Trump seeks changes in proposed deal with Iran, wants tougher conditions on Strait of Hormuz, nuclear material: Report

WASHINGTON, May 31: US President Donald Trump has asked for several changes to the proposed deal prepared by his envoys with Iranian counterparts during a meeting on Friday, multiple reports said on Saturday.

Trump held a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room on Friday. Though the meeting lasted for two hours, there was no immediate details of what unfolded during the meeting.

Officials familiar with the development said Trump called for changes to toughen the terms of the deal and the new framework has been sent back to Iran, The New York Times reported.

Though Times stopped short of elaborating on the proposed changes, Axios reported that the amended parts involved tougher conditions on enriched uranium and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform sharing the details of the meeting, saying the two countries are close to a peace deal to end the conflict and that the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz was being lifted. Iran rubbished the US claims saying negotiations were still underway on the ceasefire deal and no final understanding was reached.

Trump is keen to strike an early deal with Iran and expects to finalise it soon, but several key points still remain to be discussed.

Iran's enriched uranium remains one of the contesting points of conflict. Trump has asked his team to change the clauses around Tehran's nuclear program.

"It's more specifics about how the US gets the material and the timing," Axios cited a senior US official as saying.

The report said that Trump also wants amendment to the wording around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The new tweaks could prolong negotiations between the parties for days before a decision is reached as the Iranian side is expected to respond in around three days.

Trump has maintained that the peace deal with Iran is on the cards, however, underlining that military action remains a viable option if talks fail.

"We are making a great deal; otherwise we'll just go back and finish it off militarily. We're close to a very good deal, and if we can make it good, otherwise we just start up with the Department of War," Trump told Fox News in an interview.

On Hormuz Strait, he said that the narrow waterway would be opened immediately as soon as the peace deal is signed.

"We've essentially defeated their military. I would rather get a deal because we can open the strait immediately upon signing. The one guarantee that I have is that there will be no nuclear weapons. They've agreed to that," he said.

The two countries have reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire for 60 days even as the two sides negotiate deal to permanently end the war.

Sign a deal or deal with the war department, says US in stark warning to Tehran

WASHINGTON, May 29: US defence secretary Pete Hegesth issued a stark warning to Iran over peace deal, even though he projected optimism over the progress of talks. "Iran is coming in our direction and talks have been productive, but it can either do this through a deal or deal with War Department," Hegseth said on nuclear negotiations.

Hegseth said Saturday that Washington is “more than capable” of restarting military operations if necessary, stressing that American forces have the resources required for such a move.

“Our stockpiles are more than suited for that,” Hegseth said while attending a defence summit in Singapore.

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X that American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region.”

Meanwhile, Oman's Maritime Security on Saturday cautioned seafarers to be wary of a suspected floating mine in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, the Omani Maritime Security said, "Due to the sighting of a floating object suspected to be a floating mine west of the Inshore Traffic Zone in the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial sea, the Maritime Security Centre urges all seafarers, fishermen, and vessels to exercise the utmost caution while navigating in the area. All maritime users are advised to keep a safe distance from any suspicious objects and report them immediately to the relevant authorities."

Iran on Saturday said that a US drone was intercepted and destroyed over Qeshm Island. The Iranian army said that the unmanned aircraft was brought down by the Iranian Army air defense systems operating within the integrated network of the country’s Joint Air Defense Headquarters, Press TV reported.

Advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Mohsen Rezaei has said that US President Donald Trump “is betraying diplomacy for the third time” by continuing the naval blockade, making excessive demands.

Meanwhile, Trump said on Friday he would soon decide on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, though the two countries still appeared to differ on significant issues that have been central to the conflict.

Trump said on Friday morning that he would meet in a secure White House room to make a "final determination" on the proposal, which would extend an early-April truce for another 60 days, giving negotiators time to forge a permanent end to the war.

A White House official said the meeting in the Situation Room lasted about two hours, but did not address whether Trump had made a decision.

"President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon," the official was quoted by multiple news outlets as saying.

A senior Iranian source told a news agency an agreement was close but had not yet been approved.

However, Trump also said Iran would have to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and dismantle its capacity to make a nuclear weapon - two conditions that Tehran has not agreed to.

"Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions," Trump said, adding that nuclear material would be "unearthed" by the US.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, citing sources, said Trump's comments were an "attempt to portray a fabricated victory."

The senior Iranian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the potential deal does not include any nuclear-related issues, while Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on state TV that the management of the strait must be decided by Iran and Oman.

Fars said the strait would be reopened under Tehran's conditions after the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ships.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US blockade would be lifted gradually if it were to occur.

Fars reported that there was agreement to release $12 billion in Iran's frozen assets.

Trump said no money would be exchanged "until further notice" - a possible reference to Iran's demands for toll payments in the strait, war damage reparations or a release of frozen Iranian assets.

'Ready for final determination': Trump puts 'no nuclear bomb, toll-free Hormuz' demand list for Iran peace deal

WASHINGTON, May 29: US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was making a "final determination" on whether to move ahead with a peace agreement with Iran, while laying out a series of conditions that Tehran would need to meet.

In a lengthy social media post, Trump said Iran must permanently abandon any ambitions of acquiring nuclear weapons and ensure unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions," Trump wrote.

He also called for the removal of any remaining naval mines in the strategic waterway and said ships affected by the US naval blockade would be allowed to return home as the blockade is lifted.

Trump further claimed that enriched nuclear material buried deep underground following a US B-2 bomber strike 11 months ago would be excavated and destroyed under the supervision of the United States, in coordination with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"The enriched material, sometimes referred to as 'Nuclear Dust,' ... will be unearthed by the United States... in close coordination and conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, plus the International Atomic Energy Agency, and DESTROYED," he said.

Stating that "no money will be exchanged, until further notice," Trump added that several other issues had already been resolved.

"I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination," the US president said, signaling that a decision on the proposed agreement could be imminent.

US, Iran Agree On Deal Framework, Awaiting Trump Approval: Report

WASHINGTON, May 28: The United States and Iran have agreed on a framework deal for a 60-day ceasefire extension, but the memorandum of understanding still needs US President Donald Trump's approval.

Sources told a news agency that the two nations had reached an agreement on extending the ceasefire and to launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme.

According to an Axios report, Iran has also not agreed to the deal yet. The report mentioned that the framework of the deal has been worked on and "mostly agreed" to as of Tuesday, but the senior leadership of both parties still needs to give their approval.

Although Trump has been briefed on the details about the deal, he did not sign off on it immediately and said that he "wants a couple of days to think about it", Axios reported quoting a US official.

