US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: Donald Trump reiterates Iran ‘decimated’, defends US strikes to stop nuclear threat

A ceasefire between the United States and Iran that began in early April has “terminated” hostilities for the purposes of an approaching congressional war powers deadline, a senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration said on Thursday.

Trump faces a Friday deadline under the War Powers Resolution to either end military action, seek approval from Congress, or request an extension, though the administration expects the date to pass without requiring further steps.

“For War Powers Resolution purposes, the hostilities that began on February 28 have terminated,” the official said, explaining the administration’s position.

The official added that there has been no exchange of fire between US forces and Iran since the ceasefire took hold more than three weeks ago.

Earlier, analysts and congressional aides had indicated Trump might seek a 30-day extension or ignore the deadline, with the administration arguing the ceasefire effectively brought the conflict to a close.

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a president may conduct military operations for up to 60 days without congressional approval, with the option of a 30-day extension if required for the safety of US forces.

Iran said it would respond with “long and painful strikes” against US positions if Washington resumes attacks, while also reaffirming its claim over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating American efforts to form a coalition to reopen the key waterway.

Two months into the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, the strategic channel remains closed, disrupting about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies. The disruption has driven up global energy prices and raised concerns about a potential economic slowdown.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said it was unrealistic to expect rapid progress in talks with the United States, according to the official IRNA news agency. He noted that reaching a resolution would take time, regardless of mediation efforts.

Meanwhile, air defence systems were activated in parts of Tehran late Thursday, with semi-official Mehr and Tasnim news agencies reporting that Iranian forces were engaging small drones and unmanned surveillance aircraft.

Amid the escalating tensions, the United Arab Emirates announced a ban on its citizens travelling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, and urged those already in those countries to return home immediately, citing regional security concerns.

Iran’s embassy in London has criticised what it described as a “fabricated negative media environment” in the United Kingdom and denied any involvement in violent incidents there.

In a statement posted on X, the embassy said the allegations lack credible evidence and appear to be driven by narrow political motives aimed at misleading public opinion and diverting attention from the underlying causes of terrorism and extremism.

The embassy also emphasised that Iran has long been a target of terrorism, citing the deaths of civilians, senior officials and scientists. It said Tehran continues to play a leading role in efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism globally.

It further noted that, in previous communications with UK authorities, concerns had been raised about suspicious activities and the potential use of “false flag” operations on British soil.

Israel sent a version of its Iron Beam laser-based air defense system to the United Arab Emirates during the recent confrontation with Iran, aiming to help shield the Gulf country from missile and drone threats, according to a Financial Times report.

The report also said Israel deployed a surveillance system called Spectro, capable of detecting Iranian drones from distances of up to 20 kilometers. A regional official cited in the report remarked that the move highlights the benefits of maintaining close ties with Israel.

In addition, Israel positioned its Iron Dome defense system in the UAE and dispatched personnel to operate it, a development previously reported by Axios. A source familiar with the situation indicated that the deployment involved a significant number of Israeli troops on the ground.

Brett Velicovich, founder of US-based drone company Powerus, has confirmed that the firm will supply drones to the US military, backing earlier reports.

A Bloomberg report stated that the US Air Force has agreed to purchase an undisclosed number of interceptor drones from the Florida-based startup, which is supported by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr.

In a post on X, Velicovich said the move reflects a push for stronger American leadership in drone technology. He highlighted the growing threat posed by low-cost drones, noting that they are increasingly able to outmatch more expensive defense systems, leaving US forces vulnerable.

Velicovich added that the economics of modern warfare have shifted, but his company’s technology aims to reverse that trend. He emphasized that the initiative is ultimately focused on protecting the lives of American service members.

The United States has backed Israel after it intercepted an aid flotilla headed to Gaza, calling the mission a “meaningless political stunt.”

A spokesperson for the US Department of State said ports fall under national sovereignty and urged allies to deny support to the vessels, including access to docking, refuelling and departure.

Washington also warned it could impose consequences on those supporting what it described as a “pro-Hamas flotilla,” while backing Israel’s legal position on the interception.

