Iran, according to its semi-official Fars News Agency, has not approved any text for an initial memorandum of understanding with the United States, directly contradicting reports of near-final diplomatic progress. Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that scheduled Iran strikes had been cancelled and that the “final points” of a peace agreement had been approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and several others.
On the military front, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory actions against United States bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Kuwait responded by closing its airspace. Jordan intercepted 20 missiles over the Al-Azraq area. In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry confirmed that an 11-year-old girl was injured and residential properties were damaged by falling debris. Israel simultaneously issued warnings regarding incoming fire from Lebanon, heightening regional alert levels.
In a separate incident involving maritime security, three Indian nationals were killed after the United States military fired upon a Palau-flagged tanker off the coast of Oman, according to India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Tensions further escalated around the Strait of Hormuz after Iran declared the waterway closed to all traffic, a claim disputed by United States Central Command. President Trump also stated that the United States had conducted a “secret mission” enabling the movement of oil past Iranian forces, claiming that 100 million barrels had successfully bypassed the blockade.
Global oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude rising above 93 dollars per barrel, marking an increase of 25 percent since the onset of the conflict on February 28. Amid the instability, a Qatari delegation reportedly departed Tehran following diplomatic discussions.
The International Maritime Organization condemned the attack on the vessel identified as Settebello, stating, “This is simply unacceptable.” The organization further reported 43 attacks on shipping since the beginning of the conflict.
The wider implications for India remain significant, as the country sources approximately 65 to 70 percent of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, around 1.35 million Indian nationals reside in Bahrain and Kuwait, while India contributes over 300,000 seafarers globally, placing its energy security, diaspora safety, and maritime workforce under mounting pressure amid the escalating crisis.
The situation continues to evolve as diplomatic uncertainty, military retaliation, and maritime insecurity converge into one of the most volatile geopolitical flashpoints in recent years.
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