The 60-day memorandum of understanding will include the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. That means the Islamic Republic would not be able to levy tolls from ships passing the strategic chokepoint. A US official told the publication that there would be "no harassment" in the strait and that Iran would also be required to remove all mines from the waterway within 30 days.

As for the US naval blockade, the US official said that it will be lifted in proportion to the level of commercial shipping restored through the Strait of Hormuz.

Another important point in the framework deal would be sanctions, and the US is ready to issue some sanctions waiver so that Iran can sell oil freely.

US, Iran exchange strikes; Washington warns over tolls in the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON, May 28: The United States and Iran traded accusations of violating an ongoing ceasefire on Thursday after exchanging fire, marking the most serious flare-up since the truce began in April, three months after the Middle East conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The escalation rattled efforts to negotiate a broader end to the war and drew in US ally Kuwait, which accused Tehran of carrying out a “dangerous escalation”.

The violence also intensified on the Lebanese front, where Israel declared large parts of southern Lebanon a combat zone and increased air strikes, including attacks near Beirut.

The United States and Iran exchanged strikes on Thursday in their most serious confrontation since the April ceasefire, raising fears over the stability of ongoing peace efforts and the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

In fresh escalation in the war between the United States and Iran, the American forces on Wednesday struck Iran for the second time in a week on Wednesday and claimed that the strike was done in self defence after they observed some aggressive activity from the forces of the other side.

Giving an idea of the extent of this escalation, two US armed forces officials told news agency The Associated Press that they shot down four Iranian drones and attacked a base from where a fifth drone was about to be launched. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the Iranian drones posed threat to the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade waterway that has become a central point in the war that completes three months today.

According to a US official, who spoke to Reuters, the military site that they from where they claimed a fifth drone was going to be launched was an Iranian ground control station in Iran's Bandar Abbas.

"These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire," Reuters claimed the official as saying.

However, Iran said that it retaliated to the American strikes by targeting a US base in the region which was used for the attack, but refused to mention which US base it targeted specifically.

“Following the pre-dawn aggression today by the invading American army against a point on the outskirts of Bandar Abbas Airport using aerial projectiles, the American airbase, as the origin of the aggression, was targeted at 4:50 a.m.," Iran's revolutionary guards said in a statement.

The IRGC also warned that any such strikes in future will be met with “more decisive” actions.

'Complete fabrication': White House rejects Iranian report on Hormuz reopening, US troop pullback in draft peace deal

WASHINGTON, May 27: After Iranian state media claimed it had obtained a draft framework for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tehran and Washington to end the conflict, the Trump administration dismissed the report as “a complete fabrication”.

“This report from Iranian-controlled media is not true and the MOU they ‘released’ is a complete fabrication. Nobody should believe what Iranian state media is putting out. FACTS MATTER,” said the statement issued by Rapid Responses 47, the official communication page for the White House.

According to Iranian state television, the alleged framework proposed restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month, while the United States would withdraw military forces from regions near Iran and lift a naval blockade.

The report further claimed that military vessels would be excluded from the arrangement and that Iran would oversee ship traffic through the strait in coordination with Oman. It also said Tehran would not implement any measures without “tangible verification”.

Iranian media added that if a final agreement was reached within 60 days, it could eventually be formalised through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution. The reported framework made no mention of Iran’s nuclear programme.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that negotiations could take several more days, even after Trump expressed optimism over the weekend about a possible breakthrough.

Among the major sticking points in the talks are the reopening and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed before the conflict, as well as the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

While Trump claimed on Saturday that a deal with Tehran was close, negotiations remain tense. The US president warned that military strikes on Iran could resume if talks collapse. On Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed strikes targeting southern Iran and boats in the region, though it maintained that the ceasefire was still holding.

'Turn Over Nuclear Dust': Trump Warns Iran As US Conducts Fresh Strikes

WASHINGTON, May 26: President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he expected Iran to hand over its enriched uranium -- a key sticking point in efforts to end the war in the Middle East -- to the United States to be destroyed or have it destroyed in Iran with an international witness.

"The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event," he said in a social media post.

Since the war in the Middle East broke out on February 28, Trump has repeatedly said his key aim is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon with its highly enriched uranium.

Tehran has consistently denied it has plans to do that.

Trump's message to Iran came as the US forces conducted "self-defence" strikes on Iranian boats and missile launch facilities, threatening an already fragile ceasefire that began April 8.

"US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," Tim Hawkins, a US Central Command spokesperson, said in a statement.

He gave no details of the attacks and said only that the targets included missile launch sites and boats trying to "emplace mines."

The strikes came as Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and its foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, were in Doha for talks with Qatar's prime minister on a potential deal with the US to end the war.

Trump on Monday said talks with Iran were going "nicely", but warned of fresh attacks if they failed.

It "will only be a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all," he wrote in a lengthy post on Truth Social.

He also said that any agreement to end the Iran war should include a requirement for several additional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan, to join the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered agreements from Trump's first term aimed at normalising relations with Israel. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were the first countries to join the Abraham Accords in 2020.

While Egypt, Jordan and Turkey have already formally recognised Israel, Saudi Arabia maintains that any normalisation deal requires first establishing a clear path for Palestinian statehood. That's also key for Pakistan, which is among the countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

"After all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords," Trump said.

He said he brought up the Abraham Accords plan with leaders during negotiations on Saturday.

He said he would accept “one or two” countries declining to sign, but said most should be willing.

Quad Foreign Ministers meet: Jaishankar, Rubio sign India-U.S. Critical Minerals Framework

NEW DELHI, May 26: The Quad grouping on Tuesday expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s growing military posturing in the region.

The new measures were announced following a meeting of the grouping’s foreign ministers in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

In his media statement, Rubio said the Quad meeting decided to launch an Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Cooperation Initiative. Rubio also announced expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative among the Quad nations. He also said the Quad has decided to roll out a new initiative to boost port infrastructure in the Pacific Islands.

Speaking after India and United States signed a Critical Minerals Framework, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined that the groundwork was laid for this on at the Critical Minerals Forum that hosted in Washington, D.C. It gained momentum later that month when India signed on to Pax Silica.

“We both [India and U.S.] have a strategic and shared interest in the fact that vibrant innovation economies such as ours cannot afford to leave the foundational materials of these industries vulnerable to single source monopolies that could deny us these things, not just in a time of conflict, but as a leverage point contrary to our sovereign national interests,” he added.

Quad reaffirmed commitment towards complete denuclearisation of North Korea: Japan Foreign Minister

”We [Quad] discussed the North Korean situation, including nuclear and missile problems and cyber activities, and reaffirmed our commitment towards the complete denuclearisation of North Korea,” said Japan’s Foreign Minister following the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

“At the beginning of the meeting today, I emphasised the importance of our four nations to the Quad in realising Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). The point of the update of FOIP is that the countries of the Indo-Pacific should strengthen their resilience and capacity to determine their own future,” Japan’s Toshimitsu Motegi said.

