DUBAI — Iran is reviewing Washington’s response to its proposal to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and says it will communicate its position through intermediaries once the review is complete, as stalled negotiations and escalating Middle East tensions continue to threaten global energy security. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that Tehran was still examining the US response and remained in contact with Washington through intermediaries. His remarks indicate that diplomatic channels remain open, although major disagreements over the conditions for reopening the waterway and resuming negotiations have yet to be resolved.

The diplomatic impasse comes as oil prices remain elevated amid attacks on shipping and Saudi infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets through the Gulf of Oman.

Iran submitted its proposal in mid-September as part of efforts to end the conflict and restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei said Tehran would send its response to Washington through intermediaries after completing its review. He did not provide a specific timeline for the decision.

Iran’s security leadership has argued that Washington’s response does not adequately address seven conditions Tehran has outlined for reopening the waterway and returning to negotiations.

A central disagreement concerns the order in which the two sides should address outstanding issues. Washington wants Iran’s nuclear programme included at the beginning of negotiations, while Tehran argues that reopening the strait and restoring maritime security should take priority. The disagreement has complicated diplomatic efforts despite continued exchanges of messages between the two sides.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Before the current conflict, approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the waterway.

Its importance extends well beyond the Middle East. Major energy-importing economies in Asia, as well as markets in Europe, depend on uninterrupted shipments of oil and natural gas from Gulf producers. Disruptions to the route can increase shipping costs, delay deliveries and create uncertainty for refiners, energy companies and governments planning fuel supplies.

The continuing confrontation has already affected maritime traffic and energy exports. Even a partial recovery in shipping would depend on vessels being able to transit the strait safely and consistently.

Energy markets have reacted to the latest developments in the Middle East, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and incidents involving commercial shipping. Brent crude futures rose to $106.76 a barrel on October 11, while US West Texas Intermediate crude reached $93.69, according to Reuters. Prices were supported by concerns about the security of Gulf energy infrastructure and maritime routes.

Higher oil prices can increase transportation and manufacturing costs, place pressure on household fuel bills and complicate efforts by central banks to control inflation. However, prices also depend on factors beyond the Strait of Hormuz, including global demand, available inventories, production decisions and developments in other oil-producing regions. The longer maritime uncertainty persists, the more difficult it becomes for energy markets to assess the reliability of supplies from the Gulf.

Qatar and Pakistan are among the countries involved in efforts to facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran. Their diplomatic role reflects wider regional concerns about the economic and security consequences of a prolonged confrontation. A negotiated arrangement could potentially restore maritime traffic while creating a framework for addressing other outstanding disputes.

The negotiations nevertheless face substantial obstacles. The United States and Iran disagree on the sequencing of discussions, the conditions for reopening the waterway and the broader issues that should be included in a settlement. Neither side has publicly confirmed a final agreement to resolve the current impasse.

The Hormuz negotiations are unfolding alongside a separate escalation involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. Recent attacks on Riyadh have disrupted aviation and heightened concerns about the security of civilian infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has been considering its military response, while Washington has weighed whether to become more directly involved in operations against the Houthis.

The overlapping crises are increasing pressure on regional governments to strengthen defenses and prevent further disruption to international trade. Although the Houthi conflict and the US-Iran negotiations are distinct issues, both affect regional stability and the security of important maritime routes. Iran has reiterated that dialogue should be used to resolve the dispute involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, while continuing to review Washington’s response to its Hormuz proposal.

The immediate question is whether Iran will formally respond to the US proposal and whether that response can restart substantive negotiations. A breakthrough could help restore confidence in maritime transport and reduce some of the uncertainty affecting oil markets. Failure to reach an understanding could prolong disruptions and increase pressure on governments, shipping companies and energy producers.

Even if an agreement on reopening the strait emerges, a lasting resolution would depend on implementation, reliable maritime security arrangements and progress on the wider issues dividing Washington and Tehran.

For now, Iran says its review is continuing, and no final agreement has been announced. The outcome of the negotiations could have significant consequences for Middle East security, international shipping and the stability of global energy supplies.

