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Trump administration tightens US immigration rules, mandates green card applicants to apply from home countries
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US President Donald Trump's administration on Friday announced a new policy requiring most foreign nationals applying for green cards to complete the process from outside the country instead of adjusting status within the US.US President Donald Trump's administration announced new rules for immigrants seeking green cards(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)Continuing its crackdown on immigrants in the US, President Donald Trump's administration on Friday (local time) announced a new policy for foreigners applying for permanent residency in the country.According to a Bloomberg report, those seeking permanent residency in Washington will be required to return to their home countries to seek green cards.Trump administration ramps up crackdown on immigrantsIn a statement, Zach Kahler, a spokesman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said, "From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances." Kahler added, "This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes."CBS News, citing officials, said they plan to end the option for many immigrants seeking a green card to complete the process without leaving the country. Under the new approach, most of these immigrants would instead have to return to their home countries and apply for an immigrant visa abroad at a US consulate.What does the document say?The memo, which was issued by USCIS on Friday, aims to strictly limit when the agency can allow immigrants to receive a green card via the "adjustment of status" process. According to reports, this route allows eligible immigrants already in the US to apply for permanent residency without having to leave the country and apply at a US consulate abroad.In a memo outlining the change, USCIS employees who decide applications for permanent residency were told that some exceptions could be made. The memo directed them to “consider and weigh all the relevant evidence in the record, taking into account the totality of the circumstances to determine whether the alien is suitable for permanent residence.”Additionally, it also directs federal agency officers to view adjustment of status as an "extraordinary" form of relief and an act of "administrative grace," citing federal law to argue that most green card applicants should complete the process overseas. Further, officers have now been told to see adjustment of status as a rare and special benefit, not a normal option. Officers are now instructed to view choosing adjustment of status over applying at a US consulate abroad as a negative factor in a person’s case.While the policy does not clearly state all the exceptions, the memo says that some groups, such as those on "dual intent" visas like H-1Bs for high-skilled workers, as well as refugees and asylees, will likely be allowed to apply for a green card in the country via adjustment of status.Trump's policy change could impact thousandsAccording to immigration law experts, the announcement of a new policy could impact hundreds of thousands of people a year and potentially reduce legal immigration further amid a sweeping government crackdown.The Trump administration has introduced a series of restrictions affecting everyone from asylum seekers to students and highly skilled workers.The new rules broadly affect foreigners who entered the US on temporary non-immigrant visas, such as students, H-1B or L visa workers, and visitors. Washington grants about one million green cards annually, but nearly half are for foreign relatives sponsored by US citizens, and those cases are typically already handled outside the country.Trump administration's stance on immigrantsThe developments come at a time when citizens of at least 39 countries, mostly in Africa and Asia, are barred or restricted from entering Washington under a proclamation signed by the US President on national security grounds, commo
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Washington will not be doing scheduled attack of Iran after Tehran's peace proposal. Amid ongoing nuclear deal negotiations, he signalled possibility of arriving at a peace deal.Trump Names ‘Scared’ Arab Allies, Who Are ‘Pleading’ For Mojtaba Amid Iran's Final Warning?US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that he had put a planned attack on Iran on hold after Tehran sent a peace proposal to Washington. In a social media post on Truth Social, POTUS said that there was now a "very good chance" of reaching a deal limiting Iran's nuclear program. Amid ongoing nuclear deal negotiations, he signalled possibility of arriving at a peace deal.The post states, “I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond."‘Will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow’Threatening Iran that the US will not abstain from rescheduling the planned attack, he added, "This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN! Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Daniel Caine, and The United States Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached.”While addressing reporters later, he expressed that said the United States would be satisfied if it could reach an agreement with Iran that prevents Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. "There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy," Reuters quoted Trump as saying.Amid the fragile ceasefire, which is in effect since 8 April, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran's views had been “conveyed to the American side through Pakistan”, Reuters reported.According to a Pakistani source, Iran's latest proposal has been shared with Washington. Notably, Islamabad has ben conveyed messages between the sides in the war in the Middle East since hosting the only round of peace talks last monthThe sides "keep changing their goalposts," the Pakistani source said, adding: "We don't have much time."Stay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and US news. HomeNewsUs NewsDid Trump put off planned attack on Iran? US Prez signals chance for nuclear deal after Tehran's peace proposalMore
