Iran ‘far’ from final US deal as Houthis threaten key strait

Tehran cites major gaps after progress in negotiations

Iran has confirmed that despite recent diplomatic progress, the country remains “far” from a final peace agreement with the United States. The warning came as Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatened to close the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, escalating fears of a wider maritime conflict.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also a lead negotiator, made the admission in a televised national address. He confirmed that while talks had moved forward, fundamental differences persist.

“We are still far from the final discussion,” Mr. Ghalibaf said. “We made progress in the negotiations, but there are many gaps and some fundamental points remain.”

Indian vessels targeted in Hormuz

In a significant escalation for New Delhi, Iranian forces opened fire on two Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Official sources confirmed that 14 vessels were intercepted in total, while 13 were allowed to return. The Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Iranian ambassador to register a strong protest.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has declared the strait closed, warning that any ship attempting passage will be targeted. A maritime agency also reported a tanker came under fire from gunboats in the same waterway.

Houthis deliver stern warning to Trump

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi administration has issued a direct threat to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The warning is aimed at US President Donald Trump over what the group calls “all practices and policies that obstruct peace.”

Houthi deputy foreign minister Hussein al-Ezzi stated that if Sanaa decides to close the strait, no global power would be able to reopen it. The development places additional pressure on global shipping lanes already disrupted by the Hormuz closure.

US releases emergency oil reserves

Amid the growing supply crisis, the United States has withdrawn 26 million barrels of oil from its emergency reserves. The stockpile has been released to private companies in an effort to stabilise global markets.

President Trump has also made it clear that while a deal with Iran may be near, the ongoing naval blockade against the country will continue until an agreement is finalised. “Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.

Next round of talks possible in Pakistan

Diplomatic sources indicate that the next round of US-Iran negotiations could take place in Pakistan as early as Monday. However, neither side has officially confirmed the date or venue.

Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has also criticised Washington for refusing to abandon its “maximalist” demands. Tehran insists that any lasting peace must address the full scope of regional tensions.

India stresses strong ties with Tehran

Despite the firing on Indian vessels, an Iranian representative has publicly stated that the bilateral relationship between Tehran and New Delhi remains “very strong.” The statement appears aimed at containing diplomatic fallout from the Hormuz incident.

Indian officials, however, continue to monitor the situation closely. The government has advised all Indian-flagged vessels to avoid the strait until further notice. The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to issue a formal demarche to Iran later this week.

Global impact and what comes next

The twin threats to the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb now endanger nearly 40 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil supply. Asian nations, including India and Bangladesh, have already begun reporting fuel shortages and price volatility.

Military analysts suggest Iran still retains nearly 70 per cent of its pre-war ballistic missile stockpile. With the current ceasefire set to expire on April 22, all eyes remain on whether diplomatic channels in Pakistan can bridge the remaining gaps before tensions boil over once again.

PM Modi Israel Visit 2026: Strategic Talks and Historic Address

The PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has begun with significant diplomatic and strategic importance. Prime Minister Narendra Modideparted for a two-day visit to Israel, marking his second trip to the country after his historic 2017 tour.

During this visit, Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset. However, his speech has sparked political controversy, as sections of the Israeli opposition have threatened to boycott the special parliamentary session.

The visit comes at a time of evolving geopolitical tensions in West Asia and ongoing negotiations over major India-Israel defence dealsand a proposed India-Israel FTA.

Opposition Boycott Over Knesset Address

The controversy surrounding Modi’s address stems from reports that Israel’s Chief Justice was not invited to the session. Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapidhas urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuto intervene.

Lapid warned that excluding key institutions could result in a half-empty parliament during the address, potentially embarrassing India. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has described Modi as a “dear friend” and emphasized the importance of bilateral ties.

Major India-Israel Defence Deals in Focus

A central highlight of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026is defence cooperation. Reports suggest that India may finalize deals worth up to $8.6 billion by 2026.

Key defence discussions include:

 Procurement of advanced Heron MK-2 MALE drones

 Precision-guided missile systems

 Possible technology sharing of Israel’s Iron Domeair defence system

Israeli officials have indicated openness to deeper defence collaboration, including manufacturing military equipment in India under joint ventures.

If finalized, these agreements could significantly boost India’s defence modernization and strengthen strategic autonomy.

Tribute at Yad Vashem and Presidential Talks

On February 26, Modi will visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, to pay tribute to six million Jews killed during Nazi rule under Adolf Hitler.

He will then meet Israeli President Isaac Herzogto discuss regional stability, West Asian tensions, and global security challenges.

India-Israel FTA Talks Gain Momentum

The visit coincides with the first round of negotiations for the India-Israel FTA, which began in New Delhi on February 23 and continues through February 26.

Trade between the two nations reached $3.62 billion in FY 2024–25. The FTA aims to:

 Boost trade in goods and services

 Simplify customs procedures

 Strengthen intellectual property protections

 Improve business confidence for MSMEs

Experts believe the agreement could unlock new opportunities in technology, agriculture, and innovation sectors.

Timing Raises Strategic Questions

The timing of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has raised questions within India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor.

Concerns were expressed over rising tensions between the United States and Iran in West Asia. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that security considerations are always factored into prime ministerial visits.

Why This Visit Matters Now

This visit reflects a major shift in India’s foreign policy. While India once opposed Israel’s creation in 1947 and voted against its UN membership in 1949, relations have dramatically evolved since full diplomatic ties were established in 1992.

Modi’s 2017 visit marked a turning point, and the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026further strengthens political, defence, and economic partnerships.

With defence modernization, FTA negotiations, and regional instability shaping the global landscape, this visit could redefine India-Israel strategic cooperation for the coming decade.

As Modi addresses the Knesset and engages in high-level defence and trade discussions, the outcomes of this visit may significantly influence India’s strategic positioning in West Asia and beyond.