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. 

Controversy Erupts as Iran Named Vice President of NPT Review Conference

A sharp diplomatic clash broke out at the United Nations on Monday after Iran was elected as one of the vice presidents of the ongoing 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), despite strong objections from the United States and its allies. The move has highlighted deep divisions over Tehran's nuclear ambitions amid persistent tensions in the Middle East.

The decision came during the opening session of the month-long conference, which began on April 27, 2026, at UN headquarters in New York. Conference President and Vietnam’s ambassador to the UN, Do Hung Viet, announced that Iran’s name was proposed by the Group of Non-Aligned Countries, a bloc that includes over 100 nations, among them India.

US Calls Move an 'Affront'

US officials wasted no time in condemning the election. Christopher Yeaw, Assistant Secretary for the US Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, described Iran’s selection as an “affront” to the NPT and “beyond shameful.” He argued that Tehran has long demonstrated contempt for its non-proliferation commitments and continues to defy the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on key questions regarding its nuclear programme.

Sources familiar with the US position said the appointment risks undermining the credibility of the entire review process. Several allies, including the United Arab Emirates, echoed concerns, while some European powers expressed reservations behind the scenes.

Iran Rejects Criticism

Iranian representatives pushed back firmly. They called the American criticism “baseless and politically motivated,” pointing to the United States’ own history of using nuclear weapons and its ongoing modernisation of its arsenal. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and that it remains committed to the principles of the NPT.

A statement from Iran’s mission highlighted its advocacy for a world free of nuclear weapons, framing the vice presidency as recognition of its diplomatic role within the Non-Aligned Movement.

How the NPT Functions

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which entered into force in 1970, rests on three main pillars: preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, pursuing disarmament by nuclear-armed states, and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It has near-universal membership with 191 states parties out of 195 UN members.

Only five countries are recognised as nuclear weapon states under the treaty — the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France. India, Pakistan, Israel, and South Sudan remain outside the framework. North Korea withdrew in 2003.

The treaty is monitored primarily by the IAEA, which verifies compliance through safeguards agreements. However, experts have long pointed out uneven implementation, particularly the slow pace of disarmament by major powers even as they upgrade their arsenals.

Iran’s Nuclear File Remains Contentious

Iran signed the NPT in 1968 but its programme came under intense international scrutiny after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In recent years, Tehran has enriched uranium to levels far beyond what is typically needed for civilian power generation — reaching up to 60% purity according to IAEA reports — while insisting it has no intention of building weapons.

Western intelligence assessments have differed over time, with some earlier US reports suggesting weapons-related work until around 2003. Renewed tensions under previous US administrations, including the withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have kept the issue on the boil.

The current review conference takes place against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including reported exchanges involving Iran and Israel, a country widely believed to possess nuclear weapons but which has never joined the NPT nor confirmed its arsenal.

Broader Challenges for the Treaty

Observers note that while the peaceful use pillar has seen reasonable progress, the disarmament objective has struggled. Major powers are modernising rather than significantly reducing their stockpiles. This has bred resentment among non-nuclear states, many of whom feel the rules apply unevenly.

The last two review conferences, in 2015 and 2022, failed to produce a consensus final document, raising questions about the treaty’s effectiveness in today’s geopolitics. The ongoing four-week session in New York is expected to tackle issues ranging from safeguards strengthening to regional concerns in the Middle East.

Implications and What Lies Ahead

The controversy over Iran’s vice presidency has already cast a shadow on the proceedings. Diplomats say it could complicate efforts to reach meaningful agreements on strengthening the regime. For many developing nations in the Non-Aligned Group, the election represents pushback against perceived Western dominance in global institutions.

Local reactions in New York and among diaspora communities remain mixed, with some viewing the row as yet another symptom of great-power rivalry playing out in multilateral forums.

As the conference continues into May, attention will turn to whether delegates can bridge these divides or if procedural disputes will further erode trust in the NPT framework. The coming weeks are likely to test the treaty’s relevance in an era of renewed nuclear anxieties.

US Seizes Iranian Ship Near Hormuz As Tehran Blocks Waterway, Refuses Talks

Tensions Escalate After Naval Standoff, Ceasefire on Verge of Collapse

US forces have seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz after a six-hour naval standoff, prompting Tehran to close the strategic waterway and pull out of scheduled peace talks in Islamabad.

President Donald Trump confirmed the US military took custody of the ship, named Touska, following warnings by a guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was returning from China.

Iran immediately retaliated by shutting the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of “armed piracy” and launching drone attacks on US warships.

Ship Seizure Details Emerge

The US Central Command released video showing Marines boarding the M/V Tosca after a US warship fired its 5-inch MK-45 gun, hitting the engine room.

Officials said the crew refused to heed warnings for approximately six hours. The vessel, measuring 294 metres, had departed from Malaysia’s Klang Port on April 12 and was headed to Iran’s Abbas Port.