Rubio announces Quad's initiative on Indo-Pacific energy security

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio announces Quad’s initiative on Indo-Pacific energy security that will help strengthen regional energy resilience.

Through this initiative, he says, the partners will work to identify areas of cooperation in technology, management, policy, international market analysis, and emergency response exercises.

Rubio goes on to announce the Quad’s second initiative which will involve the four countries partnering on issues of port infrastructure.

This is particularly in response to insufficient port capacities in the Pacific islands. Mr. Rubio adds that the initiative will begin with Fiji to advance its port infrastructure.

This will be the first time that the Quad partners work together on a port infrastructure project.

Speaking to the press, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio reiterates that the goal of the Quad counties was to turn it into a forum of action.

Rubio goes on to announce the launch of Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation initiative, which is going to leverage the individual countries’ maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to enhance information sharing.

Related to this, he says, is also the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime domain awareness initiative.

Rubio also informs that India has committed to hosting the next iteration of the Quad at Sea Mission.

Quad Foreign Ministers meet: Indo-Pacific must remain driver for global growth: Jaishankar

The Indo-Pacific must remain a driver for global growth and stability, and the Quad must work towards ensuring maritime security and promoting economic choices in the region, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

In his opening remarks at the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, he specifically called for "trusted and transparent" partnerships to bring peace and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific.

The New Delhi meeting was attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, with Mr. Jaishankar presiding over it.

The Quad meeting came amid rising global concerns over China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific.

"Our focus will clearly be on the Indo-Pacific, which is the specific limit of the Quad," the External Affairs Minister said in his televised opening remarks.

"At the global level, we have to address issues like supply chain resilience, connectivity choke points, manufacturing and resource concentrations and gaps in critical infrastructure. Each one of them offers a new argument for more partnerships," he said.

Jaishankar, without elaborating, also talked about specific "concerns" facing the Indo-Pacific.

"This will require enhancing strategic confidence, ensuring maritime security, promoting economic choices, and fostering a deeper collaborative ethos. And that is best done by promoting trusted and transparent partnerships," he said.

The External Affairs Minister added, "As maritime democracies, pluralistic societies and market economies, we share the responsibility towards a free and open Indo-Pacific. The region must remain a driver for global growth and stability."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for making the Quad as strong and as effective as possible. We are determined to continue the momentum of the Quad, and we want a peaceful, stable, prosperous Indo-Pacific, she said.

Rubio said the areas in which the Quad has been working together became more relevant because of recent events around the world.

Quad can address some of the most significant problems facing the world, including in areas of energy security, freedom of navigation, and critical minerals, he said.

Trump Adds Fresh Uncertainty To Iran Peace Talks With 'Abraham Accords' Post

WASHINGTON, May 25: Days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about progress on an Iran nuclear agreement, United States President Donald Trump has thrown in a fresh condition. He now wants Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, to join the Abraham Accords as part of any deal.

This comes on top of an already long list of conditions that includes keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, Iran abandoning uranium enrichment entirely, and Tehran receiving no compensation for losses suffered during the conflict.

The Abraham Accords were first signed in 2020, during Trump's first term in office. They are a set of US-brokered agreements under which several Muslim-majority nations agreed to normalise diplomatic relations with Israel. The UAE and Bahrain signed up at the time, with Morocco, Sudan and Kazakhstan joining later.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social on Monday, the Republican president said he had spoken to the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain. He told them that, given everything Washington had put into trying to bring this complicated situation together, it ought to be compulsory for all these countries to sign the Abraham Accords at the very minimum, and to do so at the same time.

"The Abraham Accords have proven to be, for the Countries involved (The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Kazakhstan), a Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM, even during this time of Conflict and War, with the current Members never even suggesting leaving or taking so much as even a pause," Trump said.

He singled out Saudi Arabia and Qatar as the countries that should move first. "It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit," he added.

In 2025, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Trump that the kingdom was open to joining the Abraham Accords, as long as there was "a clear path" toward a two-state solution.

Trump also extended the invitation to Iran itself, should it reach an agreement with Washington. "Therefore, I am mandatorily requesting that all Countries immediately sign the Abraham Accords, and that, if Iran signs its Agreement with me, as President of the United States of America, it would be an Honor to have them also be part of this unparalleled World Coalition," he said.

He also warned, "It will only be a Great Deal for all or no Deal at all -- Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before -- And nobody wants that."

The new demand came shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio had given reporters reason for optimism. Speaking during a visit to New Delhi, Rubio indicated a deal might have been possible within hours.

"We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today," he said, adding that there appeared to be a solid proposal on the table regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged that negotiators had made headway on a considerable portion of the issues under discussion, but cautioned against reading too much into that progress.

"It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion," he told a weekly news briefing. "But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent -- no one can make such a claim."

US and Iranian forces have observed a ceasefire since 8 April while both sides work towards negotiating a deal. However, Iran has continued to maintain control over Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the US Navy has been seeking to blockade Iranian ports.

Iran says ‘not seeking nuclear weapons’, peace deal still in limbo after Trump's 'no rush' remark

WASHINGTON, May 24: US President Donald Trump on Sunday that he has told his diplomatic representatives not to rush into a deal with Iran because “time is on our side.” This comes less than a day after announcing that an agreement with Tehran had been largely negotiated.

Trump earlier shared a cryptic message with an edited image of US drones attacking Iran-flagged vessels on sea. ‘Adios’ read the text over the edited image.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said that Iran is prepared to reassure the world that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, reiterating Tehran's commitment to diplomacy and regional stability amid talks with the US to achieve a complete solution to the crisis in the West Asia region.

Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic remains open to providing assurances that its nuclear programme is strictly peaceful in nature.

"We are ready to assure the world that we are not seeking nuclear weapons and are not seeking unrest in the region," he said, as quoted by Press TV.

‘Love India’: Trump joins US’ 250th Independence Day celebration in Delhi via call, praises Modi

NEW DELHI, May 24: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor dialled President Donald Trump from the 250th Independence Day celebrations in Delhi, while US secretary of state Marco Rubio was also present during the interaction in which Trump praised India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

US President Donald Trump says, “India can count on me 100%. If they ever need help, they know where to call. They call right here. We're doing well”.

“ We're setting records. We have a record economy, a record stock market and anything India wants to get. I am a big fan of Prime Minister Modi...Marco is the greatest. He's going down as the greatest Secretary of State in the history of the US...Say hello to Prime Minister Modi and let him know I'm a big fan...”

