U.S. seizes sanctioned oil tanker in Indian Ocean after pursuit from Caribbean
U.S. military forces have seized a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea, the Pentagon said on Mo...
The Trump administration has signalled it remains open to diplomatic engagement with Iran, even as the United States increases its military presence in the Persian Gulf, according to a report by Axios.
Citing a senior U.S. official, Axios reported that President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on potential military action against Iran and continues to consider a negotiated path to de-escalate tensions.
The report said Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar are acting as key intermediaries, working to arrange a possible meeting in Ankara later this week between White House envoy Steve Witkoff and senior Iranian officials. Two regional sources told Axios the three countries are coordinating closely with both Washington and Tehran to prevent a wider conflict.
“It is moving. We are doing our best,” an official from one of the mediating countries was quoted as saying.
The diplomatic outreach comes days after Trump warned on social media that a large U.S. naval force was heading toward Iran, while urging Tehran to enter talks immediately. The United States has increased its military posture in the region amid heightened tensions following anti-government protests in Iran late last year.
Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. military strike would trigger a swift and comprehensive response, raising fears that miscalculation could draw the wider region into conflict.
Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday, "When you hear them talking about war, saying things like 'we'll come with this plane or that plane and do this or that,' it's nothing new. The Americans have threatened us repeatedly in the past, saying 'all options are on the table,' which includes the option of war. They've always said these things."
"Similarly, this person (Donald Trump) constantly claims they've brought war ships. But the Iranian nation shall not be intimidated by these things, the Iranian people will not be stirred by these threats. They do not fear a fair confrontation. We are not the initiators and do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian nation will strike a strong blow against anyone who attacks and harasses them," he added.
Despite the military buildup, the Axios report suggests Washington is still leaving the door open to diplomacy as regional actors intensify efforts to broker dialogue between the two long-time adversaries.
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised American freestyle skier Hunter Hess after the athlete said he felt conflicted about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking a public clash that highlights growing political tensions surrounding the Games.
U.S. skiing great Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery in an Italian hospital on Sunday after her attempt to win Olympic downhill gold ended in a violent crash just seconds into the race at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
Several avalanches struck northern Italy on Saturday, killing at least three people, as rescue officials warned the death toll could rise with unstable conditions persisting across the Alps.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on Saturday after completing a round of talks with Iran.
Police in riot gear pushed toward a group of protesters who launched fireworks, flares and smoke bombs during a demonstration in Milan on Saturday, as the city hosted events on the first full day of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
U.S. military forces have seized a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea, the Pentagon said on Monday.
Pressure is mounting on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid resignations and a row over Peter Mandelson, a powerful figure in the ruling Labour Party. The episode has raised doubts about Starmer’s authority and how firmly his own party continues to back him.
Chinese authorities have quietly signalled a shift in strategy, instructing some state-owned banks to rein in their purchases of U.S. government bonds.
Convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer questions before Congress, while her lawyer said she could clear President Donald Trump of wrongdoing if granted clemency.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has accused Afghanistan’s authorities of fostering conditions “similar to or worse than pre-9/11”, as tensions between the two neighbours intensify amid a surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment