Iran–US-Israel War Latest Updates: UAE Warns Iran, Israel Kills Son Of Hamas’s Chief Negotiator

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Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and the Prime Minister of Qatar held a phone call on Thursday to coordinate their approach to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

According to a statement from Sharif, the two leaders focused on the “regional situation” and pledged to support diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting peace. As a key mediator in regional conflicts, Qatar’s involvement remains central to the push for a stable ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to facilitating any dialogue that could bring an end to the current hostilities.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Southeast Asian leaders met in the Philippines on Thursday to fast-track an emergency oil-sharing framework as the war in Iran continues to strangle regional economies.

With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, the 11 nations of ASEAN, most of which rely heavily on fuel imports, are facing a major energy crisis. The Philippines, currently chairing the bloc, is pushing for a united front to secure food and energy supplies. Leaders in Cebu are working on “concrete response measures” to ensure the region is better prepared for long-term supply disruptions, emphasizing that the bloc must act now to strengthen its institutional readiness before the fuel crunch worsens.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: The US Treasury added more names to its sanctions list on Thursday, a reminder that Washington is keeping the pressure on even while negotiating a potential peace deal.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Thursday that there is “no immunity” for Israel’s enemies, following a targeted airstrike in Beirut that reportedly killed the commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.

The strike, which hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, marks the first time Israel has targeted the Lebanese capital since the mid-April ceasefire began. Netanyahu mocked the idea of safe zones, stating that any perceived immunity for leaders in Beirut is now over. While Hezbollah has yet to comment on the commander’s status, the escalation puts massive pressure on the fragile truce, especially since halting strikes in Lebanon has been a central demand for Iran in its ongoing peace talks with the US. 

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: The European Union is planning to tell airlines that the war in Iran hasn’t hit the tourism industry hard enough to justify emergency bailouts or a waiver on passenger compensation rules.

According to draft guidelines seen by Reuters, the EU believes the situation is nothing like the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though jet fuel prices have skyrocketed 84% since the war started in February, many airlines have managed to stay afloat thanks to fuel hedging. While carriers are warning that fuel shortages could become a real problem in the coming weeks, the EU is standing firm: airlines must still pay out for cancellations, and no special industry-wide safety nets are on the table for now.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Natural gas and oil prices dropped sharply on Thursday, as the prospect of a ceasefire between the US and Iran eased fears of a long-term energy crunch.  

US natural gas futures hit a one-week low of roughly $2.70 per MMBtu. While the news of a potential peace deal is the big driver, prices are also feeling the weight of the spring maintenance season, which has temporarily slowed down gas flows to export plants. Oil took an even bigger hit, with futures tumbling about 5% following a 7% slide yesterday, as traders bet that a deal could finally reopen the Strait of Hormuz and get global supply moving again.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Starting May 9, all government ministries and executive agencies in Tehran will return to 100% operating capacity, according to Governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian.

The decision marks a major step toward normalizing civilian life in the capital, which has seen restricted operations since the war began in late February. Schools and universities are also expected to reopen their doors, following specific guidelines currently being finalized by the Ministries of Education and Science. While the city has spent months operating under emergency protocols, including the conversion of 700 mosques into crisis shelters—this move signals growing confidence in the current ceasefire as diplomatic talks continue.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: The US and Iran are closing in on a limited, short-term agreement to halt active fighting, though sources warn the “memorandum” would bypass the most difficult issues fueling the conflict.

The draft framework acts as an interim step rather than a permanent peace treaty. While it could pause the violence, major sticking points remain, specifically the future of Iran’s nuclear program and its stockpiles of enriched uranium. Despite these deep divisions, the mere hope of a partial deal has sent global stock markets toward record highs and caused oil prices to drop, as investors bet that the vital Strait of Hormuz might finally reopen to global trade.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Israeli military activity ramped up in southern Lebanon today, with reports of heavy explosions and fresh airstrikes hitting the region.

