The United States is experiencing a sharp rise in fuel prices as the ongoing war with Iran disrupts global oil supplies. According to data released on Saturday, the average price of gasoline in the country has climbed to $4.45 per gallon, marking an increase of 34 cents in just one week. Since the conflict began on February 28, gasoline prices have risen by $1.47 per gallon. California has recorded the highest average price at $6.10 per gallon.

Diesel prices have also surged significantly, reaching a national average of $5.64 per gallon, up from $3.76 on the day the war began. The steep increase has raised concerns across the transportation sector, which heavily depends on diesel fuel.

Analysts warn that if tensions in the Middle East persist, the energy market could face further instability, leading to higher transportation costs, increased commodity prices, and greater pressure on consumers’ living expenses.

US President Donald Trump is considering launching a naval escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz to help stranded commercial tankers move safely under American protection. The information was shared by Kenneth Katzman, an analyst at the Soufan Center, who said Trump aims to resolve the ongoing deadlock with Iran without initiating a new conflict.

Katzman explained that if Iran shows no progress, Trump is likely to proceed with the escort mission, which could benefit Gulf nations and allies like Iraq. However, US sanctions on Iran would remain in place. Katzman warned that any Iranian attack on the escort mission could sharply shift the tone of negotiations, giving Trump tougher options to control the situation.

Analysts cited in the report believe the prolonged standoff ultimately favors the United States, as Iran’s limited maritime trade options could force it to cut oil production and face severe economic strain. Rising oil prices could pose some political challenges for Trump, but Iran’s economic situation would be far worse.

Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft has said that the United States has suffered a major strategic loss due to its naval blockade on Iranian ports. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he stated that the economic cost of the blockade has far exceeded the White House’s expectations. Parsi noted that Iran has endured decades of sanctions and economic pressure without capitulating.

He warned that both sides might sustain their positions for a few more weeks, but the situation is worsening daily. The stalemate, he added, is severely affecting third countries, citing Kuwait as an example, which has been unable to export oil for a month—an unprecedented situation in decades. Parsi also expressed hope that pressure from major powers, including China, could push both sides toward a diplomatic solution.

Referring to the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany, Parsi argued that the United States has suffered a strategic defeat, raising global doubts about the reliability of America’s security umbrella.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Rome and the Vatican this week, according to an Italian government source. The trip comes at a time of heightened tension between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over war and migration policies. During the visit, Rubio is expected to meet Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and may also meet Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. Italian media have described the visit as a diplomatic effort to 'warm relations.'

The tensions trace back to May 2025, when Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis, criticized the Trump administration’s immigration stance and expressed concern over US-Israel threats toward Iran. Trump responded by calling the Pope 'weak' and rejecting his views on Iran and nuclear issues. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned Trump’s remarks, prompting Trump to accuse Italy of insufficient NATO support and to threaten troop withdrawals from Italy, Spain, and Germany.

The visit is seen as an attempt to ease strained relations between Washington, the Vatican, and European allies following months of diplomatic friction.

U.S. low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines announced an immediate shutdown of its global operations on Saturday after last-minute talks with lenders and the White House collapsed. The airline canceled all flights and suspended customer service, citing a severe financial crisis driven by rising fuel costs and other business pressures. American Airlines, Delta, United, and JetBlue quickly launched rescue efforts, offering discounted fares and additional flights to accommodate stranded passengers. Some airlines also began assisting and recruiting Spirit’s employees.

Spirit, which had about 7,500 employees by the end of last year, had faced multiple bankruptcy proceedings since 2024. The company promised refunds to affected passengers. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said President Donald Trump made every effort to keep the airline afloat but noted that the outcome depended on lenders’ decisions. Labor unions criticized the shutdown, warning that the burden would fall on pilots, cabin crew, and mechanics.

Analysts said the airline’s collapse could reshape the U.S. low-cost travel market, as rising jet fuel prices following Middle East tensions delivered the final blow to an already weakened carrier.

US President Donald Trump has admitted he has no clear knowledge of the current status of American weapons sent abroad as part of a failed attempt to support an uprising in Iran. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump expressed frustration with Kurdish groups tasked with delivering the weapons to Iranian anti-government protesters, saying they failed to do so. He acknowledged dissatisfaction with the arms supply process and said it remains unclear who now possesses the weapons.

The weapons were reportedly sent to a Kurdish group in northern Iraq under the condition that they would be transferred to Iranian protesters. Trump had earlier revealed in April that the United States had sent large quantities of arms, suggesting that Kurdish forces might have kept them. Since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the US military has lost advanced equipment worth billions of dollars, including an F-35A fighter jet and multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Pentagon officials recently informed Congress that US losses in the conflict are estimated at $25 billion, while CNN reported that total damages, including destroyed infrastructure, could reach $40–50 billion.

Inter Miami endured a stunning 4-3 defeat to Orlando City despite a strong start led by Lionel Messi at the new ‘Nu Stadium’. Miami raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half, with Messi scoring once and providing two assists. The team appeared to have full control of the match, dominating possession and attack. However, their defense collapsed in the second half, allowing Orlando to overturn the deficit.

Martin Ojeda sparked Orlando’s comeback with a goal in the 39th minute and completed his hat-trick with two more strikes in the second half. Tyrese Spicer sealed the victory for Orlando in stoppage time. Despite holding 64 percent possession and taking 26 shots, Miami failed to secure the win.

The loss has raised questions about Miami’s defensive weaknesses and their continued struggles at the new stadium. Messi’s outstanding performance was overshadowed by the team’s inability to maintain their lead.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that military action against Iran could resume if the country 'misbehaves.' He made the remarks on Saturday in West Palm Beach, Florida, while speaking to reporters. Trump said he had been briefed on the outline of a potential agreement with Iran and was waiting for the final written draft. When asked about the possibility of renewed attacks, he did not give a direct answer but stated that Iran had not yet paid enough for its past actions and that further strikes were possible if it acted badly.

Meanwhile, Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal that includes opening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting U.S. sanctions. However, Tehran suggested postponing discussions on its nuclear program to a later stage. It remains unclear whether the United States will accept Iran’s proposal, leaving uncertainty over the next steps in the negotiations.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran as both sides weigh diplomatic and military options in their dealings.

The United States has initiated the formation of an international naval alliance called the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC) to restore navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked since February 28 following the outbreak of conflict between Iran and the Israel-US coalition. According to US media reports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the proposal, which will be jointly coordinated by the State Department and the Pentagon. The alliance aims to facilitate intelligence sharing, coordinate diplomatic efforts, and enforce navigation restrictions among member states.

The blockade has halted the daily supply of about 15 million barrels of crude and refined oil to global markets, leaving hundreds of ships stranded on both sides of the strait. Iran is reportedly tightening its control over the waterway and has begun charging transit fees of up to two million dollars per vessel.

Uncertainty remains over which countries will join the alliance, as tensions between the United States and key allies, including NATO and the European Union, have intensified due to the ongoing Iran-Israel war.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will soon review Iran’s latest peace proposal, though he expressed skepticism about its acceptance. The announcement came on Saturday through a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he stated that Iran had sent a plan for consideration but that he doubted it would be acceptable. Trump made the remarks while staying in West Palm Beach, Florida.

In his post, Trump argued that Iran had not yet paid enough for the harm it had caused to humanity and the world over the past 47 years. Details of Iran’s new proposal have not been disclosed, leaving the content and scope of the plan unclear. The report, citing AFP, noted that Trump’s comments may further reduce hopes for easing the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The lack of transparency around the proposal and Trump’s dismissive tone suggest that prospects for diplomatic progress remain uncertain.

Former Fox News host and political commentator Tucker Carlson has alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump is acting as a 'hostage' to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the ongoing war with Iran. In an interview published Saturday by The New York Times, Carlson said Trump was less an independent decision-maker and more constrained by Netanyahu and his supporters in the United States. He claimed Trump launched the war on February 28 but was unable to withdraw from it, and that the president was fighting against his own will.

Carlson further stated that only hours after Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran on April 8, Israel began killing civilians in Lebanon in a manner that drew global attention. He argued that Israel’s goal was to block all diplomatic solutions and continue the conflict until Iran was destroyed and destabilized. Criticizing Trump’s reluctance to publicly challenge Netanyahu, Carlson described the situation as one of total control, calling it a form of servitude.

Carlson has long been known as a prominent media ally of Trump, previously describing a 2024 assassination attempt on the president as 'divine intervention.'

More than three million people in the United States have lost access to food assistance following the enforcement of stricter federal rules. According to The Wall Street Journal, citing federal data, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has dropped by about 3.5 million since the new conditions took effect in July last year.

The revised policy requires able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 without children under 14 to work, volunteer, or attend approved training for at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible. Previously, the work requirement applied only up to age 54, and adults with children under 18 were exempt. The new rules also exclude some legally residing non-citizens who were previously eligible, in addition to undocumented immigrants who were already barred.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that an average of 42.1 million people received SNAP benefits last fiscal year, costing about $101.7 billion. Since the implementation of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law in July, participation has steadily declined, reaching 38.5 million by January, an 8 percent drop in six months.

US President Donald Trump compared a recent US Navy ship seizure operation to piracy during a rally in Florida on Friday. He told supporters that American forces boarded a vessel, took control of it, and seized its cargo and oil, describing the action as a highly profitable business. Trump added that the United States was acting much like pirates, though he insisted it was no joke.

The remarks came as legal experts voiced concern over Iran’s blockade of key ports and its reported plan to impose fees on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The situation has drawn attention to escalating maritime tensions in the region, where both US and Iranian actions are being closely scrutinized.

The ongoing standoff underscores the fragile security environment in the Gulf, with potential implications for global oil transport and regional stability if the confrontation intensifies further.

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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that hostility between the United States and Iran has ended. In a letter sent to congressional leaders on May 1, he stated that the 60-day approval requirement under the War Powers Act no longer applies, as active military operations have ceased. Trump explained that he launched 'Operation Epic Fury' to protect U.S. interests at home and abroad.

According to the letter, Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which was later extended. Since that date, there has been no exchange of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces. The conflict, which began on February 28, is now considered over. The announcement was reported by The Guardian and marks a formal communication to Congress regarding the cessation of hostilities.

The end of hostilities could signal a shift in U.S. military engagement in the region, though further details on diplomatic or strategic implications were not provided in the letter.