Gold prices remained firm across major Indian cities on Tuesday, while silver surged to fresh record highs amid global uncertainty and safe-haven buying.The yellow metal eased slightly after scaling record highs. On the MCX, February gold slipped Rs 196 or 0.14%, to Rs 1,41,836 per 10 grams. In overseas markets, Comex gold fell 0.33% to USD 4,599.44 per ounce, while silver hovered near record levels at USD 85.20 per ounce.Meanwhile, silver prices continued their sharp rally, with silver futures on the MCX hitting a new lifetime high of Rs 2,72,202 per kg for March delivery, up Rs 3,232 or 1.2%. Over the past two trading sessions, silver prices have jumped Rs 19,477, or 7.7%, driven by geopolitical tensions in Iran and uncertainty over the US Federal Reserve’s policy stance, according to PTI. In international markets, Comex silver was trading near record levels at USD 85.20 per ounce after crossing the USD 86 mark in the previous session, as safe-haven demand remained strong.

Gold price in Delhi

Gold prices in Delhi stood at Rs 14,268 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The price of 22-karat gold rose Rs 35 to Rs 13,080 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

Gold price in Mumbai

In Mumbai, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Chennai

Gold prices in Chennai were higher compared to other cities. The price of 24-karat gold rose Rs 55 to Rs 14,368 per gram, while 22-karat gold increased Rs 50 to Rs 13,170 per gram. The 18-karat rate climbed Rs 35 to Rs 10,980 per gram.

Gold price in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,258 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate rose Rs 35 to Rs 13,070 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,695 per gram.

Gold price in Hyderabad

Gold prices in Hyderabad stood at Rs 14,253 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate was Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Bhubaneswar

In Bhubaneswar, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, and 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Kolkata

Gold prices in Kolkata matched most eastern markets, with 24-karat gold at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Jaipur

In Jaipur, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,268 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate rose Rs 35 to Rs 13,080 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

Gold price in Lucknow

Gold prices in Lucknow stood at Rs 14,268 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate saw a marginal rise of Rs 1 to Rs 13,046 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

Gold price in Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Patna

Gold prices in Patna stood at Rs 14,258 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate increased Rs 35 to Rs 13,070 per gram, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,695 per gram.

Gold price in Kanpur

In Kanpur, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,268 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate rose marginally by Rs 1 to Rs 13,046 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

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GHAZIABAD: A 34-year-old labourer who had checked into a hotel at Patel Nagar with his girlfriend allegedly killed her, then slept with her corpse next to him before calling the police on Sunday morning.The accused, Praveen Kumar, a resident of Seva Nagar in Nandgram, called the emergency helpline around 7am on Sunday, claiming his partner, Aarti, was unwell. A police team that arrived at the hotel found Aarti dead in the room.

Kumar was taken into custody after an autopsy revealed that the woman died due to “shock and haemorrhage resulting from ante-mortem injuries”. The post-mortem report found the woman had multiple rib fractures, ruptured lungs and liver, and extensive internal bleeding in the chest and abdominal cavity, DCP (city) Dhawal Jaiswal said, adding the severity of the injuries indicated brutal physical assault.Investigators said Aarti was a widow and lived with her 16-year-old son, Dakshya, in Ghaziabad. Kumar was known to the family and had been a friend of her late husband, Rohit Kumar.ACP Upasana Pandey said Kumar told investigators that he had been in a relationship with Aarti for about one and a half years, though they had known each other since 2022.During questioning, Kumar claimed that on Saturday evening, they checked into Hotel New Royal King in Patel Nagar around 10pm. The couple consumed alcohol and food in room number 207. An argument later broke out after he suspected Aarti of being in contact with another man. Police said the dispute escalated into a physical altercation.According to Kumar’s statement, Aarti allegedly slapped him during the argument, after which he began hitting her with his fists and elbows. He told police that she scratched his face in an attempt to defend herself, which further enraged him. Investigators said Kumar admitted to repeatedly striking her on both sides of her ribs with his fists and elbows.The assault allegedly took place around midnight. Police said Aarti lost consciousness and collapsed on the bed. Kumar claimed he tried to shake her, but she did not respond. He then remained in the room and later fell asleep on the bed next to her.Around 7am on Sunday, Kumar woke up and attempted to wake Aarti again. When she failed to respond, he allegedly tried to leave the hotel with his bag without informing staff, the ACP said. Hotel employees stopped him at the gate, prompting him to claim that his companion was unwell and that he was going to a nearby medical shop.Staff members subsequently checked the room and found the woman unresponsive. They asked Kumar to alert the police, following which he dialled the emergency helpline (112). Police said Kumar initially claimed he had no recollection of the night’s events as both were intoxicated. However, officers said the autopsy findings contradicted his account. “There were no visible external injuries, but the internal damage was extensive,” an officer said, adding that Kumar appeared to believe the injuries would not be detected.An FIR has been registered against Kumar under BNS Section 103 (murder). Police have seized forensic evidence from the hotel room, and CCTV footage from the premises. Forensic reports are awaited, officials said.