Daniel Craig played 007 across five films. Before him, the role was held by Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, George Lazenby and Sean Connery.White House's post of Trump as BondWith the search for the next James Bond officially underway, the White House has a suggestion of its own to fill the role of Ian Fleming's iconic British secret agent 007 — US President Donald Trump.Amazon MGM Studios has hired acclaimed casting director Nina Gold to find a successor to Daniel Craig. The new actor will headline one of global cinema's most enduring franchises with a screen history stretching back to 1962.Trump as Bond?In an X post, the White House shared a 007-styled poster showing Trump in a tuxedo holding a gun, overlaid with "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN" and "007" branding alongside its logo.This is not the first time the White House has posted an AI-generated graphic featuring Trump on its official handle; the administration has used several movie references and meme-style content since Trump took charge.The US President himself shares several AI-generated images and videos, sometimes even reimagining himself as “doctor” Jesus and even the Golden era of Gaza under him.How did netizens react?Social media users were not thrilled to see White House pushing for Trump as the next Bond, even if it was just satirical.“They’re doing anything to market him and make him likeable again, but it’s not going to work. He messed up,” a user said.Another added, “Countries are not made great by shit posting while your family and billionaires raid what’s left of this nation. Every president before you, even Hoover, was better than you.”“Make America Great Again by posting Facebook uncle tier AI images every 6 hours. This is what the people voted for. Not all those promises Trump made during his campaign trail,” said another user.“White House posting James Bond edits while inflation is hurting Americans, allies don’t trust them anymore, and global diplomacy is a mess. Bro thinks he’s 007 but the script looks more like a parody at this point,” a user said.A netizen suggested Trump would be “better suited as a Bond villain” but said he lacks the intelligence for that. “Donald Trump would be better suited as a Bond villain. He checks all of the boxes, except for intelligence. So maybe not quite the Bond villain. But a villain nonetheless.”“ok so he went from being Jesus (doctor) to 007, i dont know if because of his age he is starting to have dementia. someone please give him his meds,” said another netizen.The comment section was filled with alternate versions of the White House 007-poster, and of Trump reimagined in different roles.Hunt for the next James Bond onIn a statement to Variety, Amazon MGM Studios said that the search for the next James Bond is underway. “While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”The creative team for the upcoming project, tentatively called Bond 26, is already in place.Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed French-Canadian director of “Dune”, will helm the project from a script by "Peaky Blinders" scribe Steven Knight.Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce, with Villeneuve's wife and creative partner Tanya Lapointe serving as executive producer.Last year, Amazon MGM announced a landmark joint venture with longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, gaining creative control of the iconic franchise.Daniel Craig played 007 across five films — "Casino Royale" (2006), "Quantum of Solace" (2008), "Skyfall" (2012), "Spectre" (2015) and "No Time to Die" (2021). Before him, the role was held by Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, George Lazenby and Sean Connery.About the AuthorArshdeep KaurArshdeep Kaur is a Senior Content Producer at Mint, where she reports and edits across national and international politics, business and culture‑adjacent trending stories for digital audience. With five yea
Jimmy Kimmel said his feud with Donald Trump has cost ABC billions while boosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” ratings. He joked about his impact at a Disney event and defended political satire, citing First Amendment protections amid ongoing disputes and criticism from the White House.Jimmy Kimmel seeks handouts as Trump battles cost billionsJimmy Kimmel, the host of a late-night talk show, has recently said that his ongoing battle with US President Donald Trump has cost ABC and its parent company, the Walt Disney Company, "billions."According to USA Today, Kimmel, in his annual no-holds-barred stand-up routine at the Disney Upfronts for advertisers on May 12, mocked his financial impact on the company, referencing incidents such as ABC’s September suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” amid pressure from the White House.Kimmel says battle with White House cost ABC "billions"Kimmel on Tuesday said, "I cost our company a lot of money this year, billions. It is very possible that no employee in the history of any company has cost their employer more than hiring me 24 years ago," and added, "Just from a purely mathematical standpoint, I was the worst personnel decision that the Disney Corporation ever made. Not even the captain of the Exxon Valdez did more damage."As he continued his stand-up routine, his sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez, wandered among the wealthy advertisers with a collection basket, seeking donations. Kimmel reportedly received $7 and a tennis ball.Battle with White House raises Kimmel's show ratingsHowever, despite him costing the network "billions", his highly publicised battle with the White House and the US President has reportedly been beneficial for "Live!" ratings. Elaborating on this, Kimmel said, "Largely thanks to our partners in Washington, we are up 25% in viewers aged 18 to 