On the ground, Israeli troops carried out a series of controlled blasts near the town of al-Bayadah. At the same time, an airstrike hit the town of Houche, further adding to the destruction in the south. These latest moves come at a tense moment, as the area remains a flashpoint despite the ongoing, yet fragile, ceasefire agreement.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Global stock markets cooled off on Thursday, showing a mixed performance as investors balanced optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal against the fact that the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

While the MSCI World Index stayed near record highs, Europe’s markets dipped slightly after yesterday’s big rally. The standout was Japan, where the Nikkei 225 rocketed past the 62,000 mark for the first time ever. Meanwhile, oil prices continued to slide as traders bet on a diplomatic breakthrough. Economists say that while the situation is still uncertain, the momentum finally seems to be moving in the right direction.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: The Israeli military claims to have killed 220 Hezbollah fighters since the mid-April “ceasefire” began, highlighting the near-total collapse of the US-brokered truce.

According to military spokesman Avichay Adraee, the pace of operations has intensified recently, with 85 fighters killed and 180 military sites targeted in just the past week. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports a grim broader toll, stating that over 2,700 people have died since the conflict began in March, including dozens of fatalities recorded after the supposed peace deal was signed.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Swiss authorities are warning that the war in Iran is creating a wave of uncertainty over gas supplies that could eventually threaten the entire European power grid.

While things are stable for now, officials say an “extreme scenario” could hit the stability of both Swiss and European electricity. Because the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, critical fuel shipments are stalled, forcing the government to keep a close eye on emergency reserves. If the situation doesn’t improve, residents could see mandatory energy-saving measures or a sharp hike in heating bills as winter approaches.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: President Masoud Pezeshkian has shared the first public update on a recent meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been largely out of sight since being severely wounded at the start of the war.

Pezeshkian described their conversation as “humble and deeply cordial,” signaling a unified front between the government and leadership. While specific details were kept private, the meeting is a significant signal of stability as the country weighs its response to the U.S. peace proposal and navigates internal disagreements over military strategy.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Emirates airline has posted its most profitable year ever, bringing in $5.4 billion even as conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel costs and disrupts flight paths.

While passenger numbers dipped slightly to 53.2 million, higher ticket prices more than made up for the gap. Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum says the airline is sitting on massive cash reserves, meaning they can stick to their growth plans without having to make any “knee-jerk” budget cuts. He noted that while everyone is hoping for peace soon, the company is strong enough to weather the current instability.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has entered the Red Sea, moving into position for a potential mission to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

The move is part of a joint effort led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They are organizing a 40-nation coalition aimed at restoring shipping in the waterway, which once handled a fifth of the world’s oil before being choked off by the U.S.-Iran conflict.

French officials clarified that the mission is “strictly defensive” and will only fully deploy once the war officially ends. For now, the carrier group is assessing the area to ensure a quick response as soon as a ceasefire is finalized.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern city of Nabatieh and its outskirts today, killing one person and injuring several others. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, the raids leveled a residential building in the al-Maslakh neighborhood.

The strikes also hit dangerously close to the local Evangelical School. Following an initial drone strike, several follow-up raids damaged nearby buildings and forced the closure of the main road to Nabatieh al-Fawqa. This latest escalation comes despite a standing ceasefire, adding to the heavy toll on civilians and infrastructure in the region.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: British energy giant Shell reported a 19% increase in net profits for the first quarter, driven by soaring oil and gas prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

Financial Performance

Net Profit: Rose to $5.69 billion for the January-March period, up from $4.78 billion in Q1 2025.

Growth: The results reflect a significant year-on-year jump despite a highly volatile trading environment.

CEO Statement

Chief Executive Wael Sawan credited the performance to the company’s “relentless focus on operational performance” during a quarter characterized by unprecedented disruption in global energy markets.

Iran-US-Israel War LIVE Updates: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at the Vatican on Thursday for a high-stakes, closed-door meeting with Pope Leo XIV.

The encounter follows a series of public clashes between President Donald Trump and the first American pontiff, who has been a vocal critic of the US-led war in Iran and the administration’s hardline immigration policies.

