The US-Iran confrontation has entered another tense phase after American forces struck Iranian launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with claims of attacks on US-linked bases in the region, while diplomatic efforts continued in Bishkek, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Larak Island Strike
The US-Iran confrontation has entered another tense phase after American forces struck Iranian launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with claims of attacks on US-linked bases in the region, while diplomatic efforts continued in Bishkek, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Larak Island Strike
US forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to reports citing American officials. The US strike on Larak Island marked the first known American attack inside Iran in more than a month and immediately raised fears of renewed escalation around the vital shipping route.
Iran Rocket Launchers
US officials said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces had been observed preparing rocket systems that could be used to deploy sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. The alleged activity prompted American forces to target two launchers on Larak Island before they could be used.
Iranian media also reported an explosion near the island, although initial accounts differed over the scale and method of the attack. Larak sits near Bandar Abbas and close to several islands controlling access to the strait, giving it strategic importance for both Iran and international shipping.
Strait of Hormuz Mine Threat
The strike came shortly after US Central Command completed an operation aimed at clearing sea mines from international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. American officials said forces remained prepared to protect commercial traffic through the waterway.
The strait is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Any renewed mine activity could threaten tankers, disrupt insurance and shipping schedules, and raise energy-market concerns far beyond the Gulf.
President Donald Trump had previously warned that any vessel involved in laying new mines would be targeted. He described the policy as one of “zero tolerance” toward additional mine placement.
IRGC Response
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded sharply after the attack. Iranian reports said the strike killed two people and wounded two others, while the IRGC later said Iranian fighters and civilians had been killed or injured.
The Guards promised retaliation, saying those responsible for the attack would face punishment. The statement signalled that Tehran does not view the Larak strike as a limited tactical incident, raising concern that the confrontation could trigger another cycle of attacks and counterattacks.
Hormuz Strike After Month-Long Pause
The attack was described in the source material as the first known US strike inside Iran since late July, when Washington paused an earlier military campaign around the Strait of Hormuz. That pause had reduced direct exchanges, but tensions over mining activity and freedom of navigation remained unresolved.
The latest strike therefore carries significance beyond the destruction of two launchers. It shows that Washington is prepared to resume direct military action if it believes Iranian forces are preparing to threaten shipping lanes.
Shipping Security in Focus
For global markets, the immediate question is whether the incident remains contained. The Strait of Hormuz connects Gulf energy exporters with world markets, and even a limited military confrontation can affect oil prices, tanker movements and freight costs.
US forces say they are monitoring the area closely, while Iran has warned of retaliation. Until either side signals restraint, the Larak Island strike is likely to keep military planners, shipping companies and energy traders focused on the risk of renewed disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
US forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to reports citing American officials. The US strike on Larak Island marked the first known American attack inside Iran in more than a month and immediately raised fears of renewed escalation around the vital shipping route.
Iran Rocket Launchers
US officials said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces had been observed preparing rocket systems that could be used to deploy sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. The alleged activity prompted American forces to target two launchers on Larak Island before they could be used.
Iranian media also reported an explosion near the island, although initial accounts differed over the scale and method of the attack. Larak sits near Bandar Abbas and close to several islands controlling access to the strait, giving it strategic importance for both Iran and international shipping.
Strait of Hormuz Mine Threat
The strike came shortly after US Central Command completed an operation aimed at clearing sea mines from international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. American officials said forces remained prepared to protect commercial traffic through the waterway.
The strait is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Any renewed mine activity could threaten tankers, disrupt insurance and shipping schedules, and raise energy-market concerns far beyond the Gulf.
President Donald Trump had previously warned that any vessel involved in laying new mines would be targeted. He described the policy as one of “zero tolerance” toward additional mine placement.
IRGC Response
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded sharply after the attack. Iranian reports said the strike killed two people and wounded two others, while the IRGC later said Iranian fighters and civilians had been killed or injured.
