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US Iran war LIVE: The situation between the US and Iran continues to be fragile, with no clear resolution in sight. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday paused “Project Freedom”—a mission aimed at guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz—to see whether or not an agreement can be finalised and signed.
The US and Iran are nearing a temporary peace deal, Axios reported, with Donald Trump’s team awaiting Tehran’s response within 48 hours. The one-page, 14-point memo proposes ending the war, pausing Iran’s nuclear enrichment, easing Strait of Hormuz curbs, and offering US sanctions relief. A 30-day negotiation phase would follow, though the deal is not yet final.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Li in Beijing today. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties and the situation in West Asia. Araghchi’s visit comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China on May 14-15 to see President Xi Jinping — a trip he delayed after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
Rubio calls Iran crisis a ‘test’ of UN’s utility amid Hormuz tensions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a US-backed UN resolution demanding Iran to halt attacks and stop laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a test of the UN’s effectiveness while urging China and Russia not to veto it again.
The United Nations security council began closed talks on a resolution drafted by the US with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. If it were to pass, it could lead to sanctions against Iran, and potentially authorize force, if Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping, Reuters reported.
A draft of the resolution seen by Reuters condemns Iran’s alleged violations of the current ceasefire and its “continuing actions and threats aimed at closing, obstructing, tolling” freedom of navigation through the strait. It demands Iran immediately cease attacks, disclose the locations of any mines and not impede clearance operations.
The United States has completed its offensive operations against Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, even as Washington warned it was ready to unleash a “devastating” response to any new attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The operation is over — Epic Fury — as the president notified Congress. We’re done with that stage of it,” Rubio told reporters at the White House.
Iran denies missile launches at UAE, condemns Abu Dhabi’s continued support to US
Iran on Tuesday rejected Abu Dhabi’s claims that it launched missiles and drones at the UAE, while accusing its leadership of “collusion with hostile parties” and warning of consequences for regional stability.
In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry said it “condemns the destructive actions of the rulers of Abu Dhabi in collusion with hostile parties,” adding that such moves could have “dangerous consequences… for regional peace and stability.”
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The US and Iran are nearing a temporary peace deal, Axios reported, with Donald Trump’s team awaiting Tehran’s response within 48 hours. The one-page, 14-point memo proposes ending the war, pausing Iran’s nuclear enrichment, easing Strait of Hormuz curbs, and offering US sanctions relief. A 30-day negotiation phase would follow, though the deal is not yet final.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Li in Beijing today. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties and the situation in West Asia. Araghchi’s visit comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China on May 14-15 to see President Xi Jinping — a trip he delayed after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
Rubio calls Iran crisis a ‘test’ of UN’s utility amid Hormuz tensions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a US-backed UN resolution demanding Iran to halt attacks and stop laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a test of the UN’s effectiveness while urging China and Russia not to veto it again.
The United Nations security council began closed talks on a resolution drafted by the US with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. If it were to pass, it could lead to sanctions against Iran, and potentially authorize force, if Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping, Reuters reported.
A draft of the resolution seen by Reuters condemns Iran’s alleged violations of the current ceasefire and its “continuing actions and threats aimed at closing, obstructing, tolling” freedom of navigation through the strait. It demands Iran immediately cease attacks, disclose the locations of any mines and not impede clearance operations.
The United States has completed its offensive operations against Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, even as Washington warned it was ready to unleash a “devastating” response to any new attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The operation is over — Epic Fury — as the president notified Congress. We’re done with that stage of it,” Rubio told reporters at the White House.
Iran denies missile launches at UAE, condemns Abu Dhabi’s continued support to US
Iran on Tuesday rejected Abu Dhabi’s claims that it launched missiles and drones at the UAE, while accusing its leadership of “collusion with hostile parties” and warning of consequences for regional stability.
In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry said it “condemns the destructive actions of the rulers of Abu Dhabi in collusion with hostile parties,” adding that such moves could have “dangerous consequences… for regional peace and stability.”
The US and Iran are nearing a temporary peace deal, Axios reported, with Donald Trump’s team awaiting Tehran’s response within 48 hours. The one-page, 14-point memo proposes ending the war, pausing Iran’s nuclear enrichment, easing Strait of Hormuz curbs, and offering US sanctions relief. A 30-day negotiation phase would follow, though the deal is not yet final.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Li in Beijing today. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties and the situation in West Asia. Araghchi’s visit comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China on May 14-15 to see President Xi Jinping — a trip he delayed after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
Rubio calls Iran crisis a ‘test’ of UN’s utility amid Hormuz tensions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a US-backed UN resolution demanding Iran to halt attacks and stop laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a test of the UN’s effectiveness while urging China and Russia not to veto it again.