'US, India Not Just Allies, We're Strategic Allies': Rubio To S Jaishankar

NEW DELHI, May 24: India and the US are not just allies, but strategic partners who get to work together in different regions of the world, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said during his talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi.

Rubio, who began his four-day India visit yesterday, met his Indian counterpart Jaishankar this morning. During their delegation-level talks, the top US diplomat said that the strategic ties set apart the relation between India and US from other countries.

"The US and India aren't just allies. We are strategic allies and that's of critical importance. We obviously work with countries all over the world on a variety of issues, but our strategic partnership is what sets this relationship apart because it's not simply limited to the region, it extends to offer opportunities to cooperate globally in different regions of the world, and that includes potentially, as I said, as we discussed a bit last night at dinner, in the Western Hemisphere and places like that," he said.

He further noted that India and the US, being the two largest democracies in the world, have many common interests.

"We are the two largest democracies in the world. That alone is a baseline for incredible cooperation. We have so many common interests that makes all the sense in the world for us to continue to build upon. This is not about restoring or reinvigorating, I see some people use that terminology, this is about continuing to build on what is already a very solid and strong strategic partnership, one of the most important ones that we have, I would argue one of the most important ones in the world," he added.

Rubio also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi yesterday. During their meeting, the US diplomat briefed the prime minister on the "sustained progress" in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors. After the meeting, PM Modi said that India and the US will continue to work closely for the global good.

Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during a joint press conference, while highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States.

"...EAM Dr S. Jaishankar has been phenomenal. He's a truly wise gentleman and does incredible work on behalf of your country and someone that I have tremendous esteem and respect for," Rubio said.

"I thank you for both the welcome and the hospitality that we've gotten from everybody here in India and all of your government leaders, and in particular, the Foreign Minister."

Rubio also underlined shared democratic values between the two countries, stating, "Democracies respond directly to their people, and you have to respond constantly."

On security cooperation, the US Secretary of State stressed the strong counterterrorism partnership between Washington and New Delhi. "On the issue of terrorism, both of our countries have suffered, both directly and indirectly, because of global terrorist networks. There was a strong counterterrorism alignment as a result of that," Rubio said.

He also pointed to growing collaboration in technology and innovation, saying the two nations were aligned on balancing the opportunities and risks emerging from new technologies in the 21st century. "There is a tremendous strategic alliance between our countries and agreement on that point," he remarked.

Peace deal 'close', toll-free Strait of Hormuz likely to open

WASHINGTON, May 24: Washington and Tehran are reportedly close to signing an agreement that would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Axios.

The US has proposed lifting of blockade on Iranian ports, Offer sanctions waivers allowing Iran to freely sell oil, Negotiate sanctions relief and unfreezing of Iranian funds during the 60-day period.

Iran would support reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unrestricted maritime movement. Clear mines deployed in the Strait of Hormuz and allow ships to pass freely without tolls. Commit to never pursuing nuclear weapons. Enter talks on suspending uranium enrichment. Negotiate removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Provide verbal assurances through mediators on possible nuclear concessions.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that a deal between the US and Iran was “largely negotiated.” An announcement was expected shortly, he said. His remarks came amid efforts from Pakistan to broker a negotiation that could potentially calm markets and pave way for the Strait of Hormuz to open.

“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries,” Trump wrote in a social media post.

'US, India Not Just Allies, We're Strategic Allies': Rubio To S Jaishankar

NEW DELHI, May 24: India and the US are not just allies, but strategic partners who get to work together in different regions of the world, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said during his talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi.

Rubio, who began his four-day India visit yesterday, met his Indian counterpart Jaishankar this morning. During their delegation-level talks, the top US diplomat said that the strategic ties set apart the relation between India and US from other countries.

"The US and India aren't just allies. We are strategic allies and that's of critical importance. We obviously work with countries all over the world on a variety of issues, but our strategic partnership is what sets this relationship apart because it's not simply limited to the region, it extends to offer opportunities to cooperate globally in different regions of the world, and that includes potentially, as I said, as we discussed a bit last night at dinner, in the Western Hemisphere and places like that," he said.

He further noted that India and the US, being the two largest democracies in the world, have many common interests.

"We are the two largest democracies in the world. That alone is a baseline for incredible cooperation. We have so many common interests that makes all the sense in the world for us to continue to build upon. This is not about restoring or reinvigorating, I see some people use that terminology, this is about continuing to build on what is already a very solid and strong strategic partnership, one of the most important ones that we have, I would argue one of the most important ones in the world," he added.

Rubio also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi yesterday. During their meeting, the US diplomat briefed the prime minister on the "sustained progress" in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors. After the meeting, PM Modi said that India and the US will continue to work closely for the global good.

Suspect shot after White House shooting

WASHINGTON, May 24: US Secret Service reportedly shot a man who fired shots near the White House on Sunday while the President was still inside as he negotiated a possible Iran deal.

The man, later identified as 21-year-old Nazire Best, had reportedly been pacing along the street for some time before he approached a police checkpoint, pulled a pistol from his bag and began firing indiscriminately.

Trump Says Iran Deal Has 'Solid 50/50' Chance, Warns Of Strikes If Talks Fail

WASHINGTON, May 23: US President Donald Trump told CBS in a phone interview on Saturday that the United States and Iran are "getting a lot closer" to an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.

But in the interview with the TV network, Trump also warned that if the US and Iran do not come to an agreement, "we're going to have a situation where no country will ever be hit as hard as they're about to be hit."

Meanwhile, Iran said Saturday that it was finalising a 14-point "framework agreement" for a deal with the US, but signalled that major gaps still remain.

The US president struck a less upbeat tone in another Saturday morning interview with news website Axios, saying that it was a "solid 50/50" chance of a deal being struck.

Trump warned he would "blow them to kingdom come" if a deal wasn't reached, Axios reported.

Both outlets also reported that Trump was scheduled to speak with Gulf leaders by phone later today.

On a visit in India, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "there may be some news a little later today," but added, "there may not be."

Axios said Trump is also expected to meet Saturday with Vice President JD Vance, as well as negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, has been in Iran this week hoping to bring the two sides closer to agreement.

Reports on Friday suggested that Trump was considering a fresh round of strikes on Iran, as the conflict between the two countries entered its 13th week.

Trump abruptly announced on Friday that he would be skipping his son's wedding this weekend due to "circumstances pertaining to government."

Modi, Rubio discuss bilateral ties, West Asia crisis

NEW DELHI, May 23: India and the U.S. will continue to work closely for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed him on the West Asia crisis and bilateral cooperation in defence, strategic technologies, trade and energy security.

Rubio, who met Modi shortly after landing in New Delhi, invited the Prime Minister on behalf of President Donald Trump to visit the White House in the “near future,” according to US Ambassador Sergio Gor.

