“We declare very clearly that the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its global economic consequences are solely the responsibility of the initiators of the war against Iran,” Iravani said on Saturday.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world ’s most important oil shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global energy supplies.

The latest tensions follow months of conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump described the ceasefire with Iran as being on “massive life support” and rejected Tehran’s latest proposal as “garbage,” “stupid” and “unacceptable.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry defended the proposal, calling it “generous” and saying it included demands for an end to the war, the lifting of what it described as “maritime piracy,” and the release of Iranian assets frozen under U.S. pressure.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28. Iran later confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and announced that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, would succeed him.

Tehran responded with missile strikes targeting Israel and several countries in the region.

On April 8, Trump announced a two-week truce to allow negotiations aimed at ending the crisis. The ceasefire was later extended indefinitely pending further Iranian proposals.

Pakistan hosted a first round of talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, but the negotiations ended without a breakthrough. A second round of talks has yet to take place.

“He said he’s not going to give military equipment. That’s a big statement,” Trump said, referring to Xi.

Trump added that Xi “would like to see Hormuz Strait opened,” amid ongoing tensions over the key oil transit route. Recent reports said Trump and Xi discussed Iran, energy stability and the Strait of Hormuz during their meeting in Beijing.

Trump also said the talks covered trade , claiming Xi had agreed to order 200 Boeing aircraft.

“Boeing wanted 150. He got 200,” Trump said, describing the reported order as a major boost for U.S. jobs.

The remarks come as Washington continues efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, while tensions with Iran remain high. China has publicly supported reopening the waterway and has denied allegations that it is supplying weapons to Tehran.

Whether you are a geography geek or a US president, maps are a good place to start.

From the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Caucasus, Iran borders seven countries on land and six more across water.

It is also one of the world ’s oldest continuous civilisations, with a history that spans more than 4,000 years.

Today, with nearly 90 million people and a landmass exceeding 1.6 million square kilometres, Iran stands as one of the Middle East’s largest and most consequential states.

Iran’s terrain is defined by mountains and arid expanses, with little continuous flat land. The Zagros and Alborz mountain ranges dominate much of the landscape, while the Iranian Plateau forms its core.

To the east, vast deserts such as the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut stretch across large swathes of the country. These physical features are not just geographic, but they also shape settlement patterns, climate conditions and the development of infrastructure.

Historically, Iran was the centre of powerful empires that influenced language, trade, science and culture far beyond its borders. That legacy still runs through modern Iran, visible in its identity and regional reach. Despite invasions by Greeks, Ottomans, Russians and the British, the country has maintained a strong sense of sovereignty and identity.

Iran is far more complex, both from the inside and the outside. Farsi remains the dominant language, but the country is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Azeris, Kurds, Baloch and Arabs, all of whom contribute to its cultural and political fabric.

As an energy giant, Iran sits on some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves , holding roughly 10% of global oil and 15% of natural gas resources.

That alone makes it a major player in global energy markets. Despite heavy international sanctions, Iran continues to export large volumes of oil, primarily to China, demonstrating its resilience and continued relevance in global supply chains.

Its economy, valued at over $400 billion, blends state control with private enterprise, anchored by energy, manufacturing and a growing technology sector.

Modern Iran, however, cannot be understood without the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

It overthrew a Western-backed monarchy and replaced it with a theocratic system that still defines the country today.

And since the Revolution, Iran has pursued an independent and often confrontational foreign policy , positioning itself as a regional power and a counterweight to Western influence.

Its network of regional alliances, often referred to as the “Axis of Resistance”, extends its influence beyond its borders, reaching into Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Many of these connections relate to Iran's position as the dominant power of the Shia sect of Islam. In other cases, allies were drawn to Tehran by a mutual hatred of Israel.

The country is also enduring one of its worst environmental crises in decades, after more than five consecutive years of drought have pushed it toward what experts describe as “water bankruptcy.” Reservoirs are drying up, major cities are nearing “day zero” water shortages, and as many as 28 million people now face unreliable access to water. 

Even geography beyond its borders carries political weight.

The body of water to its south has been known in Iran and elsewhere for over 2,500 years as the “Persian Gulf.” Still, some Arab states refer to it as the “Arabian Gulf,” creating an ongoing geopolitical dispute.

