Business
As Asim Munir pitches peace, Iran stops Pakistan’s cargo ship at Strait of Hormuz
Pakistan ship stopped
According to a statement from the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, the container vessel SELEN failed to obtain mandatory approval before attempting to cross the strait. Iranian authorities said the ship did not follow established legal procedures required for transit.
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“The container ship SELEN was turned back by the IRGC Navy due to failure to comply with legal protocols and lack of permission to pass through the #Hormuz Strait”, the statement read.
“The passage of any vessel through this waterway requires full coordination with the maritime authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran”, it said.
Officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy later confirmed the action, reiterating that all vessels must secure prior clearance.
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said the ship was turned back for not obtaining permission to pass through the strait, adding the vessels must now coordinate transit with Iranian maritime authorities.
Pakistan offers to mediate in Iran-Israel-US war
Pakistan has recently stepped forward with an offer to mediate between Iran, the United States and Israel as tensions escalate in West Asia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly said Islamabad would be “ready and honoured” to host peace talks if all sides agree, positioning the country as a neutral venue for dialogue. The proposal gained traction after Donald Trump amplified the offer on social media, signalling openness to third-party facilitation. While Iran has denied any direct negotiations with Washington, it has acknowledged that “friendly states” — including Pakistan — are passing messages between the sides, indicating backchannel diplomacy is underway even as formal talks remain uncertain.
US President held talks with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir
US President Donald Trump held a conversation earlier this week with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, as Islamabad steps up efforts to present itself as a mediator in the ongoing tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, according to officials aware of the developments.
These diplomatic contacts came around the same time Trump announced a five-day pause on his threat to target Iran’s power plants. He described his recent engagement with Tehran as “very good and productive” and suggested it could help bring the conflict to an end.
However, the White House made it clear that there are no formal negotiations at this stage and cautioned against reading too much into the developments. “These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the United States will not negotiate through the news media,” it said.
Trump’s posts on Truth Social briefly pulled down global oil prices, though it remains uncertain whether Pakistan’s outreach played any direct role in that movement. Experts say the lack of concrete progress and continued tensions are keeping markets and the region unsettled.
Pakistan pitches Islamabad as talks venue
According to two officials familiar with the matter, Pakistan has предложed Islamabad as a possible location for high-level talks. The proposed discussions could involve senior US officials such as Vice President JD Vance, along with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and representatives from Iran.
In its official statement after the Sharif-Pezeshkian call, Pakistan said the prime minister briefed the Iranian side on Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach and reiterated its willingness to support peace efforts. “While sharing with the Iranian President the diplomatic outreach efforts of Pakistan’s leadership, the prime minister assured the Iranian leadership that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace,” the statement said.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters now
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime routes, handling nearly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption here tends to ripple across energy markets and shipping lanes worldwide.
The latest intervention signals tighter control by Tehran as regional tensions escalate following recent military exchanges involving the United States and Israel.
$2 million transit fee plan raises stakes
Iran has also indicated that some ships may now face a transit fee of up to $2 million while crossing the strait, in what officials describe as a new assertion of sovereignty.
Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi said the move reflects a shift in how the country manages the waterway.
“Collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran’s strength,” Boroujerdi said.
“Now, because war has costs, naturally we must do this and take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
Political ripple in India
The development quickly drew reactions in India’s political circles. Amit Malviya criticised narratives around Pakistan’s diplomatic positioning.
“So much for the ‘Pakistan is brokering peace’ narrative peddled by the usual suspects in India,” he wrote on X.
“Iran has reportedly turned back a vessel bound for Karachi after it failed to secure approval to pass through the Strait of Hormuz”, he added.
‘Open to all except adversaries’
Earlier, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signalled a conditional openness on access to the strait.
“The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil. We firmly confront delirious threats on the battlefield,” he wrote in a post on ‘X’.
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Airfares could soon rise sharply as United Airlines warns that high oil prices may force ticket increases of up to 20%, putting pressure on travelers and the broader airline industry.
Speaking in a recent interview, CEO Scott Kirby said the company is preparing for fuel costs to stay high for a long time, especially as global tensions continue to push oil prices upward.
If that happens, airlines may have no choice but to pass those costs on to customers.
“That would require prices to be up 20%, to break even to cover that cost,” Kirby said, pointing to the growing financial strain from fuel expenses, NY Post reported.
Jet fuel is one of the biggest costs for airlines. When oil prices rise, it becomes much more expensive to operate flights. Kirby warned that if fares increase, fewer people may choose to travel.
“There will be less demand. There’ll be fewer people traveling as prices go up,” he said.
