Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media platform X that discussions mediated by Pakistan are progressing, emphasizing that recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate there is no military solution to the ongoing political crisis. He cautioned Washington to remain alert so that hostile actors do not draw the United States into another conflict, and offered similar advice to the United Arab Emirates.

Araghchi described the U.S.-led ‘Project Freedom’ as a deadlock initiative. The operation, launched under the direction of President Donald Trump, deployed over a hundred aircraft and several destroyers to ensure free commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The move has further heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with both sides exchanging claims of targeting each other’s vessels.

Commercial shipping in the strait remains limited, though shipping company Maersk reported one of its vessels crossed under U.S. protection. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied reports that its boats were destroyed, while Trump warned that any Iranian attack on U.S. ships would provoke severe retaliation.

At least nine miners were killed and six others injured in a coal mine explosion in central Colombia on Monday, according to authorities. The incident occurred in a legal mine located in the Sutatausa municipality, about 72 kilometers north of Bogotá. Preliminary findings suggest that gas accumulation inside the mine triggered the blast. Rescuers managed to save six workers alive, while nine fatalities were confirmed by the National Mining Agency.

Cundinamarca Governor Jorge Emilio Rey stated that trapped gas was the likely cause of the explosion. He added that twelve miners had been trapped underground, three of whom managed to escape on their own. Rescue teams reached the site quickly and began operations after checking gas levels inside the mine.

Mining accidents are frequent in Colombia, often linked to poor ventilation and weak safety measures. The region also hosts many illegal mines where safety regulations are not properly enforced, increasing the risk of deadly incidents.

Iran’s state television reported on Monday that the country had no preplanned operation to carry out a drone attack on an energy facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The UAE had earlier accused Iran of launching the strike, which injured three Indian nationals who were hospitalized. The UAE described the incident as a dangerous escalation during a regional ceasefire.

An Iranian military official stated that the Islamic Republic did not plan any such attack and blamed the United States for creating instability in the region. He claimed that U.S. military actions in the Strait of Hormuz had provoked the situation and urged Washington to stop its aggressive behavior, warning that such actions could affect the global economy.

The report also noted that after the U.S. deployed a destroyer to the Persian Gulf, Iran’s navy fired warning shots at an American warship. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to assist stranded civilian vessels in the area, while both sides rejected each other’s claims about destroyed naval vessels.

Israeli forces carried out multiple overnight raids across several areas of the occupied West Bank, according to a report by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The operations took place late Monday night, targeting villages including Zorat al-Shama, Wadi al-Nis, and Umm Salmuna, where soldiers searched several Palestinian homes.

A separate Wafa report stated that Israeli military units also conducted raids in several villages and towns in the western part of Ramallah. Local sources reported the use of tear gas and stun grenades during the operations, though no casualties or arrests were confirmed.

The report added that such raids are a regular occurrence in the West Bank, often carried out without prior warrants under the pretext of searching for wanted individuals. These actions frequently lead to confrontations with local residents.

At least 21 people were killed and 61 injured in a massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in central China’s Hunan province. The blast occurred at 4:43 p.m. on Monday at the Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang city, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Videos shared on social media showed multiple explosions and thick plumes of smoke rising from the mountainous rural area.

CCTV’s drone footage the following day revealed widespread devastation, with collapsed buildings and smoke still visible as over 480 rescuers worked to clear debris. Authorities established a three-kilometer security perimeter and evacuated nearby residents. The factory’s owners and management have been detained while investigators examine the cause of the explosion. President Xi Jinping ordered swift medical treatment for the injured, rescue efforts for the missing, and strict action against those responsible.

Liuyang is one of China’s main fireworks production hubs, accounting for about 60 percent of national output and 70 percent of exports. Industrial accidents remain frequent in China due to weak safety enforcement, with several similar explosions reported in recent years.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that the dominance of the United States and its allies in the Strait of Hormuz is coming to an end. In a social media post, he accused Washington of endangering regional maritime and energy transport security by violating ceasefire terms and imposing blockades. Ghalibaf warned that a new balance of power is emerging in the strait and suggested that the current situation is becoming intolerable for the U.S.

His remarks came after the United States imposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and maritime routes on April 13. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new naval mission called “Project Freedom” aimed at reopening the strategically vital waterway, which is largely under Iranian control. Under the plan, U.S. warships will escort commercial vessels through the passage.

According to Ghalibaf, such actions by Washington could further destabilize the region, though he indicated that Iran would remain firm in its stance.

Local health authorities in Gaza reported that the death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 72,612. On Tuesday morning, an Israeli drone strike in the Al-Ayoun area of Gaza City killed at least one person and left several others seriously injured, who were taken to hospitals for treatment. The Palestinian news agency Wafa confirmed the attack, citing medical sources.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the total number of injured since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023 has risen to at least 172,457. The ministry also warned that thousands of people may still be trapped under the rubble. Despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect on October 11, 2025, reports of near-daily Israeli strikes continue to emerge.

Palestinians accuse Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire through drone and air attacks, while Israeli forces claim they are targeting only specific objectives. The growing civilian casualties are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

European Council President Antonio Costa has condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates, expressing solidarity with the country. In a message posted on social media platform X, Costa described Tehran’s assault on Abu Dhabi’s civilian infrastructure as unjustified and unacceptable. He reaffirmed the European Union’s full support for UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and the Emirati people.

