Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the country is fully prepared to counter any form of aggression. He made the remarks at a gathering of ambassadors and heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera. Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran believes in interest-based diplomacy and continues to play a role in resolving ongoing crises accordingly.

He added that Iran has presented its plan to Pakistan as a mediator to achieve a permanent end to the imposed war, noting that the decision to pursue diplomacy or continue conflict now rests with the United States. Gharibabadi also said Iran remains ready for both paths to safeguard its national interests and security, while maintaining skepticism toward the United States but upholding honesty in diplomacy.

The report noted that the war, jointly conducted by the United States and Israel, began in late February and has been suspended since April 8.

Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been transferred from prison to a hospital after her health deteriorated sharply. According to a foundation run by her family, she lost consciousness twice in one day and suffered serious heart-related complications. The statement, released Friday, said doctors at Zanjan Prison in northwestern Iran determined that her condition required urgent hospital care, as proper treatment was not possible inside the facility.

Lawyers reported that Mohammadi suffered a heart attack in late March, and her health had been worsening since then. Her family alleged that she was physically assaulted during her arrest in Mashhad last December, sustaining injuries to her head, neck, and body, which they believe worsened her condition. The 53-year-old was detained on December 12 and sentenced in February to more than seven years in prison for alleged involvement in “anti-state conspiracy.” She had previously served long sentences for similar charges and was temporarily released for medical reasons in late 2024.

The Nobel Committee condemned ongoing “life-threatening abuse” against Mohammadi in February, while the Iranian government has not issued any official response to the allegations.

China has announced counter-sanctions in response to US measures imposed on five Chinese companies accused of involvement in Iran’s oil trade. Beijing formally issued an injunction to block the US sanctions, which Washington said were aimed at firms violating its Iran-related restrictions. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce denounced the US move as an example of “long-arm jurisdiction.”

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the sanctioned companies include Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery, Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical. The details of how Beijing’s injunction will be implemented have not yet been clarified.

Analysts cited in the report noted that this latest dispute over Iran could further complicate the already tense trade and diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing.

Following an improvement in regional security conditions, the United Arab Emirates has restored normal airspace operations. At the same time, Qatar Airways announced that it will resume flights to Iraq’s capital Baghdad, as well as to Basra and Erbil international airports, starting May 10.

Qatar had temporarily closed its airspace on February 28 as a precaution due to regional tensions and security concerns, later reopening it partially on March 6. With the situation now stabilized, the airline has decided to fully restart its Iraq-bound flights. The UAE’s civil aviation authority stated that the decision to normalize airspace operations was made after reviewing security and operational conditions in coordination with relevant agencies.

According to the Emirates News Agency, the situation is currently under control, and real-time monitoring continues to ensure safe air travel. Observers believe Qatar Airways’ move will help strengthen regional connectivity and commercial activity with Iraq.

France has strongly condemned an attack on a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem, describing it as a heinous act. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the growing trend of anti-Christian assaults in the Holy Land is unacceptable. The incident occurred in West Jerusalem and has drawn widespread outrage internationally this week.

Israeli police released a video on Thursday showing a man following the nun, pushing her to the ground, and later kicking her while she lay injured. The nun suffered a head injury, and the attacker was later arrested. Barrot expressed deep sympathy for the injured nun and wished her a speedy recovery, calling for exemplary punishment for the perpetrator.

The French reaction comes amid increasing concern over the safety of religious minorities in the Holy Land. Experts cited in the report emphasized the urgent need for swift and effective measures to prevent such attacks in the future.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that he will visit China later this month as scheduled, despite the ongoing standoff involving Iran. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said he expects an excellent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, initially planned for late March, was postponed to May 14–15 due to rising tensions over Iran. Analysts view the trip as crucial for both nations amid current global uncertainty.

According to the report, Iran has sent a new peace proposal to the United States through Pakistan, but Trump expressed dissatisfaction with it, suggesting Iran’s weakened military position. Alongside the China visit, the Trump administration has announced other major international decisions, including expanding sanctions on Cuba and withdrawing 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, moves that could complicate relations with Europe.

Chinese analysts believe the visit aims to manage risks and stabilize ties between the two powers, focusing on rare earth supply, the Taiwan Strait, and the South China Sea. Experts caution that no major breakthroughs are expected, describing the trip as a gradual diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and maintain communication.

A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, Hossein Noushabadi, has declared that Iran will resist what he described as the 'aggressive' actions of the United States. Speaking to the ISNA news agency, he stated that the comfort, welfare, and progress of the Gulf region depend on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the area.

Noushabadi, who serves as Director General of the Ministry’s Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Department, said that foreign powers have long coveted the Gulf’s strategic maritime resources. He described the Gulf as an integral part of Iran’s identity and civilization, emphasizing the country’s historical role in expelling Portugal, the Netherlands, and England from the region.

According to the official, Iran now intends to confront U.S. military operations in the Gulf, portraying this stance as a continuation of its past defense of regional sovereignty.

The United States Embassy in Bangladesh has issued a new advisory regarding the proper use of B1-B2 visitor visas. The notice, released on Saturday, May 2, 2026, reminds visa holders that while certain business activities such as contract negotiations and conference participation are allowed during their stay in the United States, receiving payment or working for a U.S. employer is strictly prohibited.