“...We discussed sustained progress in the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security,” Prime Minister Modi said on X.

On Sunday, Rubio is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Jaishankar and attend the U.S. Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations. The Secretary of State will travel to Agra and Jaipur on Monday before returning to Delhi on Tuesday morning for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Trump Pledges To Seize, Destroy Iran's Enriched Uranium

WASHINGTON, May 22: US President Donald Trump has pledged to seize and destroy Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium despite statements from Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, that Tehran will not hand over the nuclear material.

The US leader also claimed the US has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade, even as the blockade of the vital global oil supply route and Iran's nuclear ambitions continue to be the two biggest thorny issues in a long-term peace deal to pause the war in the Middle East.

Responding to a reporter's query about Khamenei's comments, Trump said, "We will get it. We don't need it, we don't want it. We'll probably destroy it after we get it, but we're not going to let them have it."

"We have total control of Strait of Hormuz with our blockade. Iran will not get nuclear weapon or we'll do something drastic," he added.

The remarks came a day after it was reported that Iran's Supreme Leader issued a directive that the country's near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad.

Israel, the United States and other Western states have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, including pointing to its move to enrich uranium to 60 per cent, far higher than needed for civilian uses and closer to the 90 per cent needed for a weapon. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will not consider the war over until enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran ends its support for proxy militias, and its ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated.

Israeli officials have said that Trump has assured Israel that Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, needed to make an atomic weapon, will be sent out of Iran and that any peace deal must include a clause on this.

As per a report, Iran's top officials believe that sending the material abroad would leave the country more vulnerable to future attacks by the United States and Israel. Khamenei has the last say on the most important state matters.

"The Supreme Leader's directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country," said one of the two Iranian sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

US secretary Marco Rubio heads to India; Envoy Sergio Gor says he’s ‘excited for this trip'

NEW DELHI, May 22: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday expressed his excitement over the upcoming visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India.

"Just got a call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio — he’s taking off for India right now! Excited for this important trip!” he wrote on X.

Rubio is set to hold extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday. The top US diplomat will also attend the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

In addition to his official engagements in the capital, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to travel to Kolkata, Agra, and Jaipur, according to sources familiar with the matter.

This will be Rubio’s first visit to India since assuming office as secretary of state last year.

Speaking ahead of the visit on Friday, Rubio said, “There’s a lot to work on with India, they’re a great ally and partner. We do a lot of good work with them, so this is an important trip.”

Both sides are also expected to discuss the West Asia crisis and its economic implications, particularly its impact on energy supplies.

Jaishankar will also host his counterparts — Penny Wong of Australia, Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan, and Rubio — at Hyderabad House for the upcoming meeting.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions will build on the July 2025 meeting held in Washington and remain aligned with the Quad’s shared goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The ministers are expected to review progress on ongoing Quad initiatives, exchange views on strengthening cooperation in key areas, and discuss recent developments in the Indo-Pacific as well as other global issues of common interest.

In addition, the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan, and the United States are scheduled to hold separate bilateral meetings with Jaishankar and are also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ministry added.

Trump wants Strait of Hormuz ‘without tolls’ after Iran proposed permanent system with Oman

WASHINGTON, May 21: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States does not want tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and will retrieve Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir is reportedly set to enter the ceasefire efforts, a development that comes after Iran said on Wednesday that it was reviewing a new US proposal aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, while President Donald Trump described the negotiations as being on the "borderline" between reaching an agreement and renewed military action as the conflict, under a temporary truce, neared the three-month mark.

Trump, who earlier said the talks were in their "final stages," later cautioned that diplomatic efforts could collapse rapidly.

"It's right on the borderline, believe me," a news agency quoted Trump telling reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington. "If we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go."

An April 8 ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, brought an end to direct fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel, but verbal hostilities have continued to intensify. Trump has repeatedly warned of renewed military action, while Iranian officials have answered with increasingly sharp rhetoric and unabashed trolling through its social media handled.

Trump on Wednesday said talks with Iran were in final stages, adding that an agreement could emerge "very quickly" or "in a few days." He, however, stressed that Tehran must provide "100 per cent good answers." “We’ll either have a deal or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty… but hopefully that won’t happen,” he said.

US-Iran agreement could be finalised within few hours, says report

WASHINGTON, May 20: Efforts are ongoing to finalise the text of an agreement between Washington and Tehran, and its completion could be announced within the next few hours, Al Arabiya reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he is “no hurry” for Iran deal and is going “to give this one shot”.

According to the report, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir may travel to Iran on Thursday to announce the final version of the agreement.

It also said that another round of talks is expected to take place in Islamabad after the Hajj season.

Trump said on Wednesday that talks with Iran had reached the final stage, while warning of more attacks if Tehran does not agree to a deal.

Six weeks after Trump paused Operation Epic Fury under a ceasefire arrangement, efforts to end the conflict have made little headway. Earlier this week, he said he had come close to approving further strikes but decided against it to allow negotiations more time.

"We're in the final stages of Iran. We'll see what happens. Either have a deal or we're going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won't happen," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"We're going to give this one shot. I'm in no hurry," Trump said. "Ideally I'd like to see few people killed, as opposed to a lot. We can do it either way."

Meanwhile, Israel's army chief Lieutenant Colonel Eyal Zamir on Wednesday said the military was at its highest alert level, as Tehran and Washington traded threats of war.

A 72-hour diplomatic ultimatum has locked Washington and Tehran into a high-stakes standoff. US President Donald Trump gave Iranian negotiators a window of “two to three days” to finalise a peace treaty to end the war on the West Asian country. Russian President Vladimir Putin is in China to hold high-level talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

“We're going to end that war very quickly,” Trump said earlier. “They want to make a deal so badly. You are going to see oil prices plummet. They're going to come down. There's so much oil out there, they're going to come plummetinng down,” he added.

US vice president JD Vance said both negotiating teams made a “lot of progress” towards an agreement.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to start first India visit on May 23

WASHINGTON, May 20; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will pay his first visit to India between May 23 and 26, the U.S. State Department said on Friday.

The visit will be closely watched as it comes against the backdrop of the U.S.’s continued engagement in hostilities in the Persian Gulf region, which have had consequences for India’s energy security.

Rubio’s visit is part of a tightly packed Indian diplomatic calendar for this summer and monsoon season, with New Delhi expected to host meetings of BRICS, the Quad, the India-Africa Forum Summit, and other platforms.

“As America gets ready to celebrate our 250th birthday, we look forward to doing it with our partners in India. India is the world’s largest democracy and we are the world’s oldest. So, we look forward to celebrating it together,” Rubio said, in a video message that was shared on X by the U.S. Embassy in India. He will visit Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi.