Kranti Gaud (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: As you enter Ghuwara village in Madhya Pradesh and ask for Kranti Gaud, people will happily point the way, saying, “World Cup jita hai jisne.” They will guide you straight to the doorstep of the all-rounder who has become the pride of the village. Even before the World Cup triumph, Kranti had begun carving a name for herself, but that historic victory transformed her into a household name.Today, her story is spoken of in every corner of Ghuwara.

India’s title-winning victory over South Africa etched Kranti’s name into history, making her a permanent part of the country’s World Cup folklore.The celebrations, however, came with responsibilities. Among the many boxes Kranti hoped to tick after the World Cup, the most personal was helping her father reclaim his lost job. Her father, Munna Singh, a police constable, had been suspended from service years ago due to certain reasons. It took 13 long years for him to regain his honour until Kranti’s success opened a door they had been waiting on.Kranti raised the issue during a felicitation ceremony when she met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. She requested his intervention, and the Chief Minister assured the World Cup-winning star that her father’s case would be addressed.“The letter is yet to arrive. His job letter will come soon. It may take a little time, but it will come very soon. I am really thankful to God for all this. I’m happy that he will get his police uniform back,” Kranti told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.“My parents have supported me immensely throughout my cricketing journey. I always played with boys, often older than me, and that’s how I learned the game. People used to question it, but my parents always backed me. I come from a small village, but the support and mindset my parents had were huge for me. Whatever I am today is only because of them,” she said.

“After winning the World Cup, a lot has changed in my life. People who earlier believed that girls cannot do certain things have now started believing that girls can do anything. There is a lot of change happening around,” Kranti added.“I always wanted to be a cricketer. There was a ground in front of my house where boys used to play. Whenever the ball came to our side, I would pick it up and return it, and slowly I started getting interested. I would go and try batting with them, but initially I didn’t know much. So the boys made me do only fielding and didn’t allow me to bat or bowl. Over time, by staying with them and learning, I picked up bowling. I kept watching them and started copying what they did to learn how to bowl,” she said.‘MEETING PANDYA A DREAM’Kranti has long admired India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya. After the World Cup triumph, one of her photos went viral as she recreated Pandya’s iconic victory pose with the trophy in hand.Now, her dream is to meet Pandya in person.

“Hardik Pandya has always been my favourite. I used to watch his videos and matches. When he commented on my photo, I couldn’t believe it for two hours. I was very happy. I haven’t spoken to him yet or met him, but I really wish to meet him soon,” Kranti said.At the WPL 2026 auction, Kranti was bought by the UP Warriorz. She will play for the franchise for a second consecutive season, having been secured for Rs 50 lakh after the team exercised its Right-to-Match (RTM) card.“I was watching the auction and really wanted to play for UP Warriorz. I hoped the Warriorz would pick me again, and they did. I was very happy. I want to give my best for the team and become part of a title-winning side this time around,” Kranti signed off.

File photo (Picture credit: AP)

Recent political and military developments in Venezuela are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on global crude oil prices in the near term, or on Indian companies, as the country plays a relatively small role in global oil supply, Crisil Ratings said on Tuesday.In a note, Crisil said that even if the situation in Venezuela worsens and disrupts oil production, the effect on international crude prices would be limited, according to news agency PTI.

