US Delays Planned Strikes on Iran After Gulf Leaders' Request

Trump Warns of Major Attack if Diplomacy Fails

US President Donald Trump has postponed a planned military strike on Iran, originally expected on Tuesday, following requests from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for more time to pursue diplomatic negotiations. 

Trump announced the decision via a post on Truth Social, stating that serious talks were underway and that a mutually acceptable deal remained possible. He instructed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and military leadership, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine, to stand down for the time being. 

However, the US President issued a clear warning: if negotiations collapse, American forces are prepared to launch a large-scale operation. The core demand, he reiterated, is that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. 

Gulf Leaders Seek Breathing Room

Leaders from key Gulf nations urged the delay to prevent immediate escalation and allow space for talks. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions, with diplomats working behind the scenes on possible arrangements involving Iran's nuclear programme and broader security concerns.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that while indirect channels remain active, differences persist over the sequencing of any agreement—particularly whether to first halt the current conflict before addressing wider issues. Pakistani officials, citing US media reports, noted that Washington prefers announcing comprehensive deals together, while Tehran is pushing for a separate arrangement to end hostilities.

Maritime Disruptions Hit Global Supplies

Tensions in the Gulf have already disrupted critical shipping lanes. Nearly 1,500 commercial vessels are reportedly stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, with over 20,000 sailors aboard. Defence experts have highlighted risks of missile or drone attacks, noting the unpredictable nature of potential Iranian targeting.

In India, the fallout was felt immediately at fuel pumps. Petrol and diesel prices rose by around 0.9 rupees per litre on Tuesday — the second hike in a week. In Delhi, petrol now costs 98.64 rupees a litre and diesel 91.58 rupees, according to PTI reports. Analysts link the increase directly to fears over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional Flashpoints Multiply

Parallel developments have added to the volatility. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones approaching from Iraq’s direction, prompting condemnation from Kuwait and Qatar as a violation of sovereignty. 

In Tehran, hundreds of newly married couples held a car rally at Azadi Square, blending wedding celebrations with public displays of support for the Iranian military and government. Videos circulating on social media also showed young Iranian women training with AK-47 rifles, signalling heightened domestic preparedness.

Israeli forces continued operations in the region, including actions against aid ships bound for Gaza and reported strikes in Lebanon. US cargo aircraft carrying weapons have reportedly landed in Israel, while Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed possible military options.

Oil Markets React to Pause

Global oil prices eased slightly following Trump’s announcement. US crude futures fell over 2% in early Asian trading, with the July West Texas Intermediate contract dropping to around $102 per barrel as immediate fears of supply shocks receded.

Separately, the US extended a sanctions waiver for 30 days, allowing certain energy-vulnerable countries to purchase Russian seaborne oil amid the disruptions. Treasury officials described the step as a temporary measure to stabilise supplies. 

Domestic US Debate on War Powers

In Washington, political oversight is also sharpening. The US Senate is set to vote again on a War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting presidential authority for action against Iran. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasised that any final deal must receive Congressional approval, outlining key conditions including zero uranium enrichment by Iran, control over its enriched stockpile, free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to support for regional proxies.

Iran’s embassy in Ghana issued a cryptic response to Trump’s post, while Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticised US fuel restrictions on his country as “immoral, illegal and criminal.”

What Lies Ahead

Diplomats and military observers are watching closely to see whether the brief pause leads to tangible progress or merely delays confrontation. Trump has stressed that time is running out for Iran, warning of “serious consequences” without a deal. 

For now, the region remains on edge, with global energy markets, shipping routes, and fuel prices reflecting the uncertainty. Further updates are expected in the coming hours as negotiations continue. 

Epstein Sought Saudi Crown Prince Role, Built Island 'Mosque'

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein pursued advisor position with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while amassing rare Islamic artifacts for a controversial structure on his Caribbean island, recent Justice Department records reveal. The files highlight his Middle East ambitions amid ongoing scrutiny of his global network.