“The secretary will discuss energy security, trade, and defense cooperation during meetings with senior Indian officials,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott said. Rubio will come to India from Sweden, where he will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting on May 22.

The visit is connected to unfolding regional and global diplomatic dialogues, coming days after India hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting that was attended by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his deputy Kazem Gharibabadi. During those meetings, the Iranian delegation said the “trust deficit” with the United States is holding back the diplomatic resolution of the conflict in West Asia that started on February 28.

The State Department’s announcement did not mention the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting that is also expected to be held in the near future. In a post on X, however, the U.S. Embassy mentioned the Quad meeting.

“The U.S. Embassy in India looks forward to welcoming Secretary Rubio for his first visit to India, ministerial Quad meetings, high level engagements, and celebrating 250 years of America,” it said.

Asked for confirmation, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said that the mission did not have any “further details”. “Additional details will be announced in due time,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier, on May 12, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “We are the host for the Quad Summit this year. As part of this, we have had several meetings at the technical level. We will also be having some high-level meetings, and we shall keep you informed of those meetings, as and when they are about to take place.”

Rubio’s visit to Kolkata is the first by a U.S. Secretary of State in almost 14 years. The last time the city hosted the U.S. Secretary of State was in May 2012, when Hillary Clinton visited Kolkata and met the then-Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

This visit comes weeks after Ms. Banerjee lost the West Bengal Assembly election, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coming to power in the State for the first time. The West Bengal government confirmed that Rubio will meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The U.S. Secretary of State is also likely to visit the Missionaries of Charity, an organisation founded by Nobel laureate Mother Teresa. U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor had previously visited the Missionaries of Charity headquarters in the city as well.

Trump to attend the G7 summit next month

WASHINGTON, May 20: The White House says Trump will be at the June 15-17 meeting in Evian-les-Bains, in the French Alps.

The war in Iran promises to be a major point of contention, as Trump has said US allies haven’t done enough to help open the Strait of Hormuz.

But Trump also wants to use discussions to reframe development conversations so they can better focus on investment partnerships that benefit investors as well as recipient nations, the White House says.

He’ll further seek to promote global innovation around artificial intelligence development, boost critical mineral supply chain resilience and strengthen international actions against drug smuggling and further tougher immigration policies. And Trump will use the meeting to promote US energy exports, the White House says.

'Two-Three Days, Early Next Week': Trump's Timeline For Fresh Iran Attack

WASHINGTON, May 19: US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran as the diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran has reached a critical deadlock over the terms of a durable peace agreement.

"I hope we don't have to do the war, but we may have to give them another big hit... I'm not sure yet. You'll know very soon," Trump said.

The Republican leader said that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon because they would use it, as they are "extremely radicalised".

Barak Ravid, a reporter for Axios, wrote in a post on X that Trump has said that renewed military strikes on Iran could happen in the next few days, and he will give Iran a "limited period of time" to make a deal.

"Trump on Iran strike timeline: "2-3 days, maybe Friday or Saturday, early next week. A limited period of time"", Ravid wrote on X.

Trump on Iran strike timeline: "2-3 days, maybe Friday or Saturday, early next week. A limited period of time"

The comment follows Trump's recent statement on Sunday that "the clock is ticking" for Iran to accept a peace deal with the United States and "there won't be anything left of them" if Tehran's leaders don't "get moving, FAST".

However, on Monday, Trump called off what he said was a scheduled attack on Iran on Tuesday. He said that he postponed the attack because "serious negotiations" were taking place towards a peace agreement.

Trump also said that he was holding off on fresh strikes at Iran at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

"We were getting ready to do a very major attack tomorrow. I have put off attacking Iran for a little while, hopefully forever, on the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and some others (in the Gulf)," Trump said.

He said that he was "an hour" away from making a decision to restart attacks on Iran but put it off after receiving a call from interlocutors.

"I was an hour away. We were all set to go... it would have been happening right now," Trump told reporters at the White House.

However, Trump added he had instructed the US military to be "prepared to go forward with a full, large-scale assault of Iran, on a moment's notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached".

Since the ceasefire took hold on April 8, Tehran and Washington have held a single round of talks, which failed to culminate in a deal.

All the while, Iran has maintained a tight grip over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy conduit, while the United States has imposed its own naval blockade on Iranian ports.

‘Calm before storm’: Trump’s warning sparks alarm over possible Iran strikes

​WASHINGTON, May 18: U.S. President Donald Trump issued a veiled warning over rising tensions​ in the ​West Asia​, posting an AI-generated image and message that read, “It was the calm before the storm,” amid reports that he is in discussions with top aides on potentially resuming air strikes on Iran.

Trump's warning of a "calm before the storm" raises fears of escalating U.S.-Iran tensions amid regional instability.

Meanwhile, Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the U.S. through Pakistan, aimed at ending the war amid a diplomatic impasse and fears of renewed hostilities, even as President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country “will not bow to any power”.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters in Tehran on Monday that the diplomatic process continues through Pakistan despite the tensions. Tehran received “a set of corrective points and considerations” from the U.S. “[O]ur points of view were presented to the American side in return. Therefore, the process continues through Pakistan,” he said.

Iran unveiled a new body, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PSGA), to control the Strait. According to the new mechanism, all ships seeking to transit the Strait should get a confirmation message, about “ruled and regulations” from the PGSA.

The United States has shown flexibility on allowing Iran to maintain limited peaceful nuclear activities under ⁠the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a senior Iranian source said on Monday.

The source said that on ⁠the issue of ⁠Iran’s frozen assets, however, Washington has so far only agreed to free one quarter of those assets according to a phased timetable. Iran wants the U.S. to reconsider both positions, the source said.

US extends waiver on sanctions for Russian seaborne oil by 30 days

WASHINGTON, May 18: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that the US administration would extend for 30 days a sanctions waiver allowing trade in Russian seaborne oil after several countries requested more time to continue purchases.

The move will allow temporary access to Russian oil and petroleum products stranded on tankers without breaching strict US sanctions imposed on major Russian oil companies.

Washington had introduced the exemption to ease oil supply concerns and rising prices after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Israeli offensive, though the move has done little to ease gasoline prices in the United States.

“US Treasury is issuing a temporary 30-day general license to provide the most vulnerable nations with the ability to temporarily access Russian oil currently stranded at sea,” said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

“This extension will provide additional flexibility, and we will work with these nations to provide specific licenses as needed. This general license will help stabilize the physical crude market and ensure oil reaches the most energy-vulnerable countries. It will also help reroute existing supply to countries most in need by reducing China’s ability to stockpile discounted oil,” he added.

The move marks the second time the Treasury has allowed the sanctions waiver to expire before extending it again.

