Iran has dismissed Donald Trump’s claims of ongoing ceasefire talks, mocking Washington for “negotiating with itself” while denying any diplomatic engagement. Even as the US signalled a proposed peace plan, Tehran intensified military action, launching overnight missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf states and US bases in countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The escalation highlights deep mistrust between both sides, with Iran continuing retaliation against US-Israeli operations. Rising regional tensions have disrupted oil routes and prompted global concern, as diplomacy stalls and the conflict shows no immediate signs of de-escalation. (PC: AP)

Tensions in the ongoing US-Iran conflict have intensified following claims that Iran launched missiles toward the USS Abraham Lincoln, after warning it was under surveillance. While Iranian state media reported the strike, independent confirmation remains unclear, adding to uncertainty on the battlefield. The escalation comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts, with the United States proposing a ceasefire plan through intermediaries like Pakistan. However, Tehran has denied direct negotiations and set strict conditions, including security guarantees and reparations. Despite ongoing talks, continued missile exchanges and military deployments suggest the conflict remains volatile, threatening regional stability and global energy supplies. (PC: X)

Iran said it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with cruise missiles on Wednesday, claiming the US carrier was forced to change position. The Iranian military said its Qader missiles targeted the vessel after earlier warning it was under “constant monitoring.”   “The firing of coast-to-sea cruise missiles… targeted this vessel,” Iran’s army said. A video shared by Fars news agency showed projectiles and loud blasts, but it has not been independently verified.   Earlier, Iran had warned it would act once the carrier entered missile range. The USS Abraham Lincoln was also reportedly targeted earlier this month with ballistic missiles.

Fires and strikes at oil and gas sites across regions have raised fears of a major global supply shock. Energy hubs in the Middle East, Russia, and the US have been hit by attacks and accidents. In the US, the Valero refinery in Texas was shut after explosions. In Russia, Ukrainian drones struck refineries and an export terminal. In the Gulf, key gas and oil sites faced missile and drone attacks. The International Energy Agency called it the “largest supply disruption in history.” Brent crude has crossed $100 per barrel. Experts warn rebuilding damaged infrastructure may take years, keeping markets under pressure.

Iran fired missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday, according to state media. The strike came shortly after Iran warned it was closely tracking US naval movements in the region. Iran’s naval commander had said the carrier was under “constant Iranian monitoring.” He added that once it entered missile range, it would be targeted.   The development comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the US. Reports of a peace proposal earlier in the day also affected markets. Oil prices fell after the news. Brent crude dropped over 4 per cent to $100.32 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate fell 3.4 per cent to $89.24. (PC: X)

The United States has sent a 15-point plan to Iran through Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary. Reports say the plan includes dismantling Iran’s nuclear facilities in exchange for lifting sanctions. The details have not been made public. An Israeli minister said the plan is “beautiful on paper” but added Iran is “probably” unlikely to accept it. Iran’s military rejected the move. A spokesman said the US is “negotiating with itself” and added, “Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you.” Meanwhile, Iran said “non-hostile vessels” can pass through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said India can play a trusted role in reducing tensions in the Middle East. He said India has strong ties with Iran, the US, and Israel. This gives it a unique position to help. “India can certainly play an effective and positive role in reducing tensions,” he said in New Delhi. He added that India can help “reduce misunderstandings and strengthen diplomatic pathways.” His remarks came as the US called for talks and shared a ceasefire plan with Iran. However, Iran’s military rejected the idea of negotiations and continued its attacks in the region. (PC: NDTV)

The government has said LPG supply will stop if households do not switch to piped natural gas (PNG) where it is available. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said supply “shall cease after three months” if users refuse PNG. Officials said LPG will continue only if PNG is “technically infeasible” and a no-objection certificate is given. The move aims to shift LPG to areas without pipelines. The government said there is no shortage of LPG. It also clarified that refill booking rules remain unchanged. “There is no cause for concern,” the ministry said, asking people not to spread rumours or panic. (PC: HT)

Iran has stopped a Pakistan-bound container ship at the Strait of Hormuz for not having prior approval. The vessel, SELEN, was heading to Karachi when it was forced to turn back. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the ship failed to follow “legal protocols”. “The passage of any vessel… requires full coordination,” a commander said. Iran has said only “non-hostile” vessels can pass after approval. The strait remains under tight control during the ongoing war. Attacks and restrictions have slowed shipping across the route. About one-fifth of global oil supply passes through the waterway, raising concerns over global trade and fuel flow. (PC: NDTV)

More than 1,000 people have been killed and over one million displaced in Israel’s latest strikes in Lebanon, according to an expert. Israel’s defence minister said forces will “occupy” areas up to the Litani River as a buffer against Hezbollah. Strikes have hit south Lebanon and parts of Beirut. “It is a humanitarian catastrophe,” former Indian envoy Sanjiv Arora said. Around 150 medical facilities have been damaged. UN-linked sites and heritage areas have also been hit. The escalation follows cross-border attacks by Hezbollah. The situation remains tense, with no clear timeline for de-escalation or talks. (PC: The Indian Express)