First LNG cargo in two months passes through strategic strait even as tensions persist; Tehran claims Washington's influence is waning

LNG Tanker Crosses Critical Waterway

The first liquefied natural gas shipment since the Iran war began two months ago has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Persian Gulf, ship-tracking data reviewed by Bloomberg showed on Tuesday.

The Mubaraz, which loaded LNG from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.'s Das Island facility in the UAE around early March, was spotted passing the southern tip of India, according to the report. The tanker had been idling inside the Persian Gulf before it stopped transmitting signals around March 31.

Energy markets have been watching the strait closely. About one-fifth of the world's oil normally flows through this waterway.

Iran Says US Influence Fading

Iran's defence ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said on Tuesday that Washington is no longer in a position to dictate policy to other nations.

"The United States is no longer in a position to dictate its policy to independent countries," Talaei-Nik told state TV. He added that Washington would eventually "accept that it must abandon its illegal and irrational demands."

The remarks came as US officials weigh a new proposal from Tehran aimed at ending the West Asia war.

Rubio Calls Iranian Offer 'Better Than Expected'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Tehran's latest proposal is "better than what was expected," though he stressed that any future agreement must permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

The White House confirmed the Iranian proposal is under discussion. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington's red lines remain in place while the offer is being considered.

Israeli Strikes Continue in Lebanon

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said its forces have destroyed more than 1,000 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, including booby-trapped structures and buildings allegedly used to store weapons. The military also claimed to have seized hundreds of weapons, including anti-tank missiles, rockets, and mortar shells.

The operations continue despite a three-week ceasefire extension announced by US President Donald Trump. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has declared that his group will continue its "defensive resistance for Lebanon and its people."

Global Impact Widens

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the strait's closure is being felt disproportionately across the Asia Pacific region due to energy supply disruptions. Oil prices edged higher again on Tuesday, with Brent crude futures rising to $108.68 per barrel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for freedom of navigation in the waterway, warning that prolonged disruption risks triggering a global food emergency.

Digital Blackout Enters 60th Day

Monitoring group NetBlocks reported that Iran's digital darkness entered its 60th day on Tuesday, with the public largely cut off from the global internet. Tehran police separately said they had discovered a residential unit "equipped with Starlink" in the Yousefabad district, alleging it was used for "espionage activities."

What Comes Next

Diplomatic efforts continue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for his third visit to Pakistan in 48 hours, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. The Gulf Cooperation Council will convene an exceptional summit in Jeddah later Tuesday.