Trump drops Hormuz toll plan, announces blockade limited to Iranian Shipping

Washington, July 15 (UNI) US President Donald Trump abandoned his plan to impose a 20 per cent fee on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying Gulf states had instead agreed to pursue major investment and trade deals with the United States.

US sanctions Iran oil network, targets Shamkhani’s global shipping empire

Washiongton, July 15 (UNI) The United States announced new sanctions targeting more than 50 individuals, companies and vessels linked to Iranian businessman Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, accusing the "network of helping Tehran evade sanctions and expand its oil export operations."
The U.S. Department of the Treasury said the measures are aimed at disrupting a major shipping and financial network that supports Iran’s oil trade through offshore companies, container shipping operations and commodity trading.

Trump threatens strikes on Iran's bridges, power plants; ground troops option open if Tehran refuses talks

Washington, July 15 (UNI) US President Donald Trump has threatened to target Iran's bridges and power plants as early as next week if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations, sharply escalating tensions as the two countries exchanged attacks for a fourth consecutive day.

India calls for equitable critical minerals supply chains, says energy transition should not deepen inequalities

New York, July 15 (UNI) India on Wednesday called for building resilient, transparent and diversified global supply chains for critical energy transition minerals, asserting that these resources should become "an engine for sustainable development, not another source of inequality.".

US Senate unveils revised Russia Sanctions bill; India, China face 100% tariff risk

Washington, Jul 15 (UNI) A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a revised Russia sanctions bill that would impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest buyers of Russian oil, including India and China, while easing the original proposal that called for blanket 500 per cent tariffs.

Trump reverses course on proposal to impose 20pec toll on cargo transiting Strait of Hormuz

Washington, Jul 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reversed course on his proposal to impose a 20% reimbursement fee on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying it would instead be replaced by investment commitments from Gulf states.

Shipping industry experts call Trump’s 20pc cargo charge on goods transiting Strait of Hormuz ‘impractical’

Washington, Jul 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 20% charge on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz has led to heavy criticism from shipping industry experts, who have warned that it could dramatically increase costs on one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

Israel hopes Rome talks will advance Lebanon withdrawal plan

Jerusalem, Jul 14 (UNI) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that ongoing negotiations with Lebanon in Rome could help advance the implementation of an agreement covering two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon from which Israeli forces may withdraw.

Iran says more than 200 vessels coordinated Hormuz transit before renewed closure

Tehran, Jul 14 (UNI) Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said on Tuesday that more than 200 foreign commercial vessels coordinated their movements with Iranian authorities during the three weeks following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, prior to its closure of the vital waterway post renewed tensions with the US.

Oman says it is working with all sides to restore navigation through Strait of Hormuz

Muscat, Jul 14 (UNI) Oman on Tuesday said that it remains engaged with all parties in efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing tensions over control of the strategic waterway.

US accuses Iran of backing Houthis, violating UN resolutions over Yemen and Gulf attacks

New York, July 14 (UNI) The United States has accused Iran of providing military support to Yemen’s Houthi movement and "violating UN Security Council resolutions," warning that Tehran’s actions are "threatening regional stability and maritime security" in the Gulf and Red Sea.

Washington, Jul 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 20 per cent charge on commercial cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz could generate between USD $176 billion and $194 billion in annual revenue if fully implemented, according to an analysis published by the New York Post.

Trump asserts US controls Strait of Hormuz amidst escalation of tensions with Iran

Washington, Jul 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump has asserted that Washington was now controlling the Strait of Hormuz, as the US intensifies its military operations against Iran for the third consecutive day on Monday.

Trump gave Saudi Arabia US backing for conducting military action against Houthis

Washington/Riyadh, Jul 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump gave Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman his backing for military action against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement before Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on Sana'a airport, according to two US officials.

Trump backs Saudi Arabia as Houthi missile strikes threaten Yemen truce

Washington/Sanaa, July 14 (UNI) A new escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, with President Donald Trump backing Saudi Arabia after the Houthis launched missile attacks against the kingdom.