Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current member of the Expediency Council, declared that Iran will not engage in any negotiations over its nuclear program. He emphasized that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz must remain under Iranian control and management, warning that losing control could allow enemies to use it against Iran and its people.

According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, Rezaei stated that regional countries should take responsibility for their own security and that all foreign forces, whether from the United States or Europe, must leave the region. His remarks come amid ongoing international tension over foreign military presence in the Middle East and Iran’s nuclear activities.

The statement reflects Tehran’s firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and regional influence, underscoring its resistance to external pressure and intervention.

Iran has toughened its position on key issues ahead of any potential negotiations, declaring firm red lines on its nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports from Tehran, the government has made clear that uranium enrichment activities are non-negotiable, and it will not transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. The move signals a more rigid approach as discussions with international counterparts are anticipated.

As a second red line, Iran has emphasized its regional military posture and sovereignty over the strategic Hormuz Strait. The country has strengthened its control over the waterway, introducing new protocols requiring all transiting vessels to coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. Ships must now obtain transit permits and pay mandatory tolls or fees to the IRGC. Observers view these measures as Tehran’s main strategic response amid recent regional tensions.

The new regulations underscore Iran’s intent to assert authority over critical maritime routes and resist external pressure on its nuclear and defense policies.

The United States has declared an end to its joint military operation with Israel in Iran, known as “Operation Epic Fury.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision at a White House press conference, saying Washington’s objectives had been achieved. President Donald Trump also suspended “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a peace agreement with Tehran. Iran has not yet commented, maintaining that it will withdraw only after securing full control over Hormuz and assurances against future attacks.

According to reports, the two countries are close to signing a one-page memorandum of understanding that would suspend Iran’s uranium enrichment program in exchange for lifting U.S. sanctions and returning frozen funds. The war, which began on February 28, caused heavy losses: the U.S. spent about $31 billion, while Iran suffered damages worth $270 billion. Thousands were killed across the region, including in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel. China has called the U.S.-Israel attacks illegal and urged a comprehensive ceasefire.

Analysts cited war costs, regional pressure, and domestic opposition as key factors behind Washington’s withdrawal. Talks may soon take place in Islamabad or Geneva if Iran responds within 48 hours.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is prepared to end its conflict with the United States and Israel through diplomatic means. He emphasized that protecting the rights of the Iranian nation will remain the top priority. Pezeshkian made the remarks during a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a statement published on his office’s website.

During the call, Pezeshkian expressed deep distrust toward the United States, accusing it of attacking Iran twice even while bilateral talks were ongoing. He described these attacks as a “stab in Iran’s back.” Meanwhile, Axios reported that the United States and Iran are close to finalizing a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war.

According to the report, the potential agreement would see Iran commit to halting its uranium enrichment program, while the United States would agree to lift sanctions. Both sides would also remove restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Former US presidential adviser Amos Hochstein has said that Iran will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely, regardless of any peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Speaking to Bloomberg, Hochstein, who previously advised President Joe Biden on energy and Middle East affairs, stated that Gulf countries would be compelled to build new pipelines to bypass Iran’s control of the key waterway.

Hochstein emphasized that the final wording of any peace deal should not determine decisions about the strait, asserting that Tehran will continue to dominate the strategic passage. The Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in ongoing discussions between Washington and Tehran, with both nations reportedly imposing blockades in the area as part of their efforts to assert control.

The remarks highlight the enduring geopolitical tension surrounding the strait, a vital route for global energy shipments, and suggest that regional infrastructure adjustments may follow if Iran’s dominance persists.

Iran is expected to deliver its response on Thursday to a United States proposal intended to end the ongoing war, according to a CNN report citing a regional source. The response will be handed to Pakistani mediators. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that discussions with Iran were progressing well.

The report said Iran is reviewing the US proposal as both sides move toward a possible agreement to end the conflict. US media outlet Axios reported that the White House believes it is close to finalizing a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran. However, a senior Iranian parliament member dismissed the proposal as a “wish list,” while a foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that Tehran would convey its views through Pakistan.

Pakistan’s foreign minister stated that his country is working to turn the ceasefire into lasting peace, underscoring Islamabad’s mediating role in the process.

Iran has confirmed it is still reviewing a United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to statements from Tehran’s foreign ministry. The US-based outlet Axios reported that Washington believes it is close to finalizing a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran. The proposal reportedly includes provisions for halting nuclear enrichment, lifting sanctions, and reopening navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said their response will be conveyed to Pakistani mediators, who are working to turn the current ceasefire into a permanent peace.

Iranian parliamentary figures dismissed the US plan as a mere wish list, while President Donald Trump said recent talks with Iran were positive and that a deal was possible. Trump warned that if Iran refuses the agreement, stronger airstrikes could resume, but if Tehran complies, the joint US-Israel operation “Epic Fury” would be halted. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed full coordination with Trump, emphasizing the goal of dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity.

The proposal remains undisclosed to the public, and both sides continue to accuse each other of ceasefire violations in Lebanon and the Gulf region.

Several oil tankers listed under U.S. sanctions have begun entering the Persian Gulf region despite a strict American naval blockade. According to vessel monitoring group TankerTrackers.com, at least two ships managed to breach the U.S. Navy’s perimeter. The group reported on social media platform X that a tanker named ‘Vina/Valley’ (9157478) crossed the blockade boundary on Wednesday. The vessel is known for regularly supplying Iranian liquefied petroleum gas to Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

TankerTrackers.com added that alongside the smaller vessel, a larger Iranian oil tanker also reached the area, though both ships were currently empty. The United States has maintained a tight naval blockade around Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into ending the conflict and returning to negotiations. The arrival of these tankers occurred amid this heightened enforcement.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, highlights continued maritime tension in the region as sanctioned Iranian-linked vessels test the limits of U.S. restrictions.

Iran’s influential parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Galibaf mocked the United States’ military strategy against Tehran in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. In his brief message, Galibaf altered the names of declared US military operations targeting Iran, referring to them sarcastically as “Operation Trust Me Bro” and “Operation Foxious.” He wrote that “Operation Trust Me Bro has failed” and added that it was time to “return to routine with Operation Foxious.”

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and shared by the online outlet Amar Desh on May 7, 2026. The post reflects Galibaf’s dismissive tone toward Washington’s approach to Iran, using humor to criticize what he described as unsuccessful US military efforts. The comments appeared amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over regional security and military maneuvers.

No official US response or further details about the operations mentioned by Galibaf were included in the report.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that China believes Iran’s international position has strengthened following the recent war. He made the remarks after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, according to Iranian state media. Araghchi said both sides discussed key issues including the war, ways to end it, Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing negotiations.

He added that a “new era” is emerging in Iran’s relations with other countries. The meeting highlighted continued diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Beijing amid regional and international tensions.

Araghchi’s comments suggest that Iran sees growing diplomatic opportunities in the aftermath of the conflict, with China recognizing its enhanced role on the global stage.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could return to normal once what it called “aggressors’ threats” come to an end. The statement, issued on May 6, 2026, also thanked ship owners who have been following Iran’s regulations while crossing the strategic waterway.

The IRGC noted that under a new arrangement, safe and permanent navigation through the strait would be possible once the current threats subside. The announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a temporary suspension of “Project Freedom,” an American initiative aimed at ensuring the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC’s remarks indicate a conditional openness to restoring normal maritime operations, contingent on the removal of perceived external threats and adherence to Iranian rules in the region.

Iran’s judiciary has seized the assets of 40 individuals accused of being 'traitors' in the western province of Hamadan, according to a report by Fars News Agency. The confiscated properties reportedly belonged to influential figures linked to what authorities described as a 'network cooperating with the enemy.' Officials announced that the seized assets will be used for reconstruction efforts in war-damaged areas.

The report stated that funds from the confiscated properties will be prioritized for rebuilding hospitals, scientific centers, schools, research institutions, and public service infrastructure. Analysts cited in the report suggested that the move signals both a message of strengthened internal security and a potential alternative source of funding for post-war reconstruction.

The announcement reflects Iran’s broader effort to channel domestic resources toward recovery in conflict-affected regions while asserting control over individuals accused of undermining national interests.

Iran’s nuclear program has suffered only minimal damage despite recent US and Israeli military strikes, according to a Reuters report citing three US intelligence sources. The report states that Iran would still need roughly the same amount of time to produce a nuclear bomb as it did last summer, contradicting earlier claims that the June 2025 attacks had delayed the program by at least a year. The joint offensive, launched on February 28, targeted military and industrial sites, while Israel struck several key nuclear facilities. However, Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains untouched.

Intelligence officials indicated that neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capability would require destroying or relocating this uranium stockpile. Although a ceasefire agreement was signed on April 7, tensions remain high due to deep political rifts and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of global oil shipments. US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth said Washington’s main goal is to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has not verified the location of Iran’s 440 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium, believed to be partly hidden in a secure underground tunnel in Isfahan, where inspections are currently suspended.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that no force can make the Iranian nation surrender, responding to a U.S. call for concessions in peace talks. In a post on social media platform X, he said followers of the Shia ideology cannot be forced to bow down. Pezeshkian also mentioned speaking with Iraq’s prime minister and urged the United States to remove military threats from the Middle East.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a new security plan around the Strait of Hormuz aimed at preventing weapons and supplies from reaching U.S. military bases through the area. The strait has become a central point of contention in ongoing U.S.-Iran discussions intended to halt regional conflict.

The statements highlight Iran’s firm stance against external pressure and its intent to assert control over strategic waterways, which remain a key obstacle in current diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.

At least eight people were killed and 36 others injured in a massive fire that broke out at the Arghavan Shopping Center in Andisheh city, about 30 kilometers west of Tehran, Iran. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), citing Ali Paydaran, head of the Andisheh city fire department. The building contained more than 250 commercial units, and the fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials used on the exterior.

Authorities have ordered the identification and arrest of those responsible, including the property development company linked to the complex. Rescue teams were dispatched quickly after reports of the fire, but the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown.

The investigation into the cause and accountability for the fire is ongoing, as officials work to determine the extent of damage and prevent similar incidents in the future.