Iranian state agency Tasnim described the American action as a violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.

Hormuz Blocked Again

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref declared that security of the Strait of Hormuz will not come for free.

“One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Aref wrote on X. He gave a clear choice: either a free oil market for all, or significant costs for everyone.

Data from shipping analytics firm Kpler showed over 20 vessels passed through the strait on Saturday, the highest number since the war began on March 1. That movement has now stopped.

Islamabad Talks in Doubt

The second round of US-Iran talks scheduled for Tuesday in Islamabad stands cancelled after Iran refused to send its delegation.

According to Iran’s state news agency, no representatives will travel to Pakistan as long as the US naval blockade continues. Tehran has also cited American “excessive demands” and “frequent shifts in position” as obstacles.

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, accused the US of violating international law while simultaneously talking about negotiations.

JD Vance Departs Despite Confusion

US Vice President JD Vance has left for Pakistan, according to a BBC report, even though President Trump had earlier told the New York Post that Vance would not be going.

Vance led the US delegation in talks with Iran on April 11-12. Those discussions lasted approximately 21 hours but yielded no agreement, with differences remaining over Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the strait.

Security has been tightened in Islamabad, with US advance teams arriving to assess arrangements.

Indian Ships Targeted

In a development with direct implications for India, Iran fired on two Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said fourteen vessels were intercepted, while thirteen returned safely.

India has summoned its ambassador and lodged a strong protest. The government is monitoring the situation closely, given the strait’s critical importance for energy imports and trade routes.

A French shipping company, CMA CGM, also confirmed one of its vessels was subjected to warning shots on Saturday.

Ceasefire Deadline Looms

The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on April 22, with just two days remaining.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that negotiations are ongoing but reaching an agreement remains difficult. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the National Security Committee, said Iran views talks with the US “as a continuation of the battlefield.”

President Trump has warned this is Iran’s last chance to reach a peace deal, vowing not to repeat what he called the mistakes of former President Barack Obama.

What Next

Oil prices have already bounced back following the re-escalation of hostilities. Global fuel stability remains uncertain unless economic and military pressures on Iran are lifted.

All eyes are on April 22. If no agreement emerges and the blockade continues, the region could witness a full-scale breakdown of the already fragile ceasefire. For the latest news today on this developing story, stay tuned to this English news portal India for government updates and national and international news.

Indian stock markets started strong on Thursday, February 19, 2026, boosted by foreign and domestic buying, but reversed sharply to end in deep red. The Sensex Crash wiped out early gains, closing at 82,498.14 after a 1,200+ point plunge, while Nifty tumbled 365 points to 25,454.35.

Early Optimism Fades Fast

Markets opened higher with Sensex up 0.28% at 83,969 and Nifty at 25,873, fueled by FII DII buying. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) infused Rs 1,154 crore on Wednesday, while domestic investors added Rs 440 crore, signaling confidence in India's growth story.

However, sentiment soured mid-session over global cues. Broad-based selling hit all NSE sectoral indices, with Nifty Realty plummeting 2.56% as the worst performer.

US-Iran Deal Delay Sparks Panic

The key trigger was the delay in US-Iran nuclear talks, heightening Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Ongoing negotiations under Trump face hurdles like Iran's uranium stockpile and US sanctions, with no quick resolution in sight.wikipedia+1

This uncertainty rattled investors, fearing supply disruptions. Brent crude oil surged 0.34% to $70.58 per barrel, adding pressure on India's import bill.

Market expert Ajay Bagga noted to ANI that Indian markets are pushing key levels thanks to FII DII buying, but warned of over-eagerness amid potential US-Israel action against Iran and weakening Asian currencies.

Safe Havens Shine Amid Volatility

Gold and silver rebounded sharply. Gold traded at Rs 1,55,687 per 10g for 24-karat, up after Wednesday's dip, while silver hit Rs 2,42,520/kg. Investors flocked to these assets as hedges against the Sensex Crash.hindi.

Global Markets Mixed, Asia Up

While Indian indices buckled, most Asian peers advanced: Japan's Nikkei 225 +0.89%, Singapore Straits Times +1%, South Korea's KOSPI +2.5%. China, Hong Kong, Taiwan markets were shut for Lunar New Year. US markets closed positive Wednesday.

What Investors Should Do Now

• Stay Cautious: Monitor US-Iran updates; any escalation could prolong the Nifty tumble.
  
  

• Focus on DII Strength: Domestic buying provides a floor—SIP inflows and resilient earnings support large-caps in banking, FMCG.
  
  

• Diversify: Eye gold/silver for safety; avoid high-beta realty stocks.
  
  

• Watch Monday: Experts predict reaction to India-US trade deal progress.
  
  

This Sensex Crash underscores global interconnectedness, but India's fundamentals remain solid with steady FII DII buying. Timely diplomacy could spark recovery—stay tuned.