Iran and US give Conflicting Claims on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Activity | NewsX World

Added: 2026-05-24

[00:00:07]Hello and welcome to the News 6 World.

[00:00:09]I'm Asima Khattak. Let's look at some of the headlines of this hour.

[00:00:16]A gunman opened fire near [music] the White House on Saturday evening with US Secret Service agents killing [music] the assailant in a shootout, during which a bystander was also struck.

[00:00:27]Secret [music] Service Communications Chief Anthony Guglielmi Guglielmi [music] has said the US President Donald Trump was in the White House at the time, but no but was not [music] impacted by the incident.

[00:00:48]The Ukrainian [music] capital's mayor has said huge Russian overnight strikes on Kyiv hit a school and sparked fire.

[00:00:54]The attacks [music] took place after Moscow threatened retaliation for Ukrainian strikes in the Russian-occupied east of the country that it said killed 18 people at a college dormitory. [music] Pakistan's Prime Minister [music] Shehbaz Sharif said that he hoped his country could soon host the next round of peace talks between Iran and the United States. This comes as Pakistan [music] continues to make mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.

[00:01:25]Emergency [music] rescuers in northern China were undertaking a major operation on Sunday to find two people still missing after a gas explosion [music] at a coal mine where 82 people were killed.

[00:01:42]Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have [music] now updated the death toll from the Ebola outbreak to 204 people on >> [music] >> late Saturday. This comes as the Red Cross said three volunteers had also died there as well.

[00:02:02]US President Donald Trump wrote on Saturday that a memorandum of understanding [music] on a peace deal with Iran is largely negotiated as President Trump [music] also said he spoke with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday as well.

[00:02:20]A Philippines local government official said [music] 19 people are feared trapped after a building under construction [music] near Manila collapsed. Officials in Angeles City around 80 km [music] north of Manila said that they had received a report at about 3:00 [music] a.m. local time that an unfinished nine-story concrete building had given way.

[00:02:45]Iranian judiciary's [music] media has reported that Iran executed a person for charges related to sending information to the US and Israel [music] during the war. According to the news agency, the individual is identified as Mojtaba Kian and who was sending [music] data about Iran's defense industry to the enemy.

[00:03:11]Now we move the focus on to Middle East to US-Iran talks.

[00:03:15]Now let's look at more details. The United States and Iran are reportedly close to signing a draft memorandum of understanding that would extend the currency swap by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to Axios reports, the proposed agreement would also different accounts of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that 25 commercial vessels including oil tankers are container and container ships safely pass through the strait over the past 24 hours under Iranian security coordination.

[00:04:01]While the IRGC has said all ships must receive approval from Iranian forces before transiting the strategic waterway, which remains a critical route for global energy supplies. Meanwhile, the US Central Command said its naval blockade has forced more than 100 commercial vessels to change course over the past 6 weeks. Washington says more than 15,000 US personnel, backed by warships and aircraft carrier groups, are enforcing the blockade around Iranian ports in the Gulf of Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

[00:04:38]Now, we welcome Ambassador Suresh Goel.

[00:04:41]He's a former Indian diplomat, joins us live from New Delhi. Thank you very much, Ambassador Goel, for joining us once again. Good to see you.

[00:04:50]Now, Ambassador how do you think how far away or how close are we to uh successful negotiation uh and something a breakthrough between US and Iran?

[00:05:10]Ambassador, you might be muted here.

[00:05:14]Uh Thank you.

[00:05:15]>> now? Yes. Thank you. I'm sorry. Uh I am good morning to you, Asma.

[00:05:20]Uh Asma, uh now, honest answer to your question is I don't really know.

[00:05:26]Frankly speaking, in this whole uh issue of opening up of the Strait of Hormuz and the agreement between Iran and the USA, there are so many uh issues which are not clear.

[00:05:39]Uh frank frankly, if I see where the agreement control could be, it is quite clear to both the sides.

[00:05:48]There are certain areas which are local.