NEW DELHI — Indian authorities detained protesters, opposition figures and journalists in Delhi ahead of a demonstration demanding the resignation of the country’s election chief, according to a Reuters report. Security restrictions were imposed in parts of the capital ahead of the protest, which centers on allegations concerning revisions to voter lists and the independence of India’s electoral process.

Opposition figures and critics have alleged that changes to voter rolls could unfairly benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Election Commission has disputed criticism of its electoral procedures. The protest adds to tensions over electoral transparency and the role of India’s election authorities, an issue with implications for public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

The allegations remain contested, and claims of political interference should be assessed against documentary evidence and responses from the Election Commission and the government. The developments have drawn attention to the balance between maintaining public order and protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and press freedom in the world’s most populous country.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed he should have received the Nobel Peace Prize, calling the award “forever discredited” after former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay was named this year’s laureate. In a Truth Social post Friday following a rally in Syracuse, New York, Trump repeated his claim that he had “settled eight Wars” and said he was close to resolving two more conflicts involving Iran and Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“The United States of America, represented by me, as your President, should have received the Nobel Peace Prize, but didn’t,” Trump wrote. He also criticized Norway over the decision and questioned Pillay’s qualifications, accusing her of being hostile toward Israel.

Pillay, a South African jurist, previously served as a judge at the International Criminal Court and as the United Nations high commissioner for human rights. She also chaired a UN commission that concluded Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a finding strongly rejected by the Israeli government.

Trump argued that international organizations had played no role in the conflicts he says he helped resolve. Pillay previously joked that she might share the prize with Trump after learning of the award.

Last year, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified that presenting the physical medal does not transfer the award or laureate status to another person. The committee has emphasized that the Nobel Peace Prize remains officially linked to the individual or organization selected by the committee.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — The United States has announced new sanctions-related measures against the International Criminal Court (ICC), with President Donald Trump’s administration warning that it will continue efforts to restrict the court’s activities unless its concerns are addressed.

In a statement explaining the decision, the administration said the measures were intended to protect American citizens, military personnel, and political leaders from what it considers the ICC’s unlawful assertion of jurisdiction over US nationals.

The administration emphasized that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, and rejects the court’s authority to prosecute Americans. It specifically cited concerns involving US servicemembers, Border Patrol agents, and elected officials responsible for national security.

According to the statement, Washington intends to prohibit certain transactions with the court and restrict its access to resources. The administration also warned that it could expand its efforts to dismantle the institution if the ICC and its member states fail to address American concerns.

The administration said it had given the court and its member states more than a year to respond to its demands. It argued that neither the court nor its member states had taken sufficient steps to resolve the dispute.

The latest action was taken under Section 1(a)(ii)(A) of Executive Order 14203, issued by President Trump on February 6, 2025. The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also announced related measures and general licenses permitting certain transactions involving the court. <Cite refs={[“turn378094search0″,”turn378094search1”]}/>

Despite the sanctions, the administration said it remained open to a diplomatic solution. It called on countries that are parties to the ICC to engage in discussions aimed at addressing Washington’s objections, warning that additional measures could follow if negotiations fail.

The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression under the conditions established by its founding treaty.

The United States has long opposed the court’s jurisdiction over American nationals, arguing that the country has not consented to the Rome Statute. The dispute has intensified amid broader disagreements over the court’s investigations and legal actions involving US interests and allies.

The ICC has previously condemned US sanctions targeting its judges and officials, describing such measures as threats to judicial independence and the international rule of law. The court has maintained that it will continue carrying out its mandate to pursue accountability for serious international crimes and provide justice for victims. <Cite refs={[“turn378094search4″,”turn378094news8”]}/>

The latest US measures are expected to further strain relations between Washington and countries supporting the ICC, while raising renewed questions about the court’s financial operations, international cooperation, and the limits of its jurisdiction.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has warned that global economic growth is expected to slow to 2.6% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025, as escalating tensions in the Middle East, rising energy costs and growing uncertainty in international trade put pressure on the world economy.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the latest economic outlook highlights the vulnerability of developing economies to geopolitical shocks and rising import costs. The agency cautions that the effects of the Middle East crisis are extending beyond the region, affecting energy markets, business confidence and the broader outlook for global trade.