49," and added, "It's a big deal for your numbers to go up nowadays. But if (legendary "Tonight Show" host) Johnny Carson woke up with my ratings, he'd have gone straight under the sink and chugged all the Drano he found there."Kimmel vs Trump: Here's all you need to knowEarlier in April, the US President called on the ABC network to fire Kimmel over a joke that Trump said was “really shocking.” The development came after the late-night host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” held a mock roast of the president on April 23. Alongside jokes about Jeffrey Epstein and flatulence, he quipped at the first lady, Melania Trump, “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”Calling out his joke on April 27, Trump, in a Truth Social post, wrote that Kimmel's “hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy — his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America.”Trump went on to call the joke a “despicable call to violence," and called for his removal from ABC. Following Trump's remarks, Kimmel defended himself and said the joke was about their age difference. He added, "It was not by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination — and they know that."This isn't the first time that Trump has sought Kimmel's removal. In September last year, Kimmel's show was taken off air by ABC after he suggested that the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk was associated with Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. While initially the company called the suspension indefinite, ABC brought it back on the air in a week.On his return, Kimmel acknowledged that his remarks were “ill-timed,” but also said, “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American.”Despite repeated political backlash and public criticism from the White House, Kimmel has continued with his jokes as part of his routine and has often cited the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects fundamental freedoms related to speech and expression.About the AuthorSwati GandhiSwati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in internatio
Fuel prices across the United States have risen sharply since the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran began on February 28. According to AAA, the average national gasoline price reached $4.52 per gallon on Monday — roughly 50% higher than the average price before the conflict began.US President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, May 11, 2026.Photographer: Aaron Schwartz/Sipa/Bloomberg(Bloomberg)President Donald Trump said on Monday (May 11) that he plans to suspend the federal gasoline tax as Americans grapple with sharply rising fuel prices following the war with Iran.Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the suspension would remain in place for as long as necessary.Asked how long the suspension would last, Trump replied: “Till it’s appropriate.”Trump says even small tax relief ‘is still money’Trump acknowledged that the federal gasoline tax represents only a small portion of overall fuel costs but argued that any reduction would still help consumers.“It’s a small percentage, but you know it’s still money,” he said during remarks in the Oval Office.The federal tax currently stands at 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel fuel, according to the US Energy Information Administration.The tax is separate from state fuel taxes, which can add significantly more to pump prices.Gas prices surge following Iran warFuel prices across the United States have risen sharply since the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran began on February 28.According to AAA, the average national gasoline price reached $4.52 per gallon on Monday — roughly 50% higher than the average price before the conflict began.The current national average is the highest since 2022, when gas prices peaked at $5.01 per gallon.Rising fuel costs have also increased concerns about broader inflation, including higher prices for groceries, transportation and consumer goods.Congress must approve gas tax waiverAlthough Trump supports suspending the federal gas tax, the move would require congressional approval.Lawmakers from both parties have backed proposals to temporarily pause the tax to provide relief for households and businesses struggling with transportation costs.The federal fuel tax generates more than $23 billion annually to fund highway construction and public transit programs across the United States.Several states, including Indiana and Georgia, have already temporarily suspended their state gasoline taxes amid rising energy costs.Other states are reportedly considering similar measures.Trump Administration takes additional stepsAs fuel prices continue climbing, the Trump administration has taken several emergency measures aimed at stabilizing oil markets.The administration has released millions of barrels of oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve and temporarily eased sanctions on certain Russian and Iranian oil shipments already at sea.Washington is also reportedly negotiating with countries dependent on Middle Eastern crude oil to form a coalition to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.Roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil normally passes through the strait, making the region central to global energy markets.Republicans concerned about midterm impactThe surge in fuel prices has raised political concerns for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.Higher gasoline prices are viewed as a potential vulnerability for Trump and his allies as voters face increasing living costs.Trump had previously argued that higher energy prices were justified to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.However, the administration’s stance appeared to soften over the weekend when Chris Wright signaled openness to tax relief measures.“We’re open to all ideas,” Wright said during an interview with NBC News, including a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline tax.
