Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) has stated that the Strait of Hormuz has been “significantly expanded,” now treating it as a wide strategic maritime corridor stretching from Jask and Sirik to areas beyond Qeshm Island and Greater Tunb Island. According to IRGC Navy political deputy Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Iran has redefined how it views the boundaries of this key waterway. He said the earlier perception of the strait as a narrow zone around islands like Hormuz and Hengam is no longer valid under Iran’s current naval approach.

He explained that the operational area has expanded from a traditional width of about 20–30 miles to roughly 200–300 miles (around 500 km), forming what he described as a “crescent-shaped” zone extending across a much larger maritime region. Akbarzadeh further said the Strait of Hormuz is now considered a broad operational theatre under Iranian oversight, stretching between key coastal and island points, rather than a confined passage.

Reaffirming Iran’s stance, he added that the country is closely monitoring regional maritime activity and will not tolerate any infringement on its waters or interests. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity “at all costs,” including through military readiness. The IRGC also indicated that it will regulate shipping routes through the strait, allowing only designated corridors and warning of strict action against vessels that deviate from approved paths.

These declarations come amid heightened regional tensions, which Iranian officials link to recent conflicts involving the US and Israel. Iran has also imposed tighter controls on vessels it considers hostile, citing retaliatory measures against what it describes as restrictive actions on its maritime trade.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that Iran has several possible options for handling ongoing regional tensions, including engaging in negotiations based on “dignity” and “authority.” He emphasized that any diplomatic efforts should be aligned with national interests and supported by Iran’s military strength, according to the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA).

Speaking at a meeting with the commander-in-chief and senior officials of the Faraj police force, Pezeshkian also reviewed their performance during what Iranian authorities described as a “recent imposed war.” He highlighted the importance of strengthening Iran’s internal security system, including improving infrastructure, equipment, and the role of grassroots security units.

Outlining Iran’s strategic choices, the president said the country could either pursue dignified negotiations that safeguard national rights, remain in a state of neither war nor peace, or continue confrontation. He noted that Iran’s preferred approach is diplomacy backed by military achievements and national strength, ensuring that battlefield successes are reflected in diplomatic outcomes.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s proposals are intended to protect its national interests while also contributing to regional and global stability, according to state-linked media. He described Iran’s position as reasonable and cooperative, while accusing the United States of maintaining unrealistic demands and continuing its “maximum pressure” policy.

Baghaei reiterated Iran’s claims that it is acting as a responsible regional power and rejected allegations of aggression, stressing opposition to coercion. He also outlined Tehran’s demands, including ending hostilities, lifting restrictions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and ensuring secure regional transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump criticized Iran’s response to a US proposal aimed at reducing regional tensions, calling it “totally unacceptable” in a post on Truth Social, following Iran’s reported reply delivered via diplomatic channels.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Thursday (local time) that he had once again shown US President Donald Trump the 2010 Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Brazil and Turkey, arguing it proved that diplomacy could work in addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Speaking at a press conference in Washington after meeting Trump, Lula said this was the second time he had personally shared the agreement, which was intended to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.

He stated, “I handed it to Trump once again. For the second time, I presented him with the agreement that Brazil and Turkey brokered in 2010 regarding the Iranian nuclear issue.” Lula explained that Brazil and Turkey had persuaded Iran to agree to a revised arrangement aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons. He also expressed regret that, after the deal was reached, the international response shifted, with the Obama administration, the European Union, and other powers increasing pressure on Iran.

“We, Brazil and Turkey, managed to convince Iran to accept a revised agreement regarding the non-production of nuclear weapons. I handed President Trump the agreement we reached in 2010. Regrettably, when we finalised that agreement, I do not know why Obama and the European Union—and the rest of the world—decided to ramp up the pressure on Iran,” he said.

He added that the lack of recognition for the agreement may have been due to the fact that it was negotiated by developing countries rather than major global powers, saying, “Possibly because the parties who had brokered the deal were ‘Third World’ nations—countries that do not belong to the elite club of global powers.”

The remarks came after Lula’s meeting with Trump at the White House, where both leaders discussed bilateral issues such as trade and tariffs. Trump later said on Truth Social that the talks were positive and that further discussions between officials from both countries would take place in the coming months.

The 2010 joint declaration by Brazil, Turkey, and Iran aimed to reduce tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme while reaffirming Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It involved Iran agreeing to transfer 1,200 kilograms of low-enriched uranium to Turkey, with assurances that it would remain Iranian property under international monitoring.

In exchange, the Vienna Group—comprising the United States, Russia, France, and the IAEA—was expected to supply fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor within a year. The deal also included provisions for Turkey to return Iran’s uranium if conditions were not met. However, despite initial progress, the agreement did not gain lasting support from major Western powers, and sanctions on Iran continued afterward.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran remained intact on Tuesday morning following a day of intense confrontations involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and missile strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates. Calm gradually returned to the Persian Gulf after US and Iranian forces exchanged fire on Monday, while Tehran also launched missiles and drones toward the UAE in the most serious escalation since the ceasefire was agreed less than a month ago.

The unrest began after US President Donald Trump unveiled “Project Freedom,” described as a humanitarian mission to escort neutral vessels stranded in the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Under this operation, at least two merchant ships crossed the waterway with US support while two American naval vessels entered the Gulf. Iran, however, warned all ships against passing through Hormuz without its approval.

During the tensions, Iran struck a South Korean bulk carrier and targeted an empty tanker owned by the UAE’s state oil company, ADNOC. No injuries were reported on either vessel. According to US Central Command chief Brad Cooper, American forces intercepted Iranian drones, missiles, and armed small boats while ensuring safe passage for the merchant ships. The escalation comes amid continued deadlock between Washington and Tehran, with no immediate prospects for new peace talks. Iran demands that the US lift what it calls a naval blockade of its ports, while Washington argues the restrictions are necessary to curb Iran’s oil exports and pressure its economy.

Analysts view “Project Freedom” as an attempt to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, though they warn it also increases the risk of further escalation. Oil prices fell slightly on Tuesday after rising sharply the previous day, reflecting market uncertainty over the conflict. The UAE reported that it intercepted most of the missiles launched by Iran, marking the first attack on its territory since the ceasefire began. However, three Indian nationals were injured in a strike on an oil facility in Fujairah, and security alerts were issued across major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with schools shifting to remote learning.

Iran criticized the US initiative as “Project Deadlock,” calling it a violation of the ceasefire, while also stating that Pakistan-mediated diplomatic talks were showing progress. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the crisis cannot be solved militarily and urged all parties, including the US and UAE, to avoid further escalation and political miscalculation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

Jonathan Freedland talks with law professor and author Leah Litman about the recent rulings of the conservative-majority Supreme Court, upcoming cases, and the debate over whether the court is now being seen more as a political body than a purely judicial one.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Since the beginning of March, three cabinet secretaries have either resigned or been removed from the US administration. Reports now indicate that additional officials may also be at risk of losing their positions. Jonathan Freedland discusses with MS NOW White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López why Donald Trump appears to be acting with greater decisiveness and severity in his second term.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Donald Trump has reportedly ordered a large-scale naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz following unsuccessful peace talks held in Pakistan. The operation is said to target ships moving through Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In a related discussion, analysts including Stephen Zunes provided insights on the latest developments, as presenters Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examined the situation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.