For Iran, the name is not just symbolic; it is tied to history, identity and sovereignty.

At the edge of Iran’s southern coastline lies its most powerful strategic asset: the Strait of Hormuz.

This narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and carries more than 20% of the world’s oil supply.

It is one of the most critical chokepoints in global trade. Iran controls the northern side as well as a series of islands, and that gives it enormous leverage.

Over the decades, Tehran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt traffic through the strait during times of conflict.

And in 2026, those threats became reality, sending shocks through global energy markets.

At the same time, geopolitical tensions have sharply intensified. Following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in February 2026, the United States joined the conflict with direct attacks, triggering a broader regional confrontation that continued for days.

The situation has since escalated into a wider crisis affecting global energy routes. Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks, while disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint, have sent shocks through global markets.

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Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said Israeli attacks on Habbouch and Al-Zarariyeh killed eight people , including a child and two women, and wounded 21 others.

The Israeli army had earlier issued evacuation warnings to residents of several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including Habbouch. It later said it had carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in the south, claiming to have killed fighters and destroyed about 50 Hezbollah-linked infrastructure sites.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli military operations since March 2 had reached 2,618 by May 1, with 8,094 people injured.

The strikes come despite a U.S.-announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect on April 17 and was later extended by three weeks. Both Israel and Hezbollah have continued to accuse each other of violating the truce.

Israel has also maintained what it calls a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, a buffer zone where residents have been warned not to return. The Israeli military says its presence is aimed at countering Hezbollah activity, while Lebanese residents and officials have accused Israel of preventing displaced civilians from going back to their homes.

“We demand the release of the Spanish citizen who has been unlawfully detained by Netanyahu’s government ,” Sánchez said.

His comments followed the interception of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led aid mission seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza . Israeli authorities detained activists from the flotilla, including Spanish-Swedish activist Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, according to AP.

The flotilla began its Barcelona departure window in mid-April, with organisers describing it as one of the largest civilian-led maritime missions to Gaza. AP reported that more than 70 boats and over 1,000 activists were involved in the mission, with departures delayed by bad weather .

Israel’s foreign ministry said about 175 activists were detained after Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels. Flotilla organisers accused Israel of carrying out an unlawful seizure in international waters, while several governments criticised the operation. Turkey described the interception as “piracy,” and Italy demanded the release of its nationals.

At the Málaga rally, Sánchez also rejected calls for Spain to raise defence spending to five percent of GDP, a target backed by the United States and discussed within NATO.

“It would mean an extra €3,000 per citizen in Spain, €80 billion more per year,” Sánchez said. “That would mean raising taxes or cutting the welfare state.”

He added that his government would “always stand on the side of the welfare state.”

Sánchez has previously opposed NATO’s proposed five percent defence spending target, calling it unreasonable and incompatible with Spain’s welfare priorities. Spain later secured an agreement with NATO allowing it to avoid the five percent target while raising defence spending to 2.1 percent of GDP.

The comment came after Trump reportedly reposted criticism of birthright citizenship in the United States that used the term to refer to India, China and others. A U.S. embassy spokesperson later sought to ease concerns, stressing the strength of U.S.-India relations and noting that Trump had praised India’s leadership.

Jaiswal also addressed maritime security concerns linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. He said Indian nationals were aboard two foreign-owned vessels recently fired upon, but confirmed they were safe and in contact with authorities.

India said 10 Indian vessels had safely exited the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, while 14 remained in the Persian Gulf . Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s call for “unimpeded access and transit rights for commercial shipping” through the key waterway.

According to Netanyahu, the talks would focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the possibility of reaching what he described as a “sustainable, historic” peace agreement between the two countries.

According to The Times of Israel , Iran has launched about 810 ballistic missiles and roughly 1,245 drones during the opening phase of the war, one of the largest sustained missile and drone campaigns seen in the Middle East in years.

The data illustrates the scale of Iran’s retaliatory strategy after U.S. strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities, triggering the 2026 regional conflict.

The largest wave of attacks came during the first two days of the war.

On Day 1 (Feb 28), Iran launched approximately 350 ballistic missiles alongside 294 drones , according to figures reported by the IDF and defence researchers tracking the conflict.

