Tehran has stated it will require concessions from the United States before agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping chokepoint. The development suggests an ongoing closure or blockage of the strategic waterway.
Tehran has stated it will require concessions from the United States before agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping chokepoint. The development suggests an ongoing closure or blockage of the strategic waterway.
Iran announced that negotiations with Oman on new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz are in final stages, but insisted the waterway will not reopen until the U.S. provides compensation, lifts sanctions, and meets other demands. The announcement came as the UAE reported an Iranian missile strike on one of its ships in the strait.
The United Arab Emirates condemned what it called an Iranian missile attack on an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an act of piracy. No casualties were reported in the incident.
U.S. supplies of Patriot air defense missiles and other munitions have reached dangerously low levels after five months of war with Iran and continued support for Ukraine against Russia. Despite White House denials, officials confirm interceptor stockpiles are 'extremely low,' raising concerns about America's defense capabilities.
Iran has revealed details of negotiations with Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating any agreement would prohibit U.S. and Israeli vessels and require changes in U.S. behavior. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions, including reported attacks on UAE vessels and U.S. efforts to accelerate weapons production.
The three nations signed the 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' establishing that an armed attack on one signatory would be considered an attack on all, as regional tensions intensify with the ongoing US-Iran war. Turkey clarified the pact does not contradict its NATO commitments.
Iran's parliament is considering legislation that would prohibit vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and other "hostile countries" from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while imposing fines of up to 20% of cargo value on violators. The Trump administration has rejected the proposed restrictions on the strategic waterway through which significant global oil traffic passes.
President Donald Trump announced he is halting new military strikes against Iran, stating that Middle East allies have agreed to the parameters of a deal to end the five-month conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a rapid agreement being finalized.
The head of US European Command warned the Pentagon he may no longer be able to sustain current support for Israel's air defense due to insufficient naval resources, particularly a shortage of Navy destroyers used to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles.
Far-right conspiracy theorist and longtime Trump ally Alex Jones has dramatically broken with the president, calling for his impeachment over his handling of the Iran conflict, which Jones described as 'absolutely out of control' while warning of preparations for a national draft.
Over a weekend update, the Pentagon revised its Defense Casualty Analysis System to reflect 18 killed and 624 wounded in the Iran war, while reclassifying four recent deaths under a new "Overseas Operations Casualties" category, drawing criticism over transparency from military families.
The United States and Iran have halted military attacks for three straight nights after 13 days of heavy bombing, with both sides pausing operations to give diplomatic negotiations room to proceed toward a potential interim ceasefire agreement.
President Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure including bridges and power plants in retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as the US conducted its 11th consecutive night of strikes against Iran and Tehran warned of escalating regional conflict.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia sent emails to shipping companies warning them not to load or discharge cargo at Saudi Arabian ports or risk being targeted "in any location." The warning follows a maritime embargo announced against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for what the Houthis described as a blockade on Yemen and a Saudi attack on Sanaa International Airport.
Two American service members were killed and one remains missing after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks struck a U.S. military base in Jordan on Friday. Four additional service members were injured and medically evacuated, marking the first U.S. troop deaths since fighting resumed two weeks earlier.
China's economy slowed sharply to 4.3% annual growth in the second quarter of 2026, missing analyst expectations and marking the weakest performance since late 2022. The slowdown was driven by weak domestic demand and oil price shocks from the Iran war, putting pressure on policymakers to accelerate stimulus measures.
The US military launched airstrikes targeting Iranian defense and missile installations on Greater Tunb Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump pledging to intensify bombardment until Iran stops attacking ships and reopens the strategic waterway.
A leading Houthi official warned of potential attacks on Saudi Arabia following an incident at Sanaa International Airport involving an Iranian Mahan Air flight. Yemen's UN-recognized government condemned Iranian flights to Yemen as violations of sovereignty, raising fears of renewed conflict.
The United States launched air strikes against Iran for a third consecutive night while Iran retaliated with cruise missile attacks on tankers in the Gulf. President Trump reversed his decision to impose a 20% fee on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz just one day after announcing the controversial measure.
President Donald Trump warned via Truth Social that the US military would 'decimate and destroy all areas of Iran' if he is assassinated, as regional diplomatic efforts continue with Oman reportedly proposing a plan to manage Strait of Hormuz traffic through separately controlled routes.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen steeply after renewed military confrontation between the United States and Iran, following the collapse of a preliminary peace agreement and Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. The disruption is causing significant impacts on global energy markets.
A Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker sustained significant damage after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, sparking a fire in its engine room and raising explosion concerns. In response, Qatar has paused efforts to ramp up production at the world's largest LNG facility due to transit safety fears.
The United States military conducted air strikes against targets in southern Iran in retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Trump administration simultaneously revoked sanctions waivers on Iranian oil sales. Iran has vowed a 'crushing response' to the strikes.
Iran conducted a week-long series of funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with state-curated events featuring extensive religious and political messaging to promote pro-government narratives.
Iran has begun days of public mourning for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes in February 2026. Officials claim the funeral could draw up to 20 million people in scenes reminiscent of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's 1989 burial.
Iran is conducting an elaborate multi-day funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed four months ago at the outset of a US-Israeli war on Iran. The ceremonies, spanning five cities across Iran and Iraq from July 3-9, coincide with the reappearance of Revolutionary Guard General Ahmad Vahidi, who had been in hiding.
Indirect US-Iran negotiations in Doha concluded with reported progress and will resume after the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes four months ago. Iran has warned the US and Israel against launching attacks during the weeklong funeral ceremony.
Iran's president announced that $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar would be released, as negotiations with the United States face challenges following weekend attacks across the Persian Gulf region.
Iran's joint military command has warned that all commercial vessels must use Tehran-approved routes through the Strait of Hormuz or face forceful action, even as indirect US-Iran negotiations in Doha show cautious progress. The threat comes as BBC journalists witnessed seized ships in the strategic waterway.
Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain on Sunday following consecutive US airstrikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to halt all negotiations as the 121-day conflict escalates. Kuwait intercepted Iranian drones and ballistic missiles while Bahrain activated air raid sirens.
A fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement faces collapse after both nations exchanged retaliatory strikes, while a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed Iranian attacks caused more extensive damage to U.S. military facilities than previously disclosed, prompting a reassessment of American military presence in the Middle East.
The United States and Iran engaged in a weekend of military exchanges following a drone attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening their fragile interim peace agreement. Both countries have since agreed to pause hostilities and send delegations to Qatar for talks, though disagreements remain over the format of negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers in Manama on June 25, 2026, to discuss a broader Iran agreement including curbs on missiles and proxies, while reaffirming US-Gulf partnerships and addressing regional issues in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.
Multiple oil tankers sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday using a UN-recommended route despite Iranian threats, as oil prices dropped to pre-conflict levels following US-Iran talks in Switzerland that resulted in partial sanctions relief. One cargo ship was reportedly hit by a projectile during the passage.
The Trump administration has reached a breakthrough agreement with Iran to end hostilities, drawing praise from Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, but facing criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked Israeli critics of the deal, causing divisions among Republicans.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to address Gulf Arab concerns about a preliminary agreement with Iran that aims to end hostilities. Rubio emphasized that no country, including Iran, would be allowed to charge tolls for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after Pakistan helped mediate a breakthrough truce between the United States and Iran. The visit comes amid ongoing disputes over nuclear inspections and technical-level negotiations aimed at achieving lasting regional peace.
The United States has authorized Iranian oil sales through August, easing decades-old sanctions following productive negotiations in Switzerland. The move comes as part of a broader push toward a final peace deal involving nuclear inspections and free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday, allowing oil tankers to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an interim peace agreement. The deal, which starts a 60-day clock for final negotiations, drew sharp criticism from Israeli leaders, prompting Vice President JD Vance to tell Israel to "wake up and smell the reality" of its international isolation.
Israeli forces carried out air attacks in southern Lebanon killing at least three people, even as the US and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement and President Trump criticized Israel's military operations in the country. Trump also reversed his earlier position on Iran's ballistic missiles, calling it 'unfair' to deny Tehran such weapons.
Gulf states are adapting to a shifting regional landscape following a US-Iranian memorandum of understanding, while expressing concern over funding Iran's $300 billion reconstruction and Israel's significant territorial expansion into Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria since 2023.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed the UK to playing its "full part" in reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, following a significant agreement with Iran brokered by US President Donald Trump. The announcement came during G7 meetings where Starmer and Trump met face-to-face.
The United States and Iran have signed an interim ceasefire agreement ending their war, with the deal covering issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon. Lebanese families are beginning to return to damaged towns in southern Lebanon as the fragile truce takes hold, though President Trump has threatened to resume attacks if Iran fails to honor commitments.
President Donald Trump threatened major military strikes on Iran and seizure of Kharg Island, the country's critical oil export terminal, following fresh attacks on U.S. bases in the region. Trump vowed to take control of Iran's oil and gas infrastructure as tensions push the Middle East closer to full-scale war.
Iran fired missiles at Israel on Sunday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut's Dahiyeh suburb, marking the first such Iranian bombardment since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April and representing the most serious escalation in the region since that time.
The United States plans to make Iranian assets available to compensate Gulf allies for damage caused by Iranian attacks, following an assessment by US Treasury Secretary Bessent's team of the costs inflicted by Iran on regional partners.
Israel covertly deployed IDF commandos, intelligence personnel, and Mossad operatives to Azerbaijan during Operation Roaring Lion, establishing a forward position near Iran's border. The deployment was part of a broader covert military network across multiple countries in the region.
Two of Iraq's most powerful Iran-backed militias have announced they will begin handing over their weapons to Iraqi authorities, even as a senior Iranian IRGC commander boasted that Iran's military production facilities remain completely hidden from adversaries including the US and Israel.
Independent satellite imagery analysis shows Iran has struck 20 US military facilities across eight Middle Eastern countries since the start of the conflict, causing hundreds of millions in damage. The revelations come amid questions about US military transparency and alleged attempts to block satellite images.
President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is weakening in negotiations to end a nearly three-month-old conflict, while dismissing accusations that he is trying to rush a deal before November's midterm elections. Trump moved a planned Cabinet meeting from Camp David to the White House, citing weather concerns, as talks with Tehran intensify.
The United States military carried out strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and boats allegedly laying naval mines in southern Iran on Monday, according to US Central Command. The military action, described as self-defense measures, comes amid ongoing tensions even as President Trump indicated negotiations were progressing.
The House postponed votes on a Senate resolution that would compel President Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran, delaying planned votes into June as Republicans struggled to find the votes to dismiss the legislation.
The United States used approximately double the number of interceptor missiles compared to Israel's own defenses during a recent Iranian missile attack, depleting roughly half of America's interceptor stockpile and raising concerns about US readiness for other military threats.
Britain has postponed implementing sanctions that would ban imports of diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude oil in third countries, citing supply issues and rising fuel prices caused by the Iran war. The ban was originally announced in October.
Shield AI was selected by the Pentagon for a low-cost drone program as Iran war accelerates demand for affordable drones, following the company's recent $1 billion funding round that valued it at $12.7 billion.
President Trump announced he has put a planned military strike on Iran 'on hold' following requests from Gulf allies. The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions after the death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Israel having killed 3,000 in Lebanon since March.
A drone attack caused a fire near the United Arab Emirates' Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, prompting investigations and power restoration efforts. The incident coincides with Saudi Arabia intercepting drones from Iraqi airspace and ongoing tensions between the US and Iran over nuclear negotiations.
Iran has delivered an updated proposal to end the ongoing Middle East war through Pakistani intermediaries, prompting President Trump to postpone planned military strikes. However, senior U.S. officials say the offer does not represent meaningful improvement and remains insufficient to prevent resumed hostilities.
A military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran that began on February 28, 2026, has reached a strategic impasse, with multiple analysts predicting an American retreat despite ongoing economic fallout from the war.
A drone strike sparked a fire at an electrical generator at the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi. The UAE condemned the attack as a 'dangerous escalation' and investigations are underway to determine the source.
The United Arab Emirates unsuccessfully lobbied Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia and Qatar to join a coordinated military response against Iran following Tehran's attacks on Gulf infrastructure. Saudi Arabia and other states declined to participate in offensive operations.
President Trump indicated willingness to allow Iran to enrich uranium after a 20-year period as part of nuclear negotiations, marking a significant shift from previous US positions that sought permanent restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.
Approximately 30 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing Iran war tensions and attacks on shipping, with a Chinese Cosco supertanker notably crossing without paying tolls at Larak on the day President Trump arrived in Beijing for a summit.
Foreign ministers from BRICS nations convened for a two-day meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling on member states to condemn alleged violations of international law by the United States and Israel. The meeting occurs against the backdrop of ongoing war in the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates denied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the country, contradicting Israeli claims, while reports confirm Mossad chief visited the UAE at least twice during Israel's military campaign against Iran to coordinate war efforts.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress that the ongoing U.S.-Iran war has cost approximately $29 billion so far, while requesting at least $1.5 trillion in additional military funding to maintain U.S. military capabilities.
Kuwait arrested four men it says were Iranian Revolutionary Guard members who attempted an armed infiltration of Bubiyan Island on May 1, arriving by fishing boat and exchanging fire with Kuwaiti soldiers. Iran denies the allegations, claiming the individuals were on maritime patrol and entered Kuwaiti waters due to navigation system malfunction.
Ukraine is moving toward a landmark drone defense deal with the United States and has attracted interest from approximately 20 countries, capitalizing on its drone warfare expertise demonstrated during the Iran conflict that began in late February 2026. The deals include testing Ukrainian drones in the U.S. and deploying anti-drone systems like Sky Map in the Gulf region.
Britain sanctioned 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran, accusing them of involvement in hostile activity including plotting attacks and providing financial services to groups seeking to destabilize the region.
Iran has redefined the Strait of Hormuz as a vastly larger operational zone following the Iran war, according to an IRGC Navy officer, as maritime traffic through the critical waterway has plummeted to just 5% of normal levels under severe restrictions.
The US Treasury sanctioned 12 entities for facilitating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps oil sales to China, warning of potential secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions, including those connected to China's independent oil refineries.
An Iran ceasefire agreement appears to be collapsing while financial markets experience heightened volatility, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold talks at Gimhae Air Base in Busan, South Korea in October 2025.
Pakistan's Foreign Office rejected CBS News reports claiming Iranian military aircraft were stationed at Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi during the US-Iran conflict, calling the report 'misleading and sensationalised.'
President Trump rejected Iran's latest response to US peace proposals, calling the terms 'totally unacceptable' and stating the ceasefire is on 'life support.' Iran had reportedly sought permanent end to hostilities while leaving contentious issues like sanctions for later negotiations.
Israel established a clandestine military outpost in Iraq's western desert to support its air operations against Iran and conducted airstrikes against Iraqi troops who nearly discovered the facility, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing U.S. officials and people familiar with the matter.
US forces fired on two Iranian-flagged oil tankers attempting to cross the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz and struck Iranian military facilities after what the US described as 'unprovoked' attacks on Navy ships. Iran accused the US of undermining diplomacy while keeping Washington waiting for a response to its latest peace proposal.
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 11 entities and three individuals based in Iran, China, Belarus, and the United Arab Emirates for facilitating Iran's acquisition of weapons components, including materials for Shahed drones and ballistic missiles.
The U.S. military carried out strikes on Iranian military facilities on Thursday in response to what it described as unprovoked attacks by Iran involving missiles, drones, and small boats against U.S. warships and forces. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the strikes as defensive actions while indicating the U.S. expects a response from Iran regarding a cease-fire proposal.
Federal authorities are reviewing large oil positions placed just before key developments in the US-Iran conflict, investigating potential insider trading related to the war's impact on energy markets.
The UN's International Maritime Organization reported that around 1,500 ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers remain trapped in the Persian Gulf due to the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, facing severe hardship as the standoff continues.
The UAE Ministry of Defense reported engaging with missile and drone threats originating from Iran, with the UAE forming a committee to document attacks for legal action and demanding reparations. Iran denied involvement in the attacks.
CIA analysis indicates Iran retains 70% of its pre-war missile stockpile and can sustain the Strait of Hormuz blockade for months, directly contradicting public statements from US officials about Iran's degraded capabilities.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states reportedly restricted US military access to their airspace and bases, forcing Trump to pause the Strait of Hormuz escort operation. The move reflects Gulf frustration with US military actions in the region.
US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next week to discuss trade, Taiwan, technology, and the ongoing Iran war. China views the unresolved Middle East conflict as potentially strengthening its negotiating position.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Iraq's Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and leaders of pro-Iran militias, accusing them of facilitating Iranian oil sales in violation of US sanctions. The move represents continued American pressure on Baghdad to distance itself from Tehran and crack down on Iran-backed armed groups.
Iran has created a government agency to control and tax vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence, as the country simultaneously reviews a peace proposal from the United States and calls for dialogue and diplomacy.
China has invoked blocking measures prohibiting Chinese entities from complying with US sanctions on Iranian oil refineries, escalating tensions ahead of President Trump's planned visit to Beijing. The move directly challenges US enforcement efforts targeting Iran's oil trade.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in Beijing, with Wang calling the US-Israel war against Iran 'illegitimate.' The meeting occurred as Trump paused Project Freedom and sought diplomatic progress.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed the US-Iran ceasefire remains in effect despite recent military activity around the Strait of Hormuz, as the Trump administration works to finalize a broader agreement. China's foreign minister expressed concern over the conflict in discussions with Iranian officials.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared from the White House briefing room that U.S. military operations in Iran known as 'Operation Epic Fury' have concluded, while announcing a transition to 'Project Freedom' and emphasizing the need to address Iranian nuclear material.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that inflation is already picking up and the global economy could face a 'much worse outcome' if the war in the Middle East continues into 2027, with particular concern about prolonged disruption to energy supplies.
Iran's navy prevented U.S. warships from entering the Strait of Hormuz and fired shots at vessels in the strategic waterway, prompting President Trump to announce a U.S. operation to guide stranded ships through the strait. At least one South Korean vessel was reportedly hit in the incident.
U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Iran still needs up to a year to build a nuclear weapon, unchanged since last summer's U.S.-Israeli attack, while escalating tit-for-tat incidents in the Strait of Hormuz threaten a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
China's Ministry of Commerce issued an injunction blocking US sanctions against five Chinese refineries, including Hengli Petrochemical, that were accused of purchasing billions in Iranian oil. The move marks a significant escalation in the US-China dispute over Iran sanctions enforcement.
As the 60-day War Powers Resolution deadline arrived, the Trump administration argued that the April ceasefire means hostilities have 'terminated,' claiming no congressional authorization is needed despite ongoing blockade of Iranian ports.
Workers and activists held May Day demonstrations across Europe, Asia, and other regions on May 1, 2026, with traditional labor protests over wages and working conditions increasingly incorporating anti-war messaging and opposition to rising energy costs linked to conflict involving Iran. Some demonstrations escalated into clashes.
President Donald Trump said he is not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal for talks to end ongoing hostilities, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer disputed Trump's characterization that the conflict is over. A CNN investigation revealed that a majority of U.S. military sites in the Middle East have been damaged by Iran.
President Trump notified Congress on Friday that he does not require congressional authorization for military operations in Iran, asserting that hostilities have ended due to a ceasefire he ordered on April 7, 2026. The notification came as the 60-day War Powers Act deadline was reached.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced Congressional questioning over the Iran war budget and costs, with the Pentagon claiming $25 billion in expenses while lawmakers disputed the figure could be as high as $1 trillion. The hearing marked Hegseth's first public Congressional appearance since the war began.
International Atomic Energy Agency director Rafael Grossi said most of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile remains likely stored at the Isfahan nuclear complex, though IAEA inspectors have been blocked from verifying the site since the 2025 war.
Russian President Putin warned President Trump in a 90-minute call, that resuming military operations against Iran; especially a ground invasion, would be "dangerous and unacceptable" with "extremely damaging consequences for the entire international community". Putin offered to help secure Iran's enriched uranium as part of a deal, which Trump rebuffed, telling the Russian leader he would "much rather" have him focus on ending the war in Ukraine.
Iran's rial fell nearly 15% in two days to a record low of 1,810,000 to the dollar, as demand for foreign currency that had built up during six weeks of fighting flooded the open market following the ceasefire. The US naval blockade has cut off Iran's oil export revenue while year-on-year inflation reached 65.8%, compounding an economic crisis that had already helped spark the January 2026 protests.
President Trump told Axios, that he would not lift the naval blockade on Iranian ports until Tehran agreed to a comprehensive deal ending its nuclear program, formally rejecting Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear talks. "The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig", Trump said, adding that CENTCOM had also prepared a plan for a new wave of strikes if Iran remained intransigent.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a congressional hearing on April 29, 2026, that the Iran war had cost an estimated $25 billion over two months; mostly munitions, operations and equipment replacement, without offering an end date. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group are expected to depart the Middle East in the coming days after nearly a year of deployment.
The Iranian Embassy in London posted on its official Telegram, urging "proud Iranian compatriots" in the UK to join its "Jan Fada" (self-sacrifice) campaign; launched at the start of the US-Iran war. The UK Foreign Office summoned Iran's ambassador, condemning the posts as "completely unacceptable and inflammatory" and demanding the embassy cease any communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence on British or international soil.
Iraqi President tasked businessman and political outsider Ali al-Zaidi with forming a new government after months of gridlock. The appointment came after Trump opposed the nomination of pro-Iran former PM al-Maliki.
The UAE announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, dealing a significant blow to the oil cartel's unity. The move comes as the organization struggles with production quotas and amid the ongoing Iran conflict affecting global energy markets.
Iran's Mahan Air operated the first Tehran-Moscow flight, resuming the route after a 60-day suspension caused by the US-Israeli war; the same day Iran's Foreign Minister returned from meeting Putin in Russia to discuss the conflict. Airport authorities announced further route restorations to Bangkok, Istanbul, Beijing and other destinations in the coming days.
The US-Iran war reached its 60th day, triggering the War Powers Act deadline requiring Trump to obtain congressional authorization or cease hostilities, with at least three Republican senators, Collins, Tillis and Curtis, signaling they would not vote to extend the war. Senate Republicans blocked Democrats' fifth war powers resolution on April 28, though cracks are widening within the GOP as the conflict shows no sign of ending.
At the White House state dinner, President Trump claimed King Charles III shares his position on Iran's nuclear program, saying "Charles agrees with me even more than I do, we're never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon", drawing the traditionally apolitical monarch into a live diplomatic controversy.
President Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming Iran had informed his administration it was in a "State of Collapse" and wanted the Strait of Hormuz opened "as soon as possible" while figuring out its leadership situation. Iran's Foreign Minister immediately contradicted the message, blaming stalled negotiations on Washington's "destructive habits," while the White House confirmed no decisions had been made on Iran's latest proposal.
Speaking on Fox News' "The Sunday Briefing" on April 26, 2026, President Trump said Iran could reach out directly to negotiate an end to the two-month war, adding it must never have a nuclear weapon as a condition for any talks.
The Trump administration imposed economic sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery and approximately 40 shipping companies and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil, as the global energy trade remains in turmoil from the Persian Gulf conflict.
The White House announced that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Islamabad, in an effort to restart negotiations to end the US-Iran conflict.
President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to destroy any Iranian boats caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions as the extended ceasefire remains fragile. The US has intercepted 33 vessels since imposing the blockade.
Lufthansa announced the cancellation of 20,000 flights due to soaring jet fuel prices and shortages caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines across Europe are lobbying governments to relax environmental rules and modify passenger compensation rights.
Iran announced it has made no decision on attending a second round of negotiations with the US in Islamabad, citing Washington's 'excessive demands' and the ship seizure. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly preparing to lead the US delegation despite uncertainty over Iranian participation.
Pakistani officials report a potential 'major breakthrough' in US-Iran talks over Iran's nuclear program, with Trump saying new negotiations could resume within days. Pakistan's army chief traveled to Tehran to facilitate discussions.
Pakistan's army chief traveled to Tehran for high-level talks aimed at reviving negotiations between the US and Iran after weekend talks in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement. Trump indicated a second round of talks could occur within days.
Crude oil prices jumped nearly 8% to over $103-104 per barrel following Trump's announcement of the Iranian port blockade and the failure of peace talks. Physical oil prices in some markets approached $150 as buyers paid record premiums for immediate delivery amid supply disruption fears.
NATO members declined to participate in Trump's planned blockade of Iranian ports, proposing to intervene only after fighting ends. The move is likely to anger Trump, who has criticized allies for not supporting the US war effort.
In his strongest statement yet on the conflict, Pope Leo XIV denounced the 'delusion of omnipotence' driving the US-Israel war on Iran and demanded political leaders negotiate peace, marking a significant escalation in papal criticism.
Irish police deployed hundreds of officers to clear a blockade of central Dublin's O'Connell Street staged by farmers and hauliers protesting fuel prices driven by the Iran war, ending six days of demonstrations that caused nationwide shortages.
An Israeli airstrike on a State Security agency building in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, killed at least 13 members of Lebanon's security forces, marking a significant escalation as US-Iran peace talks were underway.
President Trump declared the US Navy will immediately blockade ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, following the collapse of peace negotiations with Iran.
Reuters reported that White House staff received warnings against using confidential information for trading after suspicious Iran-linked oil futures bets raised insider trading concerns, with fresh scrutiny on prediction markets.
Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad for direct negotiations aimed at ending the six-week conflict, with Pakistan deploying over 10,000 security personnel. Both sides issued warnings and set preconditions, casting doubt on the fragile two-week ceasefire.
Iran reclosed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within hours of the ceasefire announcement, with Tehran proposing to charge tolls for passage through the vital waterway. The closure threatens to unravel the fragile truce as both sides dispute terms.
President Trump announced immediate 50% tariffs with no exemptions on imports from countries supplying military weapons to Iran, adding a new trade dimension to the Middle East conflict. The legal authority for such tariffs remains unclear.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with President Trump and senior US officials as Trump renewed threats to reconsider US membership in the alliance, calling NATO members 'cowards' and a 'paper tiger' amid tensions over the Iran war.
President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran less than two hours before his 8pm deadline, following last-minute mediation by Pakistan. The agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and suspending US bombing operations.
Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants as President Trump's Tuesday deadline approaches, with the president threatening to destroy Iran's infrastructure if it doesn't reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia and China vetoed a watered-down UN Security Council resolution that would have encouraged countries to coordinate defensive efforts on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution had been repeatedly weakened in hopes of securing abstentions from the two countries.
South Korea's intelligence service reports that North Korea is keeping Iran at arm's length and carefully managing public messaging to preserve the possibility of renewed diplomatic dialogue with the United States after the Iran war.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that its intelligence chief, Majid Khademi, was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes amid ongoing conflict. The strike occurred as diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue.
Pakistan has presented a 45-day ceasefire proposal to end the Iran war, though Iran has indicated reluctance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a temporary truce. Multiple mediators including Turkey and Egypt are involved.
Regional mediators are pushing a two-phase ceasefire deal starting with a 45-day truce between the US and Iran, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end the conflict. Both Iran and the US have received the draft proposal.
US and Israeli forces bombed Iran's leading university, killing at least 34 people in what Tehran condemned as a war crime. The attack represents a significant expansion of targeting beyond military infrastructure.
Iran shot down a US F-15 fighter jet and an A-10 Warthog attack plane, marking the first such losses since the war began. One crew member has been rescued after 48 hours, while search operations continue for at least one missing airman in southwestern Iran.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested the niece and grandniece of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian military commander killed in a 2020 US drone strike. The State Department revoked their green cards, accusing them of being 'outspoken supporters' of Iran.
Iran launched drone and missile attacks on civilian energy infrastructure in Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain, causing fires at power plants, water facilities, and oil installations. Kuwait's oil infrastructure was damaged, while the UAE and Bahrain reported attacks on aluminum and energy facilities.
The US successfully rescued the second crew member of an F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran on Friday, following a complex 48-hour search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies. Iran also claimed to be searching for the airman.
Polymarket pulled prediction markets related to Iranian hostage rescue operations and a missing US pilot after facing widespread criticism over ethical concerns. The platform cited 'integrity standards' but did not specify which rules were violated, drawing scrutiny over inconsistent policy enforcement.
President Trump issued an expletive-laden ultimatum on social media giving Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on power plants and bridges. The threat came as the war entered its sixth week with no clear diplomatic resolution.
A US-Israeli strike destroyed the B1 bridge in Karaj, Iran's tallest bridge located 35km from Tehran, killing at least eight people and wounding 95 others. Trump claimed responsibility and warned of 'much more to follow,' while international law experts raised concerns about targeting civilian infrastructure as potential war crimes.
Italy has denied US military planes carrying weapons for the Iran war access to an airbase in Sicily, with the defense ministry stating the US failed to request parliamentary authorization as required by international treaty. The move follows Spain's earlier closure of its airspace to US combat aircraft.
The United Arab Emirates is willing to deploy troops and use force to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Arab officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. The UAE is lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution to authorize a multinational force to break Iran's chokehold on the strategic waterway.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy PM Ishaq Dar unveiled a joint five-point initiative in Beijing aimed at restoring peace in the Persian Gulf after five weeks of US-Israeli bombardment of Iran. Pakistan is positioning itself as a key mediator in the conflict.
American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in broad daylight in Baghdad, with US officials stating a suspect has ties to Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah. The State Department says it is working to ensure her release as soon as possible.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the US may need to reassess its relationship with NATO after the Iran war, criticizing the alliance's alleged lack of support during the Middle East conflict. Trump separately told the Telegraph he is 'strongly considering' pulling the US out of NATO over allies' refusal to support military action against Iran.
President Trump threatened to destroy Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and other critical infrastructure unless Tehran quickly accepts a peace deal, while simultaneously claiming the US could end military operations within 2-3 weeks. The mixed messaging comes as the war enters its second month with no clear resolution.
Spain has closed its airspace to US military planes involved in attacks on Iran, escalating beyond its previous denial of jointly-operated military base access. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the US-Israel war on Iran as 'profoundly illegal and unjust'
US President Donald Trump told the Financial Times he wants to 'take the oil' in Iran and could seize Kharg Island 'easily,' raising the prospect of US forces capturing Iran's main oil export hub. The comments came as 2,500 US Marines arrived in the region and oil prices surged above $115 per barrel.
Iranian strikes targeted Aluminium Bahrain (one of the world's largest smelters) and facilities in the UAE, injuring at least two people. The attacks on critical Gulf industrial infrastructure mark an escalation in Iran's targeting of economic assets beyond military sites.
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt met in Islamabad to prepare diplomatic groundwork for de-escalation between the US and Iran, as Pakistan positions itself as a potential mediator in the month-long conflict.
An analysis of June 2025 satellite imagery published by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and Le Monde indicates Iran likely moved up to 540 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to an underground complex at Isfahan in the days before US and Israeli military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
President Trump stated the US does not 'have to be there for NATO,' criticizing allies for not supporting the Iran war and suggesting the US may reconsider its involvement in the alliance. Multiple outlets reported his comments questioning NATO's mutual defense provisions.
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels fired a missile toward Israel that was intercepted, marking their first direct involvement in the month-old US-Israeli war against Iran. The entry of the Houthis threatens to further expand the regional conflict and disrupt global shipping.
European intelligence agencies report Russia is in final stages of completing phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran amid ongoing conflict. The Kremlin has denied the Financial Times report as 'lies.'
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the US will temporarily allow the sale of Iranian oil shipments already in transit, estimated to add 140 million barrels to the market. The move comes as oil prices hit their highest settlement since July 2022 amid Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