[00:05:51]There are certain certain areas where Iran will maintain its position. Certain areas where the USA cannot really relax and cannot let go of its positions.

[00:06:03]Unlike the nuclear material.

[00:06:07]And now nuclear material, I don't think it's going to be Iran cannot simply say that I'm going to give up my material. They They don't They don't want to exercise the nuclear option. They clearly said so in the beginning itself. And therefore, making a nuclear weapon is not at all on the table.

[00:06:27]Iran agrees to it. It is an issue of really who will maintain control over slightly enriched nuclear material which already exists in Iran. I don't think that is such a huge thing that can be sorted out. But I think the security of Iran, stopping the war, attacks on the different places, including I think what Iran is saying, including in Lebanon, are the issues of security and the end of war.

[00:06:56]And to that, if I'm not mistaken, USA had the Last time I saw the 14 points.

[00:07:05]USA had agreed that they will do so that the the attacks will stop. But then there is an issue of Israel.

[00:07:13]Will Israel want to go along with what USA is committed to?

[00:07:17]And there are clear differences between Israel and the USA now. So till all these things are resolved, we do not how far it is going to go. All that I can say is that I think Iran will be keen to really uh reach a quick agreement. After all, it is affecting their economy.

[00:07:38]USA will be keen to have a quick agreement because the midterm elections are soon to approach and the inflation in the USA is actually going to impact on Trump's election chances. So, they both want to do it, but not Israel.

[00:07:56]So, let us see where it goes. As far as the Strait of Hormuz is concerned, the versions are going to vary, but there are some ships which are passing through the straits. There are many ships which are not passing through the strait.

[00:08:09]That uh uh I think the the lack of clarity will persist till the war actually stops.

[00:08:20]So, building on that, Ambassador, how we're seeing different reports of, you know, some saying that US and Israel are as aligned as they were in the beginning of the war versus some reports suggesting that Netanyahu is really upset with President Trump or they have agreement disagreements with JD Vance and Netanyahu. Uh what more can you tell us about that?

[00:08:47]Again, uh I think the reports of disagreement between uh USA and Israel are not official anymore.

[00:08:58]Uh everybody knows that if there are impediments in reaching an agreement with Iran, it's mostly because of the Israeli influence.

[00:09:11]The ceasefire in Lebanon exists only for the sake for the namesake. Because despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks on the Lebanese territories continue.

[00:09:21]They have I I think Israel itself has an agenda of supremacy in Middle East.

[00:09:31]And in that supremacy which they want to achieve for so-called political security or political uh uh you know uh I I think this security really to avoid any further attacks on them, to avoid any further conflicts in future.

[00:09:52]They want to have certain area around Israel which are unapproachable by others.

[00:09:59]That means under Israeli control.

[00:10:02]So, they want to build up this periphery of control.

[00:10:05]That is going to be a whole huge issue.

[00:10:08]Yes.

[00:10:09]>> And the problem is that USA may not agree to it.

[00:10:14]The differences will continue.

[00:10:16]And Israel issue will be how long can Israel stay the course on its own even if USA wants it to change the course.

[00:10:28]Yes.

[00:10:30]And bringing in Middle East our conversation how do you think how is Middle Eastern power not powers like the countries who most of them have were um pulled into this chaos are viewing this and what is their stance?

[00:10:52]See uh uh most of the American attacks on Israel or on Iran they came from the bases around in the area which are mostly in the Gulf and the Middle Eastern countries. UAE Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc. etc. And therefore in Iranian calculation those countries, if not the countries, at least the areas from where the USA armed forces operate are part of the war.

[00:11:20]And therefore they attack them.

[00:11:23]Gulf has been drawn into the war because of the presence of American forces in the area.

[00:11:29]Uh this has also created fissures amongst the Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

[00:11:37]Saudi Arabia is clearly on the other side uh than the UAE uh is which is closer to the USA in this in this whole uh fact in this whole dynamics.

[00:11:50]So, Gulf itself is I think what you would call uh a kind of uh inflection point.