The embassy emphasized that it is the traveler’s responsibility to use their visa correctly. It also reiterated that using a visitor visa to travel to the United States solely for the purpose of giving birth so that a child obtains U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers may deny visa applications if they determine that this is the applicant’s primary intent.

The advisory serves as a renewed reminder for Bangladeshi travelers to comply with U.S. visa regulations and avoid misuse that could lead to visa denial or other consequences.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has called on the American people to challenge their government over what he described as an illegal war and atrocities committed against Iran. He stated that the conflict was an unprovoked act of aggression and that U.S. citizens have the right to demand accountability from the Trump administration.

Baghaei shared a video from a U.S. Senate hearing featuring Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who said there was no evidence that Iran had planned an imminent attack on the United States. Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces have warned of a strong possibility of renewed conflict with the United States and Israel, citing Washington’s alleged failure to adhere to international agreements.

According to Iranian officials, these developments reflect growing distrust toward the U.S. government’s commitments and raise concerns about escalating regional tensions.

Iran has executed two men convicted of spying for Israel and its intelligence agency, Mossad. The executions of Yakub Karimpour and Naser Bakorzadeh were carried out on Saturday, according to Iranian authorities. Both were found guilty of collaborating with Israel and passing sensitive information to Mossad.

According to the report, Bakorzadeh was accused of collecting details about government and religious figures as well as key locations, including the Natanz area. Karimpour was charged with transferring classified information to a Mossad officer. The executions come amid a broader crackdown in which Iran has recently executed several individuals linked to the January protests.

The report, citing Reuters, did not provide further details about the trial process or the timing of the arrests, leaving aspects of the case undisclosed.

Iran’s armed forces have warned of a strong possibility of renewed conflict with the United States and Israel, according to a statement reported by the semi-official Fars News Agency on May 2, 2026. The military cited evidence that Washington is not committed to honoring agreements or international treaties as the basis for its concern.

Deputy Chief of Staff Mohammad Jafar Asadi said that current US actions and statements are largely media-driven, aimed at keeping oil prices from falling and escaping the turmoil they have created. He added that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any new acts of aggression or miscalculation by the United States.

The warning, issued during a ceasefire period, has heightened tensions across the Middle East, raising fears of renewed instability in the region.

Iran has reportedly informed Saudi Arabia and Oman that it plans to 'crush' the United Arab Emirates, according to a Middle East Eye report citing The Wall Street Journal. The plan is described as Tehran’s response to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. The report suggests the move aims to deepen divisions between Abu Dhabi and its Gulf neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, amid long-standing regional tensions.

The report notes that the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC signaled growing friction with Saudi Arabia, rather than unity against Iran. Despite Saudi displeasure with Iran’s rhetoric, both countries have maintained dialogue. Iran’s warnings indicate awareness of rifts among Gulf monarchies, all of which are U.S. partners. The UAE has been the most vocal Gulf state against Iran, suffering extensive missile and drone attacks during the conflict.

The war has strengthened the UAE-Israel partnership, with speculation that Abu Dhabi joined U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Meanwhile, Dubai’s tourism and finance sectors have been hit hard by the conflict, though the UAE continues to take a strong stance against Tehran.

May Day rallies held on Friday across Europe and Asia shifted from traditional labor rights demands to politically charged demonstrations. Protesters combined calls for higher wages and inflation control with anti-war slogans, expressions of solidarity with Palestine, and strong criticism of the United States and Israel. From Paris to Istanbul and Madrid to Seoul, demonstrators blamed rising living costs on Middle East conflicts, U.S. foreign policy, and capitalism.

In Paris, clashes erupted between protesters and police, leading to the use of tear gas and grenades. Madrid saw thousands marching with banners condemning capitalism and criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Similar confrontations occurred in Munich and Istanbul, while in Manila, protesters near the U.S. Embassy demanded lower fuel prices and an end to Middle East wars. In Seoul, union leader Yang Kyung-su urged solidarity with workers in Iran and Palestine.

Analysts offered contrasting views: Emma Schubert described the rallies as ideological platforms reflecting anti-Western sentiment, while Nile Gardiner criticized them as moral decline for targeting the U.S. and its allies instead of authoritarian regimes.

The Pentagon has reported that Iran has suffered an estimated loss of $4.8 billion due to the ongoing US naval blockade. According to a review cited by Axios, the blockade has deprived Tehran of nearly five billion dollars in oil revenue since it was implemented. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the blockade aims to maintain sustained economic pressure on Iran.

Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said in a statement that the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz remains fully operational and is achieving its intended impact. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that since the blockade began on April 13, American forces have forced 45 commercial vessels to turn back or return to port in the Middle East.

Despite the absence of diplomatic progress, both the United States and Iran have intensified their respective blockades. Iran has strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, while US forces continue to restrict maritime traffic in the Gulf of Oman.

The United States has approved the sale of more than $8.6 billion worth of military equipment to four allied nations—Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. The U.S. State Department announced the approval on Friday, during a period of ceasefire between Iran and Israel that has lasted for over three weeks following nine weeks of conflict.

According to the announcement, the approved sales include $4 billion in Patriot missiles for Qatar, a $2.5 billion Integrated Battle Command System for Kuwait, and $992.4 million in Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems for Israel. The United Arab Emirates will receive $147.6 million worth of APKWS systems. The decision comes after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory actions by Tehran and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, has been in effect since April 8, and the new arms sales indicate Washington’s continued support for its Gulf and regional allies during the fragile truce.