During nearly six weeks of continuous attacks by the United States and Israel, Israeli warplanes bombed and severely damaged about 30 universities across Iran, including Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology. Scholars have described the strikes as an assault on education and knowledge. The attacks targeted major research institutions that form the backbone of Iran’s scientific and technological progress.

The report argues that Israel deliberately targeted these universities to obstruct Iran’s advancement in modern science and technology. It also criticizes Western media, particularly The New York Times, for framing the destruction of Iranian universities through a political lens rather than as an attack on education. Iranian academics and students reportedly view the bombings as an attempt to undermine Iran’s sovereignty and technological independence.

The article further claims that Israel’s actions reflect a broader hostility toward higher education in Muslim countries and warns that similar threats have been made against universities in Turkey and Pakistan. It also draws parallels between physical bombings in the Middle East and ideological attacks on academic freedom in Western universities.

Iran has reportedly sent a new 14-point proposal to the United States through Pakistan, aiming to ease ongoing tensions and prevent further escalation. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the proposal seeks to end the war situation and build mutual trust between the two countries. It includes provisions related to security guarantees, lifting of blockades, and reducing regional tensions.

The report stated that Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended his visit to Tehran for a third day, which is being viewed as part of efforts to advance regional peace discussions. The initiative highlights Pakistan’s role as a mediator in facilitating communication between Tehran and Washington during a period of heightened strain.

While details of the proposal’s reception or next steps were not disclosed, the move indicates a renewed diplomatic effort by Iran to de-escalate conflict and promote dialogue through regional channels.

Iran will not engage in any discussion or compromise over its right to enrich uranium, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on May 18, 2026. He stated that the right to uranium enrichment is recognized under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which allows countries to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes but not for weapons development.

Responding to a question about conditions exchanged between the United States and Iran, Baghaei said Iran’s demands are clear. He noted that while the U.S. considers lifting sanctions on Iran’s frozen assets as a condition, Tehran views it as a legitimate demand. He also remarked that the United States is no longer credible in the international arena.

Baghaei further urged regional countries, including the United Arab Emirates, to learn from recent events, adding that U.S. presence in the region has made the situation more unstable rather than bringing peace.

The United States could restart military operations against Iran within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to Mohammad Elmasry, a media studies professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Elmasry said US President Donald Trump is under pressure from multiple sides, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hardliners within his administration.

Elmasry explained that Trump did not receive the concessions he expected from Iran, and negotiations have not progressed as he had hoped. He also noted that Trump had high expectations from his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The analyst described the ongoing conflict as a major political and economic disaster for both the United States and Trump personally.

Despite the setbacks, Elmasry believes Trump is unlikely to end the war because he cannot return to the American public without declaring a credible victory.

Iran’s national football team has departed for Turkey as part of preparations to complete visa procedures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Iranian media reports. The Tasnim news agency stated that the team traveled to Antalya to play a preparatory friendly match and to finalize their U.S. visa applications. The squad includes 22 players from the domestic league along with coaching staff. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed that visa applications for travel to the United States would be completed during their stay in Turkey.

U.S. authorities have indicated that Iran faces no restrictions on participating in the tournament. FIFA has also confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled and rejected proposals to move some of Iran’s matches to Mexico or Canada. Iran had previously suggested relocating its matches from the United States to co-host nations, but that request was not accepted.

The team’s stay in Turkey is expected to facilitate both match preparation and the completion of necessary travel documentation for the upcoming tournament.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has announced the creation of a new body to supervise operations in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the council, the organization will be called the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” and will provide real-time updates on activities and current conditions in the area. The announcement was shared through the council’s social media post on May 18, 2026.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global trade and energy transport, and the region has long been marked by geopolitical tensions. The establishment of this new authority signals Iran’s intention to strengthen surveillance and information management in the area. The move is seen as part of Tehran’s broader effort to enhance control and situational awareness in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

The report did not specify further operational details or international responses to the announcement.

Iran and Oman held a technical meeting in Oman last week to discuss a process for ensuring safe maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry. Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the discussions focused on establishing a framework under international law to make the process effective.

He added that Iran has maintained communication with Oman and other relevant parties, and expert-level discussions with Omani representatives are expected to continue next week. The talks come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transport routes.

The discussions underscore the strategic importance of the waterway for global energy supply and reflect ongoing regional efforts to enhance maritime security in the area.

US President Donald Trump has dismissed Iran’s response to Washington’s ceasefire proposal, calling it “a piece of garbage.” Tehran had taken ten days to reply to the US plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, submitting demands that included full cessation of hostilities, recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and removal of all sanctions. Trump labeled the counteroffer “completely unacceptable” and insisted the US was heading toward “total victory.”

According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s position reflects its belief that it has survived and prevailed in the conflict that began over ten weeks ago when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Analysts cited in the report say the deadlock stems from differing priorities: Trump seeks a quick victory and a halt to Iran’s nuclear program, while Tehran wants phased negotiations starting with lifting blockades. Iran has also proposed that China act as guarantor for any future deal.