[00:12:03]The whole security will depend upon what kind of an agreement is reached with Iran.

[00:12:10]And that's the reason you see so many Gulf countries are present in Washington talking to Trump to see what kind of an agreement can be done.

[00:12:22]So, it's not going to be easy, but more than the Gulf countries, it is actually Israel what they want and ultimately what actually means is agreed between these three.

[00:12:34]With that, I'd like to thank Ambassador Suresh Goyal. Thank you very much for joining us.

[00:12:40]Now, we move on the focus to Russia-Ukraine war. Let's look at some developments coming in from Ukraine.

[00:12:48]Residents of Kyiv fled underground into metro stations overnight as a massive Russian aerial assault sent explosions echoing across the city in one of the most intense attacks towards the Ukrainian capital in recent weeks. Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, has confirmed that one person was killed and 21 others injured including a 15-year-old boy with 13 people hospitalized. Three of them are in serious condition.

[00:13:19]Residents who took shelter in the metro described the night as absolutely terrifying as blasts rang out across multiple districts of the city with the sound of of explosions and air defenses firing punctuating the darkness for hours.

[00:13:37]The attack on Kiev was part of another large-scale Russian aerial assault targeting multiple regions across Ukraine simultaneously.

[00:13:47]This comes as Russia earlier this week announced a three-day nuclear forces exercise launching ballistic and cruise missiles from test sites in Russian territory in a chilling display of military posturing as peace talks for Ukraine remained stalled.

[00:14:04]Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has vowed to Ukraine that will Ukraine will respond as families huddle underground in Kiev's metro tunnels.

[00:14:13]Let's listen in to what a local has shared.

[00:14:45]Now for this discussion we welcome Dr. Satoru Nagao. He's a fellow at Hudson Institute joining us live from Tokyo.

[00:14:52]Thank you very much Dr. Nagao for joining us. Good to see you.

[00:14:55]Dr. Nagao looking at the situation with Russia and Ukraine war we saw some POW exchanges but of course we haven't seen anything take anything more take place.

[00:15:09]Can we still be hopeful that there this this conflict is not completely sidelined and President Putin or President Zelenskyy or US President Donald Trump might also might say something to end this conflict.

[00:15:28]The difference between the current situation and the past situation is only tactics. In the past Russia used a tank or infantry to expand territory and Ukraine use anti-tank missile or howitzer to stop it something like that. But recently both sides use the missile and the drones the drones drones something like that. So these tactics has changed. But about a ceasefire indeed there's no progress. Then the especially is recently the Russia intensify the attack to Ukraine especially to that one. Why is there are the two background? One is will another one is capability. In case of the will the Russia intensify the drone attack to Ukraine and for a long time. And in this case finally Ukraine decide to retaliate and some cities or some facilities they attack in Russia. And so but this under this situation Russia try to intensify the attack as a response to the retaliation of the Ukraine. So that's why the it has escalated. And but without the capability it is impossible to escalate.

[00:16:53]So that's why this is a matter. So this is for 50 year of the Russia's invasion to Ukraine. So this means that every year they increase the capability to produce the drone and the missiles. Especially drones cost is cheap but so production line increase and many drones they got. And because of the someone surprise the patch, which is mainly China and North Korea, these countries I think and Iran also. And but so that's why the these clean corporation create many drones in Russia and use it. So that is the capability patch. So it is expected that it will escalate more if their capability improve more. So my that could happen.

[00:17:39]That is a current situation. So about the ceasefire negotiation not progress, but say in case of the tactics it has changed.

[00:17:48]And you know now we are also seeing some difference in how Putin earlier in the war or first year in the war, he was rather bold and he never admitted that there Russia is struggling with economy etc. etc. But now we're seeing the the the shift or difference in his tone. What's your take on what's actually happening inside of Russia?

[00:18:14]First of all, the their economy has developed well the last four years, but now they this economic development has reached something the top tip of the development. So that's why economy is not good just now. So of course the war economy create a good economy.