Venezuela accounts for only about 1.5 per cent of global crude oil supply, which reduces its ability to significantly influence prices.The assessment comes after a US military operation in early January led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on drug-related charges, triggering uncertainty in the oil-rich Latin American nation. Despite holding some of the world’s largest proven crude reserves, Venezuela’s current contribution to global supply remains modest.Crisil pointed out that crude prices have stayed largely steady in recent days, with Brent crude hovering just above $60 a barrel. It added that the developments in Venezuela are not expected to have any material impact on India’s global trade position or the credit quality of Indian companies.India’s direct trade exposure to Venezuela is limited. Imports from the South American country account for less than 0.25 per cent of India’s total imports. Of these, crude oil makes up more than 90 per cent of the roughly Rs 14,000 crore worth of imports recorded in the 2025 financial year, according to PTI. Venezuela supplies about 1 per cent of India’s overall crude oil requirement.While India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude oil needs and remains sensitive to global price movements, Crisil said the current situation in Venezuela is unlikely to affect oil prices in the near term. However, it flagged a possible longer-term impact if investments flow into Venezuela’s oil sector.“While we do not anticipate any material near-term impact of the Venezuela situation on crude oil prices, investments for increasing crude oil production in Venezuela, which has vast untapped reserves, could boost oil supply globally and lead to softening of crude oil prices over the medium to long term, which could be a positive for India Inc,” Crisil said, as quoted by PTI.India’s exports to Venezuela are also small, standing at below Rs 2,000 crore in fiscal 2025, or less than 0.1 per cent of total exports. These shipments are spread across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, ceramics, textiles and two-wheelers. Pharmaceutical exports were around Rs 900 crore, accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of India’s total pharma exports, while other sectors recorded exports of Rs 80–120 crore each.Crisil said it does not expect any material impact on the credit profiles of Indian companies dealing with Venezuelan customers due to the limited scale of trade, but added that it will continue to closely monitor developments.Meanwhile, the US has indicated that it is actively engaging with Venezuela’s new leadership, with President Donald Trump recently saying that Washington was working “along really well” with Caracas and highlighting ongoing oil shipments to the US.

In a moment that felt more like a “glitch in the matrix” than a standard fan interaction, Virat Kohli came face-to-face with his own childhood doppelganger ahead of the recently-concluded first ODI between India and New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium. The uncanny resemblance between the former Indian captain and 8-year-old Garvit Uttam has since sent social media into a frenzy, with Kohli himself leading the laughter.

One shout that caught Virat Kohli’s attention

In a new viral interview, the young fan has opened up about the interaction, confirming that Kohli not only acknowledged the resemblance but affectionately gave him a new nickname. Recalling the incident, Garvit revealed that he didn’t do anything extraordinary to grab Kohli’s attention. All it took was a single call of his idol’s name. To his amazement, Kohli instantly turned around and looked in his direction, a moment that left the young fan frozen with excitement.

According to Garvit, Kohli walked over, greeted him warmly, and assured him that he would return after finishing his drills. True to his word, the former Indian captain came back, but not before sharing a laugh with his teammates about the uncanny resemblance.

“I like Kohli’s style and aura. I just shouted his name once and he looked back at me. He came over, said hi and told me that he would return in a while,” said Garvit in a viral video shared on X.

When Kohli calls his young fan ‘Chota Cheeku’

Garvit revealed that Kohli first pointed him out to star Indian opener Rohit Sharma, jokingly saying that his “duplicate” was sitting in the stands. The light-hearted remark quickly spread smiles within the Indian camp and perfectly summed up Kohli’s relaxed mood during the session.

When Kohli finally approached the young fan, he affectionately called him ‘Chhota Cheeku,’ a nod to his own childhood nickname, Cheeku. The interaction soon turned into a memorable meet-and-greet, complete with autographs, photographs, and shared laughter.

“He then went to Rohit Sharma and told him, ‘there’s my duplicate over there’. He called me chhota cheeku,” added Garvit.

Also READ: Top 3 cricketers with most Player of the Match awards in ODIs ft. Virat Kohli

Meeting India’s biggest stars

For Garvit, the day became even more special as he got the chance to meet several Indian cricketers in one go. Apart from Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the young fan also interacted with KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh, ticking off a dream list that many fans only imagine.

“I met KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Arshdeep Singh and Rohit Sharma,” young Garvit added further.

Virat Kohli said to Rohit Sharma, “Wha dekh Mera duplicate betha hai (Look, my duplicate is sitting there)”.

– Virat Kohli called him a Chota Cheeku 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/b4r1DopMUa

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 12, 2026

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli reveals where does he keeps his Player of the Match awards

This Ramadan, donating gets easier as Sharjah launches new app / AI Generated Image

As the crescent moon for Ramadan 2026 approaches, Sharjah is already lighting the way for a season of immense kindness. Sharjah Charity International (SCI) has officially pulled back the curtain on its most ambitious seasonal drive yet, titled the “Joud” campaign. With a staggering goal of AED 130 million, this initiative is designed to ensure that no one, whether in the UAE or across the globe, feels forgotten during the Holy Month.

Sharjah Charity unveils Ramadan 2026 ‘Jood’

The campaign was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of SCI, marking a significant milestone in Sharjah’s humanitarian journey. The word “Joud” translates to “Generosity,” and the 2026 campaign lives up to its name by targeting a massive audience. The board of directors emphasized that this year is about more than just numbers; it is about reaching the most vulnerable communities with speed and dignity. By planning months in advance, the charity ensures that logistics are set to deliver aid to remote areas globally exactly when the first fast begins.