The barrage intensified on Day 2 (March 1), when Iran deployed around 175 missiles and 541 drones, marking the highest number of drones launched in a single day during the first week.

Security analysts say the opening salvo reflected Iran’s attempt to overwhelm air-defence systems through a strategy combining ballistic missiles with large numbers of drones.

After the initial surge, the number of launches began to decline as the conflict progressed.

Missile launches fell to 120 on Day 3 and 50 on Day 4, before dropping further to 40, 32, 28 and 15 missiles over the following days.

Drone activity showed a similar trend. After peaking on Day 2, launches fell to 200 drones on Day 3, then 85 on Day 4, followed by 45, 38, 30 and 12 drones over the next four days.

Iran’s heavy use of drones reflects a broader military doctrine that emphasises relatively low-cost unmanned systems to complement missile forces.

Iran has spent years developing drones such as the Shahed-series loitering munitions, which have been deployed in conflicts across the Middle East and beyond.

According to estimated figures cited by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait have faced the highest number of Iranian missile or drone targets, followed by Qatar, Bahrain and Israel. The data reflects how the regional conflict increasingly involves countries hosting foreign military bases or strategic infrastructure.

The INSS estimates suggest that the UAE has been the most targeted country, with around 863 incidents, followed by Kuwait with 562.

Both countries host major US military facilities and play critical roles in regional logistics and defence cooperation. The UAE is home to Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts US and allied forces, while Kuwait serves as a key staging hub for US operations in the Middle East.

According to The Guardian, Iran and its allies have increasingly relied on drones and ballistic missiles in recent years because they are cheaper, harder to intercept and capable of reaching targets across the region.

The INSS data also indicates that Qatar and Bahrain have experienced significant numbers of missile and drone targets, with 162 and 129 incidents, respectively.

Both countries host major US military installations. Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US military base in the Middle East, while Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

Because of their strategic importance, these locations are often viewed as potential targets during periods of regional escalation.

Israel is also listed among the countries affected, with an estimated 113 missile and drone targets.

The country has long been a central actor in regional tensions involving Iran and Iranian-backed groups. Iran has repeatedly denied directly targeting Israel in some incidents, while Israel has accused Tehran of orchestrating attacks through allied groups across the region.

Other neighbouring countries, including Jordan, Cyprus, Oman and Saudi Arabia, appear in the data with lower numbers of incidents.

Experts say unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a defining feature of modern Middle Eastern conflicts .

According to Al Jazeera, Iran has significantly expanded its drone programme in recent years, developing systems capable of long-range strikes and supplying similar technology to allied groups across the region.

“Iran’s military strategy is derived from its political structure. Their political aim is to safeguard their own territorial integrity and stop foreign intervention targeted at overthrowing their rule,” a military specialist and former defence official, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, said .

These drones, including models such as the Shahed series, have been used in conflicts across the Middle East and beyond.

Analysts say the relatively low cost of drones compared with conventional missiles makes them attractive for asymmetric warfare.

The above map shows that Japan, South Korea, India and China would be among the biggest losers if the Strait of Hormuz were blocked, reflecting their heavy reliance on crude oil shipped from the Persian Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is widely considered the most critical oil transit chokepoint in the world. According to energy analytics firm Kpler, roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait every day, making it essential to global energy markets.

Any disruption would send shockwaves through global trade, pushing oil prices higher and threatening energy security for countries that rely heavily on Gulf crude.

The waterway is only about 33 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, meaning shipping lanes are particularly vulnerable to military conflict or blockades.

Japan appears to be the most vulnerable major economy in the graphic. Around 75% of its crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, equivalent to roughly 1.6 to 1.8 million barrels per day.

The Japan Times has reported that the country remains deeply dependent on Middle Eastern oil despite efforts to diversify energy sources since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Much of Japan’s crude still comes from Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

Because Japan imports nearly all of its oil, any disruption in the strait could immediately affect fuel prices, electricity costs and industrial production.

South Korea follows closely behind Japan in exposure. Around 65% of its crude oil imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, or approximately 1.5 to 1.7 million barrels per day.