The Guards promised retaliation, saying those responsible for the attack would face punishment. The statement signalled that Tehran does not view the Larak strike as a limited tactical incident, raising concern that the confrontation could trigger another cycle of attacks and counterattacks.
Hormuz Strike After Month-Long Pause
The attack was described in the source material as the first known US strike inside Iran since late July, when Washington paused an earlier military campaign around the Strait of Hormuz. That pause had reduced direct exchanges, but tensions over mining activity and freedom of navigation remained unresolved.
The latest strike therefore carries significance beyond the destruction of two launchers. It shows that Washington is prepared to resume direct military action if it believes Iranian forces are preparing to threaten shipping lanes.
Shipping Security in Focus
For global markets, the immediate question is whether the incident remains contained. The Strait of Hormuz connects Gulf energy exporters with world markets, and even a limited military confrontation can affect oil prices, tanker movements and freight costs.
US forces say they are monitoring the area closely, while Iran has warned of retaliation. Until either side signals restraint, the Larak Island strike is likely to keep military planners, shipping companies and energy traders focused on the risk of renewed disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli security agency Shin Bet has confirmed that a serious Yair Netanyahu threat prompted the urgent extraction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s eldest son from Miami and his return to Israel. The agency confirmed the security threat but did not publicly identify who was behind it.
Shin Bet Alert
The Shin Bet said on August 29 that authorities had identified a “significant threat??
Israeli security agency Shin Bet has confirmed that a serious Yair Netanyahu threat prompted the urgent extraction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s eldest son from Miami and his return to Israel. The agency confirmed the security threat but did not publicly identify who was behind it.
Shin Bet Alert
The Shin Bet said on August 29 that authorities had identified a “significant threat??
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned violence carried out by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian villages of Qusra and Jalud in the occupied West Bank, describing the incidents as criminal acts that violate the law and damage Israel’s international standing.
The remarks followed fresh clashes in Qusra, near Nablus, where dozens of Israeli settlers reportedly entered the village on Saturday after several weeks of rising tension in the area.
Netanyahu sa
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned violence carried out by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian villages of Qusra and Jalud in the occupied West Bank, describing the incidents as criminal acts that violate the law and damage Israel’s international standing.
The remarks followed fresh clashes in Qusra, near Nablus, where dozens of Israeli settlers reportedly entered the village on Saturday after several weeks of rising tension in the area.
Netanyahu sa
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after another commercial tanker was struck while moving through the strategic waterway, as the United States prepares to deploy an additional aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East.
The latest incident has added to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping between Iran and Oman. The vessel reportedly caught fire after being hit, but the crew was said to be safe. Responsibility for the attack has not been independently
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after another commercial tanker was struck while moving through the strategic waterway, as the United States prepares to deploy an additional aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East.
The latest incident has added to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping between Iran and Oman. The vessel reportedly caught fire after being hit, but the crew was said to be safe. Responsibility for the attack has not been independently
US President Donald Trump has again claimed that Israel would not exist today without his policies toward Iran. In a wide-ranging interview, he defended withdrawing from the JCPOA, discussed Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition and said the Strait of Hormuz was functioning despite continuing attacks.
JCPOA exit returns to center of Trump Israel claim
US President Donald Trump has again claimed that Israel would not exist today without his policies toward Iran. In a wide-ranging interview, he defended withdrawing from the JCPOA, discussed Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition and said the Strait of Hormuz was functioning despite continuing attacks.
JCPOA exit returns to center of Trump Israel claim
Iran sanctions pressure has intensified after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Tehran’s leadership is showing signs that Washington’s new economic campaign is working. Iranian officials rejected that assessment, while oil prices fell despite continuing US-Iran tensions.
Bessent claim focuses on Iranian leaders
Bessent said on
Iran sanctions pressure has intensified after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Tehran’s leadership is showing signs that Washington’s new economic campaign is working. Iranian officials rejected that assessment, while oil prices fell despite continuing US-Iran tensions.