First introduced in March, the waiver aimed to ease oil supply disruptions and curb price spikes triggered by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran by allowing sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded on tankers to re-enter the market.

While the measure has had little impact on lowering oil prices, it has benefited India.

India emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of the sanctions waiver. Reports citing government officials said the country ordered around 30 million barrels of Russian oil after the exemption came into force.

Indian refiners, including Reliance Industries, had earlier reduced purchases from Russian energy firms such as Rosneft and Lukoil following US sanctions on the companies.

Trump says 'clock ticking' for Iran

WASHINGTON, May 17: President Trump's warning comes as the ceasefire stands on shaky grounds, while the stalemate over Strait of Hormuz persists despite diplomatic efforts to end the deadlock.

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning against Iran on Sunday and said the clock is ticking for them.

“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, the United States has reportedly placed five major conditions before Iran during ongoing negotiations.

Washington has refused to pay any compensation to Iran for losses caused by earlier sanctions and policy decisions, according to a report by Iran's Fars News Agency.

In addition to this, the US has also reportedly demanded that Iran hand over 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to America as part of the negotiations.

Another condition mentioned in the report is that only one set of Iran's nuclear facilities should remain operational. The US is also said to have rejected releasing even 25 per cent of Iran's frozen overseas assets.

In addition, it has linked the end of conflicts on various fronts to the continuation and completion of negotiations. The report also mentioned that the threat of American and Israeli aggression will remain in place even if Iran meets these conditions, according to Ynetnews.

 

Trump warns Iran of ‘very bad time’ if peace deal is not agreed on soon

WASHINGTON, May 16: US president Donald Trump has warned Iran it will have a “very bad time” if a peace deal is not agreed on soon.

“They have an interest in reaching an agreement,” Trump told French broadcaster BFMTV in a telephone interview.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, after his visit to Beijing, said Chinese leader Xi Jinping had agreed Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Xi did not comment on his discussions with Trump about Iran. However, the Chinese foreign ministry criticised the conflict, saying it “should never have happened” and “has no reason to continue”, Reuters news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration on Saturday allowed a sanctions waiver to lapse that had previously allowed countries, including India, to buy Russian seaborne oil after a month-long extension aimed at easing oil supply shortages and high prices due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously said he would not renew the general license allowing the purchase of Russian oil stored on tankers.

As of early afternoon Washington time on Saturday, no renewal notice had been posted on the Treasury website.

Trump says US open to 20-year Iran nuclear freeze if commitment is ‘real’

BEIJING, May 15: US President Donald Trump said he would be open to Iran suspending its nuclear programme for 20 years, but stressed that any agreement would need to be a “real” commitment.

He also said his patience with Tehran was running out and revealed that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed Iran “cannot be allowed” to develop a nuclear weapon and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report.

Speaking after talks with Xi in Beijing on Friday, Trump said discussions covered the Iran war, Taiwan, trade and other global issues.

“We've settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn't have been able to settle,” Trump said after meeting Xi on the second day of talks.

China’s foreign ministry issued a sharp statement criticising the conflict.

“This conflict, which should never have happened, has no reason to continue,” the ministry said.

Following Thursday’s Trump-Xi talks, the White House said Xi had opposed any Iranian attempt to impose tolls on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also claimed Xi assured him China would not supply Iran with military equipment.

After wrapping up his two-day visit to Beijing on Friday, Trump declared that his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping had produced major economic gains for Washington, including large-scale purchases of American aircraft, agricultural goods and energy and medical products.

Speaking before departing China, Trump said the meetings had resulted in "fantastic trade deals" and settled "a lot of different problems" in his meetings with China's Xi Jinping this week. However, the details of the deals and problems Trump has spoken about have not come to light yet.

"We've made some fantastic trade deals, great for both countries," Trump said after taking a walk with Xi through the gardens of Zhongnanhai, the leadership compound adjacent to the Forbidden City.

"We've settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn't have been able to solve," he added, though he did not specify which issues had been resolved.

According to Trump and senior US officials, Beijing agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft, with the possibility of hundreds more in the future, along with billions of dollars worth of American soybeans, oil, medical equipment and agricultural exports.

However, despite the sweeping claims from the US side, Chinese officials offered little public confirmation. Beijing refrained from formally announcing any of the agreements, and the foreign ministry did not confirm or deny Trump's statements when questioned by reporters.

Beyond trade, Trump also claimed progress had been made on one of the most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints - the Strait of Hormuz.

After the summit's opening day, the US president said Xi had indicated a willingness to help keep the crucial shipping route open amid growing tensions linked to Iran.

"He'd like to see the Hormuz Strait open, and said 'if I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help'," Trump said during an interview with Fox News.

White House Says Trump, Xi Agree Iran Shouldn’t Control Strait

BEIJING, May 14: President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed the Strait of Hormuz should remain a free waterway and Iran shouldn’t be able to exact payments for the use of shipping lanes, according to a White House readout of talks between the two leaders.

Trump later said at a state dinner in Beijing that he had invited Xi to visit the White House in September. It wasn’t immediately clear if Xi had accepted the invitation.

The Iran war and the status of the crucial waterway have loomed large over the president’s high-stakes trip to China. Trump, who is seeking Xi’s help to end the Middle East conflict, said he had “positive and productive” meetings.

During the summit he has also heaped praise on Xi, calling him “a great leader.” Xi said the countries should be “partners, not rivals.”

Iran has also begun allowing some Chinese vessels to transit through the Strait of Hormuz after an understanding was reached over Iranian management protocols for the waterway, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Thursday citing an informed source.

This comes even as the White House stated that both US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping had agreed on the reopening of Strait of Hormuz and on Iran never having a nuclear weapon.

Trump is in China and is meeting his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. One of Trump’s key goals is to get China to join a nuclear arms agreement, and the Beijing trip could present an opportunity to negotiate on arms reduction.

In recent years, China has intensified efforts to expand its nuclear program – including flattening villages to construct buildings supporting nuclear weapons production facilities, a recent CNN investigation found. Traveling with Trump are top officials and more than a dozen business leaders, including Tim Cook and Elon Musk.

The summit marks Trump’s first visit to China since 2017 and comes at a politically sensitive time, with his approval ratings facing pressure over the escalating Middle East conflict.

The meeting began with an elaborate welcome ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, where Xi greeted Trump on a red carpet before the two leaders exchanged handshakes and warm remarks in front of their delegations.

Calling Xi “a great leader” and “a friend,” Trump said the relationship between China and the United States “is going to be better than ever before,” reported a news agency.

“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever ... It's an honour to be with you. It's an honour to be your friend,” Trump said during opening remarks.

Xi, in turn, stressed the importance of stable ties between the two countries, saying cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation harms both nations.