US President Donald Trump said he still wants to personally inspect the gold reserves stored at Fort Knox, arguing that Americans deserve confirmation the nation’s bullion remains inside the heavily guarded facility.Trump said he remains interested in opening the famous vault.“We wanted to go and knock on the door of Fort Knox — a very thick door — and to see whether or not we have any gold in there,” Trump said, speaking to “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson” in an interview aired Sunday (May 10).Fort Knox stores massive US gold reserveFort Knox is home to one of the world’s largest known gold reserves and has long symbolised the financial strength and security of the United States.According to the United States Mint, the depository holds at least 147.3 million ounces — roughly 9.2 million pounds — of gold bullion.The government officially values the gold at $42.22 per ounce, placing its book value at around $6.2 billion.However, with gold prices currently hovering near $4,700 an ounce, the market value of the reserve is estimated to be close to $700 billion.Musk previously raised Fort Knox questionsTrump’s comments come after former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk drew attention to Fort Knox last year.Musk reacted publicly after a social media user suggested he should inspect America’s gold reserves, fuelling online speculation and renewed public curiosity about the contents of the vault.The elaborate security surrounding Fort Knox has made it one of the most famous and secretive locations in the United States.New York Fed holds even larger vaultWhile Fort Knox is widely recognised as America’s most famous gold depository, the largest gold vault in the United States — and the world — is located beneath the Federal Reserve Bank of New York building in New York City.What is Fort Knox?Fort Knox is one of the most heavily guarded military installations in the United States and is best known for housing a large portion of America’s gold reserves.Located in the state of Kentucky, Fort Knox sits south of the city of Louisville and covers more than 100,000 acres. The site is operated by the US Army and also contains the famous United States Bullion Depository — often simply called “the Fort Knox gold vault.”The name “Fort Knox” has become synonymous with extreme security and protection.Why is Fort Knox famous?Fort Knox gained worldwide attention because it stores thousands of tons of gold bullion belonging to the US Treasury.The vault was built in 1936 during the Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt as concerns grew over economic instability and global conflict.The first shipment of gold arrived in 1937 under tight military protection.Today, Fort Knox is believed to hold around 147 million troy ounces of gold, making it one of the largest known gold repositories in the world.The bullion stored there is owned by the United States Department of the Treasury.Security measures at Fort KnoxFort Knox is famous for its elaborate security systems.The gold vault is constructed with granite walls, steel plating, blast-proof doors and highly secure locking systems. Access is extremely restricted, and the exact security procedures are not publicly disclosed.The facility is protected by multiple layers of fencing, surveillance systems, armed guards and military personnel.According to the US Mint, no single person knows all the procedures required to open the vault.The site has become a cultural symbol of impenetrable security, often referenced in movies, books and television shows.More than just gold storageAlthough best known for gold reserves, Fort Knox also serves as an active US Army installation.It has historically been used for military training, armored divisions and personnel operations.The installation currently hosts several Army commands and human resources operations.Over the years, Fort Knox has also temporarily safeguarded important national treasures, including original historical documents during World W
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Russia-Ukraine war may be nearing an end after Victory Day celebrations, while expressing willingness to negotiate future European security arrangements. His remarks came amid ongoing conflict, diplomatic tensions, and a proposed temporary ceasefire.Russian President Vladimir Putin says war in Ukraine might be nearing an end(AFP)Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (local time) said that he thought the Ukraine war was coming to an end, remarks that came just hours after he had vowed victory in Ukraine at Moscow's most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years.Speaking to reporters, Putin said, "I think that the matter is coming to an end," and added that he would be willing to negotiate new security arrangements for Europe, and that his preferred negotiating partner would be Germany's former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Reuters reported.The Russian President was speaking in the Kremlin after setting out his view of the causes of the Ukraine war, which