According to organisers, more than 200 people were detained during the operation in waters off Crete. The flotilla was part of efforts by pro-Palestinian activists to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

The move has drawn criticism in Europe, with Spain condemning the action and summoning Israel’s envoy in Madrid

The United States department of energy has announced it will make an additional 92.5 million barrels of crude oil available for companies to borrow from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

The oil will be supplied from key reserve sites including Bayou Choctaw, Bryan Mound, Big Hill and West Hackberry, with deliveries scheduled between June and August. Companies will be required to return the borrowed crude between early next year and mid-2029.

This comes after the US had earlier offered 126 million barrels, of which less than 80 million were taken up — roughly 63% of the total.

The SPR currently holds about 398 million barrels, equivalent to around four days of global oil consumption, and remains a key tool for Washington to stabilise markets amid ongoing disruptions linked to the Iran conflict.

US President Donald Trump has said he may reduce American troop presence in Italy and Spain, criticising both countries over their stance on the Iran conflict.

“Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn’t I?” Trump said when asked about possible cuts, adding that Italy “has not been of any help” while Spain has been “absolutely horrible.”

The remarks come a day after Trump floated a similar move regarding Germany, signalling a broader rethink of US military deployments in Europe.

The comments are likely to strain ties with key Nato allies, especially as divisions persist within the alliance over involvement in the ongoing Iran war.

Air defence systems were activated in Iran’s capital Tehran after reports of small aircraft and drone activity, according to local media.

Iranian outlets said the systems were deployed to counter “small aircraft and reconnaissance drones,” though no further details on the origin of the threat were provided.

The activity reportedly lasted around 20 minutes before stopping, with authorities later stating that the situation in the city had returned to normal.

The United States Embassy Beirut has said Lebanon faces a “historic opportunity” to reclaim its sovereignty, urging direct engagement with Israel.

In a statement, the embassy said an extended cessation of hostilities, achieved at the request of US President Donald Trump, has created space for diplomacy and negotiations.

It suggested that a direct meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facilitated by Washington, could unlock guarantees on sovereignty, secure borders, reconstruction aid and restoration of state authority across Lebanon.

Calling it a decisive moment, the embassy said, “This is Lebanon’s moment to decide its own destiny,” adding that the US stands ready to support the country and that “the time for hesitation is over.”

US President Donald Trump has criticised repeated congressional attempts to limit his war powers amid the ongoing Iran conflict.

“They go again and again on the war power… I’m negotiating a deal with Iran,” Trump said, expressing frustration over efforts to halt military action.

The remarks come as lawmakers debate the timeline under the War Powers Resolution, which restricts the president’s use of military force without congressional approval to 60 days.

There is confusion over when that clock expires. Some lawmakers say it began when hostilities started, suggesting an April 29 deadline, while others argue it began when Congress was formally notified, placing it on May 1.

The United Arab Emirates has asked its citizens to leave Iran, Lebanon and Iraq and return home at the earliest, citing rising regional tensions.

The country’s foreign ministry also announced a travel ban to these three nations, advising Emiratis not to visit them until further notice.

Officials said the move comes in light of “current regional developments,” as the wider conflict involving Iran continues to impact security across the Middle East.

The ministry urged all UAE nationals currently in these countries to prioritise safety, follow official advisories, and arrange their immediate return.

US President Donald Trump has said he does not consider the current conflict with Iran a “war,” while asserting that Tehran is eager to reach an agreement.

“Despite a military operation, I don’t call it a war,” Trump said, adding that Iran is “dying to make a deal.”

The US leader claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened, saying its navy and air force were effectively “gone,” and that drone production had been reduced by around 82%. He also asserted that US actions had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capacity, preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon.

US President Donald Trump has said Iran is eager to strike a deal with Washington, while refusing to rule out restarting military action if negotiations collapse.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said, “They want to make a deal badly,” but added that uncertainty over Iran’s leadership remains a major obstacle.

“We have a problem because nobody knows for sure who the leaders are,” he remarked, referring to the political uncertainty in Tehran.

Asked whether he would consider restarting the war, Trump said he did not know if it would be necessary but added, “We might need it,” keeping the possibility of renewed conflict on the table.

Trump also said he would “probably” withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain, a comment likely to raise fresh questions over Washington’s military posture in Europe and the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump said he is “OK” with Iran playing their matches in the United States during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, signalling support despite ongoing tensions.