The report comes at a time when governments and businesses are confronting a combination of geopolitical instability, inflationary pressures and changing international economic relationships.

The conflict in the Middle East has intensified concerns about global energy supplies, particularly as uncertainty surrounding oil production and shipping routes threatens to increase costs for businesses and consumers.

Higher energy prices can affect transportation, manufacturing, electricity generation and food distribution, creating additional pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses. Countries that rely heavily on imported fuel are particularly exposed, as rising import bills can weaken their financial positions and increase inflationary pressures.

UNCTAD’s assessment indicates that geopolitical instability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the global economic outlook. Continued uncertainty could discourage investment, disrupt supply chains and limit the ability of governments to support economic activity.

Developing Economies Face Growing Pressure
Developing countries are expected to experience uneven economic conditions as higher energy costs combine with existing financial challenges. Nations dependent on imported fuel and external borrowing could face greater difficulties financing infrastructure, public services and industrial development.

UNCTAD projects growth in developing economies at 4% in 2026, compared with 4.7% in 2025. Although the projected rate remains above the global average, the slowdown highlights the difficulties facing countries attempting to sustain economic expansion amid volatile international conditions.

The agency has also raised concerns about unequal access to investment, technology and higher-value industries. Economies with limited industrial capacity may struggle to capture the benefits of global trade and technological advances, widening existing development gaps.

International trade continues to provide opportunities for economic expansion, but shifting geopolitical relationships and changing supply chains are creating new challenges for businesses.

Demand for semiconductors, advanced computing equipment and artificial intelligence infrastructure has supported activity in parts of the global economy. However, UNCTAD warns that the benefits of technological investment remain concentrated in a relatively small number of economies and companies.

For countries seeking sustainable growth, strengthening domestic industries, improving access to technology and diversifying export markets will remain important priorities. The UN’s forecast underscores the uncertainty facing the world economy as policymakers respond to energy market volatility, geopolitical tensions and changing trade patterns.

The direction of oil prices, the security of major shipping routes and the progress of diplomatic efforts in the Middle East will be important factors influencing economic conditions in the coming months. While the global economy is still projected to expand in 2026, the lower growth forecast signals that countries may face a more difficult environment for investment, job creation and improvements in living standards.

The UNCTAD assessment reinforces the importance of international cooperation, resilient supply chains and policies that help vulnerable economies withstand external shocks.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe as shortages of medical supplies, damaged infrastructure and obstacles to reconstruction continue to challenge efforts to restore essential services.

The United Nations and its humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that Gaza’s health system remains under enormous pressure. In a UN Geneva briefing earlier this month, the World Health Organization said that no hospital in Gaza was fully functional, citing chronic shortages of medicines and medical equipment.

WHO said medical supplies can face lengthy approval procedures before entering Gaza. According to the agency, medical shipments had waited a median of 74 days for approval, while some equipment had been repeatedly rejected or delayed.

The consequences extend beyond hospitals. Without adequate diagnostic equipment and laboratory supplies, health authorities face greater difficulty identifying and responding to disease outbreaks. The humanitarian situation is also tied closely to the enormous scale of physical destruction.

A recent UN Trade and Development assessment estimated that Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction needs have reached approximately $71.5 billion. The assessment, based on work by the World Bank, European Union and United Nations, estimated physical infrastructure damage at $35.2 billion and economic and social losses at $22.7 billion as of early 2026.

Housing represents the largest category of damage and reconstruction needs. Educational and healthcare facilities have also suffered extensive damage, with more than half of hospitals and primary healthcare clinics reported as non-functional in the assessment.

Agriculture has been severely affected as well. UNCTAD reported that less than 1.5% of Gaza’s cropland remained accessible and undamaged, increasing dependence on humanitarian food assistance.

The humanitarian crisis is unfolding alongside continuing political disputes over Gaza’s future, security arrangements, disarmament and reconstruction.

A Washington Post report published Thursday said reconstruction remains largely stalled despite a U.S.-backed framework, citing disagreements over implementation and security arrangements. The report said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to live amid extensive destruction and inadequate infrastructure.

For international aid agencies, the challenge is therefore twofold: providing immediate assistance while establishing conditions that allow Gaza’s basic infrastructure and economy to recover.

