Iran is still reviewing the latest proposal from the United States aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. In remarks published by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Baghaei said Tehran is carefully considering Washington’s new offer and will make its decision based on national interests.

He also accused the United States of violating ceasefire agreements and international law following a recent attack in Iran, claiming that American actions have further endangered regional stability. Baghaei added that Iran’s armed forces are closely monitoring the situation and remain fully prepared to respond to any aggression or reckless moves.

Tehran’s stance has introduced new diplomatic uncertainty in the Middle East, where prospects for negotiation coexist with the persistent risk of military escalation.

An Iranian-flagged commercial vessel was reportedly attacked by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters of the Gulf of Oman, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency. The incident occurred on Tuesday night near the coastal waters of Minab County, where the cargo ship caught fire following the strike. At least ten sailors were injured and taken to a local hospital, while five others remain missing as rescue and search operations continue.

The attack has heightened tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy transport routes. The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for global oil shipments, and any disruption there often draws international concern. As of the report’s publication, US authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the alleged attack.

The absence of a US response leaves uncertainty about the circumstances and potential diplomatic fallout of the incident, which could further strain regional maritime security.

China is reassessing U.S. military strength after heavy American weapons use in the prolonged Iran war. Chinese analysts argue that Washington’s arsenal has been significantly depleted, weakening its ability to defend Taiwan effectively. According to U.S. defense assessments cited in the report, nearly half of America’s long-range stealth cruise missiles have been used since the conflict began in late February, and the number of Tomahawk missiles fired is about ten times the annual purchase volume.

Retired PLA Colonel Yue Gang said the situation exposes limits to U.S. global military dominance. Chinese commentators suggest that if the U.S. struggles against Iran, it may face even greater challenges countering China over Taiwan. Ahead of next week’s Trump–Xi summit, Beijing believes this could weaken President Trump’s diplomatic leverage, while China seeks stability and reduced U.S. support for Taiwan.

U.S. officials have rejected Beijing’s analysis, insisting that deterrence against China remains intact. Analysts note that China’s own military faces internal challenges, though the conflict has raised doubts among Asian allies about Washington’s reliability as a security partner.

The Trump administration has approved the sale of advanced air defense missiles and related military services worth about $17.1 billion to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, even as U.S. missile stockpiles decline due to the ongoing Iran war. The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress of the deal last Friday but did not publicly announce it that day. The total approved arms sales reached $25.7 billion, with $8.64 billion in new emergency sales and the remainder expanding previous agreements.

The package extends earlier deals from 2019 and 2024 and includes Patriot interceptor missiles valued at roughly $4 million each. Kuwait’s share amounts to $9.3 billion, the UAE’s to $6.25 billion, and Bahrain’s to $1.625 billion. Meanwhile, Qatar has placed an additional $4 billion order for about 1,000 Patriot missiles. Since the Iran conflict began in late February, the U.S. has used over 1,300 interceptors, while Gulf partners have launched about 600.

Pentagon officials warn that rising foreign sales could strain U.S. readiness, as current production exceeds only 600 interceptors annually. Critics in Congress argue the administration is bypassing oversight by invoking emergency powers for rapid arms transfers.

Turkey has unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile, named 'Yildirimhan', during the International Saha Expo in Istanbul, which began on May 5 and runs until May 9. The missile, developed by the country's Defense Ministry’s research and development center, features the monogram of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and the emblem of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Defense Minister Yasar Güler stated that it is Turkey’s first liquid-fueled missile with hypersonic characteristics and the longest-range missile produced domestically.

According to a chart displayed beside the missile, Yildirimhan has a maximum range of 6,000 kilometers, is powered by four rocket engines, and can travel at speeds 25 times faster than sound using liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel. The unveiling follows Turkey’s recent advances in missile and drone technology, including the Typhoon Block Four ballistic missile introduced last year.

Turkey has signed multiple international agreements restricting the production and export of long-range ballistic missiles. Experts note that some countries may understate missile ranges to avoid sanctions, as seen in recent uses of medium-range missiles by Russia and Iran.

A US intelligence report submitted to administration officials this week indicates that Iran could withstand the American naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for three to four months before facing a severe economic crisis. The Washington Post, citing four officials familiar with the matter, reported that the assessment raises new questions about President Donald Trump’s claims regarding the effectiveness of US military and economic pressure on Tehran.

According to the report, despite a week of US and Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and arsenals, the country retains substantial ballistic missile capability. A US official said Iran still possesses about 75 percent of its pre-war mobile launchers and 70 percent of its missiles. Evidence also suggests that Iran has restored underground arsenals, repaired damaged missiles, and assembled new ones that were nearly ready at the start of the conflict.

Another US official indicated that Iran’s leadership appears more determined and confident in its ability to endure sanctions and military pressure longer than the CIA had previously forecast.

Saudi Arabia has called on the United States and Iran to reduce tensions following reciprocal attacks between Tehran and Washington in the Strait of Hormuz. The appeal was made by Raed Krimli, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, who posted on social media platform X on Friday, expressing support for efforts aimed at dialogue and de-escalation.

Krimli stated that Saudi Arabia is concerned about the ongoing military tensions in the region and emphasized the need to lower hostilities. The call came amid reports that the United Arab Emirates was intercepting missiles launched from Iran, while Iranian media partly blamed Abu Dhabi for the escalation. During the conflict, the UAE has been among the main targets of Iranian attacks.

Despite the clashes, former U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that a ceasefire agreement remains in effect, according to the report sourced from CNN.