Speaking at the White House, Trump responded to Gianni Infantino’s remarks by saying, “If Gianni said it, I’m okay… I think let ’em play.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has struck a defiant tone, vowing to protect the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities despite US pressure and ongoing conflict.

In a statement read on state television, Khamenei said the only place Americans belonged in the Persian Gulf was “at the bottom of its waters,” adding that a “new chapter” was unfolding in the region. He has not appeared in public since assuming leadership following the killing of his father in early strikes in the war.

His remarks come as Iran faces mounting economic strain, with its oil sector hit by a US naval blockade that has curtailed exports. At the same time, Tehran’s continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz is weighing on global markets.

Brent crude prices surged as high as $126 per barrel on Thursday, reflecting growing concerns over supply disruptions and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Israeli warplanes carried out fresh air strikes on the town of Qlawiyah in Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil district, according to the country’s official National News Agency.

A convoy of vehicles was also targeted in the attack, leaving at least one person dead.

With the latest strike, the total number of people killed in Israeli attacks across Lebanon on the day has risen to at least 28, as per NNA reports.

"The world has witnessed Iran’s tolerance and conciliation. What is being done under the guise of a naval blockade is an extension of military operations against a nation paying the price for its resistance and independence. Continuation of this oppressive approach is intolerable," said Pezeshkian on X.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed with Democratic lawmakers for a second day in Congress, defending the Trump administration’s war with Iran and rejecting claims it lacked strategy or evidence of an imminent threat. He praised President Donald Trump’s leadership and said military actions were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Democrats, led by Sen. Jack Reed, argued the war has worsened US strategic standing, citing casualties, rising fuel costs and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The hearings also saw sharp exchanges over Pentagon firings, defence spending plans and civilian casualties, as lawmakers debated the costs and oversight of the conflict ahead of a key War Powers Act deadline.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Iran of seeking to “harm British Jews” following a recent attack targeting the country’s Jewish community.

“We need stronger powers to tackle the malign threat posed by states like Iran, because we know for a fact that they want to harm British Jews,” Starmer said in a statement from Downing Street.

His remarks came a day after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London, and amid repeated warnings from UK officials that hostile states are using proxies to carry out attacks in the country.

Israel's defence minister said his country may soon have to "act again" against Iran.

"US President Donald Trump, in coordination with (Israeli) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading the efforts to achieve the campaign's objectives, to ensure that Iran does not once again become a threat to Israel, the United States and the free world in the future," Israel Katz said during a military ceremony, according to a statement from his office.

"We support this effort and are providing the necessary support, but it is possible that we may soon have to act again to ensure these objectives are met," he added.

Activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli forces intercepted several vessels in international waters near Greece as the group attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The organisers said some boats were stopped while others continued sailing.

Israel said it was taking around 175 activists from more than 20 boats to Israel. The flotilla accused Israel of detaining civilians at sea, while Turkey called the action an “act of piracy” and several countries urged restraint and respect for international law.

Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza since 2007, which it says is meant to prevent arms reaching Hamas, while critics call it collective punishment.

US President Donald Trump has floated a new plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a senior administration official said. Under the proposal, the United States would maintain its blockade on Iranian ports while working with allies to increase pressure on Tehran’s attempts to disrupt the free flow of energy, the official said, reported AP.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment publicly, added that Trump is weighing multiple diplomatic and policy options aimed at ending Iran’s influence over the strategic waterway.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday said the country’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz would help secure a future without US presence in the region.

In a post on X marking national “Persian Gulf” day, Ghalibaf said, “Today, by managing the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will provide itself and its neighbours with the precious blessing of a future free from American presence and interference.”

The European Central Bank (ECB) kept its key interest rate unchanged on Thursday, while warning that risks to growth and inflation have “intensified” following the war in the Middle East.

The central bank, which sets monetary policy for the 21 countries using the euro, held its benchmark deposit rate at 2 per cent. The rate has remained at that level since June last year.

Pakistan on Thursday said it is actively engaged with both the United States and Iran in efforts to end the conflict in West Asia and restore regional stability.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at the weekly briefing that Islamabad is facilitating communication through diplomatic channels and ensuring messages are conveyed transparently.