Ramadan 2026 goals

The Jood 2026 campaign is designed to make a meaningful impact both inside the United Arab Emirates and internationally. With a Dh150 million target, the funds will support initiatives that reflect the spirit of Ramadan, feeding the hungry, helping the needy, and uplifting families.According to SCI Executive Director Abdullah Sultan bin Khadem, key allocations include:

With these distributions, SCI expects the campaign to reach more than two million beneficiaries during this Ramadan season.

New digital donation app

A highlight of the campaign launch was the unveiling of a new smart digital application available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. The app is part of SCI’s broader digital transformation initiative to make donation processes easier and more accessible for contributors.The application has been developed in-house by the charity’s digital team and includes advanced features such as an AI-powered smart assistant named “Ahmed” designed to simplify the donation experience and help users quickly choose categories of giving.According to SCI board member Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, the app’s design focuses on user friendliness and saving time for donors by enabling them to complete their charitable contributions in just a few steps. He also called on the public to download the app and join the campaign in supporting SCI’s various initiatives. The launch of Jood 2026 comes at a time when Ramadan initiatives are taking centre stage across the UAE, reflecting the emirates’ commitment to community support and global humanitarian outreach. Beyond Sharjah Charity’s efforts, other major Ramadan campaigns, such as the UAE Food Bank’s ‘United in Giving’ initiative, which delivered meals to millions last year, show how widespread and coordinated charity work has become during the holy month.

KC Cariappa (Pic credit: Cariappa’s Instagram post)

NEW DELHI: Former Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings leg-spinner KC Cariappa has announced his retirement from Indian (BCCI) cricket at the age of 31, bringing the curtain down on a career that promised much and delivered moments he says will stay with him forever.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Cariappa burst into the limelight in the IPL in 2015 when KKR snapped him up for a hefty Rs 2.4 crore. On debut, the young leg-spinner produced a moment that instantly etched his name into league folklore — dismissing South African great AB de Villiers. Yet, in a twist that would come to define much of his professional journey, Cariappa played just one match that season before being released.

The following year, he was picked up by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) for Rs 80 lakh and played nine games there in two seasons. Cariappa would return to KKR in 2019, only to feature in a solitary game once again. In total, he played 11 IPL matches, picking up eight wickets at an economy rate of 9.66, while spending much of his IPL stint on the fringes despite the early hype. He was part of Rajasthan Royals squad too during his IPL career.Announcing his retirement through an emotional Instagram post, Cariappa reflected on a journey that began far from the limelight. “From the streets where it all began to stadium lights and wearing the jersey with pride – I lived the dream I once only imagined. Today, I officially announce my retirement from BCCI cricket,” he wrote. “This journey gave me everything. Victories that made me smile, defeats that broke me and lessons that shaped me.”“I’ve felt pressure, pain, sacrifice but also the kind of joy only cricket can give,” he added. Though he hails from Karnataka, Cariappa represented Mizoram in domestic cricket and enjoyed a productive run. In 14 first-class matches, he claimed 75 wickets at an impressive average of 23.20, while also taking 24 wickets in 20 List A games. In T20s, he finished with 58 wickets from 58 matches at an economy of 6.60.Expressing gratitude, Cariappa thanked the Karnataka State Cricket Association for “building me, guiding me and believing in me,” and the Cricket Association of Mizoram for supporting him “like family.” He also looked back fondly on his IPL years. “My 7-year IPL journey will always stay close to my heart,” he wrote.Signing off, Cariappa struck a poignant note: “I may be retiring from BCCI cricket today but I will never retire from loving this game.”

US President Donald Trump’s favorite economic weapon is back on the table, but this time it’s pointed in an unexpected direction: Iran.Tl;DR: Driving the news

The context: Iran is on edgeIran is entering its third week of unrest with the kind of grim arithmetic that changes diplomatic equations: activists say over 600 people have been killed and more than 10,000 detained, while the state has tightened an information blackout that makes verification harder and escalation easier.Now the crisis is spilling outward – into the familiar geometry of US-Iran brinkmanship – with President claiming Tehran is looking for a way out, even as he threatens new punishment and keeps military options on the table.