UNCTAD said large-scale international financial and technical assistance will be required for recovery. It identified rebuilding agriculture, industry, construction, energy and technology as important elements of longer-term economic recovery.

The UN’s humanitarian agencies continue to call for predictable and sufficient access for medical and humanitarian supplies, warning that the scale of need remains far greater than current response capacity.

LONDON — Oil prices jumped sharply Thursday as attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz intensified concerns about global energy supplies.

Brent crude futures rose about 4.5% to $104.75 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased about 4.5% to $92.28, according to Reuters. Both benchmarks reached their highest levels in more than a week.

The latest price increase reflects a combination of geopolitical and supply concerns. Shipping attacks in the Gulf have increased, while uncertainty surrounding Iran and the security of the Strait of Hormuz has made traders increasingly concerned about the reliability of energy shipments.

The Strait is particularly important because it handled shipments equivalent to approximately 20% of global oil and fuel flows before the current conflict. Any prolonged reduction in traffic could have consequences well beyond the Middle East.

The latest attacks have also increased the cost and difficulty of moving energy products. Shipping companies are reassessing routes, while producers are looking for alternative ways to move oil and fuel to international markets.

At the same time, the United States is facing an additional supply concern because Hurricane Isaias is disrupting offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. Reuters reported that more than 25% of current U.S. Gulf oil production and more than 16% of natural-gas production had been shut in because of the storm as of Wednesday.

Major energy companies, including Shell and Chevron, have curtailed offshore operations as the hurricane approaches.

The International Energy Agency has also moved to accelerate the release of emergency oil stocks and prioritize diesel supplies as governments respond to high fuel prices and supply disruptions.

U.S. inventory data provided another source of upward pressure on prices. Crude inventories declined more than analysts had expected, while diesel inventories also fell.

The combination of Middle East tensions, shipping disruptions and reduced U.S. offshore production has created an unusually uncertain energy market.

For consumers, sustained increases in crude prices could eventually affect gasoline, diesel, airline and transportation costs. The extent of any impact will depend on how long shipping disruptions continue and whether alternative supply routes can compensate for reduced flows through the Gulf. Markets remain particularly sensitive to developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

WASHINGTON DC — Tensions between the United States and Iran are intensifying as risks to commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz increase, raising fresh concerns about global energy supplies and maritime security.

Iran has warned regional countries that attempts to establish or use alternative oil-export routes could be considered hostile, according to regional officials briefed on Tehran’s position. The warnings come after a sharp increase in attacks and incidents involving commercial vessels in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters reported Thursday that tanker attacks last week reached their highest level since the current Iran war began. The increase has contributed to a significant decline in vessel traffic through the strategic waterway.

The latest reported incident involved the chemical tanker Acers, which was struck by multiple projectiles north of Qatar. Maritime authorities said members of the crew sustained minor injuries. The incident occurred outside the Strait itself but highlighted concerns that the maritime security threat could extend to approaches involving Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the current conflict, shipments equivalent to roughly 20% of global oil and fuel flows passed through the waterway. Disruptions there can therefore affect not only countries in the Middle East but also energy prices, transportation costs and consumers worldwide.

The United States is considering additional measures toward Iran, while military activity and the security situation in the region continue to evolve. Reuters reported that U.S. naval and other options are under consideration as Washington weighs its response.

Oil-producing countries in the Gulf have been seeking alternative transportation arrangements, including routes that use the Omani side of the Strait before transferring shipments farther out in the Gulf of Oman.

The crisis is also affecting shipping companies. Higher risks and insurance and logistics costs are adding pressure to international trade, while companies are adjusting routes and fees in response to the uncertain security environment.

For Americans, the immediate concern is the potential economic impact. Prolonged disruption around Hormuz could place additional pressure on crude oil, gasoline, diesel and transportation prices.

The situation remains fluid, with governments and shipping operators closely monitoring developments across the Gulf.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new fee structure for international students seeking employment through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, including a $70,000 fee for initial OPT participation and a $30,000 fee for subsequent participation.