Costa called for an immediate end to violations of sovereignty and international law, urging Iran to return to the negotiating table to help preserve the fragile ceasefire in the region involving the United States and Israel. He emphasized that Iran must engage in constructive dialogue to maintain peace in the Middle East.

The European Union, Costa added, remains committed to working with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions, reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, and pursue a lasting diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The Israeli military has issued a new evacuation order for residents of two towns in southern Lebanon, Jabshit and Sarafand. According to the directive, civilians must immediately leave the area and move to open zones at least 1,000 meters away. The order was reported by Al Jazeera on May 5, 2026.

The Israeli military stated that anyone remaining in the area, particularly near Hezbollah members, facilities, or military activities, would be putting their lives at risk. The move comes amid ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where recent military actions and warnings have heightened fears of further escalation.

Observers expect that this latest evacuation order could further increase instability and tension in the border region, though no additional details were provided in the report.

Several commercial ships caught fire at a dock in the southern Iranian port of Dayyer, according to the country’s state media. The incident was reported on May 5, 2026, with local fire department chief Majid Omrani confirming that firefighting teams were working to bring the blaze under control.

Reports from the Mehr News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that the cause of the fire had not yet been determined. Authorities have not released further details about possible damage or casualties. Officials said additional updates would be provided once more information becomes available.

The situation remains under investigation as emergency services continue efforts to contain the fire and assess its impact on port operations.

India has condemned Monday’s missile and drone attack in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, which injured three Indian nationals, calling the incident “unacceptable.” In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs described the assault as intolerable and urged an immediate end to hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent people.

The attack in Fujairah, reportedly attributed to Iran, prompted India to emphasize the need for de-escalation and the protection of international shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry highlighted that India relies heavily on these maritime routes for energy imports, making regional stability a matter of critical importance for the country.

New Delhi also appealed to all concerned parties to exercise restraint and ensure the safety of civilians amid the ongoing tensions in the region.

Former CIA analyst John Nixon has said that China could gain significant advantages if the ongoing war between the United States and Iran continues. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Nixon explained that Beijing is pursuing a long-term strategy and has learned much about US warfare capabilities and modern tactics through the Iran conflict.

He noted that China is positioning itself as a more attractive ally to Middle Eastern nations, particularly in the Gulf region, which he described as vital to China’s future. Nixon added that while China is often viewed as a transactional power, its cooperative approach appeals to Gulf states seeking stability. He emphasized that China has no interest in spreading conflict in the Middle East but aims to strengthen partnerships with Gulf countries.

Nixon also highlighted China’s continued dependence on Gulf energy resources, predicting that even as the world moves away from fossil fuels, China will remain a major buyer and its ties with Gulf nations will deepen over time.

Austria has expelled three employees of the Russian Embassy in Vienna on charges of espionage. Authorities said the diplomats used embassy facilities for surveillance and intelligence activities. The decision followed an investigation into suspicious monitoring equipment found on the roof of the Russian diplomatic building in Vienna, which was suspected of intercepting satellite communications of international organizations.

Officials stated that the three expelled staff members were believed to be involved in the operation. Austria requested the withdrawal of their diplomatic immunity, but Russia did not respond within the given timeframe. Consequently, the individuals were declared persona non grata and have already left Austria. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that the government maintains a strict stance against espionage and will not tolerate misuse of diplomatic privileges.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, Austria has intensified scrutiny of Russian activities in Vienna. The country has expelled a total of 14 Russian diplomats since 2022, though around 220 Russian personnel remain active in various missions.

The United Arab Emirates has announced an agreement to purchase 20 C-390 military cargo aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The deal was signed on Monday in Abu Dhabi during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ platform. According to Reuters, the UAE is the first Middle Eastern country to select this versatile military transport aircraft. The initial phase includes confirmed delivery of 10 aircraft, with an option to acquire 10 more later. The contract, valued at around 1 billion US dollars, marks a major milestone for Embraer.

Bosco da Costa Junior, head of Embraer’s defense and security unit, described the Middle East as a strategic region for the company and expressed optimism that the deal would open new opportunities for defense equipment sales in the area. The UAE currently operates Lockheed Martin’s C-130 and Boeing’s C-17 aircraft for air cargo transport.

Under the agreement, local Emirati firms will collaborate with Embraer on maintenance and training, enhancing the UAE’s defense capabilities and technical capacity.

An Israeli security official has said that the growing tension between Israel and Iran is serving the interests of groups seeking a return to conflict. The statement, reported by the Israel Broadcasting Corporation, suggested that the current situation creates favorable conditions for those interested in renewed military action against Iran, including within Israel itself.

According to reports from Israel’s Channel 12 and the newspaper Israel Hayom, Israeli assessments indicate that Iran currently has no intention of launching a direct attack. Political analyses also suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump is not inclined to start a new war against Iran. Despite this, Israel’s military has adopted a cautious stance, keeping its air defense and air force on high alert against possible surprise attacks.

The report added that Ben Gurion International Airport has been placed on alert, with preparations made to close Israeli airspace if necessary. Military sources said potential targets inside Iran have been identified, including energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.