The United Nations security council began closed talks on a resolution drafted by the US with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. If it were to pass, it could lead to sanctions against Iran, and potentially authorize force, if Tehran fails to halt attacks and threats to commercial shipping, Reuters reported.
A draft of the resolution seen by Reuters condemns Iran’s alleged violations of the current ceasefire and its “continuing actions and threats aimed at closing, obstructing, tolling” freedom of navigation through the strait. It demands Iran immediately cease attacks, disclose the locations of any mines and not impede clearance operations.
The United States has completed its offensive operations against Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, even as Washington warned it was ready to unleash a “devastating” response to any new attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The operation is over — Epic Fury — as the president notified Congress. We’re done with that stage of it,” Rubio told reporters at the White House.
Iran denies missile launches at UAE, condemns Abu Dhabi’s continued support to US
Iran on Tuesday rejected Abu Dhabi’s claims that it launched missiles and drones at the UAE, while accusing its leadership of “collusion with hostile parties” and warning of consequences for regional stability.
In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry said it “condemns the destructive actions of the rulers of Abu Dhabi in collusion with hostile parties,” adding that such moves could have “dangerous consequences… for regional peace and stability.”
US Israel Iran War LIVE: The US and Iran are close to a temporary peace deal, Axios reported. Donald Trump’s administration expecting a response from Iran within 48 hours. The proposed agreement is a one-page, 14-point memorandum aimed at ending the war and starting formal talks.
Under the plan, Iran may pause nuclear enrichment, while the US could lift sanctions and release billions in frozen funds. Both sides may also ease restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. The deal would begin with a 30-day negotiation period for a broader agreement.
Nothing is final yet, and if talks fail, military action or blockades could resume.
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Global markets gained after Donald Trump signaled progress in US–Iran talks. Asian stocks rose about 1% to a record high, while South Korea surged 5%. US futures also climbed, with S&P 500 up ~0.3% and Nasdaq 100 up ~0.7%. Oil prices dropped, with Brent crude down 1.3% to around $108 per barrel and WTI falling 1.4% to about $100.86. The dollar slipped 0.2%, while gold rose about 0.7–0.8% to nearly $4,590 an ounce. In bond markets, the US 30-year yield fell below 5%. (Bloomberg)
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Shehbaz Sharif said he is hopeful that the current chain of events will lead to peace in the Gulf region, news agency AFP reported.
US Israel Iran War LIVE: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Wednesday for an end to hostilities in the Middle East and for the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible”, during talks with his Iranian counterpart.
“China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential,” he said, according to a statement from his ministry after the talks with Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.
“China hopes that the parties concerned will respond as quickly as possible to the urgent call of the international community” for a normal and safe resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said.
“On the nuclear issue, China welcomes Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while considering that Iran has the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy,” he added.
-AFP
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday praised US President Donald Trump for his “courageous” leadership and the timely pause of “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz.
“I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz,” Sharif said.
He added that Trump’s “gracious response” to requests from Pakistan and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, would help advance regional peace and stability.
“President Trump’s gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my dear brother Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia H.R.H Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.”
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. We are hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that ensures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he said.
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Iran’s internet blackout entered its 68th day on Wednesday, internet monitor NetBlocks said.
“The general public have now been largely cut off from the global internet for 70% of the year 2026 to date, with some reporting no contact since the beginning of the first digital shutdown in January.”
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Iran on Tuesday rejected Abu Dhabi’s claims that it launched missiles and drones at the UAE, while accusing its leadership of “collusion with hostile parties” and warning of consequences for regional stability.
In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry said it “condemns the destructive actions of the rulers of Abu Dhabi in collusion with hostile parties,” adding that such moves could have “dangerous consequences… for regional peace and stability.”
Rejecting the allegations, the ministry said the claims of missile and drone launches toward the UAE were “unfounded,” and stressed that its military actions were “solely directed at countering US aggression.”
It also urged Abu Dhabi to “refrain from continued collusion and cooperation with hostile parties,” warning that Iran “will not hesitate to take any necessary and appropriate measures to defend its national interests and security
US Israel Iran War LIVE: South Korea’s presidential office said on Wednesday it had suspended a review on whether to participate in a U.S. operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump put the plan, known as “Project Freedom,” on hold.
“We don’t believe a review of Trump’s call to participate in Project Freedom is needed at this point,” Wi Sung-lac, the South Korean presidential national security adviser, told a press briefing.
-Reuters
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Iran’s embassy in Austria on Wednesday hit back at US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for urging the United Nations to “play its role” in resolving the crisis, accusing him of “brazenly twisting the truth.”
In a post on X, the embassy said Rubio had falsely claimed that Iran disrupted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz before calling on the UN Security Council to intervene.
