US-Iran War highlights: Trump awaits Iran's response as Tehran reviews US proposal to end war

Britain on Saturday said it was deploying warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East as part of preparations for a possible multinational mission to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz once conditions stabilise.

HMS Dragon, an air defence destroyer, had earlier been stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean following the outbreak of the Iran war in March to help protect Cyprus.

The move comes after France deployed its carrier strike group to the southern Red Sea, with London and Paris jointly working on plans to restore confidence in one of the world’s most critical trade routes.

“The pre-positioning of HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure that the UK is ready, as part of a multinational coalition jointly led by the UK and France, to secure the Strait, when conditions allow,” a British Ministry of Defence spokesperson said.

The proposed mission is being discussed as the US and Iran move closer towards a possible diplomatic breakthrough after weeks of conflict. According to reports, around a dozen countries have shown willingness to participate, though any operation would require coordination with Iran.

Britain’s role in any future mission could be constrained by pressure on the Royal Navy, which has shrunk in size in recent years following the retirement of several ships before replacements entered service.

A Qatari LNG tanker, Al Kharaitiyat, was sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after departing Ras Laffan and heading for Pakistan’s Port Qasim, according to LSEG shipping data.

If the vessel successfully crosses the strategic waterway, it would mark the first known transit by a Qatari LNG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the war involving Iran earlier this year.

The development comes amid fragile calm in the region after weeks of clashes and disruptions to shipping routes around the strait, a key artery for global energy supplies. Before the conflict, nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG trade passed through the narrow passage.

There was no immediate comment from QatarEnergy on the vessel’s movement or the security situation surrounding the transit.

A fragile calm returned to the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after days of military flare-ups, as the United States waited for Iran’s response to a proposal aimed at ending more than two months of conflict and opening the door for peace negotiations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said on Friday that Washington expected Tehran’s reply “within hours”, but there was no official response from Iran a day later on the proposal to formally end the war before negotiations begin on deeper disputes, including Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The diplomatic push comes as President Donald Trump prepares for a closely-watched visit to China next week, with mounting global pressure on Washington and Tehran to prevent the conflict from spiralling further and damaging the world economy.

The fighting has rattled energy markets and intensified fears over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

The United States and Iran appeared no closer to ending their war on Saturday as both sides continued exchanging fire in the Gulf despite a fragile ceasefire, while a new US intelligence assessment reportedly concluded that Tehran could withstand a naval blockade for months.

The latest escalation marked some of the most intense fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire came into effect a month ago. Tensions also spilled over into the wider Gulf region, with the United Arab Emirates coming under renewed attack on Friday.

Diplomatic efforts to formally end the conflict, meanwhile, remained stalled. Washington has been awaiting Tehran’s response to a US proposal intended to formally end the war before broader negotiations begin on contentious issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme.

Speaking in Rome on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington expected a response from Tehran later in the day. However, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said Iran was still reviewing the proposal and had not yet finalised its position.

President Donald Trump’s recent decisions during the Iran conflict, including plans to pull some US troops from Germany, threats of further drawdowns in Europe and his downplaying of Iranian attacks on a key Gulf partner, are raising concerns among allies that Washington may be becoming an unreliable security partner.

Even as the US and Iran edge towards a possible diplomatic off-ramp after 10 weeks of conflict, Trump’s approach has unsettled long-standing American allies across Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, reviving fears over how the US might respond in a future crisis.

The developments are also prompting some allies to reassess their strategic dependence on Washington, with countries increasingly looking to hedge their bets amid uncertainty over America’s long-term commitments.

At the same time, rivals such as China and Russia are seen as attempting to exploit emerging geopolitical openings created by the strain in US alliances.

While it remains unclear whether Trump’s handling of the Iran war will mark a lasting turning point in America’s global relationships, the conflict has intensified debate among allies over the future reliability of US leadership and security guarantees.

(Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said he expected to hear from Iran by Friday night on Washington’s latest proposal to end the war, even as Tehran indicated it had not yet finalised its response and was still reviewing messages sent by the Americans through Pakistani mediators. Read full story here

The US military said on Friday that it carried out a strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people and leaving one survivor. The operation marks the latest in a series of actions that rights groups have criticised as “extrajudicial killings”, while Washington has defended them as operations targeting “narco-terrorists”.

US intelligence assessments suggest Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is playing a critical role in shaping Tehran’s war strategy alongside senior Iranian officials and military commanders.

(Reuters)

Hezbollah said it launched 26 attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon since Thursday afternoon, as intensified Israeli strikes across the region reportedly killed more than 30 people, according to Al Jazeera.

The group said the attacks included a missile strike targeting an Israeli tank near the Lebanese town of Deir Siryan, shelling of advancing Israeli forces near Haddatha, and a strike on Israeli soldiers gathered in Labbouneh.

Hezbollah claimed the attacks caused casualties among Israeli troops but did not provide figures.

Strikes threatened the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran as the UAE said it intercepted drones and missiles launched from Iran, while explosions were reported across the country during defensive operations, Al Jazeera reported.

US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran remained “in effect”, despite Tehran accusing Washington of breaching the truce through fresh attacks.

The US Treasury on Friday imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies, including entities in China and Hong Kong, accusing them of helping Iran obtain weapons and key materials used in the production of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles.

The move, first reported by Reuters, comes just days before US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping, and amid stalled efforts to end the war involving Iran.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a CNBC interview on Tuesday that even if the Iran war ended today, it would still take at least three to four months to address its economic fallout. 

US Treasury says it is prepared to take further economic action against Iran’s military-industrial base. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday that ongoing US-Iran talks should be backed to avoid a renewed outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

According to a Russian foreign ministry statement, Lavrov stressed the importance of supporting negotiations between Iran and the United States and warned against any return to hostilities that could undermine efforts to stabilise the region.

Hezbollah said it launched a barrage of missiles at Israeli soldiers in the southern Lebanese town of Tayr Harfa.

The group also claimed it sent a “squadron of attack drones” towards the Meron Air Operations Base, a major Israeli military surveillance and command facility in northern Israel, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Al Jazeera said.

An Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese town of Aanqoun killed two people and injured another, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Al Jazeera cited.

The attack is the latest in a series of deadly Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon in recent days, despite a US-brokered ceasefire remaining in effect.

The dollar slipped on Friday and was headed for a second consecutive weekly decline as investors remained cautiously hopeful about a quick resolution to the Middle East conflict after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire was still holding despite renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.

The US said it was expecting a response from Iran as early as Friday to its latest proposal aimed at ending the Gulf conflict, even as American and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the region and fresh attacks targeted the United Arab Emirates.

The United States military said its forces disabled Iranian-flagged oil tankers M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda on May 8 before the vessels could enter an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman, alleging they were violating the ongoing US blockade.

According to United States Central Command, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) struck the smokestacks of both unladen tankers with precision munitions, preventing them from reaching Iranian waters.

CENTCOM also said US forces disabled the Iranian-flagged tanker M/T Hasna on May 6 as it attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. The military said an F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) fired several 20mm cannon rounds at the vessel’s rudder, rendering it inoperable.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his British counterpart Yvette Cooper discussed the “latest regional developments” during a telephone conversation.

Following the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that while the United Kingdom was not involved in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran, it had permitted the United States to use British military bases for “defensive operations” in the Middle East.

The UK, along with France, has also played a leading role in international efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after its effective closure by Iran.

US President Donald Trump said negotiations aimed at ending the Iran conflict are still underway, signalling continued diplomatic engagement despite escalating military tensions in the region.

Trump’s remarks come as US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, intensify diplomatic outreach with regional allies to advance negotiations with Iran.

While Washington has repeatedly claimed progress in talks, Iranian officials have at times denied direct negotiations, highlighting the fragile and uncertain nature of the diplomatic process.

Qatar has increasingly played a central role in backchannel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran during the conflict. US officials have been engaging Gulf allies, including Doha, in an effort to prevent further escalation and revive negotiations.

JD Vance has been deeply involved in recent diplomatic outreach and has previously met Gulf leaders to discuss ceasefire efforts, military coordination and potential peace talks with Iran.

US Vice President JD Vance is holding talks with Qatar’s prime minister as diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the Iran conflict continue, according to an Axios report.

The meeting is focused on the ongoing negotiations with Tehran and comes at a crucial moment as Washington awaits Iran’s response to a proposed framework aimed at ending the war.

The US military carried out additional airstrikes on Friday and targeted several empty tankers allegedly attempting to break the blockade imposed around Iran, according to a Fox News reporter citing developments shared on X.

The reported strikes come amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Washington has intensified naval enforcement operations targeting vessels linked to Iranian ports and shipping routes.

Rubio’s remarks come amid intensified diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to open negotiations with Tehran even as military tensions remain high across the region. The proposed framework is reportedly aimed at ending hostilities and preventing further escalation in the Gulf.

Washington has indicated it wants a “serious negotiation” process, while Iran has so far only exchanged indirect messages through intermediaries without formally accepting the proposal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington expects to receive Iran’s response on Friday to a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We'll see what the response entails. The hope is it's something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation,” Rubio told reporters during his visit to Rome, signalling cautious optimism over a possible diplomatic breakthrough.

Ahead of the Meloni-Rubio talks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described discussions with the US delegation as positive despite growing disagreements over Iran.

“I am convinced that Europe needs America, Italy needs America, but the United States also needs Europe and Italy,” Tajani told reporters, signalling Rome’s attempt to balance its NATO ties with mounting domestic resistance to the Iran war.

The Iran war has also intensified diplomatic friction between Rome and Washington after President Donald Trump’s recent attacks on Pope Leo XIV sparked outrage in heavily Catholic Italy. Giorgia Meloni publicly called the remarks “unacceptable”, drawing a sharp response from Trump.

The US President later criticised Meloni for lacking courage and even threatened to withdraw American troops stationed in Italy, deepening tensions between the two allies.
 

Italy last month reportedly denied permission for US aircraft to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily for combat operations connected to the Iran conflict. Italian officials maintained that Washington had not sought prior approval from Rome before planning the use of the strategic base.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also warned that the Iran war risked triggering dangerous nuclear escalation and could weaken America’s global leadership position.
 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Friday as divisions emerged over the ongoing Iran war. The meeting comes amid growing strain between Italy and President Donald Trump over Rome’s refusal to back the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Meloni, once seen as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, is now facing pressure at home as public opposition to the war and fears of economic fallout continue to rise in Italy.
 

Iran has created a government agency to vet and tax vessels seeking passage through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, according to a shipping data company, as Tehran said it was reviewing the latest US proposals aimed at ending the war.

The move to formalise control over the strategic waterway has raised fresh concerns over international shipping, with hundreds of commercial vessels reportedly stranded in the Persian Gulf and unable to reach open waters. However, hopes that the two-month conflict could soon come to an end boosted international markets.

The Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (PDKI) said Iran carried out drone strikes on one of its camps in northern Iraq on Wednesday evening, marking the second such attack on the group’s facilities in a single day.

In a post on X, the PDKI said three drones struck the Zewi Aspi base. Earlier in the day, two drones reportedly targeted the Girde Chal camp near Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdish region, a residential compound housing relatives of PDKI members.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of al-Mansouri and Byout el-Saiyad in southern Lebanon, with strikes extending towards the al-Mansouri-Hamra coastline. The shelling was reportedly launched from Israeli positions south of Tyre.

According to the report, an Israeli force backed by several military vehicles attempted to advance towards Byout el-Saiyad at dawn. The operation was supported by heavy artillery fire and attack helicopters conducting sweeping operations in the area.

Indian government bonds slipped on Friday after oil prices rose amid renewed fighting between the US and Iran, threatening a fragile ceasefire, although investor attention remained focused on the auction of a new 10-year paper.

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said air defence systems are “currently responding to a missile threat”, according to a post on X. The authority urged residents to remain in safe locations and follow official channels for warnings and updates.

The US military said it intercepted Iranian attacks on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday and carried out strikes on Iranian military facilities allegedly linked to attacks on US forces. The developments have raised fresh concerns over the fragility of the month-old ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

US Central Command, based out of Tampa, Florida, said its recent action was carried out in self-defence amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement comes as the region has witnessed escalating developments throughout the week.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier said that the United States would act in self-defence if required. President Donald Trump also echoed a similar stance in a Truth Social post made in the last few hours, reinforcing Washington’s position on the situation.

Saudi Arabia has warned that any threat to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for global trade, energy markets and humanitarian supply chains.

Saudi Arabia’s envoy to the UN, Abdulaziz al-Wasel, described the Strait of Hormuz as one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for international commerce and energy transportation.

US Donald Trump claimed that three American destroyers successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz while coming under attack.

“Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire,” Trump wrote on social media.

He further claimed that while the US warships were not damaged, Iranian attackers suffered heavy losses.

“There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers,” Trump said.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out strikes on Iranian military facilities after intercepting what it described as “unprovoked Iranian attacks” on US naval vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CENTCOM, the incident occurred on May 7 as US Navy guided-missile destroyers were transiting through the Strait of Hormuz towards the Gulf of Oman.

In a statement, CENTCOM said US forces responded with “self-defense strikes” following the alleged attacks, targeting Iranian military facilities linked to the operation.
 

Iran has accused the United States of violating a ceasefire by targeting Iranian vessels and carrying out air strikes on civilian areas near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement broadcast by Iran’s state-run IRIB network.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters alleged that US forces attacked an Iranian oil tanker travelling from coastal waters near the Jask region towards the Strait of Hormuz. The spokesperson also claimed another ship entering the strategic waterway opposite the UAE port of Fujairah was targeted.

In the statement, Iran further accused the US of conducting air strikes “in cooperation with some countries in the region” on civilian areas along the coasts of Khamir, Sirik and Qeshm Island.

The spokesperson said Iranian military forces responded immediately by launching retaliatory attacks on American military vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz and south of Chabahar port, allegedly causing “significant damage”.
 

Iranian state media said the country launched missiles at “enemy units” in the Strait of Hormuz after what officials described as a US attack on an Iranian tanker. State broadcaster IRIB, citing a military official, said Iranian forces targeted the units following the alleged strike on the tanker in the waterway. The official claimed the “enemy units” suffered damage and withdrew from the area.

Iran has warned the United Arab Emirates following reports of explosions in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, with a semi-official outlet pointing to possible “hostile action”.

Tasnim news agency, citing sources, said there were “signs of a hostile action” by the UAE after the blasts were reported in the Persian Gulf region. The report added that Iran has not yet confirmed an attack but warned that if confirmed, Abu Dhabi “will pay the price.”
 

Explosions were reported in the Iranian cities of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, according to Iranian state media.

The Mizan news agency, citing sources, said the blasts on Qeshm Island were caused by air defence systems intercepting several small drones. Tasnim news agency reported that two drones were also shot down over Bandar Abbas.

US President Donald Trump said he had a “great call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, adding that both sides are aligned on Iran. The two leaders discussed developments in the conflict, with Trump saying they are “completely united that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon”.

Earlier this week, von der Leyen criticised Iran’s actions following drone and missile attacks on the UAE, calling them “brutal” and stressing the need for “de-escalation and diplomatic resolution”.
 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is overseeing all major developments and that no decisions are taken without his approval, according to Nournews. The spokesperson added that Khamenei has “full oversight over all matters and issues” in the country.

Qatar’s UN ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif al-Thani said a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global and regional stability. She warned the current situation threatens energy security and economic stability while worsening humanitarian conditions.

Ensuring the waterway remains open is a requirement under international conventions and a “shared international responsibility,” she said.

The administration of Donald Trump is considering restarting “Project Freedom”, a US-led operation to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, as early as this week, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The US envoy to the UN Mike Waltz has accused Iran of violating international law by restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz. He criticised reports that Tehran plans to establish a Persian Gulf Straits Authority to impose tolls on passing ships, calling it a “cynical bid for leverage”.

“Collective punishment of the entire world to try to resolve some type of dispute is unacceptable, it’s immoral, and it’s illegal in international law,” Waltz said.

“This should be a simple demand. The removal of mines from an international waterway that you cannot exact illegal tolls. We have to address these violations, here in the council, and we have to ask ourselves if a country chooses to oppose such a simple proposition, do they really want peace,” he added.

The Israel Defense Forces said it has confirmed that a Hamas operative killed in a recent strike in Gaza was involved in the abduction of former hostage Mia Schem during the October 7, 2023 attack.

The military identified the operative as Ibrahim Abu Sakkar, who it said was a member of Hamas’s military medical services and had also taken part in multiple attacks on Israeli troops. He was killed in a strike on April 29 after being identified as planning an imminent attack, the IDF said.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has awarded the Order of Civil Merit to Francesca Albanese, recognising her advocacy on Palestinian issues during the Gaza war. Albanese has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions, accusing it of genocide and war crimes.

Sánchez has also emerged as a prominent European critic of both the US-Israel conflict with Iran and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling them illegal and in violation of international law.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Iraq’s deputy oil minister and leaders of Iran-aligned militias over alleged support for Tehran, the Treasury Department said. Washington accused Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly of using his position to divert oil revenues to benefit Iran and its proxy groups in Iraq.

The measures also target three senior figures from Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq. “Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran's military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

The sanctions freeze any US-based assets held by those named and bar American entities from engaging in transactions with them.
 

The Israel Defense Forces has cancelled several civilian events in northern Israel over fears of retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah following the killing of a senior Radwan Force commander. The move follows a fresh security assessment after an Israeli strike in Beirut.

The military said events that had been exempt from Home Front Command wartime restrictions would now be cancelled due to the risk of rocket fire. Current guidelines in border areas limit indoor gatherings to 600 people and outdoor events to 200.
 

Israel Defense Forces said Hezbollah launched rockets and explosive drones at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon in recent hours. The military said most of the projectiles were intercepted, while some drones detonated near forces. No injuries were reported.

The European Union is unlikely to introduce emergency relief measures for the tourism sector despite the Iran conflict, according to draft guidelines seen by Reuters. The bloc plans to inform airlines that current disruptions do not justify steps such as waiving compensation obligations for cancelled flights. While jet fuel prices have risen sharply since the war began on February 28, most carriers have so far managed the impact through financial hedging, though they warn supply shortages could emerge in the coming weeks. “The current situation does not point to the need for dedicated measures for the tourism sector, unlike during the COVID-19 crisis,” the draft guidelines said.

Government offices in Tehran will resume full operations from May 9, with all ministries and executive agencies set to function at 100 percent capacity, according to Tehran Governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamadian. Educational institutions will follow separate directions issued by the relevant ministries. “Educational activities in schools and universities will also be in accordance with the announcements of the Ministries of Education and Science, Research and Technology,” Mehr news agency quoted him as saying.

Switzerland’s power regulator has warned that the US-Israel war on Iran could disrupt gas availability ahead of winter, raising concerns over electricity stability. The Swiss Federal Electricity Commission said that in a worst-case scenario, the crisis could impact both Swiss and wider European power supply. Europe remains heavily dependent on Middle East energy, and tensions have escalated after Iran responded to strikes launched on February 28 by restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries about a fifth of global oil and gas.
 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed that he recently held a meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to state media reports. The revelation marks the first known account of Khamenei meeting senior officials after he sustained serious injuries during the opening phase of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Khamenei has largely remained out of public sight since assuming leadership following the death of his father in an Israeli airstrike in February. Pezeshkian reportedly described the interaction as “humble and deeply cordial.”

The United States and Iran are moving closer to a limited temporary arrangement aimed at stopping the ongoing conflict, according to a report by Reuters. The proposed framework would pause hostilities for now, though major disagreements between the two sides would remain unresolved. Rather than a full-fledged peace accord, the proposal is built around a short-term memorandum. Any deal reached at this stage is expected to serve only as an interim measure.

Crowds gathered in central Tehran on Wednesday night for a rally marking the 67th night of the ongoing conflict, with supporters waving Iranian flags and chanting slogans backing the country’s leadership amid tensions with the US and Israel.

People assembled near a memorial for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where chants of “down with Israel” echoed through the crowd. Several participants expressed defiance over the possibility of further escalation, while others said any future negotiations should only strengthen Iran’s position and preserve gains made during the conflict.

(Reuters)

Iran is expected to hand over its response to the US proposal to end the ongoing war on Thursday, according to a regional source cited by CNN. Tehran has been reviewing the proposal in recent days, with sources indicating that both sides are moving closer to an agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty to review bilateral cooperation and ongoing efforts to ease tensions in the region.

According to Qatar, the two leaders discussed recent regional developments, particularly the ceasefire efforts involving the United States and Iran, as well as diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing escalation and strengthening regional security and stability.
 

The Israeli army said it intercepted a “suspicious aerial target” launched from Lebanon towards Israeli territory.

According to the military, sirens were activated in the areas of Manara, Margaliot, and Kiryat Shmona following the launch. No injuries or damage were immediately reported after the interception.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi has condemned Iran for making what he called “baseless and unacceptable allegations” against the United Arab Emirates, after Tehran accused the country of collaborating with hostile actors.

Al-Budaiwi said the claims were “misleading” and reflected an “escalatory and provocative approach” by Iran towards countries in the region, according to an official GCC statement.

At least four people were killed and 33 others injured after an Israeli strike targeted the town of Saksakieh in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s Health Ministry. 

US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to forgo nuclear weapons, repeating a claim that has not been confirmed by Tehran, while expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations. Speaking during a brief, unscheduled interaction with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said talks with Iran had made progress in recent days. “They want to make a deal,” he said. “We've had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it's very possible that we'll make a deal.”

Trump added that Iran has agreed to never possess nuclear weapons “among other things,” though he did not provide details. There has been no confirmation of this from Iranian officials.

Trump has made similar claims in recent weeks, linking progress in negotiations to restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, without verification from the Iranian side, the extent of any understanding remains uncertain.

The president also appeared to soften expectations around timelines for a deal. Asked about reports of a 30-day window for negotiations, Trump said there is “never” a fixed deadline.
 

The son of Khalil al-Hayya has been seriously injured in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City, according to sources on the ground. The strike targeted the al-Daraj neighbourhood, where at least one person was killed and 10 others were wounded, officials said.

The incident comes amid ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza, as tensions remain high across multiple fronts in the region.

The United States has accused Hezbollah of attempting to “derail” diplomatic efforts between Lebanon and Israel, as tensions rise despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Speaking to Al Jazeera, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller Pigott said Washington remains focused on keeping negotiations on track, even as violence continues on the ground.

“No one is downplaying the challenges ahead of us here. No one is saying this is going to be easy,” Pigott said.

“But what the US is focused on is creating the conditions for good-faith conversations” between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, he added.

The United Arab Emirates said its international and defence partnerships are a “purely sovereign matter,” pushing back against Iranian criticism of its ties with the United States. In a statement, the UAE’s foreign ministry said the country reserves its full “sovereign, legal, diplomatic and military rights” to respond to any “threat, allegation or hostile act.”

The response came after Iran said Abu Dhabi’s cooperation with Washington threatened its security and national interests. The exchange marks a fresh escalation in tensions between the two countries, following reports from the UAE of recent attacks after weeks of relative calm under a US-brokered ceasefire.

Tehran has denied carrying out operations against the UAE in recent days but warned of a “crushing response” if any action is launched from Emirati territory against Iran.

US President Donald Trump said the United States will obtain Iran’s uranium, offering a blunt response when asked about the possibility as he left a White House event. “We’re going to get it,” Trump told reporters, without providing details on how such a move would be carried out.

When pressed further on the method, he repeated: “We’re going to get it.”

The remark comes as uranium remains a central issue in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with the fate of Iran’s enriched stockpile seen as a key sticking point in any potential deal.

US President Donald Trump said he is giving Iran one week to reach an agreement on a memorandum aimed at ending the war, setting a clear timeline as negotiations continue. Speaking in a phone interview with Fox News, Trump said the timeframe for a deal would be “one week.”

The comment adds to a series of shifting timelines from Trump on the Iran negotiations, which have remained fluid in recent weeks. Earlier, Axios reported that the United States expects a response from Iran on the proposed memorandum of understanding within 48 hours. It remains unclear whether Trump’s one-week timeline extends beyond that window or reflects a broader deadline for finalising a deal.

• The US and Iran are moving closer to a draft memorandum to end the war, though no agreement has been finalised and Tehran says it is still reviewing the proposal via Pakistan.
• US President Donald Trump said the situation is “under control” and that both sides want a deal, but warned bombing would resume if Iran rejects it.
• Proposed terms include Iran transferring enriched uranium to the US, limiting nuclear activity and easing restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is possible under “new procedures,” while US forces disabled an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding talks with US officials to understand the progress of negotiations and assess possible outcomes.
• Netanyahu confirmed Israel carried out a strike in Beirut targeting a Hezbollah Radwan Force commander.
• Israeli strikes were also reported in Lebanon and Gaza, including an attack that killed a senior Palestinian Interior Ministry officer.
• Iran has urged UN members to reject a US-backed proposal on Hormuz, calling it politically motivated.