[00:18:36]But at the same time this is not so simple just now. So that is a one of the background. If the economy bad, so of course complaint of the Russia Russian people >> [clears throat] >> will be deteriorated.

[00:18:49]So that's why the the Putin need to reply to something to the people.

[00:18:54]Without this their popularity his popularity will face a problem.

[00:18:58]And another matter is of course even if the Russia has some advantages uh to export energies, because of the war the Ukraine has the many facility of the energy related uh Russia cannot increase energy production uh so much uh even if there is a huge demand in the world because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. So, Russia lose some chance of the business even if they have already increased some income.

[00:19:33]But, that is something Putin from the Putin's interest. This is something a little bit regrettable situation.

[00:19:45]Thank you very much, Dr. Nagao, for sharing that. Please do stay with us as we're tracking some more developments coming in from North America. Now, focusing on the latest from White House, US President's res- residence, White House, was has come under fire. US President Donald Trump has praised the US Secret Service following a deadly shooting just outside the White House security perimeter, using the incident to renew his push for expanded security around the presidential complex.

[00:20:20]Authorities say 21-year-old Musser Nasir Best of Maryland approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday evening from and suddenly pulled a gun from a bag before opening fire on officers.

[00:20:40]Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene. A bystander was also struck during the exchange and remains under medical care.

[00:20:52]While no officers were injured, and President Donald Trump, who was inside of the White House at the time, was unharmed. The shooting triggered a temporary lockdown around the White House complex, with journalists ordered to shelter inside of the briefing room as heavily armed security teams sealed off the area.

[00:21:11]While federal investigators have now launched a full probe into the attack and the suspect's background, but the political focus quickly shifted to Trump's response on social. In a post following these shooting, President Trump praised the swift and professional action of the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies. He's also claimed the suspect had a violent history and possible obsession with the White House.

[00:21:38]Most notably, President Trump used the incident to push for tougher security measures, calling for what he described as the most safe and secure space ever built in Washington.

[00:21:49]The president's comments are expected to reignite debate over the White House security expansion and the balance between public access and presidential protection.

[00:22:00]Now, we welcome back Dr. Satoru Nagao.

[00:22:03]He's a fellow at Hudson Institute. He's live from Tokyo.

[00:22:06]Thank you very much, Dr. Nagao, for staying with us.

[00:22:10]Dr. Nagao, Nagao, once again, this surprise attack we're hearing within only 1 month from the other shooting that happened in the Washington D.C.

[00:22:19]Hilton. What more can you tell us about this?

[00:22:23]Uh we can we can expect two type of the assassin against the President Trump.

[00:22:30]And in this case, the first one is, of course, the radical in the United States is one, but another one is uh radical assassin uh supported by uh Iran.

[00:22:45]Because Iran has a long reputation to something like that.

[00:22:49]So, that's why I say President Trump face indeed many enemies just now.

[00:22:56]Uh many enemy in this case, the many enemy who has a will to use the violence. So, that is very dangerous and the security is very important. If assassination has happened, big change will come to the world.

[00:23:10]But this is election year, mid-term election is waiting, and president as a leader of the Republican, he need to show his presence in the big event.

[00:23:23]This is very vulnerable view from the security.

[00:23:27]So, that's why this is very important and the problem.

[00:23:33]So, what will happen is of course security should be tight, but if the security is too tight, he cannot appeal to the voters and cannot win the election.

[00:23:46]That is controversy.

[00:23:49]So, that's why he faced a very difficult problem just now. But anyway, the security to protect the president of the United States is very serious and important now.

[00:24:01]Yes.

[00:24:02]And Dr. Nagao, last but not least, you know, we're seeing a surge in assassination attempts of US President Donald Trump. It's not just these two that we are discussing about.

[00:24:14]How dangerous and how critical is this that such a rise that we are seeing?