Ties to Riyadh Elite

Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019, angled for influence in Saudi Arabia around 2016. Newly released documents show he pitched himself as a "financial confidant" to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, requesting biweekly meetings to shape the kingdom's economic overhaul. Introduced via a Norwegian diplomat to Raafat Al-Sabbagh, a key advisor, Epstein visited Riyadh and urged asset protections from US courts.

Sources familiar with the records say these overtures blended business pursuits with cultural fascination. Epstein hosted Al-Sabbagh and traded invitations, despite his tarnished reputation.

Island 'Mosque' Project

On Little Saint James, his private Caribbean retreat, Epstein obsessed over a blue-and-white domed building he called a "mosque." Justice Department files detail artifacts shipped there: Kiswa cloth from Mecca's Kaaba, Uzbek mosque tiles, and Syrian-inspired designs. He even planned a Turkish bathhouse amid Islamic gardens, commissioning architects during his 2008 Palm Beach jail stint.

Local reports from the US Virgin Islands noted the structure's oddity amid Epstein's island parties. It symbolized his eclectic tastes—he once boasted of owning a massive Persian rug from a mosque.

This aerial view captures the enigmatic domed building on Little Saint James, central to Epstein's artifact collection.

Saudi Connections Deepen

Epstein's Saudi push extended beyond talk. Emails from 2017 urged him to watch the crown prince's anti-corruption purge closely. He sourced Mecca tapestries via UAE-linked contacts and aimed for prestige through religious items, blending opportunism with apparent intrigue.

Department spokespeople confirm exhaustive reviews of Epstein files but note gaps in some dealings. The island "mosque" ties into broader releases from January, fueling questions on his unchecked reach.

Artifacts from Holy Sites

Records list Quranic-embroidered Kiswa fragments—black silk covering the Kaaba—and handcrafted tiles, shipped despite their sanctity. Epstein, a secular Jew, described the project in terms evoking Muslim shrines, per architect Ion Nicola. Uzbek tiles and gold dome plans rounded out the decor, shipped through elite networks.

Initial reports indicate he leveraged West Asian ties for both business and baubles. No direct Saudi funding links surfaced, but the haul underscores his global maneuvering.

Broader Middle East Network

Epstein's ambitions spanned the Gulf, eyeing deals while curating rarities. A 2003 Vanity Fair interview hinted at his mosque rug fixation, predating the island build. Posthumous file dumps, including millions of pages, paint him chasing Riyadh access amid sex trafficking charges.

Public reaction mixes shock and skepticism, given jail security lapses around his death. Investigations like the 2023 Inspector General review missed some threads, keeping Epstein lore alive.

Lingering Questions

As more records emerge, Epstein's Saudi advisor bid and island "mosque" spotlight his blend of power plays and eccentricity. Courts hold sealed items, like a purported suicide note from cellmate Nicholas Tartaglione, out of reach—now petitioned for release by The New York Times. Tartaglione, serving life for murders, found the yellow legal pad note saying "time to say goodbye" post-Epstein's July 2019 attempt.

Federal Judge Kenneth Karas sealed it amid Tartaglione's case; Justice officials say it evaded probes. This latest on Epstein's Saudi Crown Prince aspirations and mosque artifacts revives scrutiny of his final years.

Pakistan Hosts High-Level Talks on Iran War Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Saudi, Turkish and Egyptian foreign ministers meet in Islamabad as US deploys 3,500 troops to West Asia in ongoing Iran conflict.

Diplomatic Push in Islamabad  

Pakistan on Sunday began hosting a crucial meeting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt to explore ways to end the 30-day-old US-Israel war on Iran. The gathering in Islamabad signals growing diplomatic efforts by major regional players to de-escalate the conflict.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellatty held initial talks with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar upon arrival. Dar is scheduled to hold separate bilateral meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. He is also expected to brief Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the discussions.

Pakistan Offers Mediation Role  

Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential mediator between Washington and Tehran. Officials said Islamabad has forwarded a 15-point US proposal to Iran, which includes halting Tehran’s nuclear programme, scaling down its missile capabilities, ending support for regional proxy groups, and easing sanctions in return.