Thousands of North Korean soldiers have reportedly fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a BBC investigative report published on May 8, 2026. The report states that around 2,300 North Korean troops were killed while fighting for Russia. South Korean authorities said that after Russia’s sudden incursion into Ukraine’s Kursk region in August 2024, at least 11,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to assist in reclaiming parts of the area.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly paid tribute to the soldiers who died in the conflict. The report suggests that in exchange for sending troops, Pyongyang received food, financial, and technological support from Moscow. In October 2025, Kim Jong Un reportedly ordered the construction of a museum in Pyongyang’s Hwasong district to honor the fallen soldiers.

The findings highlight the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, as reported by the BBC.

Despite recent military confrontations between Iran and the United States, diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire and peace agreement remain ongoing. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tehran, neither side has officially declared the ceasefire broken. The U.S. administration maintains that the truce is still in effect, while Iran accuses both Israel and the United States of violating it.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Tehran is still reviewing the proposal submitted by Washington. Although a response was expected through Pakistani mediators, Iranian officials said they are still examining the matter. Both sides reportedly remain interested in resolving the crisis through diplomatic channels, but significant differences persist at the negotiation table.

Iranian officials have described several U.S. demands as unreasonable and hasty. The situation is expected to become clearer once Tehran issues its formal response. While mediation continues, uncertainty remains over whether a final agreement can be reached. The international community is closely watching the peace proposal, hoping it will ease global energy and trade disruptions.

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) stated that three of its vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in April without paying any transit fee or toll. The company confirmed this in an interview with Reuters on Friday. Iran had earlier proposed imposing tolls on ships passing through the strait as a condition for halting attacks by the United States and Israel. However, an MOL spokesperson said the company has no plans to pay such fees in the future.

When asked how the ships managed to cross without paying, the company credited the efforts of relevant countries and stakeholders. MOL currently has several other vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. The spokesperson emphasized that the safety of the crew, ships, and cargo remains the company’s top priority.

Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers under MOL also recently passed through the same route. The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategically vital waterway, handling about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne crude oil and LPG shipments, amid ongoing regional tensions over its control.

Pakistan has called for the repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian sailors detained on ships seized by the United States. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the vessels are currently near Singapore’s waters. He said he has sought the support of Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to facilitate the return of the detained sailors.

In a post on social media platform X, Dar added that he is coordinating with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the matter. He also affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to assist in ensuring the safe return of the Iranian nationals. According to Dar, the seized ships carry 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian sailors.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to secure the release and repatriation of its citizens amid the ongoing detention of the vessels by the United States.

At least 12 people, including a child, were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). The attacks targeted areas near the towns of Al-Mansouri and Bayyut al-Sayyad, extending to the Al-Mansouri-Hamra coastal zone. The strikes occurred early Friday as Israeli forces attempted to advance toward Bayyut al-Sayyad, supported by heavy helicopter fire.

NNA reported that a Red Cross and Lebanese Army medical team came under fire while traveling toward the Jibkin municipality to recover bodies and evacuate the injured from a previous attack. The team was forced to retreat due to Israeli shelling. The agency also said a large explosion occurred inside the city of Al-Khiyam.

Since early March, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed 2,727 people and injured 8,438 others, according to the same report.

US President Donald Trump described recent American strikes on Iranian facilities as a 'gentle touch of love' and insisted that the ceasefire between the two countries remains in effect despite reciprocal attacks. In a phone interview with ABC News reporter Rachel Scott, Trump said US forces easily destroyed Iranian missiles and drones, warning Iran’s leadership of harsher actions if they fail to sign an agreement soon.

According to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iran launched missiles, drones, and small boats targeting three US destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military responded by striking Iranian missile and drone launch sites, command centers, and intelligence surveillance facilities. Iran, however, blamed the United States for initiating the conflict, alleging that US forces first violated the ceasefire by firing on an Iranian oil tanker heading toward the Strait of Hormuz.

The exchange of accusations underscores the fragile state of the ceasefire and the continuing tension in the strategic waterway, with both sides claiming defensive actions.

The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of launching missile and drone attacks on its territory, according to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Defense. The ministry said its air defense systems were active to counter the threats. The announcement was made on Friday morning, and authorities urged residents to remain calm and follow official safety instructions shared on social media.

The UAE had previously declared its airspace free from threats on April 9. However, the report notes that Iran has carried out more attacks on the UAE than any other country in the past two months. The UAE government’s latest advisory emphasized public safety and adherence to official guidance during the ongoing security situation.

The incident adds to ongoing regional tensions, with the UAE’s defense posture reflecting heightened alertness following repeated cross-border threats. The situation remains under observation as authorities continue to monitor potential risks.

The United States announced a new round of sanctions against Cuba on Thursday, targeting the military-controlled conglomerate Grupo de Administración Empresarial SA (GAESA) and its executive president Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera. The measures also affect Moa Nickel SA, a joint venture between Toronto-based Sherritt International Corporation and Cuba’s state-owned nickel company. The United Nations expressed concern that Washington’s actions amount to an energy blockade pushing Cuba toward a deeper energy crisis.

According to the report, GAESA has links to nearly all sectors of Cuba’s economy, making the sanctions potentially far-reaching. Sherritt stated on its website that it has temporarily suspended direct participation in the joint venture due to the new restrictions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on X that the Trump administration would continue to act until Cuba implements necessary political and economic reforms.

Cuba’s government has not yet issued an official response to the new sanctions, while the UN’s warning highlights growing international concern over the humanitarian and economic impact of the measures.