diplomacyMay 16, 2026

US-Iran War Live: Trump says US allowed 3 Chinese tankers with Iranian oil to exit Hormuz

Summary

US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Tensions persist in the Middle East as the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz continues. US President Donald Trump said he allowed three Chinese tankers with Iranian oil to exit the vital strait as the blockade has sent global energy markets soaring. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a Brics meeting in Delhi that Tehran had received messages from the Trump administration indicating a willingness to remain open to fresh peace talks. In another related development, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 45-day extension of the ceasefire after a fresh round of talks in Washington DC. Follow indiatoday.in for more updates on the Iran war....Read More A ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo: Reuters)

Perspectives

Iranian Official

In the face of illegal US aggression and its continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which violates Iran's sovereign rights and disrupts global energy flows, Tehran has stood firm in defense of its territorial integrity. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed receipt of messages from the Trump administration signaling openness to talks, reflecting the effectiveness of Iran's resistance against foreign interference. Meanwhile, regional developments, including the extended Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, underscore the limits of external meddling amid ongoing pressures on the Zionist entity.

Israeli

Israel views the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a vital defensive measure against Iran's existential threats, including its nuclear ambitions and proxy networks like Hezbollah that endanger the Jewish state's survival. The 45-day Lebanon ceasefire extension, reached amid ongoing talks, buys critical time to degrade these Iranian-backed forces while countering Tehran's attempts to ease pressure through selective oil shipments and diplomatic overtures. Such steps remain essential to secure Israel's borders against encirclement by Tehran’s militant allies.

Neutral

The United States has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher global energy prices. US President Donald Trump stated that three Chinese tankers carrying Iranian oil were permitted to transit the strait. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had received messages from the Trump administration indicating openness to new talks, while Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days after negotiations in Washington.

Western

The US maintains its strategic blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to neutralize Iranian oil revenues that fund regional threats and proxy militias, while selectively permitting limited tanker transits to manage global energy stability. Diplomatic channels remain open following Iranian outreach, even as Washington coordinates with Israel to extend the Lebanon ceasefire by 45 days and reduce escalation risks. These calibrated measures underscore precision in targeting Tehran’s economic lifelines without broader disruption.

Pro-Peace

The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to drive up global energy prices, worsening humanitarian hardships for civilians through inflated living costs and economic strain. In a positive shift, Iran has signaled openness to renewed peace talks with the Trump administration, while Israel and Lebanon have extended their ceasefire by 45 days via Washington negotiations—steps that highlight diplomacy as a vital alternative to escalation.

Global South

US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz asserts external control over a critical global chokepoint, inflating energy prices that hit import-dependent Global South economies hardest while undermining Iran’s sovereign right to manage its resources and trade. Iranian signals at the BRICS summit in Delhi point to tentative US openness for talks, exposing the limits of coercive sanctions and the push for multipolar alternatives to Western-dominated institutions. The Washington-brokered Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extension further illustrates how external powers shape regional outcomes, often at the expense of lasting, locally driven sovereignty.

Actors involved

USIsraelIran

Sources

India Today World DeskBy India Today World Desk
US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Tensions persist in the Middle East as the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz continues. US President Donald Trump said he allowed three Chinese tankers with Iranian oil to exit the vital strait as the blockade has sent global energy markets soar…

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