Bessent claim focuses on Iranian leaders
Bessent said on
The Syria terror delisting marks one of Washington’s most dramatic policy reversals in the Middle East. The United States has formally removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list after nearly 47 years, opening new economic opportunities while strengthening ties with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government.
Syria terror delisting ends a 47-year
The Syria terror delisting marks one of Washington’s most dramatic policy reversals in the Middle East. The United States has formally removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list after nearly 47 years, opening new economic opportunities while strengthening ties with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government.
Syria terror delisting ends a 47-year
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons, but he has not disclosed which son was allegedly targeted, when the attempt occurred or how it was uncovered. The claim came as he defended expanded Shin Bet protection for his family ahead of Israel’s October election.
Netanyahu Iran claim emerges during Channel 14 in
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons, but he has not disclosed which son was allegedly targeted, when the attempt occurred or how it was uncovered. The claim came as he defended expanded Shin Bet protection for his family ahead of Israel’s October election.
Netanyahu Iran claim emerges during Channel 14 in
The US-Canada trade war intensified over the weekend after the Trump administration warned Ottawa that retaliating against Washington’s new tariffs could bring “devastating” economic consequences. Canada, however, has refused to back down, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing counter-tariffs after trade negotiations collapsed.
Trump Canada tariffs
The US-Canada trade war intensified over the weekend after the Trump administration warned Ottawa that retaliating against Washington’s new tariffs could bring “devastating” economic consequences. Canada, however, has refused to back down, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing counter-tariffs after trade negotiations collapsed.
Trump Canada tariffs
Iran has announced a major gas discovery in the southern part of Fars Province, with Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad estimating the field contains about 7.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. The discovery could strengthen Iran’s gas reserves as the country faces economic pressure and challenges across its energy sector.
Iran gas discovery reaches 7.5 trillion cubic feet
Paknejad announced the discovery on Sunday, saying the newly identified field holds an estimated 7.5 trillion cubic feet, or roughly 212 billion cubic metres, of natural gas.
Of that total, approximately 5.7 trillion cubic feet is considered recoverable, according to figures provided by the oil minister. Recoverable reserves refer to the portion of gas that authorities estimate can realistically be extracted under technical and economic conditions.
Paknejad said the recoverable volume could provide an amount of gas comparable to the production of one phase of the giant South Pars field for about 15 years. The comparison highlights the potential scale of the new resource, although future output will depend on development, infrastructure and production conditions.
Sweet gas could lower development costs
The Iranian oil minister described the resource as “sweet gas,” a term generally used for natural gas containing relatively low levels of hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds.
That characteristic could offer an economic advantage because sweet gas typically requires less processing than sour gas before entering commercial supply systems. Paknejad said this could help reduce both development and operating costs at the field.
The discovery also includes gas condensates, according to the minister. These liquid hydrocarbons can have significant commercial value alongside natural gas production. Paknejad said the condensate resources could potentially generate tens of billions of dollars in additional value.
The actual economic return, however, will depend on factors including investment, production rates, infrastructure, energy prices and Iran’s access to international markets.
New reserves strengthen Iran energy sector
The discovery comes at an important time for Iran’s energy industry. Tehran has been working to maintain and repair energy infrastructure while dealing with sanctions and broader economic pressure.
Iran already possesses some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, and South Pars remains central to the country’s gas production. Adding another substantial resource could improve long-term supply options, but discovering gas does not automatically translate into immediate production.
A field must undergo appraisal and development before commercial extraction can begin. That process can require drilling additional wells, building processing facilities and connecting production sites to pipelines and other infrastructure.
Iran gas reserves gain new strategic resource
Paknejad said the discovery adds a significant resource to Iran’s national hydrocarbon reserves. If subsequent assessments confirm the announced estimates, the Fars gas field could become an important addition to the country’s long-term energy portfolio.
The timing also gives the announcement wider economic significance as Tehran navigates sanctions and international tensions that can complicate financing, technology access and energy exports.