Trump warned that the ceasefire is now “on life support,” while Iranian military officials indicated they are unconcerned by his dissatisfaction, emphasizing that any agreement must respect Iran’s rights.

A report in Amader Desh describes how the United States and Israel’s February assault on Iran backfired, triggering severe global economic and political repercussions. According to the analysis, Tehran’s retaliatory actions—disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and striking U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf—caused a worldwide energy shock and market instability. The Russian think tank Valdai Discussion Club, through its program director Timofei Bordachev, views the episode as a turning point that could redefine post–Cold War global order.

The article argues that the conflict shattered the long-standing myth of American military invincibility, recalling U.S. failures in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Despite heavy bombardment and leadership attacks, Iran’s government and military remained intact, undermining Washington’s assumption of quick victory. The piece also highlights China’s strategic dilemma due to its investments in Iran and dependence on vulnerable maritime routes, while Russia benefits economically from higher oil prices but seeks to avoid regional chaos.

The analysis concludes that the Iran crisis signals the decline of a unipolar world and the emergence of new global multipolarity, forcing major powers to reassess their ambitions and limitations.

Iran has asserted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now holds complete military control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Reports from the southern 'Red Beach' area of Hormuz Island indicate that security measures in the region have been significantly strengthened. Iranian authorities stated that any movement through this narrow maritime passage must be coordinated with Iran’s military and the IRGC.

According to the IRGC Navy, its authority and operational reach over the strait are being expanded. Iran has declared that no military or warships will be allowed to pass through the strait without permission. Friendly nations’ vessels may be granted passage, but ships from hostile countries will be denied transit. Over the past few days, around 30 to 40 ships, mostly owned by Chinese companies, reportedly crossed the strait, though no new vessel movements were recorded in the last 24 hours.

The announcement underscores Iran’s intent to assert greater control over one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with potential implications for regional navigation and security.

Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Expediency Council and former commander of the Revolutionary Guards, has issued a stern warning to the United States to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Speaking on Iranian state television, Rezaei said the US military should end the blockade before the Oman Sea becomes their graveyard. He described the blockade as a hostile act and asserted that Tehran has the right to resist it.

Rezaei stated that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared for any conflict, while diplomatic efforts continue. He added that the longer the blockade continues, the greater the global economic damage will be. Rezaei also said the US must prove through actions that it is trustworthy in any peace discussions.

The United States imposed the naval blockade on April 13, with President Donald Trump declaring it would remain until Iran agrees to a peace deal under US terms. Tehran has firmly rejected the pressure, insisting it will not bow to American demands.

Iran has declared that it will not bow to U.S. threats or warnings, asserting that Tehran is fully prepared for any situation. The statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned on his social media platform that Iran’s time was running out and urged immediate action, otherwise facing consequences. In response, Iranian officials rejected any notion of compromise and emphasized defiance.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces warned that any new conflict would bring severe and destructive consequences for the United States. He added that any fresh aggression against Iran would trigger unexpected and highly offensive countermeasures targeting U.S. assets and bases in the region.

The tone between the two nations has grown increasingly harsh, with Tehran framing its stance as defensive preparedness rather than escalation. However, the rising rhetoric on both sides is narrowing the space for diplomatic dialogue, according to the report.

Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, has suggested that Iran appoint a special envoy to Moscow, similar to its recent appointment of a special envoy to China. Ulyanov made the suggestion in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Russian diplomat, known for his outspoken views on X, made the remark while quoting a report about Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf being named as Tehran’s special envoy to China. Referring to that appointment, Ulyanov wrote that it might be equally relevant for Iran to consider a similar arrangement for its relations with Russia.

The comment, reported by Al Jazeera, highlights ongoing diplomatic discussions about strengthening Iran’s bilateral ties with major powers such as China and Russia, though no official Iranian response to Ulyanov’s suggestion was mentioned in the report.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei shared a video clip from the 2024 biopic “The Apprentice” on social media, mocking US President Donald Trump. The film depicts Trump’s early career, and the selected scene shows his adviser Roy Cohn outlining his ‘rules for winning,’ including always claiming victory and never admitting defeat, as well as being ready to do anything with anyone to succeed.

The post is part of a broader wave of ridicule and criticism directed at the US president from Iranian officials and their supporters online. Through this campaign, they also mocked what they described as Trump’s widely criticized and weak attack plans. Baghaei has previously referenced literary and historical figures in his commentary, including Aimé Césaire and Persian poet Fariduddin Attar, in a column for Al Jazeera criticizing US policy.

The video post underscores Tehran’s continued use of cultural and symbolic references to challenge and satirize US leadership in international discourse.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said time is running out and urged Iran to move quickly toward a deal. He cautioned that failure to do so could lead to serious consequences for the country.

The nuclear-related discussions between the United States and Iran have long been deadlocked, raising international concern over the lack of progress. Analysts note that pressure is mounting on both sides to break the diplomatic impasse and revive momentum in the talks.

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid reporting from Tehran, there has been no clear progress so far, though diplomatic efforts continue and all parties are closely monitoring the situation.