UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Iran, Israel trade strikes despite Trump’s claims of talks with leadership in Tehran

Q1. The 2026 UN Security Council draft resolution moved by Gulf States to safeguard navigation through the Strait of Hormuz failed to be adopted solely because it was vetoed by which one of the following pairs of permanent members?

  • A. The United States and the United Kingdom
  • B. France and the Russian Federation
  • C. China and the Russian Federation
  • D. China and the United States

Q2. With reference to the 2026 Iran conflict and earlier related developments, consider the following statements: 1. The military action against Iran that began on 28 February 2026 was launched jointly by Israel and the United States. 2. Unlike the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) which the United States had joined, the United States subsequently withdrew from that deal in 2018. 3. The 2026 Gulf States' draft Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz was adopted unanimously. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The military action against Iran that began on 28 February 2026 was launched jointly by Israel and the United States.
  2. Unlike the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) which the United States had joined, the United States subsequently withdrew from that deal in 2018.
  3. The 2026 Gulf States' draft Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz was adopted unanimously.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The 2026 draft UN Security Council resolution seeking to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was co-sponsored by how many States (Bahrain and others)?

  • A. Four
  • B. Five
  • C. Six
  • D. Eight

Q4. The mandatory maritime traffic corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, established in 1968 and jointly operated by Oman and Iran, functions under which one of the following international instruments?

  • A. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
  • B. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
  • C. The Convention on the High Seas, 1958
  • D. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

Q5. Consider the following States, each claimed to be a co-sponsor of the 2026 Gulf States' draft UN Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz: 1. Saudi Arabia 2. Kuwait 3. Oman 4. Qatar Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified as a co-sponsor?

  1. Saudi Arabia
  2. Kuwait
  3. Oman
  4. Qatar
  • A. 1 and 4
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 4