For Iran, the value of the discovery will ultimately depend not only on the volume underground but also on how quickly and efficiently it can bring the recoverable gas and condensates into production. The government has not yet provided a detailed timetable for development or commercial output from the newly announced field.
Iran has announced a major gas discovery in the southern part of Fars Province, with Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad estimating the field contains about 7.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. The discovery could strengthen Iran’s gas reserves as the country faces economic pressure and challenges across its energy sector.
Iran gas discovery reaches 7.5 trillion cubic feet
Paknejad announced the discovery on Sunday, saying the newly identified field holds an estimated 7.5 trillion cubic feet, or roughly 212 billion cubic metres, of natural gas.
Of that total, approximately 5.7 trillion cubic feet is considered recoverable, according to figures provided by the oil minister. Recoverable reserves refer to the portion of gas that authorities estimate can realistically be extracted under technical and economic conditions.
Paknejad said the recoverable volume could provide an amount of gas comparable to the production of one phase of the giant South Pars field for about 15 years. The comparison highlights the potential scale of the new resource, although future output will depend on development, infrastructure and production conditions.
Sweet gas could lower development costs
The Iranian oil minister described the resource as “sweet gas,” a term generally used for natural gas containing relatively low levels of hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds.
That characteristic could offer an economic advantage because sweet gas typically requires less processing than sour gas before entering commercial supply systems. Paknejad said this could help reduce both development and operating costs at the field.
The discovery also includes gas condensates, according to the minister. These liquid hydrocarbons can have significant commercial value alongside natural gas production. Paknejad said the condensate resources could potentially generate tens of billions of dollars in additional value.
The actual economic return, however, will depend on factors including investment, production rates, infrastructure, energy prices and Iran’s access to international markets.
New reserves strengthen Iran energy sector
The discovery comes at an important time for Iran’s energy industry. Tehran has been working to maintain and repair energy infrastructure while dealing with sanctions and broader economic pressure.
Iran already possesses some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, and South Pars remains central to the country’s gas production. Adding another substantial resource could improve long-term supply options, but discovering gas does not automatically translate into immediate production.
A field must undergo appraisal and development before commercial extraction can begin. That process can require drilling additional wells, building processing facilities and connecting production sites to pipelines and other infrastructure.
Iran gas reserves gain new strategic resource
Paknejad said the discovery adds a significant resource to Iran’s national hydrocarbon reserves. If subsequent assessments confirm the announced estimates, the Fars gas field could become an important addition to the country’s long-term energy portfolio.
The timing also gives the announcement wider economic significance as Tehran navigates sanctions and international tensions that can complicate financing, technology access and energy exports.
For Iran, the value of the discovery will ultimately depend not only on the volume underground but also on how quickly and efficiently it can bring the recoverable gas and condensates into production. The government has not yet provided a detailed timetable for development or commercial output from the newly announced field.
Iran has portrayed Washington’s intensified economic campaign against Tehran as evidence that the United States failed to achieve its objectives through military pressure. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson said Iran was prepared for further US actions and would seek to limit the impact of economic pressure while expanding ties with other countries.
Iran has portrayed Washington’s intensified economic campaign against Tehran as evidence that the United States failed to achieve its objectives through military pressure. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson said Iran was prepared for further US actions and would seek to limit the impact of economic pressure while expanding ties with other countries.
Iran has sharpened its defence rhetoric as pressure from Washington intensifies, with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Ahmad Vahidi saying the country has built a “solid defensive shield” against external threats. His remarks come as President Donald Trump expands economic pressure on Tehran.
Vahidi plan
In a message marking National Defence Industry Day, Vahidi said Iran was confron
Iran has sharpened its defence rhetoric as pressure from Washington intensifies, with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Ahmad Vahidi saying the country has built a “solid defensive shield” against external threats. His remarks come as President Donald Trump expands economic pressure on Tehran.
Vahidi plan
In a message marking National Defence Industry Day, Vahidi said Iran was confron
India Poland ties are gaining momentum as Warsaw backs New Delhi’s fight against terrorism while acknowledging India’s historic relationship with Russia. Defence cooperation, technology, trade and the India-EU FTA are emerging as key areas in the expanding strategic partnership.
