US Iran tensions (Img Ai Generated)
New Delhi: Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified following recent military developments in West Asia, with both nations engaging in a sharp war of words over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to maintain its dominance in the region. Responding to the statement, Iran warned that such claims could lead to dangerous decisions based on inaccurate intelligence assessments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised Trump’s remarks in a post on X, stating that “fake intelligence can be worse than fake news.” He cautioned the US against making miscalculations regarding the Hormuz Strait, arguing that intelligence failures had influenced previous military decisions against Iran and that similar mistakes could be repeated.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said that the US Navy’s presence around the Strait of Hormuz represents a “wall of steel” that Iran would not be able to challenge. He accused Tehran of relying on rhetoric and claimed that Iran was no longer the dominant force it once projected in West Asia.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy routes, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes. Any disruption in the region could have major consequences for international energy markets.
Meanwhile, global crude oil prices declined amid concerns over slowing demand and rising US crude inventories.
According to market data, Brent crude prices dropped around 2.47 percent to $86.78 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined by approximately 2.81 percent to $80.93 per barrel.
US crude inventories recorded a major weekly increase of 17.4 million barrels, marking the sharpest rise since June. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has also reduced its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026 to 580,000 barrels per day, while the International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected weaker demand growth.
Amid rising regional tensions, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for fresh attacks targeting Saudi-linked positions.
According to reports, the group claimed that it targeted a military transport vessel in the Red Sea and carried out missile and drone attacks against Saudi-backed positions in Yemen. The Houthis also claimed strikes on areas including Mocha and Tadawin camp in Yemen’s Marib governorate.
The group further claimed that drone attacks were carried out against the Aramco refinery in Jizan, Saudi Arabia. However, casualty figures and damage claims made by the Houthis have not been independently verified.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council, has said that the government will respond to the attacks, signalling continued uncertainty in the already volatile West Asian region.
