China caught red-handed over alleged Iran missile-linked chemical shipment, Senator says

US Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday maintaining the blockade on Iran is a “very smart decision,” arguing it should be used to increase pressure on what he called the Iranian government, while outlining strict conditions for any diplomatic settlement.

"Accomplishing these objectives is the only way to ensure stability in the region going forward and makes sure Tehran does not go back to its old ways: Doing whatever it takes to get the highly enriched uranium out of Iran so they cannot make a dirty bomb - Ensuring the regime can never enrich uranium again — which is different than peaceful nuclear power - Capping and monitoring the regime’s drone and missiles program - Ending Iran’s support for terrorist proxies," Graham posted on X.

US Democratic Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari said on Tuesday she and her staff have faced threats and coordinated attacks following her political stance.

Ansari rejected allegations linking her to Iran’s government and reaffirmed her opposition to the Islamic Republic, saying she supports human rights and US constitutional obligations.

"My duty is clear: to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to faithfully serve the people of Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District. It is the honor of my life to represent the people of Arizona in Congress, over 75 percent of whom are deeply opposed to this war. I remain committed to doing so with integrity and transparency," Ansari posted on X.

An analysis published by Time magazine on Tuesday says Iran’s decision-making structure shifted further toward a military-security core since the war, with civilian institutions increasingly limited to implementing decisions.

The analysis argues that bodies such as the presidency and foreign ministry no longer function as independent strategic centres, while the Supreme National Security Council has become more weighted toward security figures.

It adds that Iran is undergoing a transitional phase in which a security-led system is consolidating power amid internal ideological and institutional tensions.

Iranian reformist Mohammad Taghi Karoubi, the son of senior reformist figure Mehdi Karroubi, said on Tuesday US President Donald Trump’s negotiation strategy based on pressure, deadlines and threats against infrastructure has “collapsed” in the face of Iranian resistance.

"Tonight, Trump's negotiation strategy, based on the three principles of pressure, deadlines, and threats to destroy infrastructure, collapsed under Iran's rightful resistance. He no longer set deadlines and refrained from speaking of threats to destroy infrastructure. Soon, he will also yield to the end of the simultaneous maritime siege and the freedom of passage in the Strait of Hormuz," Karroubi posted on X.

Brent crude oil briefly surged on Tuesday above $101 per barrel in late trading before pulling back after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, NBC News reported.

Prices fell back to around $98 per barrel following the announcement, after earlier gains driven by heightened geopolitical tensions. US crude oil also climbed to intraday highs near $95 per barrel before sliding back to about $88 after Trump’s statement, the report added.