces renewed uncertainty as Tehran reportedly moved to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz once again due to Israel's intensified offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), which US President Trump says was "not included" as part of the ceasefire deal.
The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attacks on the United Arab Emirates' port city of Fujairah, which resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals, and reiterated India's support for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
A top Iranian official has blamed the US and Israel for the disruption of global supply chains due to the West Asia conflict, stating that Tehran is not happy about the consequences faced by countries like India.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
US strikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities have once again raised concerns that Tehran might shut down the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical chokepoints, through which a fifth of global oil and gas supply flows.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. However, President Donald Trump remains cautious, vowing not to accept a 'bad deal' regarding Iran's nuclear programme and regional stability.
The US military carried out 'self-defence strikes' targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, even as President Trump announced progress in ceasefire negotiations, stating Iran's enriched uranium will be 'turned over' or destroyed.
In a bid to de-escalate Middle East tensions, the US has presented Iran with a comprehensive 15-point peace plan focusing on nuclear disarmament and regional stability in exchange for sanctions relief.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring weak global trends, as escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly a drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear facility, pushed crude oil prices higher. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 18, 2026.
Crude oil prices surged over 3% in futures trade after US President Donald Trump expressed doubts about the Iran ceasefire, reigniting fears of supply disruptions from West Asia and pushing Brent crude above USD 107 per barrel.
Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, surged over 1 per cent, driven by a significant correction in crude oil prices and a global market rally, fueled by improving sentiment surrounding potential US-Iran negotiations.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw a significant rebound in early trade, driven by a decline in crude oil prices. This drop followed US President Donald Trump's announcement of progress in negotiations with Iran towards an agreement to end the war, leading to a temporary pause in 'Project Freedom' to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iran conflict and its impact on global energy supplies during a phone call.
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