Moscow launched in February 2022. Blaming "globalist" Western leaders, Putin said they promised the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would not expand eastward after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall, but then tried to draw Ukraine into the European Union's orbit.His remarks came just hours after the parade on the May 9 national holiday celebrating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The annual event pays homage to the 27 million Soviet citizens who perished in that war.Russia's Victory Day celebrationsFollowing the parade, Putin told reporters that US President Donald Trump offered to broker a ceasefire after Moscow informed the US and others that it would launch a massive strike on central Kyiv, a move that carried a high risk of collateral damage if Ukraine attempted to disrupt Saturday’s festivities.Quoting Putin, AP reported, "We just described the situation to our friends, colleagues and partners: We don't have any intention to exacerbate or worsen relations with anyone, but it could happen because all control and decision-making centers in Kyiv are located close to diplomatic missions." He added, "When we started such a dialogue with the U.S. administration, we warned them about this, pointed out the possible consequences, and asked them to do everything necessary to ensure the security of their diplomatic mission.”He further noted that Moscow welcomed the US President's offer to broker a ceasefire, which was driven by humanitarian motives and “respect for our common victory over Nazism.”The Russian President added that he could meet Zelenskyy when a peace deal is ready for signing.On Friday, Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, citing Victory Day celebrations.Trump announces three-day ceasefireIn a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv and wrote, "I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine. The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day, but likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II."He added, "This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard-fought War. Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day."Russia-Ukraine warRussian troops have been fighting in Ukraine for over four years now, which is longer than Soviet forces fought in World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War of 1941-45.So far, Russian forces haven't succeeded in taking the whole of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv's forc
The US and Iran exchanged fire, escalating tensions despite a ceasefire. Iran accused the US of targeting its ships, while the US claimed retaliation for Iranian attacks. US and Iran Exchange Fire Amid Ceasefire Tensions, Trump Calls Attacks a Trifle(AP)The United States and Iran exchanged fire on Thursday in the most serious test yet of their month-long ceasefire. Tehran said US forces targeted two ships entering the Strait of Hormuz and struck Iranian territory, while Washington claimed its military action was a response to Iranian attacks. However, both insisted they do not seek escalation.The renewed hostilities broke out as Washington was awaiting Iran's response to a US proposal that would stop the fighting but leave the most contentious issues, such as Iran's nuclear program, unresolved for now.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump brushed off Iran’s attacks on three American warships as “a trifle,” insisting the ceasefire remained intact and claiming US forces “blew them away.” Here's a look at who said whatWhat Iran said?Iran's top joint military command accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another ship, and of carrying out air attacks on civilian areas on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and the nearby coastal areas of Bandar Khamir and Sirik on the mainland. The military said it responded by attacking U.S. military vessels east of the strait and south of the port of Chabahar.A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the Iranian strikes inflicted "significant damage," but U.S. Central Command said none of its assets were hit.What US said?Centcom said Iran had used missiles, drones and small boats in the attack, which targeted three Navy destroyers. The U.S. said it targeted missile and drone sites and other locations in response."CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces," it said in a statement.Iran also said it would respond if attacked."