12 New Developments in the US-Iran War, Oil 'Explodes' - Trump Goes Even Madder
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The latest developments have occurred in the Middle East from Wednesday to Thursday (30/4/2025). It should be noted that although a ceasefire is still in place in the war between the United States (US) and Iran, tensions persist.
Oil prices have hit a four-year record amid new threats of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz by US President Donald Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued warnings to Iran, which is preparing for new attacks.
So what are the updates? Here is a summary from CNBC Indonesia from various sources:
- Oil Prices Break Four-Year High
Oil prices have held around a four-year high, with the US Brent benchmark for June delivery reaching a peak of US$122.53. This came after the previous day when Brent was around US$120.
A rise has also occurred in the other international benchmark, West Texas Intermediate. West Texas oil prices are around US$108.
- US Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Wednesday that they have achieved a “major new milestone”. This follows the military’s success in diverting the 42nd commercial ship attempting to breach the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is stated that there are 41 tankers with 69 million barrels of oil that cannot be sold by the Iranian regime, with an estimated value of more than $6 billion,” said CENTCOM as reported by AFP.
- US-Germany Tensions Heat Up
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the US is considering reducing its troops in Germany. This is in response to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s refusal to join Washington’s war against Iran.
The threat to reduce the number of US troops reflects Trump’s long-standing criticism of the NATO alliance. Merz himself provoked Trump’s anger earlier this week after stating that Tehran “humiliated” Washington at the negotiating table.
- Putin-Trump Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned his US counterpart, Trump, against continuing attacks on Iran. In a telephone conversation between the two leaders, Putin said Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire was the “right decision”.
This was stated by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov to journalists, including from AFP. However, he said there would be “inevitable and highly damaging consequences” for the region and the wider world if military action resumes.
Trump himself described the conversation as “very good”. He said Russia’s help in ending the US-Israel war in Iran depends on Putin ending the war in Ukraine.
- Pentagon Losses Rp 412.5 Trillion
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth published the cost of the US-Iran war over 60 days. He answered that it is estimated to be less than US$25 billion (around Rp 412 trillion) so far, to the US Congress on Wednesday.
Previously, concerns arose that America was using critical ammunition in “worrisome” quantities in that Middle East conflict. This could deplete reserves, with critics accusing it of “giving propaganda to our enemies”.
- Trump Goes “Madder” in the Strait of Hormuz
Trump has ordered national security officials to prepare for a long blockade against Iranian ports to force Tehran to halt its nuclear programme. This was reported by the Wall Street Journal, referring to actions to close the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, Trump does not believe Iran is negotiating in good faith and hopes Iran can be forced to suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years and accept strict restrictions thereafter. A White House official said Trump told oil executives that the blockade could be extended for several more months.
- Trump: ‘No More Nice Guys’
Trump himself has once again vented his anger at Iran. He posted insults at the country yesterday on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“Iran can’t govern themselves. They don’t know how to sign a non-nuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” Trump wrote on the platform while posting an illustration of himself holding an assault rifle, with the caption “NO MORE NICE GUYS!”
- Iran in the World Cup?
Leading Iranian football officials left Canada, one of the World Cup hosts, before the start of the FIFA Congress. This occurred due to “inappropriate behaviour” by immigration officers at Toronto airport.
The president and deputy general secretary of the federation returned to Turkey on the first flight, several media reported. However, there are no further details on this report.
- Oil Giant’s Record Profits
French fossil fuel giant TotalEnergies said net profit rose 51% in the first quarter to US$5.8 billion. This was driven by higher oil prices related to the war in the Middle East.
“Growth in its oil and gas production in Brazil and Libya allowed the group to offset losses in the Gulf region, which typically account for 15% of its total oil and gas business,” the company said in a statement, also highlighting “its ability to capitalise on price increases”.
- Refinery Back in Operation
TotalEnergies also said it has restarted the Satorp refinery in Saudi Arabia in mid-April. This followed the facility, jointly owned with the royal Aramco, being shut down after damage sustained from airstrikes.
“Following the events of 8 April, which affected three units at the Satorp site and caused a shutdown as a safety precaution, the undamaged units could be brought back online, and the refinery has been operating at a capacity of 230,000 b/d (barrels per day) since 14 April,” the company said.
- Lebanon Ceasefire
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged Israel to fully implement the ceasefire before starting direct talks. In the last two days, Israeli attacks have killed