Trump told reporters his administration is preparing for talks but may not wait: “A meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what is happening before the meeting,” he said on Air Force One.. He also framed Iran’s posture as weakness under pressure: “I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said. “Iran wants to negotiate.”Iran’s public tone suggests defiance, not retreat. Yet Iranian officials are also carefully signaling that diplomacy is not off the table – so long as it doesn’t look like capitulation.Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said a channel to the US remained open, but talks must be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation.”Why it matters

Zoom in: China-Iran trade exposureWhile Iran looms large strategically, its economic footprint in China’s overall trade picture is relatively small – but highly concentrated.Reuters data show that China is Iran’s largest trading partner. Iranian exports to China totaled about $22 billion in 2022, with fuels accounting for more than half. Imports from China stood at roughly $15 billion.In 2025, China bought more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil, according to Kpler data cited by Reuters, reflecting Tehran’s dependence on Beijing as sanctions have narrowed its customer base.For China, that discounted oil is essential. It fuels private refiners that operate on thin margins and supports an economy already grappling with slowing growth, property-sector stress and weak consumer confidence.Beyond oil, China exports machinery, vehicles, electronics, refrigeration equipment and industrial components to Iran. Those sectors could face indirect exposure if US tariffs were applied broadly to countries trading with Tehran.Still, two-way trade with Iran accounts for less than 0.2% of China’s total trade, Bloomberg notes – limiting the macroeconomic hit, but not the strategic implications.Iran tariff threat: What it means for India and othersWhile China sits at the center of the Iran trade nexus, Trump’s 25% tariff threat casts a much wider net- putting pressure on a diverse group of US partners and rivals with very different exposure to Tehran.1. India is among the most sensitive cases. Reuters reports that India’s bilateral trade with Iran totaled about $1.34 billion in the first 10 months of 2025, dominated by Indian exports such as basmati rice, pharmaceuticals, fruits and vegetables. New Delhi sharply reduced Iranian oil imports in recent years due to international sanctions, but it still relies on Iran for regional connectivity projects and limited trade flows. A blanket tariff threat could complicate India’s effort to balance strategic ties with Washington against regional interests in the Middle East.

2. For Japan and South Korea, the risk is less about volume and more about precedent. Both countries maintain only modest trade with Iran- mostly machinery, vehicle parts and small volumes of food products – and both finalized trade arrangements with the US last year. Reuters reports that officials in Tokyo and Seoul said they are closely monitoring the situation, signaling concern that secondary tariffs could undercut hard-won trade stability with Washington.3. Turkey faces a different dilemma. As a major regional trading partner of Iran, Turkey imported and exported billions of dollars’ worth of goods in 2022, according to World Bank data cited by Reuters. Ankara has historically resisted US pressure to fully sever economic ties with Tehran, and Trump’s threat raises the prospect of renewed friction between Nato allies over sanctions enforcement and trade retaliation.4. Beyond those countries, Reuters notes that Iran trades with more than 140 partners globally, including the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Many of those economies act as transit hubs or intermediaries rather than direct end-users – raising complex questions about how Washington would define “doing business” with Iran, and whether indirect trade could also trigger penalties. Trump’s threat doesn’t just target Iran’s biggest buyers – it tests how far US allies and partners are willing to align with Washington’s Iran strategy when the cost could be tariffs on all their US-bound exports.The US-China trade truce under strainThe October agreement between Trump and Xi was narrowly constructed and always vulnerable to external shocks.It did not resolve deeper disputes over industrial policy, technology transfer or national security. Instead, it focused on freezing tariffs at current levels and restoring access to strategic materials – particularly rare earths, which China dominates globally.During the earlier trade dispute, Beijing imposed export curbs on rare earths, highlighting a choke point Washington is keenly aware of. The truce ensured US companies could again source those minerals, which are vital for everything from smartphones to fighter jets.Bloomberg Economics data underscore how meaningful the détente was: a nearly 10 percentage-point drop in average US tariffs on Chinese imports translated into billions of dollars in avoided costs for US firms.Trump’s Iran tariff threat jeopardizes that stability by introducing uncertainty over whether China could once again become a target – this time indirectly, via its ties to Tehran.What they are saying

Between the linesTrump’s Iran tariff threat highlights a recurring pattern in his trade and foreign policy: maximalist rhetoric paired with ambiguous follow-through.Bloomberg points out that just months earlier, in June, Trump surprised oil traders and officials within his own administration by signaling that China could continue buying Iranian oil – a move that appeared to undercut Washington’s longstanding Iran policy.That mixed messaging reflects competing priorities. On one hand, Trump wants to squeeze Tehran amid domestic unrest and geopolitical confrontation. On the other, he is wary of actions that could spike oil prices, hurt US consumers, or destabilize relations with Beijing.History offers a clue. In August last year, White House adviser Peter Navarro downplayed the idea of further tariffs on China over its purchases of Russian oil. “We have over 50% tariffs on China,” Navarro said at the time, according to Bloomberg. “We don’t want to get to a point where we hurt ourselves.”The Iran tariff threat revives that same tension – between leverage and self-inflicted damage.What’s next

(With inputs from agencies)