For now, travel demand remains strong. Kirby noted, “Demand is incredibly strong right now,” but added that the airline is planning ahead in case conditions change.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said ticket prices may have to go up by 20% if jet fuel prices remain elevated for longer https://t.co/WPmNuUmZ0R
— Bloomberg (@business) March 24, 2026
United Airlines Cuts Flights as Fuel Costs Surge
United has already cut about 5% of its flight capacity, removing routes that are not making enough money to cover rising fuel costs.
“There’s just no point in flying flights that are gonna lose money,” Kirby explained, emphasizing that the airline is focusing on efficiency.
According to FoxBusiness, the company expects oil prices could remain above $100 per barrel through next year and may even climb as high as $175 in a worst-case scenario.
If that happens, Kirby described it as a “stress event” for the airline industry, though still not as severe as the impact seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unlike some airlines, United does not rely heavily on fuel hedging. Kirby said the company’s size makes it difficult to hedge without affecting the market. Instead, United has built up its cash reserves to handle unexpected cost increases.
The airline estimates that current fuel prices could add about $11 billion in expenses. To offset that, ticket prices would need to rise significantly, which could change how people plan trips.
Experts say higher fares may push families to rethink vacations or choose closer destinations. While business travel may continue, everyday travelers could feel the biggest impact.
Originally published on vcpost.com
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With the 2026 MLB season getting started on Wednesday night, baseball’s first-ever “CEO of H2O” has been appointed by Primo Brands, and it happens to be one of the smoothest-swinging players of all time.
Primo Brands, a leading North American branded beverage company whose water brands serve as the official water of MLB for the third straight season, has appointed Ken Griffey Jr., the National Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder who belted 630 home runs throughout his storied career, as the “CEO of H2O” in its new national campaign.
The new campaign marks the first time all six of its regional spring water brands – Arrowhead Spring Water (West Coast), Poland Spring Water (Northeast), Ice Mountain Spring Water (Midwest), Deer Park Spring Water (Southeast, Mid-Atlantic), Ozarka Spring Water (Texas) and Zephyrhills Spring Water (Florida) – come together to celebrate America’s Pastime.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM
Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. pitches healthy hydration in a new campaign from Primo Brands, with the campaign marking the third consecutive year that Primo Brands’ water brands are the Official Water of Major League Baseball, and the first (Primo Brands / Fox News)
The premise of the campaign by Primo Brands is to elevate healthy hydration as millions of fans return to their respective ballparks to watch their favorite teams all season long. Whether in the stands, or watching at home, hydration is key, and Griffey is excited to lead the charge in his new role.
“I’m so excited for fans to see what I’m working on with Primo Brands,” Griffey said in an exclusive statement to FOX Business. “Healthy hydration is critical for the players on the field, the young people working to get better at the sport, and the fans in the stands. It’s an honor to be the first ever Baseball CEO of H2O. I’ll be working with Primo to tell that hydration story through all of their regional spring water brands all over the country.
“Today is the start, but there will be much more throughout the season – follow along with Primo to see how we’re promoting healthy hydration all season long.”
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRMB | PRIMO BRANDS | 18.51 | -0.28 | -1.49% |
Throughout the MLB season, Griffey will be engaging with fans across social platforms, sharing fun trivia for a chance to win monthly prizes, and of course, making a special red carpet appearance during MLB All-Star Week. This year’s festivities will take place in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park.
A 30-second national ad will also be shown, as Griffey puts together the ultimate spring water team through Primo Brands roster.
Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. is introduced during the 2025 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Induction Ceremony at Clark Sports Center on Sunday, July 27, 2025 in Cooperstown, New York. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos / Getty Images)
“Baseball is woven into communities across the country, just like our brands,” said Primo Brands chief marketing officer Kheri Tillman. “In our third year as the Official Water of MLB, and with Ken Griffey Jr. as Baseball’s CEO of H2O, we’re building on that foundation to unveil a national campaign that connects fandom and healthy hydration with the star power of one of the greatest in the game.”
Uzma Rawn Dowler, CMO and senior vice president of global corporate partnerships with MLB, added: “By uniting its regional spring water portfolio and tapping a baseball icon like Ken Griffey Jr., Primo Brands is showing it knows how to bring energy and authenticity to our partnership. We’re excited to continue telling the Primo Brands story through a baseball lens on our platforms while celebrating the role hydration plays in the game.”
Baseball’s first-ever CEO of H2O, Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., pitches healthy hydration in a new campaign from Primo Brands. (Primo Brands / Fox News)
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As the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants kick off the 2026 MLB season on Wednesday night in the Bay Area, Griffey and Primo Brands will be working together to celebrate healthy hydration for players and fans like it’s a walk-off home run.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
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