“In his press conference, Marco Rubio—the so-called Secretary of State of the U.S. regime—brazenly twisted the truth, claiming that Iran had disrupted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and then had the audacity to call on the UN Security Council to ‘play its role’ in resolving the issue,” the post read.
The embassy added that if the UN truly seeks to uphold international peace, it should first condemn what it described as “ongoing US and Israeli aggression” against Iran.
“But let’s be clear: if the Security Council truly wants to uphold international peace and security, its first and most urgent duty is to unequivocally condemn the ongoing aggression by the U.S. and Israeli regimes against Iran—aggression that flagrantly violates the UN Charter.”
“The Council must hold these aggressors accountable, without delay or double standards. Any attempt to weaponize the Security Council against a UN member state while turning a blind eye to such violations would be nothing short of hypocritical, deeply unjust, and utterly unacceptable.”
US Israel Iran War LIVE: A loud noise heard on Qeshm island in southern Iran was caused by air defences intercepting small drones and reconnaissance drones, the Hormozgan provincial authorities said according to the Students News Network, adding that no impact, damage or explosion had occurred, Reuters reported.
US Israel Iran War LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio questioned the “utility” of United Nations if the international community cannot get Iran to stop its offensive in Strait of Hormuz.
“We’re asking the UN to call on Iran to stop blowing up ships, remove the mines, and allow humanitarian relief,” he said.
“If the international community can’t rally behind this and solve something so straightforward, then I don’t know what the utility of the UN system is.”
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is leading a letter to the Trump administration over Israel’s attack on a flotilla, seeking the release of two activists.
In a post on X, Tlaib said, “I’m leading a letter to the Trump Admin about the illegal Israeli military attack on the Flotilla and the abduction of civilians, including Americans, heading to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. We are demanding an end to the blockade on Gaza and the release of the two remaining captives.
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing.
The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties and the situation in West Asia. Araghchi’s visit comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China on May 14-15 to see President Xi Jinping — a trip he delayed after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
US Israel Iran War LIVE: South Korean shipper HMM said on Wednesday it had secured a vessel to tow a bulk carrier it operates to a port in Dubai after an explosion and fire damaged the ship, which had been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump blamed the incident on an Iranian attack, while South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the cause of the fire would only be confirmed after the vessel was towed back to port and inspected.
HMM said in a text message that the damaged vessel was expected to arrive in Dubai on Thursday night or Friday morning Seoul time.
US Israel Iran War LIVE: Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has alleged social media platform X of removing the “blue tick”, accusing it of “selective censorship” to suppress truth about the US war against Iran.
He took to X, saying, “X has now removed the blue check from Iran’s MFA Spokesperson’s account—after stripping the Ministry and Minister’s verified badges—despite our full Premium+ payments.
This arbitrary de-verification fits X’s pattern of selective censorship and American digital piracy, aimed at suppressing the truth about the U.S.’ illegal war against Iran.”
US Iran war LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday called on China to put pressure on Araghchi to loosen Tehran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil once transited.
“I hope the Chinese tell (Araghchi) what he needs to be told, and that is that what you were doing in the straits is causing you to be globally isolated,” Rubio told reporters.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi landed in Beijing on Wednesday to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
“During this visit, our country’s Foreign Minister will discuss bilateral relations and regional and international developments with his Chinese counterpart,” Fars news agency said.
His visit comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China on May 14-15 to see President Xi Jinping — a trip he delayed after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
(With inputs from AFP)
US Iran war LIVE: Over the past three days, the world has witnessed US President Donald Trump launch “Project Freedom,” triggering exchanges of fire between the US and Iran, attacks on the UAE, and ultimately a fresh announcement from Trump that the mission would now be paused.
Trump took to Truth Social to say that US will temporarily pause its operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining the blockade, claiming that “Great Progress had been toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran.”
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump said.
US Iran war LIVE: Iran touted the “US failure to achieve its objectives in the so-called ‘Freedom Project’” in a statement on INSA, a state-run media outlet, following President Donald Trump’s announcement he was pausing the effort.
The INSA statement said Trump called off the operation “following firm positions and warnings from Iran.”
-CNN
US Iran war LIVE: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beijing early Wednesday for talks with his Chinese counterpart, CNN reported.
Araghchi and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will “discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments,” a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
China is a close partner of Iran, and the biggest buyer of Tehran’s crude oil.
US Iran war LIVE: A cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported early Wednesday local time, citing a “verified source.”
No environmental damage has been reported yet. The maritime agency urged vessels to report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, whilst authorities investigate.
US Iran war LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a US-backed UN resolution demanding Iran to halt attacks and stop laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a test of the UN’s effectiveness while urging China and Russia not to veto it again.
Welcome to our live blog. We bring you timely updates on the US-Iran war.