“Anything that passes through the conduit of diplomatic channels in Pakistan is honestly communicated to the other side,” he said.

He added that diplomatic efforts remain ongoing and have not stalled despite rising tensions.

“We are in contact with the relevant parties on the matter. Regarding negotiations, both new and old proposals are on the table. We hope peace will prevail,” Andrabi said, referring to attempts to de-escalate hostilities between the two sides.

Iran’s supreme leader issued a sharply worded statement, saying the only place Americans belong in the Persian Gulf is “at the bottom of its waters,” as tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s remarks were read aloud on Iranian state television. He has been issuing written statements since taking over after the February 28 airstrike that killed his 86-year-old father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“By God’s help and power, the bright future of the Persian Gulf region will be a future without America, one serving the progress, comfort and prosperity of its people,” Khamenei said in the statement.

“We and our neighbors across the waters of the Persian Gulf and the (Gulf) of Oman share a common destiny. Foreigners who come from thousands of kilometers away to act with greed and malice there have no place in it — except at the bottom of its waters.”

Surging oil prices driven by the ongoing Iran conflict pushed inflation higher across Eurozone in April, while economic growth remained weak—raising fresh concerns for both consumers and policymakers at the European Central Bank.

Annual inflation in the 21 euro-using countries rose to 3.0% from 2.6% in March, largely due to a sharp 10.9% jump in energy prices, according to Eurostat. Crude oil prices have climbed above $120 per barrel, up significantly from around $73 before the conflict began on February 28.

At the same time, economic growth in the euro area remained sluggish, expanding by just 0.1% in the first quarter. The conflict has delivered a major shock to the global economy, with Iran restricting movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that typically carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply.

The spike in crude prices has quickly translated into higher fuel and aviation costs, adding to inflationary pressure across the region.

US President Donald Trump leveled a new threat against Nato ally Germany, suggesting he could soon reduce the US military presence there as he continues to feud with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israel war against Iran.

Trump made the threat after Merz earlier this week said that the US was being “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership and criticized Washington’s lack of strategy in the war. Trump has also repeatedly railed against Nato for the alliance's refusal to assist the US in its two-month-old war.

“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” Trump said in a social media post.

Merz had said earlier Wednesday that his personal relationship with Trump remained “as good as ever,” but he had “had doubts from the very beginning about what was started there with the war in Iran.”

During his first term in the White House, Trump also moved to cut US troops in Germany because he said the country spent too little on defense. In June 2020, Trump announced he was going to pull out about 9,500 of the roughly 34,500 U.S. troops who were then stationed in Germany, but the process never actually started. Democratic President Joe Biden formally stopped the planned withdrawal soon after taking office in 2021.

Iran’s currency has slid to a fresh record low in recent days, underscoring the growing strain on the country’s economy amid the ongoing US naval blockade, Bloomberg reported.

The rial weakened to 1.8 million against the US dollar on Wednesday, according to Bonbast.com, which tracks black market rates. The currency has fallen roughly 12% this week, as restrictions on Iranian ports have made it harder for Tehran to sustain oil exports.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday said the US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports is “doomed to fail” and warned it could further destabilise the region.

He said the move would only deepen disruptions in the Gulf and fail to achieve its intended objectives. Pezeshkian added that such actions would “not only fail to enhance regional security, but are in fact a source of tension and a disruption to lasting stability in the Persian Gulf.”

A US aircraft carrier, alongwith its strike group is likely to vacate the West Asia region in a few days, CBS reported, citing confirmation by a top US official on Wednesday (local time).

The USS Gerald R Ford, which will be leaving the Middle East, is one of the three US carriers in the region, as per CBS News. This development comes even as US President Donald Trump has refused to lift the Strait of Hormuz blockade and possibly mulls over a fresh wave of military action in Iran.

As the US-Iran talks stagnate, the return of the aircraft carrier will grant relief to almost 4,500 sailors deployed there for over 10 months. The other two aircraft carriers are the USS George HW Bush and the USS Abraham Lincoln, as per the Washington Post.

