Iran-US 14-Point Deal Sets $300bn Rebuild, Hormuz Reopening in 30 Days via UNSC Resolution

UNSC: Russia, China Veto US Resolution on Iran Sanctions Monitoring; Snapback Triggered Sept 2025

Russia and China vetoed a US-led UN Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of UN experts monitoring sanctions on Iran, which were reimposed via the 'snapback' mechanism in September 2025. The veto creates a monitoring gap; Iran currently holds 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a technical step away from weapons-grade. The US had sought to extend the expert panel for a year as part of its broader isolation campaign against Tehran.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Oil Jumps 5% as Iran-US Compensation Demands Stall Reopening

Oil prices surged ~5% as hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz faded after Iran demanded US sanctions relief and compensation, while President Trump counter-demanded compensation from Iran for past attacks. This standoff threatens global energy supplies, especially for import-dependent nations like India, and has pushed Brent crude to $87.72/barrel.

India Joins P4M Alliance, Seeks UN Security Council Seat 2028-29 as UN Authority Fades

India's growing global influence coincides with the UN's declining authority. The article analyses India's strategic dilemma: it must shape international rules while avoiding dependence on rival power blocs. Key development: India co-launched the Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) group with Brazil, Canada, Kenya, EU, Australia, Barbados to counter economic coercion and advance collective interests.

Iran-Oman Negotiate Strait of Hormuz Reopening: US Disputes Iran's Proposed 'Service Fee' on 20% Global Oil Route

Iran and Oman are negotiating a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran proposing a 'service fee' for vessels using its controlled lane. The US strongly opposes any arrangement that grants Iran control or revenue from the strategic waterway, creating a complex diplomatic standoff with direct implications for global energy security and India's oil imports.

US-Iran Talks on Strait of Hormuz Reopening: Oman-Backed Interim Deal Near, India's Energy Security at Stake

US President Trump claims an interim deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, with Oman and Qatar mediating. Any disruption here directly impacts India's crude oil imports and global energy prices, making this a key IR and energy security topic for exams.

Iran Lists 7 Tough Demands for Reopening Strait of Hormuz; US Talks Ongoing

Iran has set sweeping new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including lifting US sanctions, paying war reparations, and withdrawing troops. The standoff, which has shut one of the world's busiest oil routes, is causing a global energy shock. Talks with Oman and the US continue, but no agreement has been announced.

UNSC Report: Red Fort Attack 'Officially Attributed' to Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)

The UN Security Council's monitoring team has officially attributed the November 2025 Red Fort terror attack to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), highlighting the group's evolution into a decentralized regional entity. The report also raises concerns about AQIS exploiting Bangladesh for new cells and notes ongoing threats from ISIL-K and TTP in Afghanistan.

North Korea Launches 10 Ballistic Missiles; Seoul Estimates 80–120 Warheads vs Trump’s 57

North Korea launched 10 short-range ballistic missiles on August 20, 2026, escalating tensions just as US President Trump seeks to revive diplomacy with Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Defence Ministry estimates the North’s nuclear arsenal at 80–120 warheads—more than double Trump’s claim of 57—highlighting a major intelligence gap with strategic implications for regional stability and non-proliferation.