US-Iran tensions
Iran Seizes Oil Tanker with 6 Million Liters of Contraband Fuel and Multinational Crew in Gulf of Oman
Dec 13, 2025 10:51 am CST
Iranian forces have intercepted an oil tanker carrying 6 million liters of contraband diesel fuel in the Gulf of Oman with 18 crew members from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. This seizure follows Iran's pattern of stopping alleged fuel smuggling operations, occurring just days after a similar US action near Venezuela, highlighting ongoing tensions in maritime fuel transportation.
President Trump Signals Openness to Iran Sanctions Relief Amid Ongoing Tensions
Nov 07, 2025 05:27 pm CST
US President Donald Trump has indicated willingness to consider lifting sanctions against Iran following inquiries from Tehran, despite ongoing tensions. This development comes amid stalled nuclear talks, recent military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities, and Supreme Leader Khamenei's statement that cooperation remains impossible while the US continues supporting Israel and maintaining regional military presence.
Iran's Hostage Diplomacy: A Decades-Long Strategy to Extract Concessions from Western Nations
Nov 06, 2025 02:32 am CST
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has consistently employed what experts call "hostage diplomacy" - detaining Western citizens to leverage concessions from adversaries. This strategic pattern continues today, with numerous Europeans and Americans detained on dubious charges while Tehran negotiates for asset unfreezing, prisoner exchanges, or other diplomatic concessions. Despite recent releases, many foreign nationals remain in Iranian custody, prompting calls for coordinated international responses beyond the current "piecemeal" approach.