[00:24:21]Of course, these are two I pointed out as a representative. But yes, that's true. You are right. There are other candidates who be assassinated against President Trump. That is true. But at the same time, that's why the United States established the Secret Service to protect the president, and they are checking the 7,000 or some more than that assassination attempt to information related to the assassinating against the president. So, that's why still the President Trump secured. But at the same time, uh there is no perfect defense. So, that's why if the attempt is too many in this case, this is very serious issue indeed.

[00:25:13]With that, I'd like to thank Dr. Nagao for joining us today and sharing that insight throughout our news. Thank you very much.

[00:25:22]Now, we are tracking some more developments.

[00:25:26]Now, we're moving to Cannes Film Festival in France. The curtains have come down on the 79th Cannes Film Festival, leaving the global film fraternity with an unforgettable night of historic triumphs and emotional acceptance speeches. The festival's highest honor, the prestigious Palme d'Or, was awarded to Romanian director Cristian Mungiu for his gripping moral drama "Grad".

[00:25:55]Let's listen in to what he has said as he received his award.

[00:26:38]Meanwhile, filmmaker Emmanuel Mar secured the best screenplay award for his highly acclaimed work "Not to Salute".

[00:26:46]Rounding out a spectacular closing ceremony that honored bold, socially conscious storytelling. Let's listen in.

[00:27:27]And Belgian director Lukas Dhont also celebrated a massive night for his feature film Close. While Dhont accepted the accolade accolades on stage, his lead actors Eden Dambrine and Valentin Campagne jointly took home the best actor trophy for their powerful performances. Let's listen in to what he said after receiving his award.

[00:28:30]The curtains have come down on the 79th Cannes Film Festival, leaving the global film fraternity with an unforgettable night of historic triumph and emotional acceptance speeches. The festival's highlights high highest honor, the prestigious Palme d'Or was awarded to Romanian director Cristian Mungiu for his gripping moral drama "Joard".

[00:28:57]Meanwhile, filmmaker Emmanuel Mar secured the best screenplay award for his highly acclaimed work "Notres Lutes".

[00:29:05]Rounding a spectacular closing ceremony that honored bold socially conscious storytelling.

[00:29:17]Belgian director Lucas Don't also celebrated a massive night for his feature film "Coward". While Don't accepted the accolades in on stage, his lead actors Emmanuel Machia and Valentin Campain jointly took home the best actor trophy for their powerful performances.

[00:29:58]The curtains have come down on the 79th Cannes Film Festival, leaving the global film fraternity with an unforgettable night of historic triumphs and emotional acceptance speeches.

[00:30:10]The festival's highest honor, prestigious Palme d'Or was awarded to Romanian director Cristian Mungiu for his gripping moral drama "Joard".

[00:30:26]Now, we have a breaking news coming in from Pakistan. A powerful bomb explosion has rocked the southern city Pakistani city of Quetta, wounding more than 30 people after a blast tore through an area near a passenger train's train track. Officials say the explosion occurred as the train was passing through the area, causing two carriages to overturn and catch fire with thick black black smoke rising above the site.

[00:30:57]Witnesses said the blast happened in a high-security zone where security forces are usually deployed, damaging nearby buildings and destroying several vehicles.

[00:31:07]Hospital authorities in Quetta confirmed that more than 30 injured people were brought in for the treatment with several reportedly in critical condition.

[00:31:18]Babar Yousafzai said authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, though no group has yet claimed responsibility.

[00:31:33]Now, we're tracking some more developments coming in from Canada.

[00:31:38]Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned Russia's drone incursion into Polish airspace as reckless and escalatory and has said that it shows Russian President Vladimir Putin's total disregard for the path of peace, and that Canada stands firmly with Poland and all NATO allies in upholding the NATO treaty.

[00:32:01]Poland has confirmed that multiple Russian drones entered its territory over the course of several hours with some of the drones shot down with the help of NATO fighter jets with Warsaw describing the incursion as an act of aggression.

[00:32:17]NATO's spokesperson has confirmed that this is the first time the alliance has confronted a potential threat in its airspace