India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, would also face major disruptions. Roughly half of India’s oil imports pass through the strait, amounting to 2.5 to 2.7 million barrels per day, according to energy shipping data cited by Kpler.

India’s dependence on Gulf crude has grown alongside its rapidly expanding economy. Analysts note that energy security remains a key concern for the country as demand for fuel continues to rise.

Reporting from The Better India has highlighted how India has been trying to reduce vulnerability by increasing strategic petroleum reserves and diversifying supply sources, including imports from Russia and the United States.

China, the world’s largest crude oil importer, is also significantly exposed. About 48% of Chinese oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, equivalent to around 5.4 to 5.6 million barrels per day.

However, China’s broader supply network gives it slightly more flexibility than other Asian economies. Beijing imports oil from a wide range of producers, including Russia, Brazil and West Africa.

While Asian economies are the most exposed, the entire world would feel the effects of a Hormuz disruption.

Swiss private bank Union Bancaire Privée (UBP) has warned that any closure of the strait could trigger a sharp surge in global oil prices because such a large share of supply flows through the corridor.

UBP analysts say that even a temporary disruption could push oil prices significantly higher and disrupt global supply chains.

The impact would extend far beyond the countries that directly import Gulf crude, affecting everything from transport costs to food prices worldwide.

The United States carried out extensive bombing of Japan and Germany in 1945 during World War Two, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

During the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 , U.S.-led forces conducted sustained air operations over North Korea. In Southeast Asia, U.S. aircraft bombed Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia between the mid-1960s and early 1970s. U.S. government figures show that more than two million tonnes of ordnance were dropped on Laos alone during that period.

In 1991, the Gulf War marked a major air campaign against Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait. Reuters archives show that coalition forces led by Washington launched thousands of air sorties during the conflict.

Subsequent U.S. air operations in Iraq occurred in 1993, 1996 and 1998, and again on a larger scale in 2003 during the U.S.-led invasion. Airstrikes continued in Iraq in later years as part of operations against the Islamic State.

After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the United States launched airstrikes in Afghanistan, beginning a conflict that lasted until 2021. According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project, U.S. air and drone strikes continued in Afghanistan for nearly two decades.

Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia are also countries where U.S. forces have conducted drone strikes targeting militant groups.

Drone operations intensified in the 2000s and 2010s, with successive U.S. administrations expanding targeted strike programmes. ACLED data for 2025 indicates that U.S. air operations remain active in parts of Somalia and Syria.

Latest strike action

The most recent U.S. military strike activity is part of a large-scale joint US–Israeli offensive against Iran, launched on February 28, 2026. The campaign has involved coordinated air and missile strikes across multiple Iranian cities and military targets, including air defence systems, missile launchers and key leadership facilities.

U.S. Central Command has confirmed combat fatalities among American forces in the ongoing conflict zone, marking one of the first acknowledged deaths of U.S. service members in direct engagements with Iranian missiles or rockets.

Six U.S. service members were killed when Iranian forces launched missiles targeting a fortified U.S. tactical operations centre in Kuwait.

The above map displays individual guesses as yellow dots scattered across the globe, while correct answers are marked in green. The results reveal widespread confusion, with many respondents placing Iran in regions as varied as Europe, North Africa, Central Asia and even Australia.

Iran is located in Western Asia, bordered by Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with coastlines along the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. It plays a central role in Middle Eastern politics and global energy markets .

The findings came at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran in early 2020, following military escalations that brought the two countries to the brink of broader conflict.

It is 2026, and the US-Iran tensions are still blazing hot.

On Feb. 28, 2026, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes across Iran . The operation, referred to by Washington as Operation Epic Fury and by Israel as Operation Lion’s Roar, targeted military infrastructure, command centres and missile installations.

Blasts were reported in Tehran and several other cities, with Iranian air defence systems and missile launchers among the sites hit. U.S. and Israeli officials described the action as pre-emptive, aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities following stalled negotiations over its nuclear programme.

Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial wave of attacks, a claim later confirmed by multiple outlets, making it one of the most consequential moments in the conflict.

Chinese foreign ministry statement said the attack was “a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security ” that “tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations.”

“China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it,” the statement added, urging “an immediate stop to the military operations” and warning against “any further escalation of the tense situation.”