Following the brief half-hour audience, Rubio is scheduled to hold talks with the Vatican’s top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

An Israeli airstrike has reportedly killed the son of Hamas’s chief negotiator involved in US-mediated discussions on Gaza’s future, according to a senior Hamas official. The incident comes as Hamas leaders were engaged in talks in Cairo aimed at preserving their fragile truce with Israel.

Azzam Al-Hayya, the son of Khalil Al-Hayya, died on Thursday from injuries sustained in an Israeli strike carried out on Wednesday night, Hamas official Basim Naim told Reuters. The report noted that he is the fourth son of the exiled Gaza-based Hamas leader to have been killed in Israeli military operations.

Large crowds took to the streets of Tehran on Wednesday night, waving flags and chanting “death to Israel” during a public rally backing the country’s leadership.

The atmosphere was marked by music, singing, and illuminated phone lights as demonstrators raised their fists and carried portraits of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike in February.

As optimism grew over renewed progress toward a possible agreement between Iran and the United States, global markets responded positively on Thursday, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ending at record highs for a second consecutive session.

Meanwhile, oil prices steadied after plunging nearly 10 percent over the previous two days. West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $95.08 per barrel, while Brent Crude stood at $101.32.

Reacting to the strong market performance, Donald Trump celebrated the rally on Truth Social, writing, “Stock Market hit an ALL-TIME HIGH TODAY. 401Ks and jobs booming.”

A photograph circulating online appears to show an Israeli soldier placing a lit cigarette against the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.

The image has intensified criticism over alleged disrespect toward Christian religious symbols, marking another incident in which Israeli troops have been accused of desecrating sacred sites and imagery in Lebanon.

The United Arab Emirates has strongly criticised remarks made by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, reiterating that it will not tolerate any threats targeting its sovereignty, national security, or independent policy decisions.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the country’s defence ties and international partnerships are matters of sovereign authority and cannot be used by any nation as justification for intimidation, interference, or provocation.

The ministry said the UAE’s foreign relations and defence cooperation remain “an exclusively sovereign matter,” adding that no external party has the right to exploit them as a basis for “threats, interference or incitement.”

Iran has denied any connection to the explosion aboard a South Korean-operated ship in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.

In a statement issued by Iran’s embassy in Seoul, Tehran said it “firmly rejects and categorically denies” claims linking the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the incident that damaged the Korean vessel.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the exact cause of the blast and the subsequent fire has not yet been determined.

US President Donald Trump delivered what he described as a “very simple” message regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stressing that Tehran must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

“It’s very simple. Whether I make him happy or I don’t make him happy: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

The US president also implied that the pope appeared comfortable with Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities. Reiterating his position, Trump warned that if Tehran succeeded in developing a nuclear weapon, “the entire world would be hostage.”

“That’s my only message,” he added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, on Thursday in a high-profile visit aimed at improving ties between Washington and the Vatican while advancing President Donald Trump’s diplomatic agenda.

The visit comes just weeks after Trump publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff’s anti-war views, highlighting growing tensions between the White House and the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Negotiators are currently working on a 14-point draft memorandum designed to bring an end to the Gulf conflict and open the door for broader discussions on sanctions relief, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme.

However, major sticking points remain, particularly over Iran’s missile programme and the future of its enriched uranium reserves

Iran is expected to deliver its reply on Thursday to mediators regarding the latest proposal put forward by the United States to help end the continuing conflict, a regional source told CNN.

The anticipated response comes as indications emerge that Tehran and Washington could be inching closer to a wider understanding following weeks of heightened regional tensions and stalled diplomatic talks.

Hezbollah said its fighters launched 17 targeted attacks against Israeli troops operating inside Lebanese territory.

In a statement, the group said it struck gatherings of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles in multiple locations, including Qantara, Biyyada, Taybeh, Naqoura, Rishaf and Aita al-Shaab. The attacks reportedly involved drones and rocket fire.

The group also claimed to have targeted Israeli military hardware, including a personnel carrier and a newly established command centre.