Iran is currently reviewing the proposal, sources indicated. Pakistani leaders believe these talks could open a path for dialogue at a time when military actions continue across the region.

US Military Build-Up Continues  

In a parallel development, the United States has strengthened its military presence in West Asia. The USS Tripoli arrived with approximately 3,500 Marines and Navy personnel as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deployment, which includes transport and strike fighter aircraft along with amphibious assets.

Reports suggest the Pentagon is preparing options for limited ground operations in Iran, including special forces raids, though any final decision rests with President Trump.

Fresh Strikes and Regional Fallout  

Israeli forces claimed to have completed another wave of strikes on Iranian government infrastructure in Tehran and other areas. Iran reported civilian casualties and damage in residential zones, including injuries in Hormozgan province. Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a second round of missile and drone attacks on Israel, while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait intercepted multiple drones aimed at their territories.

These incidents highlight how the conflict continues to draw in wider regional actors despite diplomatic initiatives.

Broader Impact on Global Energy and Security  

The war has already begun affecting global oil supply routes and prices. Diesel and LPG costs have risen in Cambodia, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern. Pakistan secured passage for 20 of its flagged vessels through the strait, with two ships allowed daily.

Analysts warn that prolonged fighting could destabilise the entire West Asian region, impact international trade, and trigger further refugee and security challenges.

Calls for Restraint from All Sides  

Iranian President Masoud Pazgian urged Gulf countries not to allow their territory to be used for attacks against Iran. Meanwhile, former US diplomat Nabil Khoury described Houthi actions as warnings rather than full engagement, cautioning that closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remains a serious risk if tensions escalate unchecked.

What Lies Ahead  

The Islamabad meeting is seen as an important step towards finding a middle path to end the war. Success will depend on whether the major powers involved show willingness to compromise on core issues. Pakistani officials expressed hope that these talks could lead to concrete de-escalation measures in the coming days.

As military movements and strikes continue, the world watches closely whether diplomacy in Pakistan can prevail over escalating conflict in West Asia. The outcome could shape regional stability for years to come.

Iran’s Oil Exports Surge Amid West Asia Conflict

As the military conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces escalates, Tehran appears to have turned a geopolitical crisis into an economic advantage. Despite ongoing hostilities, the country’s oil exports have not only sustained but seen a strategic surge, capitalising on global supply fears and a calculated avoidance of attacks on its primary export hub.

Kharg Terminal Remains Operational

According to officials and data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and S&P Global, Iran is currently exporting between 1.7 to 2 million barrels of crude oil daily. A staggering 90% of this volume continues to originate from the Kharg Terminal, the nation’s largest oil export facility. While US forces have targeted military infrastructure near Kharg Island, they have avoided direct strikes on the terminal itself. Sources indicate this restraint stems from fears of triggering a global oil crisis, a loophole Tehran has exploited to maintain steady supply lines to China via its network of ‘ghost fleet’ tankers.

War Tax and Gas Field Impact

While the Kharg Terminal remains largely unaffected, the conflict has taken a toll on other energy infrastructure. Attacks near the South Pars gas field have impacted exports, though supplies have not been completely halted. In a significant development, Iranian authorities are reportedly levying a “war tax” of approximately ₹16.5 crore per ship on foreign vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, adding a new layer of complexity to regional maritime trade.

Gulf States See Production Collapse

In stark contrast to Iran’s stable output, the conflict has crippled production in key Gulf nations. With Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for global energy—supply routes for Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE have been severely compromised. Industry estimates show total production from these nations has plummeted by up to 70%.

Saudi Arabia’s output has reportedly fallen from 10 million barrels per day (bpd) to around 8 million bpd, with storage tanks filling up due to export bottlenecks. In Iraq, production has crashed from 4.3 million bpd to just 1.3 million bpd. International oil majors like BP and TotalEnergies have evacuated staff, and major fields like West Qurna have slowed operations as storage capacity is maxed out. Qatar has declared ‘force majeure’ at its Ras Laffan gas facility, with LNG exports down by 17%, threatening global gas supplies.