Under the proposed rule, the fees would be paid by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools rather than directly by F-1 students. DHS said the proposal is intended to address fraud and abuse, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system and protect U.S. workers.

The proposal would require a school to pay $70,000 when an F-1 student is initially recommended for OPT. A $30,000 fee would apply to any subsequent OPT authorization, including subsequent participation such as a STEM OPT extension.

“Optional Practical Training was never meant to be a back door into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labor, or a prize for those who game the system,” a DHS spokesperson said.

DHS said the proposed fees are intended to discourage the misuse of the OPT program and encourage schools to exercise greater oversight when recommending students for employment authorization.

Under current federal regulations, eligible F-1 students may participate in OPT when the employment is directly related to their major area of study. Students must receive a recommendation from their designated school official (DSO) and apply for employment authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

F-1 students may participate in OPT before completing their academic program, known as pre-completion OPT, or after completing their program, known as post-completion OPT. Eligible students can generally receive up to 12 months of OPT at each education level. Students who earn degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields may qualify for an additional 24-month extension.

DHS said the proposed rule follows concerns identified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regarding fraud and abuse involving schools, designated school officials, employers and F-1 students.

According to DHS, officials have identified schemes involving problematic worksites and so-called “pay-to-stay” arrangements, in which students allegedly maintain their immigration status through arrangements that do not reflect the intended purpose of practical training.

Under the proposed system, SEVP-certified schools would have to pay the applicable fee before their designated school officials recommend an F-1 student for OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

The fee would also have to be paid before the student applies for employment authorization with USCIS. DHS said USCIS would not grant employment authorization if the required fee had not been paid by the school.

The proposed fee would not be linked to a particular employer. Instead, it would apply when a school recommends an F-1 student for any type of OPT. The collected fees would be deposited into the U.S. Treasury.

The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to pursue changes to immigration and employment programs involving international students and foreign workers. The proposed OPT fee is separate from other immigration measures and remains subject to the federal rulemaking process.

The proposed fees would represent a significant new cost for colleges and universities that recommend international students for OPT. The program is widely used by international students seeking U.S. work experience after completing their studies, particularly graduates in STEM fields.

DHS will accept public comments on the proposed rule beginning October 8 and continuing through November 9. The Paperwork Reduction Act section of the proposal will have a separate 60-day public comment period.

After the comment period ends, DHS will review the submissions and other materials received from the public. The agency may revise the proposal before issuing a final rule. The proposal is not yet a final regulation. Until DHS completes the rulemaking process and issues a final rule, the proposed $70,000 and $30,000 fees do not constitute final OPT requirements.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Three years after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killings and hostage-taking while calling for an end to the continuing suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.

In a message marking the anniversary, Guterres said more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed in the attacks, in which civilians were targeted in their homes, communities and at a music festival. Another 251 people were abducted and taken hostage in Gaza, according to the United Nations.

“Nothing can justify these atrocities,” Guterres said, recalling meetings with Israeli families whose lives were devastated by the attacks. He also cited reports of torture, sexual violence and other mistreatment of hostages, as well as deaths in captivity and during the subsequent fighting.

Guterres also highlighted the extensive Palestinian civilian toll from the war that followed. According to UN agencies, more than 70,000 Palestinians, including about 20,000 children, have been killed, while more than 100,000 have been wounded. Nearly all of Gaza’s estimated 2.1 million residents have been displaced, and large parts of the territory have been destroyed.

“Civilians continue to endure intolerable conditions,” Guterres said, adding that their suffering “demands an end – now.”

The secretary-general said the ceasefire reached in October 2025 had brought some relief but had not yet delivered lasting security, sufficient humanitarian assistance or a credible path toward recovery and peace.

He urged all parties to fulfill their commitments and proceed to the next phase of the ceasefire under UN Security Council Resolution 2803. He also called for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza on a large scale and for the ceasefire to become permanent.

The UN humanitarian office, OCHA, said Israeli authorities had suspended the entry of cargo into Gaza on Monday and announced another suspension for Wednesday, citing security concerns related to the anniversary.

Guterres said the anniversary should serve not only as a day of mourning but also as an opportunity to pursue a different future in which Israelis and Palestinians can live together with their rights, dignity and aspirations respected.