(The) U.S. and its allies must know that Iran will respond forcefully and without the slightest hesitation to any act of aggression or attack," the military spokesperson said, according to state television.What Trump said?Trump dismissed Iran's attacks on three American warships Thursday as "a trifle," saying he considered the ceasefire still active.Asked during a visit to see renovations of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool if the Iran ceasefire was still on despite the attacks, Trump said: "Yeah it is. They trifled with us today. We blew them away. They trifled. I call that a trifle."Earlier, Trump, in a social media post that repeated parts of the Central Command statement, said three U.S. destroyers transited out of the Strait of Hormuz and came under fire, but suffered no damage, while stating that the Iranian attackers were "completely destroyed" along with several small boats."These boats went to the bottom of the Sea, quickly and efficiently," he said. "Missiles were shot at our Destroyers, and were easily knocked down. Likewise, drones came, and were incinerated while in the air."Trump also urged Iran to accept a negotiated end to the war, saying: "We’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!"Oil prices surges againThe war has tested Trump's relationship with his U.S. base of supporters, after he had campaigned against involving the United States in foreign wars and promised to bring down fuel prices.U.S. crude futures rose as much as 3% in early trading in Asia on Friday after the renewed hostilities broke out.U.S. gasoline prices have climbed more than 40% since late February, rising by about $1.20 a gallon to more than $4, according to data from the American Automobile Association, as disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz pushed crude oil prices higher.Markets have swung sharply during the course of the war as hopes for a peace deal repeatedly rose and
President Trump stated that three US Navy destroyers passed through the Strait of Hormuz under fire, sustaining no damage. He claimed significant damage was inflicted on Iranian attackers, who he described as led by lunatics. US and Iran Exchange Fire as Tensions Rise in Strait of Hormuz(Bloomberg)President Donald Trump said on Thursday three US Navy destroyers transited out of the Strait of Hormuz under fire, adding that the American destroyers were not damaged but "great damage was done to Iranian attackers.""Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire. There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers," Trump wrote on Truth Social."They were completely destroyed along with numerous small boats," he said.He also claimed that a normal country would have allowed these destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal country. They are led by LUNATICS, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question.“But they’ll never have that opportunity and, just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!”The three destroyers will now rejoin the Naval Blockade.US-Iran exchange fireEarlier, the United States and Iran exchanged fire on Thursday in the most serious flare-up since their month-long ceasefire began, though both sides later signalled a desire to avoid further escalation.Iran's military said the US targeted two ships entering the Strait of Hormuz and carried out strikes on Iranian territory. The US military said it fired in response to Iranian attacks.Trump told an ABC reporter that the ceasefire remained intact, brushing aside the exchange as “just a love tap,” according to the reporter’s post on social media. Iranian state media later reported that calm had been restored and the situation had returned to normal.The renewed hostilities broke out as Washington was awaiting Iran's response to a U.S. proposal that would stop the fighting but leave the most contentious issues, such as Iran's nuclear program, unresolved for now.The two sides have occasionally exchanged gunfire since the ceasefire took effect on April 7.Iran's top joint military command accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another ship, and of carrying out air attacks on civilian areas on Qeshm Island in the strait and nearby coastal areas of Bandar Khamir Sirik on the mainland. The military said it responded by attacking US military vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz and south of the port of Chabahar.A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the strikes inflicted "significant damage," but U.S. Central Command said none of its assets were hit.Centcom, meanwhile, said Iran had used missiles, drones and small boats in the attack, which targeted three Navy destroyers. The U.S. said it targeted missile and drone sites and other locations in response."CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces," the statement added.Iran's Press TV later reported that following several hours of fire "the situation on Iranian islands and coastal cities by the Strait of Hormuz is back to normal now."(With inputs from agencies)About the AuthorSanchari GhoshSanchari Ghosh is a Chief Content Producer at Livemint with 12 years of experience. She takes a keen interest in all things news. Before joining LiveMint, Sanchari worked with BloombergQuint, Outlook Money, Times of India & DNA. Off duty, Sanchari is a sports enthusiast at heart and alternates between tennis, football, and cricket.Get Latest real-time updatesStay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and US news. HomeNewsUs News‘We’ll knock them out harder’: Trump brands Iran’s leaders ‘lunatics’ after latest strikeMore
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