Poland terror support strengthens India ties
Poland has vo
India Poland ties are gaining momentum as Warsaw backs New Delhi’s fight against terrorism while acknowledging India’s historic relationship with Russia. Defence cooperation, technology, trade and the India-EU FTA are emerging as key areas in the expanding strategic partnership.
Poland terror support strengthens India ties
Poland has vo
President Donald Trump has renewed his US Hormuz control claim, saying Washington has “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz as more oil tankers move through the strategic waterway. Shipping remains well below normal levels, however, while Iran continues to dispute American claims of control.
Trump Hormuz claim
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that a large number of vessels had recentl
President Donald Trump has renewed his US Hormuz control claim, saying Washington has “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz as more oil tankers move through the strategic waterway. Shipping remains well below normal levels, however, while Iran continues to dispute American claims of control.
Trump Hormuz claim
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that a large number of vessels had recentl
Oil prices surged on Monday as fading hopes for a US-Iran settlement renewed fears of prolonged supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude closed above $90 a barrel, while WTI oil also climbed sharply as traders reacted to stalled diplomacy and Iran's warning of possible military escalation.
Brent crude rises as Iran ceasefire hopes fade
Brent crude futures settled $2.22 higher at
Oil prices surged on Monday as fading hopes for a US-Iran settlement renewed fears of prolonged supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude closed above $90 a barrel, while WTI oil also climbed sharply as traders reacted to stalled diplomacy and Iran's warning of possible military escalation.
Brent crude rises as Iran ceasefire hopes fade
Brent crude futures settled $2.22 higher at
President Donald Trump says Iran wants an agreement with the United States, but the Trump Iran deal remains out of reach because Tehran is not prepared to accept the terms Washington considers necessary. His comments come as Iran nuclear talks remain stalled and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue.
Iran nuclear talks remain stalled
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, T
President Donald Trump says Iran wants an agreement with the United States, but the Trump Iran deal remains out of reach because Tehran is not prepared to accept the terms Washington considers necessary. His comments come as Iran nuclear talks remain stalled and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue.
Iran nuclear talks remain stalled
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, T
USS Abraham Lincoln mental health concerns are drawing scrutiny after its unusually long deployment, prompting CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper to defend the crew's resilience. Cooper said the carrier has among the Navy's lowest number of reported mental health cases while acknowledging the strain of prolonged service at sea.
CENTCOM response addresses menta
USS Abraham Lincoln mental health concerns are drawing scrutiny after its unusually long deployment, prompting CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper to defend the crew's resilience. Cooper said the carrier has among the Navy's lowest number of reported mental health cases while acknowledging the strain of prolonged service at sea.
CENTCOM response addresses menta
Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has urged a more measured diplomatic approach as the Iran war continues to strain daily life, governance and the economy. His remarks add to a widening Iran war debate between hardliners seeking prolonged resistance and officials who see negotiations as part of an eventual exit.
Khatami Iran diplomacy call focuses on cost of war
Khatami warned that Iran
Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has urged a more measured diplomatic approach as the Iran war continues to strain daily life, governance and the economy. His remarks add to a widening Iran war debate between hardliners seeking prolonged resistance and officials who see negotiations as part of an eventual exit.
Khatami Iran diplomacy call focuses on cost of war
Khatami warned that Iran
US Vice President JD Vance says Vance Iran war goals now place affordable oil and gasoline for Americans at the top of Washington’s priorities, followed by preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. His remarks also put renewed focus on the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on energy markets.
Oil price goal moves to top of Vance’s priorities
Speaking in a Fox News interview on August 13
US Vice President JD Vance says Vance Iran war goals now place affordable oil and gasoline for Americans at the top of Washington’s priorities, followed by preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. His remarks also put renewed focus on the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on energy markets.
Oil price goal moves to top of Vance’s priorities
Speaking in a Fox News interview on August 13