Beijing’s strongest leverage is diplomatic; it is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and has joined other countries in calling for restraint and a return to negotiations, even as fighting spreads across multiple fronts.

But China’s reported ability to broker a quick off-ramp may be limited. While Beijing has built close ties with Tehran and has previously helped mediate major Middle East diplomacy, including the Saudi-Iran détente , it has far less influence over Israel and the United States, who are central to any ceasefire plan.

China also has clear economic reasons to push for calm, including protecting regional stability and energy flows. China has been Iran’s biggest export market since 2019 and its largest source of imports since 2014, but Iran still makes up less than 1% of China’s total global trade.

In 2025, China bought more than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports, typically at a steep discount, and those purchases made up about 13.4% (roughly 13.5%) of China’s total oil imports by sea.

Sanchez said that following “the events of the last month, Venezuela is peacefully moving forward, and ready to receive investment, and trying to compete in the market, in the international market, like every other player.” He also referred to recent economic activity and projected growth, noting that even with past restrictions, the government aims for rapid economic expansion.

On Venezuela’s role in oil production, Sanchez stated: “We would like to be… We know that the reference for Venezuela is that the country with the biggest oil reserve. And we want to stop being known about this, and we want to be known as one of the countries with the highest production levels.” He added that the government intends to use oil revenues to diversify the economy .

The comments come amid significant political developments in Venezuela. A recent U.S. military action resulted in the arrest and removal of former President Nicolás Maduro, and Delcy Rodríguez has been designated interim president. The transition has drawn international attention and debate over the future leadership and governance of Venezuela.

The intelligence agency claims that Macron has authorised a plan to “eliminate ‘undesirable leaders’ in Africa,”  comparing the strategy to historical American operations in South America.

The SVR report describes the French leadership as “refined racists from Paris” who are struggling to maintain their reputation as a “parasitic metropolis, robbing its former colonies and hindering their development”.

The agency further alleges that France is “directly supporting terrorists of various stripes” and collaborating with the “Ukrainian regime” to supply militants in the Sahel with drones and instructors to destabilise sovereign governments.

A primary target of this alleged "destructive attention" is Madagascar, where a military takeover in October 2025 ousted President Andry Rajoelina. 

The SVR claims that because the new government under Colonel Randrianirina is “committed to developing relations with BRICS,” Paris is actively “exploring ways to overthrow” the new president to “restore a loyal regime”.

The coup in Madagascar followed a period of intense domestic turmoil triggered by widespread economic discontent, with 80% of the population living below the poverty line and the country suffering from high levels of corruption. The immediate spark for the 2025 protests involved persistent power outages and water shortages in the capital, Antananarivo. 

The movement was largely driven by Generation Z activists, organised via the "Gen Z Mada" social media movement, which used symbols like the "Jolly Roger" flag from the anime One Piece to represent rebellion against oppressive systems. 

The transition of power was finalised on October 15, 2025, after the elite military unit CAPSAT aligned with demonstrators and Parliament impeached Rajoelina, who eventually fled into exile citing an assassination plot.

The SVR’s warnings of French-backed destabilisation coincide with a major security incident in Niger. 

On January 29, General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of Niger’s military junta, accused France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire of sponsoring a "terrorist attack" on the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey.

The assault, which involved gunfire and explosions, damaged the fuselage and wings of commercial aircraft belonging to ASKY Airlines and Air Côte d’Ivoire. During a televised address, General Tiani named President Macron as a primary sponsor of the operation. 

“We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar,” Tiani declared. He also extended specific gratitude to Russian troops stationed at the base for “defending their sector” during the skirmish.

The SVR report also links France to an attempted coup in Burkina Faso on January 3, which aimed to assassinate the country's military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. 

Russian intelligence asserts that “France’s involvement... has already been established,” and claims similar efforts are underway to overthrow President Assimi Goïta in Mali through city blockades and terror against civilians. 

“The development of bilateral relations and security cooperation between the United States and Japan should contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability, not undermine it,” Guo stated.

His remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met in Tokyo the same day, declaring a “new Golden Age” in the US-Japan alliance — a sentiment that echoes Trump’s recent emphasis on strengthening bilateral military and economic ties.