Trump blames Iran for attacks on Indian ships; Israeli envoy Reuven Azar exclusive; more

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have escalated following deadly attacks on merchant vessels with Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors. Conflicting narratives have emerged; while US President Donald Trump blamed Iran for a drone attack, India summoned the US Chargé d'Affaires after US CENTCOM reportedly claimed responsibility for strikes as part of a naval blockade. The incidents occurred amid mixed signals from Washington, as Trump also called off other military strikes, suggesting a peace agreement with Iran could be imminent. This regional turmoil impacts global oil prices and highlights India's pragmatic foreign policy, which prioritises energy security by purchasing oil based on cost and availability, rejecting external pressures. An Israeli ambassador commented on the US strategy to counter the Iranian nuclear threat and its regional proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah.