Iran–US-Israel War Latest Updates: Trump To Launch Fresh Military Action Against Tehran? Iran Threatens To Enrich Uranium To 90% Purity

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Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: The US Department of Energy reported on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz is expected to remain effectively shut through late May, with traffic resuming only gradually starting next month. This extended closure, caused by Iran’s ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel, has stranded millions of barrels of oil and driven US motor fuel prices to multi-year highs. The resulting surge in gasoline and diesel costs presents a significant political challenge for President Donald Trump as the November midterm elections approach.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States. During the discussion, Wang Yi expressed China’s appreciation and support for Pakistan’s role as a mediator. Both ministers emphasized the necessity of maintaining a durable ceasefire and ensuring the safe, normal passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This diplomatic exchange occurs as U.S. President Trump prepares for an official visit to China later this week.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: The Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced that leaders have exchanged views on recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the US Both sides underscored the critical importance of maintaining a ceasefire and ensuring the normal passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Lithuania’s State Defence Council has approved a plan to deploy up to 40 troops and personnel to assist US forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Defence chief General Raimundas Vaiksnoras confirmed the contribution would focus on minesweeping expertise, pending final parliamentary approval. President Gitanas Nauseda backed the move, characterizing earlier US-Israeli strikes on Iran as “unavoidable” while condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf nations as “brutal” violations of sovereignty.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: The Israeli military reported that a drone launched by Hezbollah exploded in Israeli territory near the border with Lebanon. No casualties were reported following the blast. A second drone launched by the group was successfully intercepted by the army.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its forces prevented the Malta-flagged tanker Agios Phanourios from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson stated the vessel was intercepted for violating a blockade on Iranian ports, noting that the tanker was not carrying Iranian oil. CENTCOM emphasized that the US-imposed embargo remains in effect and that several other tankers have been intercepted recently for similar violations despite not transporting Iranian cargo.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nasseredine shared video evidence on social media depicting Israeli forces targeting paramedics and healthcare workers. One segment of the footage shows a blast shattering the windows of an ambulance as responders attempted to evacuate an injured colleague. Nasseredine condemned the actions as a “grave violation of International humanitarian law” and called on the international community to protect Lebanon’s medical personnel.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Most Latin American currencies weakened against a strengthening dollar on Tuesday following new US inflation data, while regional stocks declined amid broader market caution. Data revealed that US consumer prices rose for the second consecutive month in April, marking the largest annual inflation increase in nearly three years. These figures have reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rates for the foreseeable future, while fading hopes for a US-Iran peace deal further dampened investor sentiment.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs has delivered an official protest note to the Iranian envoy, Mohammad Tutunji, following an alleged infiltration by armed members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Hamad Suleiman al-Mashaan condemned the incident as a “hostile act” and a “blatant violation” of Kuwaiti sovereignty and international law. According to the Interior Ministry, four IRGC members attempted to enter the country by sea to conduct hostile activities; two were apprehended after a clash that wounded a Kuwaiti service member, while two others escaped.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Save the Children reports that an average of four children have been killed or injured daily in Lebanon since the ceasefire began on April 17. According to Lebanese Ministry of Health data, 22 children have been killed and 89 wounded during this period, bringing the total number of children killed in Israeli attacks since early March to nearly 200. Nora Ingdal, the organization’s Lebanon director, emphasized that the ongoing violence makes the “so-called ceasefire” ineffective for children’s safety, noting that airstrikes in some regions have even intensified.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Gold prices fell on Tuesday as the breakdown of peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran drove oil prices higher, intensifying concerns over global inflation. Spot gold dropped 1% to $4,685.99 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures declined 0.7% to $4,693.90. Analysts noted that rising energy costs—triggered by President Donald Trump’s statement that the ceasefire is on “life support”—have increased the likelihood that central banks will raise interest rates to combat potential stagflation, reducing the appeal of the non-yielding metal.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: A Pentagon official announced on Tuesday that the ongoing war against Iran has reached a total cost of $29 billion. This financial disclosure comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prepares to defend the Trump administration’s 2027 military budget proposal of $1.5 trillion before Congress. Lawmakers have expressed growing concern over the conflict’s mounting expenses and its lack of formal congressional approval, particularly as the war appears to be in a stalemate. The high cost of the conflict, combined with rising fuel prices, has increased political pressure on the administration ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Bangladesh has strongly condemned Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon following the deaths of two Bangladeshi nationals, Shafiqul Islam and Nahidul Islam Nahid. The Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “heinous” and expressed grave concern over the mounting civilian death toll and ongoing violence in the region. Dhaka has called for maximum Israeli restraint and strict adherence to international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh embassy in Lebanon is coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the victims’ bodies to their home district of Satkhira.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Oil prices rose more than 3% on Tuesday as significant disagreements between the US and Iran over a peace proposal shifted focus back to global supply risks. Brent crude futures increased by $3.47 (3.3%) to $107.68 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate rose $3.54 (3.6%) to reach $101.61. This surge follows a nearly 3% gain for both benchmarks on Monday, driven by growing concerns that the diplomatic stalemate could prolong regional instability.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are set to face intense questioning from House and Senate subcommittees regarding the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Lawmakers, including some Republicans, have raised concerns over the conflict’s duration and the lack of explicit congressional approval as the war appears to have reached a stalemate. The hearings focus on the Trump administration’s 2027 military budget proposal, which requests a record $1.5 trillion to replenish drones, warships, and missile systems depleted during the fighting. Additionally, officials are expected to address the political pressure caused by rising fuel prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed strong optimism regarding the long-term future of the military alliance during a press conference in Montenegro. However, he noted that the current situation with Iran is dominating immediate discussions, specifically focusing on how European allies can assist in the Strait of Hormuz. Rutte’s confidence in NATO’s future stems from commitments by Canada and European nations to increase their defense spending.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated he is “very optimistic” that more Middle Eastern nations will soon join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. Despite many Arab states expressing anger over Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, Huckabee emphasized that Gulf states must choose between the threats posed by Iran or Israel. During a speech in Israel, he shored up support for the ongoing war on Iran, characterizing Israel as the “appetizer” and the United States as the “entrée” for the Iranian government. Huckabee further argued that Israel is not a threat to the land of Gulf states, contrasting its actions with Iranian missile attacks against the US. 

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Iran’s near-total nationwide internet blackout, implemented by local authorities, has now entered its 74th day, surpassing 1,752 hours of connectivity disruption. The monitoring group NetBlocks noted that while global technological advancements have continued since the blackout began on February 28, 2026, the Iranian government has reportedly focused on the arrest and execution of technologists. A spokesperson for the Iranian government stated that normal internet access will only be restored once the current war involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran concludes.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Oil prices jumped more than 3% on Tuesday after the U.S. and Iran rejected each other’s negotiation proposals, reigniting fears over global supply stability. Brent crude futures rose $3.47 to $107.68 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed $3.54 to $101.61. President Donald Trump described the current ceasefire as being on “life support” due to fundamental disagreements over demands, including the removal of the U.S. naval blockade, the resumption of Iranian oil sales, and war reparations.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that at least 380 people, including 22 children and 39 women, have been killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began on April 17. While US President Donald Trump initially brokered a 10-day truce that was later extended by three weeks, daily bombardment has continued in southern Lebanon. Israel has maintained its military operations against Hezbollah infrastructure, while the group has retaliated with strikes on Israeli forces. The ongoing violence has brought the total death toll in Lebanon to over 2,700 since the conflict escalated in early March.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has reiterated Turkiye’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran. Fidan emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz crisis has caused “dire” global consequences and called for an immediate end to the conflict. He also condemned Israel’s expansion policies in Lebanon and Gaza while stressing that the strategic waterway should not be used as a “weapon” in regional disputes.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Turkey’s Foreign Minister expressed strong support on Tuesday for efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the strategic waterway must not be used as a “weapon.” The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining free transit through the strait to ensure regional stability and global economic security.

Iran–US-Israel War LIVE and Latest Updates: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that it apprehended four infiltrators affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following a failed attempt to enter the country by sea. The group was intercepted in Kuwaiti territorial waters, leading to a direct confrontation that injured one member of the Kuwaiti armed forces. According to the state news agency KUNA, the suspects have been referred to the competent authorities for investigation. This incident follows a spike in regional tensions, including recent reports of hostile drone incursions into Kuwaiti airspace.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the US that it must agree to the terms outlined in Tehran’s 14-point peace proposal for war to end or risk continued diplomatic setbacks. The warning came after US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s latest counteroffer and described the ceasefire, which has been in effect since April 8, as being on “life support.”

Ghalibaf asserted that Washington would have to recognise Tehran’s “rights” if it hoped to bring an end to the conflict that has stretched on for more than two months. 

“There is no option other than accepting the rights of the Iranian people as detailed in the 14-point proposal. Any other path will lead nowhere and result only in repeated failures,” Ghalibaf wrote in a post on X.

Iranian foreign policy spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei on Tuesday threatened that if US attacks the country again, it will enrich Uranium up to 90& purity. 

“One of Iran’s options in the event of another attack could be 90 percent enrichment. We will review it in the parliament,” Rezaei posted on X.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Tuesday that Israel had sent an Iron Dome battery and personnel to operate the air defence system to the United Arab Emirates.

“Israel just sent (the UAE) Iron dome batteries and personnel to help them operate them. How come? Because there’s an extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel based on the Abraham Accords,” Huckabee said at an event in Tel Aviv, referring to a 2020 deal that saw Israel establish ties with the UAE.

(Reuters)

Pakistan plans to increase oil imports from Russia amid the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported, citing Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi.

(Reuters)

– Gold prices fell on Tuesday, as markets weighed developments in the Middle East conflict and interest rate expectations ahead of key U.S. inflation data.

Spot gold XAU= fell 0.6% at $4,705.99 per ounce by 0603 GMT, after climbing to a three-week high earlier in the session.

U.S. gold futures GCcv1 for June delivery lost 0.3% to $4,714.50.

Hopes for a peace deal on Iran faded after U.S. President Donald Trump said a ceasefire with Iran was “on life support” as Tehran rejected a U.S. proposal to end the conflict and stuck to a list of demands the U.S. president described as “garbage”.

(Reuters)

Oil prices edged higher by nearly 1% on Tuesday as uncertainty surrounding efforts to end the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continued to fuel concerns over global supply disruptions.

Brent crude futures rose 86 cents, or 0.8%, to reach $105.07 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 99 cents, or 1%, trading at $99.06 per barrel as of 0411 GMT. Both benchmarks had already surged close to 2.8% in the previous session.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone conversations on Monday with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss the situation involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US State Department.

In separate statements issued after the calls, the State Department said Rubio spoke about “Iran and ongoing efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz” with both leaders.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo his annual physical examination on May 26 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the White House confirmed on Monday.
At 79, Trump’s health continues to draw public attention as he maintains an active routine following his return to office in January 2025. The president has kept up a demanding schedule and regularly spends weekends golfing at his properties in Florida and Virginia.

The United Arab Emirates allegedly conducted strikes inside Iran early last month, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, revealing a previously undisclosed role by the Gulf nation in the conflict.

In a report published Monday, the newspaper said the Emirati operation targeted a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island. The strikes reportedly occurred around the same period when US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire following a five-week aerial campaign during the war.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly become increasingly frustrated with Iran’s approach to ongoing negotiations and the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, prompting him to more seriously consider restarting major combat operations, CNN reported citing sources familiar with the matter.

Iran has declared that it is prepared for all possible scenarios as negotiations with the United States continue without a breakthrough, with both nations maintaining hardline positions.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a post on X that Tehran’s military was fully ready to react if the situation worsens.

“Our armed forces are prepared to deliver a lesson-giving response to any aggression,” he stated. “We are prepared for every option. They will be surprised.”