Iran

Trump threatens military strikes against Iran while simultaneously claiming great progress in negotiations, sending mixed signals to the markets and allies.

Multiple sources report the US and Iran are nearing a one-page ceasefire memo, building on the earlier 14-point proposal. Iran is expected to formally respond to the US proposal on Thursday.

Shell Q1 Profits Rise as Iran Conflict Lifts Oil Prices British energy giant Shell reported first-quarter profits of $6.92 billion, driven by higher oil prices amid the ongoing Iran conflict, BBC reported. The Middle East geopolitical tensions have pushed crude prices higher, directly benefiting Shell’s upstream production business. Analysts note that while the war-driven oil price surge boosts short-term profits for energy companies, prolonged conflict could also disrupt global supply chains and increase market uncertainty. ...

Iran Considers U.S. Proposal to End War as Diplomatic Momentum Builds The White House says it is nearing a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran that could end weeks of military escalation between the two countries, according to officials familiar with the negotiations. Reports indicate that talks have entered a critical phase, with the White House expressing confidence that an agreement could be reached in the near term. Iranian officials confirmed they are seriously considering the U.S. ceasefire proposal. ...

Oil Plunges, Stocks Surge on Hopes of Iran War-Ending Agreement International financial markets reacted sharply to reports that the U.S. and Iran are close to reaching an agreement to end their military conflict. Oil prices fell significantly while major global stock indices posted strong gains. Oil Price Pullback Both Brent crude and WTI futures declined sharply. The U.S.-Iran military standoff had been driving a risk premium in energy markets, with concerns about potential disruptions to Middle Eastern oil shipping routes. ...

Major Turn in US-Iran Tensions: Trump Pauses Hormuz Military Operation According to AP News and The Washington Post, President Trump ordered the military to pause its mission in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, allowing time for peace negotiations between the United States and Iran. The reversal came just about 50 hours after he initially announced the military operation in the strategic waterway. Reports indicate that the US and Iran are moving closer to reaching a memorandum aimed at ending their escalating conflict. Sources familiar with the matter said diplomatic teams from both sides are working intensively to find a diplomatic solution after days of heightened tensions. ...

Markets Rally as Iran Conflict Nears End Global financial markets swung dramatically on Tuesday as news of a potential Iran peace deal sent oil prices tumbling over six percent while major stock indices surged to new highs. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both hit record closes, with the Nasdaq crossing the 25,000 milestone for the first time. The rally followed reports that Iran had submitted a 14-point peace proposal and that the Trump administration declared the conflict terminated. ...

The Trump administration has paused Project Freedom, the U.S. military operation designed to guide commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran. The decision comes as the ceasefire between the two nations continues to hold, providing a window for expanded diplomatic engagement. Officials indicated the pause is intended to create a more favorable environment for ongoing negotiations. Oil prices dropped on the news, with traders interpreting the move as a substantive de-escalation rather than a tactical pause. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil consumption, making any reduction in tension immediately impactful on energy markets. ...

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Monday that the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran is holding, marking a critical early success in the Trump administration’s diplomatic push. The ceasefire, which came after weeks of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, has allowed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume normal operations. In a significant follow-up, the White House announced a pause to “Project Freedom” — the controversial military operation to escort commercial vessels through the strait — as the administration pivots toward diplomatic negotiations. ...

US Defense Secretary Hegseth confirmed that the Iran ceasefire is currently holding, CBS News reported. However, tensions remain elevated following Iran’s attacks on UAE targets and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Latest Developments Ceasefire Status: Hegseth confirmed the ceasefire is holding for now Iran Attacks: Iran previously targeted UAE assets and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz US Response: The US has struck Iranian boats in response Diplomatic Dynamics Trump has again criticized Pope Leo’s stance on the Iran conflict, potentially complicating Secretary of State Rubio’s planned visit to the Vatican this week. Trump accused the pope of “endangering lives,” highlighting a divergence between the US administration and the Vatican on Iran policy. ...