US President Donald Trump described the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as a highly profitable business during an event in Florida on Friday. He said Washington was seizing Iranian goods and oil as part of the blockade, comparing the operation to piracy but emphasizing that it was not a game. Trump defended the blockade by arguing that Iran had long used the strategic waterway as a weapon and had previously threatened to close it. He claimed that after Iran shut the strait, he responded by closing it for them.

Addressing ongoing nuclear talks with Iran, Trump stated that it might be better for the United States not to reach any deal, though he later added that the current situation could not be allowed to continue. The remarks came amid heightened tensions following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, which prompted Tehran to retaliate against US allies in the Gulf and close the strait.

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistan’s mediation, and subsequent talks in Islamabad on April 11–12 ended without an agreement.

U.S. low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has announced the closure of its operations after a White House rescue proposal failed. The company said in a statement early Saturday that rising oil prices and other pressures had significantly affected its future prospects. All flights have been canceled, and passengers were advised not to go to airports.

The airline cited the global oil price surge and fuel shortages following the outbreak of the Iran war as key reasons for its financial collapse. The sharp increase in jet fuel costs led Spirit to bankruptcy for the second time in less than two years. The company stated that with no additional funding available, winding down operations was its only option.

The Trump administration had proposed a $500 million rescue plan that would have given the government a major ownership stake in the airline, but the plan faced criticism and ultimately failed.

Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense David Sedney has said that despite 60 days of war with Iran, the Trump administration has failed to achieve any of its stated objectives. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Sedney noted that the administration’s goal of regime change in Tehran has not materialized, as Iran’s leadership remains intact and is using the ceasefire to rebuild its military forces.

Sedney argued that President Trump has lost the information battle, suggesting that accurate information is not a priority for him and that he often misleads the public. He added that even in defeat, Trump might still claim victory, leaving it to the American people to decide whether to believe the facts or Trump’s narrative.

Beyond propaganda, Sedney emphasized that rising fuel prices could significantly influence the upcoming November midterm elections. He warned that if high petrol prices persist, Trump could face electoral defeat, as control over information and the oil market will ultimately determine the outcome of his Iran war strategy.

U.S. President Donald Trump informed Congress that he does not need congressional approval to continue military actions against Iran, arguing that hostilities between the two nations ended following a recent ceasefire. In a letter sent on the 60th day after notifying Congress of the Iran operation, Trump stated that no exchanges of fire had occurred since April 7, 2026, and that the conflict, which began on February 28, was now over.

Under U.S. law, a president must seek congressional authorization within 60 days of initiating military action, or cease operations. Trump contended that the ceasefire exempts him from this requirement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported this interpretation, saying the legal “clock” had stopped, while Democratic Senator Tim Kaine disagreed, arguing the law does not support such a reading. Legal experts also questioned the administration’s stance, noting that a ceasefire does not legally end a conflict.

The Treasury Department warned that paying Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could violate U.S. sanctions. The waterway remains largely closed, affecting global trade, while Congress debates whether to formally authorize the conflict.

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.

US President Donald Trump said that the United States and Iran are continuing discussions over the phone. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., Trump confirmed that the talks have not yet resulted in a final agreement. He described the path to a mutually acceptable deal as still very long.

Responding to questions from journalists, Trump emphasized that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, calling it the top priority for the United States in the ongoing negotiations. Earlier, before departing for Florida, he told CNN that he was not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposal aimed at resolving tensions.

Trump also mentioned that he is weighing his options regarding Iran, questioning whether to launch a severe attack or continue pursuing a diplomatic agreement. The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to manage the conflict between the two countries, though no breakthrough has been achieved so far.

The United States announced sanctions on three Iranian foreign exchange companies—Opal Exchange, Radin Exchange, and Tahayori Guarantee Society—on May 2, 2026. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, these firms allegedly helped convert proceeds from Iranian oil sales into currencies that could be more easily used by Iran’s military forces. The sanctions include asset freezes within the United States and prohibit American individuals and businesses from conducting transactions with the targeted entities.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated that the move reflects Washington’s commitment to disrupting Iran’s financial networks. He emphasized that the United States would continue to target the Iranian government’s ability to raise, transfer, and repatriate funds. The announcement underscores ongoing U.S. efforts to limit Iran’s access to international financial systems.

The sanctions are expected to further strain Iran’s financial operations and restrict its military funding channels, though the broader economic impact remains to be seen.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and organizations that pay tolls to Iran for using the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump reiterated that his administration’s economic pressure strategy on Tehran will succeed, claiming that the blockade of the strait is already costing Iran millions of dollars daily. The move is part of Washington’s broader effort to force Iran into negotiations on American terms.

According to the US Treasury Department, any entity making toll payments to Iran for passage through the strait will face sanctions. The measure is described as a serious threat. Meanwhile, the US State Department unveiled a new maritime framework called the “Maritime Freedom Construct,” to be operated under US Central Command. Under this system, a coalition of ships complying with US conditions will be escorted by American naval vessels and exempted from paying tolls.

The strategy aims to maintain global oil supply stability while sustaining the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption in oil flow has already had significant effects on the global economy, according to the report.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that it might be better for the United States not to reach any agreement with Iran after the latest round of discussions between the two countries stalled again. He made the comment on Friday during an event in Florida, emphasizing that the issue had dragged on for too long and could not continue in the same way.

Before leaving for Florida, Trump told CNN that he was not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposal aimed at resolving ongoing tensions. Speaking to reporters about his options, he questioned whether to launch a severe attack on Iran or to continue pursuing a possible agreement.

The remarks highlight renewed uncertainty in U.S.-Iran relations as negotiations remain deadlocked, with no clear path forward indicated in Trump’s statements.

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the United States might 'take over' Cuba after concluding its military operations in Iran. Speaking at an event in Florida last Friday, Trump made the remark in a joking tone while introducing a friend from Cuba, saying the country could be seized almost immediately. He indicated that action against Cuba could follow soon after the Middle East campaign ends.

Trump added that he prefers to finish one task before starting another, referring to the ongoing conflict with Iran. He further joked that a large U.S. warship, possibly the USS Abraham Lincoln, could approach the Cuban coast, prompting Cuban leaders to surrender. The audience reportedly laughed at his comments.

Just before making these remarks, Trump had signed an executive order expanding U.S. sanctions on the Cuban government and related institutions, according to the report sourced from CNN.

Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump has made Iran’s nuclear program the central issue in any future discussions with Tehran, according to Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent Mike Hanna. The report states that Trump has identified several non-negotiable positions, describing them as his ‘red lines,’ though the exact details remain unclear. What is certain, however, is that Trump seeks a firm assurance that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons.

Trump’s position emphasizes that Iran must permanently refrain from pursuing nuclear arms, rejecting any temporary suspension or time-limited agreement. While other expectations from Iran have not yet been publicly disclosed, the nuclear issue stands as the core of his administration’s approach to Tehran.

Observers believe that Trump’s uncompromising stance could reshape the future of U.S.–Iran relations, potentially setting a new tone for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of about 5,000 American troops stationed in Germany, the Pentagon confirmed on Friday. The move comes as relations between President Donald Trump and European allies continue to strain over the ongoing Iran war. The decision marks a significant shift in US military posture toward a key NATO ally.

The withdrawal order follows a period of heightened tension between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Earlier, Trump had threatened to remove troops after a heated exchange with Merz. The German leader had criticized the United States, saying Iran was ‘insulting’ Washington during peace talks aimed at ending the two-month-long conflict. Analysts believe this remark contributed to Washington’s decision.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Reuters that the troop withdrawal process is expected to be completed within six to twelve months, signaling a gradual but deliberate reduction of the US presence in Germany.

A new public opinion poll in the United States shows that a majority of Americans believe the country's military attack on Iran was a mistake. According to the Washington Post survey, 61 percent of respondents said launching military action against Iran was the wrong decision, while 36 percent viewed it as the right move. The poll also noted that the joint U.S.-Israel offensive, which began in late February 2025, has led to thousands of deaths across the Middle East and caused instability in global energy markets, affecting living costs in the United States.

The survey further revealed that rising prices have changed consumer behavior. About 44 percent of respondents said they have reduced driving, and 42 percent reported cutting daily expenses. Among lower-income groups earning under $50,000 annually, these rates were even higher, at 56 percent and 59 percent respectively. The poll also indicated a decline in President Donald Trump’s popularity, as many voters viewed the Iran attack as inconsistent with his campaign pledge to avoid unnecessary foreign wars.

Additionally, 46 percent of respondents said the decision to attack Iran did not align with Trump’s previous policy positions.

Thousands of people across the United States joined coordinated May Day demonstrations and economic boycotts under the banner “May Day Strong.” The movement, held on International Workers’ Day, called for “no school, no work, no shopping,” with walkouts, marches, rallies, and block parties organized in multiple cities. In New York, Amazon workers, Teamsters members, and local politicians marched from the public library to Amazon’s corporate office, urging the company to end its contracts with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.

In Washington, D.C., activists from “Free DC” blocked intersections carrying banners reading “Workers vs. Billionaires” and “Healthcare, not war.” Six young members of the Sunrise Movement were arrested in Minneapolis for blocking a bridge, while others staged a sit-in at a Portland hotel reportedly housing DHS officials. Labor unions, immigrant rights groups, political organizations, and student activists united around demands for immigration reform, anti-war policies, and higher taxes on the wealthy.

Teachers and students also joined the movement, with several school districts closing and unions declaring strikes. Organizers described the day as preparation for a potential general strike, with the United Auto Workers president calling for a major labor action in 2028.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he does not believe congressional approval is necessary for potential military action against Iran. He criticized those insisting on adherence to the War Powers Act, labeling them as unpatriotic. The statement was made as discussions intensified over the scope of presidential authority in military decisions.

Under the War Powers Act, any U.S. president deploying troops abroad must obtain congressional approval within 60 days. Trump argued that many past presidents have exceeded this limit and that the law has not been effectively enforced. He also noted that some view the act as unconstitutional.

Trump added that the recent ceasefire has given the United States additional time, which he described as part of a major victory. The remarks have renewed debate over executive power and congressional oversight in U.S. foreign military actions.