US Grants Temporary Sanctions Exemption

The rapid rise in global energy prices has prompted a significant policy shift in Washington. On March 20, the US Treasury announced a 30-day exemption on sanctions specifically for the purchase of Iranian oil already located on tankers at sea. Treasury Minister Scott Bessant stated that the move aims to release approximately 140 million barrels into the market, easing supply pressures.

What Next: Crude Prices and India’s Inflation

The immediate impact of the crisis is already visible in global markets. On Friday, Brent crude surged 3.26% to $112.19 per barrel, its highest level since July 2022. For India, a nation heavily reliant on energy imports, sustained prices above $100 pose a significant risk. Analysts warn that such levels will likely increase domestic inflation, pressure the rupee, and impact broader market stability. The coming weeks will be crucial as the world watches whether the Strait of Hormuz remains partially open or if further escalation leads to a complete blockade.

Analysts highlight Gulf countries restraint in the Middle East war as leaders defend key energy infrastructure without full retaliation, preventing the regional crisis from spiralling into a wider global shock.

Energy Infrastructure Under Attack  

Iran has struck multiple strategic facilities across the Gulf, including Mina al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah in Kuwait as well as Ras Laffan in Qatar. These sites form the backbone of crude oil and natural gas production and exports in the region.

Calculated Survival Strategy  

Gulf nations have responded with defensive measures, intercepting incoming drones and missiles. Yet they have stopped short of offensive action or joining the US-Israel alliance. Officials describe this as a well-calculated move to limit further damage to their economies already strained by sanctions and supply disruptions.

Sectarian Tensions Loom Large  

The region remains predominantly Muslim, with deep Shia-Sunni divides. Iran’s Shia influence contrasts with Sunni-majority Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia. Any full-scale retaliation risks transforming the current conflict into a broader Islamist civil war, a scenario Saudi Arabia has explicitly warned against by noting its patience is now limited.

Heavy Reliance on US Forces  

While Gulf countries possess advanced defensive systems like Patriot missiles supplied by the United States, their offensive capabilities depend heavily on American military bases in Kuwait, Qatar and other locations. Analysts note that full war participation could expose them if Washington chooses to step back, leaving them vulnerable against Iran’s established offensive network through the IRGC.

Economic and Inflation Risks  

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have already pushed up global oil and natural gas prices. This mirrors the energy shock from the Russia-Ukraine war and threatens fresh inflationary pressures worldwide. The United States, a major producer and consumer of crude, is particularly wary as domestic cost-of-living concerns persist despite earlier promises to control inflation.

Investment Hub at Risk  

Over the past decade, Gulf states have successfully diversified beyond energy, attracting billions in foreign direct investment. Projects in AI, data centres and complex engineering have tripled since 2018. A full-front war would shatter this image of a safe investment zone and force companies to redirect capital elsewhere, potentially benefiting alternative destinations.

Refugee Crisis Fears  

Escalation could trigger large-scale outward movement from Iran and surrounding areas, repeating the humanitarian crises seen earlier in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Gulf leaders fear the resulting trafficking, militia activity and strain on domestic stability would prove difficult to manage.

Limits of Calculated Restraint  

Diplomacy remains the preferred route so far. However, experts caution that restraint is not indefinite. Direct strikes on desalination plants, which supply water to millions, or attacks on ruling families could force a shift to offensive action. Complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz would also collapse the economic lifeline of these nations.

The ongoing crisis continues to draw global attention as a public interest story with far-reaching implications for energy security. India News Update platforms and international observers watch closely for any policy shifts that could affect National and International News flows. Government Updates from the region stress the need for de-escalation at the negotiating table.

As developments unfold minute by minute, Gulf countries restraint in the Middle East war reflects a clear priority: protecting livelihoods, economic diversification and regional stability over immediate retaliation. Whether this approach holds or gives way to stronger action depends on how the conflict evolves in the coming days.