The conflict that began with US‑Israeli decapitation strikes on Iran has widened into a global energy emergency. Donald Trump oscillated between a “winding down” stance and a 48‑hour ultimatum to obliterate Iranian power plants, only to postpone the operation twice. Meanwhile, Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz , allowing only “friendly” vessels, thereby holding roughly one‑fifth of world oil supplies hostage. Key Developments (April 2026) US and Israel launched a second strike on the Natanz nuclear facility; Iran retaliated with missiles on Israeli towns, injuring ~180 people. Trump issued a 48‑hour deadline to “obliterate” Iranian power plants; the deadline was extended first by five days, then by ten days to April 6, citing ongoing negotiations. Iran rejected a 15‑point US peace proposal delivered via Pakistan and set five conditions, including reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz . Pakistan offered to host US‑Iran talks, positioning itself as a regional mediator. The IEA warned that the disruption exceeds the 1970s oil crises and the Ukraine war combined. Iran threatened to disrupt traffic in the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait , a route used by the Houthis . Important Facts • Total casualties exceed 3,000 since the war began on 28 Feb 2026 . US‑Israeli strikes have killed ~1,500 Iranians; Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed 1,116. At least 13 US service members and 19 Israelis have died. • The US waived sanctions on 130 million barrels of Russian crude and 140 million barrels of Iranian crude stranded at sea, a move deemed insufficient by analysts. • India’s LPG imports (≈60% of demand) rely 90% on routes through the Strait of Hormuz . The government has activated the Essential Commodities Act to boost domestic LPG production. • India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve stands at ~5.3 MMT, with a target to add 6.5 MMT. UPSC Relevance • International Relations (GS2) : The US‑Iran confrontation, US‑Israel coordination, and Pakistan’s mediation role illustrate power dynamics, alliance politics, and conflict resolution mechanisms. • Energy Security (GS3) : The Hormuz blockade, IEA’s assessment, and India’s policy response (SPR, diversification of import sources, LPG boost) are case studies for understanding strategic chokepoints, supply‑shock management, and the role of state interventions. • Domestic Policy (GS2 & GS3) : Use of the Essential Commodities Act , excise‑duty cuts on petrol/diesel, and expansion of renewable capacity illustrate crisis‑responsive governance. Way Forward Diplomatic channels: Encourage multilateral mediation (e.g., through Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt) to de‑escalate and reopen the Strait of Hormuz . Energy diversification: Accelerate renewable projects, expand LNG import terminals, and deepen strategic reserves to reduce reliance on volatile chokepoints. Regional security architecture: Strengthen naval patrols and cooperation with Gulf states to safeguard the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait against potential Houthi disruptions. Domestic price management: Continue targeted excise‑duty relief, monitor hoarding, and use the Essential Commodities Act to prevent black‑marketing. These steps aim to stabilise global oil markets, protect India’s energy security, and provide a framework for UPSC aspirants to analyse complex geopolitical‑economic crises.