The Ford is deployed in the Red Sea, with the Lincoln and Bush are operating in the Arabian Sea to enforce the US blockade targeting vessels carrying oil or goods from Iranian ports, the Washington Post reported. Thus, Ford's return will reduce the US might in the blockade.

The carrier has been deployed for 309 days, the longest time any modern US aircraft has been sea-borne. The long duration has worn off the ship, one being the laundry room fire which injured several sailors and issues with the toilets. As per the Washington Post report, once the ship returns to Virgina around mid-May, it would go through more repairs and maintenance.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the Trump administration shifted from the strategy of "managing the world's energy" to "disruption", and Iran has now become the center of the "coalition against disruption."

The IRGC said that the disruption project was launched by the US to contain China, Russia and Europe.

In a post on X, the IRGC said, "The Trump administration shifted from the strategy of "managing the world's energy" to "disruption," and a maritime blockade began as part of the grand disruption project to contain China, Russia, and Europe; but after 20 days, this assessment is deepening in the White House that the project has failed and Tehran has become the center of the 'coalition against disruption'."

Earlier, news outlet Axios reported that CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper is set to debrief US President Donald Trump as the Military mulls a new wave of operations in Iran.

Meanwhile, as per a report by the Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran. According to officials, it is a high-risk bid to compel a nuclear capitulation Tehran has long refused.

The United States has claimed it seized close to $500 million worth of Iranian cryptocurrency assets as part of its ongoing economic pressure campaign against Tehran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington had already taken control of about $350 million in crypto holdings, along with another $100 million recently, bringing the total close to half a billion dollars.

“We were able to grab about 350 million crypto assets, and then on top of another 100 that we had recently gotten, so we’re almost at half a billion there, and we are freezing bank accounts everywhere,” he told Fox News.

Bessent said the campaign, dubbed “Operation Economic Fury,” was launched under the direction of US President Donald Trump in March last year, with instructions to intensify pressure further in recent weeks. As part of the effort, the US is also urging foreign governments and companies to cut economic ties with Iran.

“We have gone to the buyers of Iranian oil and told them that … we are willing to do secondary sanctions on your industries, on your banks who tolerate Iranian oil in their system,” he said.

According to Bessent, the combined impact of economic sanctions and the US naval blockade on Iranian ports is expected to cause long-term damage to Iran’s economy.

Iran, however, has dismissed the claims and criticised the US strategy. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked Bessent’s remarks, calling his advice to Trump “junk” in a post on X, while officials in Tehran argue that such measures could instead drive global oil prices higher.

"3 days in, no well exploded.We could extend to 30 and livestream the well here. That was the kind of junk advice the US admin gets from people like Bessent who also push the blockade theory and cranked oil up to $120+. Next stop:140. The issue isn't the theory, it's the mindset," Ghalibaf added.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the administration of Donald Trump had shifted from a strategy of “managing the world’s energy” to one of “disruption,” claiming that Iran has emerged as the centre of a “coalition against disruption.” It added that the approach was launched by the United States to contain China, Russia and Europe.

In a post on X, the IRGC said, “The Trump administration shifted from the strategy of ‘managing the world’s energy’ to ‘disruption,’ and a maritime blockade began as part of the grand disruption project to contain China, Russia, and Europe; but after 20 days, this assessment is deepening in the White House that the project has failed and Tehran has become the center of the ‘coalition against disruption’.”

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper is set to debrief US President Donald Trump as the US Military mulls on a new wave of military operations in Iran, reported News outlet Axios.

The new possible military operations indicate US's willingness to exert a final blow to Iran amid the fragile ceasefire. The briefing pertains to a plan prepared by the CENTCOM a "short and powerful" wave of strikes on Iran likely including infrastructure targets to break the ice as the ceasefire has reached a stalemate".

Another plan is to 'take over' the Strait of Hormuz and open it to commercial shipping. The final aspect of the plan is a special forces operation to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine is also expected to attend Thursday's briefing, the sources told Axios.

Earlier, Trump also indicated that the blockade which is being used as a key tool to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme would continue. "The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump told Axios.

US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin has renewed an offer to help the United States manage Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium as part of a potential nuclear deal.

Speaking after a phone call on Wednesday, Trump said Putin proposed that Russia act as a third-party handler for Iran’s roughly 970 pounds of enriched uranium — a key demand from Washington in ongoing negotiations with Tehran.

“He told me he'd like to be involved with the enrichment, if he can help us get it,” Trump said, recounting Putin’s remarks. “I said, I'd much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine. To me, that would be more important," Trump added.

The conversation also touched on the broader conflict involving Iran, with Moscow issuing a strong warning against further escalation. According to the Kremlin, any renewed hostilities could have serious consequences.

Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin cautioned that a potential ground operation on Iranian territory would be “completely unacceptable and dangerous,” underlining Russia’s concerns over a widening conflict in the region.

Tehran is unlikely to soften its stance on the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing tensions with Washington, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The report suggests that Iran’s leadership is consolidating around a hardline approach, particularly on control of the strategic waterway and its nuclear programme.

The analysis points to growing influence of Ahmad Vahidi, whose position — that Iran should not negotiate on its nuclear programme until the US lifts the naval blockade — is gaining traction within the regime. ISW notes there is limited opposition to this stance among other political factions in Iran.

According to the report, Tehran is exploring ways to reinforce its control over the Strait of Hormuz without appearing to escalate tensions. One such option includes involving Oman in a plan to levy tolls on ships passing through the strait, allowing Iran to frame it as a “new proposal” while maintaining its core demands.

The regime is also reportedly considering indirect pressure tactics, including encouraging Houthi forces in Yemen to target vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — another critical maritime chokepoint — to push the US toward easing the blockade.

ISW further noted that Iran has used the recent ceasefire period to regroup and strengthen its missile and drone capabilities.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump defended the ongoing naval blockade, calling it highly effective and ruling out any agreement unless Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions.

“The blockade is genius. The blockade has been 100% foolproof. It shows how good our Navy is, I can tell you that. Nobody's going to play games. We have the greatest military in the world and I built much of it during my first term and we've been building it since and the greatest anywhere in the world, nobody even close,” Trump said.

In a significant move, India's leading airlines are set to restore full-scale operations at Hamad International Airport (DOH) starting today, May 1. The resumption comes exactly two months after Operation Epic Fury (launched Feb 28, 2026), a joint US-Israeli military campaign that targeted Iranian leadership and nuclear infrastructure. This triggered a massive regional conflagration.

Three of India's most prominent carriers will spearhead the return to Hamad International, reconnecting Doha with various major Indian metros and regional hubs, Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo.

"Indian carriers plan to resume operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha, as flight operations continue to expand. Air India, Air India Express and Indigo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and various destinations in India starting 1 May 2026," posted Embassy of India Doha, Qatar on X.

The Embassy emphasised that this expansion is not an isolated effort but a synchronised move between international aviation bodies. While flights resume May 1, the Embassy warns that schedules remain "subject to coordination with relevant authorities," reflecting the reality that in the 2026 Middle East, peace is still a day-to-day negotiation.

The Embassy has urged travellers to stay proactive. Passengers should remain in constant contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates on flight schedules, terminal assignments, and booking status.

Brent crude oil prices surged above $120 per barrel on Thursday after US President Donald Trump said the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue until Iran agrees to a deal with the United States.

In an exclusive interview with Axios on Wednesday, Trump said the blockade is being used as a key tool to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme. "The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump told Axios.

According to Axios, Trump rejected Iran's proposal to first reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade before holding nuclear talks. Instead, he has insisted that Iran address US concerns before any easing of restrictions.

The report added that while Trump currently views the blockade as his primary leverage, he could consider military action if Iran does not agree to negotiations. However, he declined to discuss any specific military plans during the interview.

The development comes amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over disruption in global oil and gas supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for energy shipments, and any prolonged blockade is expected to impact global markets.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran as "genius," asserting that Tehran would have to concede defeat while ruling out any agreement unless it abandons its nuclear ambitions.

"The blockade is genius. The blockade has been 100% foolproof. It shows how good our Navy is, I can tell you that. Nobody's going to play games. We have the greatest military in the world and I built much of it during my first term and we've been building it since and the greatest anywhere in the world, nobody even close," Trump said.

He further added, "Whether it's Venezuela, they had a good military in Venezuela, but it was over in one day, it was actually over in about 48 minutes. Iran the same thing, I mean militarily we've wiped them out, they have no military left, their Navy's at the bottom of the sea, the Air Force is never going to fly again."

Highlighting economic pressure on Tehran, Trump said, "We've got an amazing military. Now, they have to cry uncle, that's all they have to do, just say, 'We give up. We give up.' But their economy is really in trouble, so it's a dead economy."

On ongoing diplomatic efforts, he said, "I don't know, it depends. We have talks, we're having talks with them now and we're not flying anymore with 18-hour flights every time we want to see a piece of paper. We're doing it telephonically and it's very nice. I make a call or I have my people make a call and you know the answer... I always like face-to-face, I consider it better."

Trump stressed that any deal would hinge on nuclear concessions from Iran. "They've come a long way. The question is whether or not they're going to go far enough. So at this moment, there will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons," he said.

Iran's Parliament Speaker, MB Ghalibaf, in an audio message, affirmed that Iran would defeat the "deceitful plan" of its adversaries and that US President Donald Trump is seeking the country's surrender through "internal discord and naval blockade", as reported by ISNA on Wednesday.

According to ISNA, in an audio message for Iranians, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf lauded the resilience of the countrymen over the last two months and wished them strength.

The Parliament's speaker noted in his audio message that the adversary has now entered a new stage, and said, "The enemy wants to activate economic pressure and internal disputes through a naval blockade and media manipulation, and weaken or even collapse us from within. This is a new conspiracy of the enemy, the best evidence of which is Trump's positions, which explicitly divide the country into two groups: extremists and moderates, and then immediately speaks of a naval blockade, and then states that the blockade will last until Iran can reach an agreement. It is quite clear that Trump's plan is to force Iran to surrender through economic pressure and internal disputes."

He added, "The enemy had planned a coup for Chaharshanbe Suri (festival in Iran). After months of planning and attacking the country's security bases during the war, the enemy had planned a coup for Chaharshanbe Suri, but the Iranian people unitedly gave them a huge blow. The enemy's other plan was to bring in the means and forces for a ground attack, and they tested this plan in Isfahan, but it turned into a scandal like Tabas; each of these plans could have destroyed a country, but the Iranian nation, with the support of God's grace, was able to defeat each and every one of these enemy plans."

He said, "Since the first day of the imposed war, the enemy has implemented many plans that the Iranian nation has thwarted one by one; on the first day, the enemy sought to finish the system within 3 days by assassinating the Leader of the Revolution and military commanders, but they failed. Then they went to destroy the country's offensive system so that there would be no deterrent against them, but as time went on, they saw that the sound of our missiles and drones continued and was advancing strongly, so they came to the conclusion that they could never achieve this goal."

The continued US maritime "piracy and banditry" in the form of naval blockade against Iran will soon be met with "practical and unprecedented military action," Iran's state-run Press TV reported on Wednesday.

Iran's armed forces maintain that "patience has limits," and a "punishing response" will be necessary if the United States continues its "illegal" naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, it said, citing a high-ranking security source, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the source, if the US "obstinacy and delusions" continue, and Iran's conditions are rejected, the "enemy" should soon expect a different kind of response to the naval blockade, "which is akin to maritime banditry."

In a significant move, India's leading airlines are set to restore full-scale operations at Hamad International Airport (DOH) starting today, May 1.

The resumption comes exactly two months after Operation Epic Fury (launched Feb 28, 2026), a joint US-Israeli military campaign that targeted Iranian leadership and nuclear infrastructure. This triggered a massive regional conflagration.

Three of India's most prominent carriers will spearhead the return to Hamad International, reconnecting Doha with various major Indian metros and regional hubs, Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo.

"Indian carriers plan to resume operations at Hamad International Airport, Doha, as flight operations continue to expand. Air India, Air India Express and Indigo plan to resume their flight services between Doha and various destinations in India starting 1 May 2026," posted Embassy of India Doha, Qatar on X.

The Embassy emphasised that this expansion is not an isolated effort but a synchronised move between international aviation bodies.

While flights resume May 1, the Embassy warns that schedules remain "subject to coordination with relevant authorities," reflecting the reality that in the 2026 Middle East, peace is still a day-to-day negotiation.