“Each country's success represents an opportunity for the other, and a stable China–US relationship benefits the entire world,” Xi said.

A key focus of the talks is expected to be the fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing. Trump has said one of his first requests to Xi would be to “open up” China further to American businesses and industries.

Several top US business leaders accompanied Trump on the trip, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, as companies seek progress on commercial and technology-related disputes with China.

The summit is also being closely watched for any developments on the Iran conflict and broader geopolitical tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

The meetings this week are expected to give both leaders extensive time together. Following their talks at the Great Hall of the People, they are scheduled to visit the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven and attend a state banquet on Thursday. According to the White House, the two leaders will also share tea and lunch on Friday.

Trump in Beijing on mission to enlist China in the West Asia and Hormuz crisis

BEIJING, May 13: US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for high-stakes talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. China rolled out a ceremonial welcome for Trump ahead of formal talks. A state banquet is scheduled for Thursday. The visit is Trump's first in nearly nine years. His second state visit to China, and the first of his second term, centres on convincing President Xi Jinping to help end the maritime strangulation caused by the ongoing US war on Iran.

The talks with Xi will focus on the war, trade tensions and US arms sales to Taiwan.

“We're the two superpowers,” Trump told reporters earlier as he departed the White House on Tuesday. “We're the strongest nation on Earth in terms of military. China’s considered second.” I will have a “long talk” about Iran but trade will be the main focus, he added.

The global landscape has been fractured since the unprovoked war began on February 28. It was triggered by coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure, which killed many top leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. For over two months, the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil artery, has remained effectively closed to commercial shipping.

With more than 1,500 vessels stranded and global oil supplies choked, Trump is expected to pressure Xi to leverage Beijing's influence over Tehran to reopen the waterway and facilitate a lasting ceasefire.

Ahead of their meeting, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader on Tuesday warned that Trump should not mistake the current lack of fighting between the US and Iran as a victory.

The US president, though, said that he did not need Xi's help. "I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise," Trump told reporters as he left for his visit.

Trump says 'very good meeting' expected with Xi ahead of high-stakes talks

WASHINGTON, May 12: President Donald Trump said he expects a "very good meeting" with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of planned talks this week, signaling optimism as the two leaders prepare for a high-stakes discussion.

"We're going to have a very good meeting... we both look forward to meeting. It's going to be great," Trump said.

Trump made the remarks to reporters during a gaggle before departing the White House, adding that he recently spoke with Xi and that both leaders are entering the meeting with positive expectations.

The anticipated talks come as the United States and China remain at odds over key issues including trade, Taiwan and broader geopolitical tensions, placing added attention on the outcome of the meeting.

The meeting is expected to serve as a critical opportunity for both sides to address ongoing disputes and potentially ease friction between the world’s two largest economies.

'Bing, Bing, Gone': Trump Shares AI Images Of Laser Attack On Iranian Aircraft

WASHINGTON, May 12: US President Donald Trump posted a series of AI-generated images depicting dramatic military strikes against Iran, as tensions over the fragile Middle East ceasefire continued to escalate.

The images, uploaded to Trump's Truth Social account, portrayed fictional combat scenes involving American military forces targeting Iranian assets. One image showed a US warship blasting an aircraft marked with the Iranian flag using what appeared to be a high-powered laser weapon. The aircraft is shown exploding midair alongside Trump's caption, "Lasers: Bing, Bing, GONE!!!"

Another digitally created image focused on naval warfare. It depicted a US drone flying above a group of Iranian "fast boats" moments before synchronised explosions tear through the vessels. Trump accompanied the post with the message, "BYE BYE, 'FAST BOATS".

The posts arrived at a particularly tense moment in the standoff between Washington and Tehran, with negotiations over ending the conflict appearing increasingly unstable.

Trump on Monday warned that the ceasefire that has largely paused fighting in the Gulf for more than a month may not survive much longer. His remarks came after he rejected Iran's latest proposal aimed at reviving negotiations.

Calling Tehran's response "Totally unacceptable", Trump insisted the United States would ultimately achieve a "complete victory" over Iran.

"The ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a one per cent chance of living'," Trump told reporters.

Behind the scenes, frustration inside the White House has reportedly been growing. According to CNN, Trump has become increasingly irritated with Iran's handling of negotiations and is now more open to restarting major military operations than he had been in recent weeks.

Sources familiar with the discussions told the network that Trump is particularly angry over the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and what he views as internal divisions within Iran's leadership that are slowing progress in nuclear talks.

Trump met with his national security team again at the White House on Monday to discuss possible next steps. However, officials said a major decision is unlikely before the president departs for China on Tuesday afternoon.

Trump snubs Iran offer as ‘piece of garbage’; Pakistan ‘still trying’ to negotiate deal

WASHINGTON, May 11: US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed his disdain for Iran's fresh peace proposal after rejecting it. He called it ‘piece of garbage’.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is reportedly continuing its efforts to broker a compromise. The ceasefire has been in place since April 8, but the diplomatic efforts during this time to end the war have fallen flat.

Talks between the US and Iran halted on Monday after Trump rejected Tehran's response to his proposal calling it “totally unacceptable.” Iran sent its response to the latest US proposal on Sunday morning through Pakistan, who has come up to be the main mediator between the two nations.

In its response to the US peace proposal, Iran called for an immediate halt to the war and demanded a guarantee that no fresh attacks will be launched against the Islamic Republic, Tasnim reported. It also demanded compensation for war-related damage and recognition of the Islamic Republic’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported.

The response also called for the US office of foreign assets control (OFAC) to lift sanctions on Iranian oil sales for a 30-day period, along with an end to the naval blockade on Iran, as per the report. Iran’s demands also include “Iranian management of the Strait of Hormuz if certain commitments are undertaken by the US”, the source told the news agency. However, they did not specify what those commitments would involve.

The proposed deal reportedly includes a 30-day negotiation period after the fighting ends to work out further details, Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen reported, citing sources. It also mentioned that talks between Tehran and Washington will continue in written form through the Pakistani mediator for the time being, as per the report.

Trump to visit China from May 13

BEIJING, May 11: rump is scheduled to visit China from May 13 to 15, Beijing confirmed on Monday. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade and situation in Iran. Trump seeks to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping on Iran while aiming to ease trade tensions, according to US officials, AFP reported.

"At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump will pay a state visit to China from May 13 to 15," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.

'They Will Be Laughing No Longer': Trump's Latest Threat To Iran

WASHINGTON, May 10: US President Donald Trump on Sunday accused Iran of "playing games" and laughing at America for decades, but said it soon would be made to stop -- without commenting directly on reports of Tehran's response to Washington's latest peace proposal.

"Iran has been playing games with the United States, and the rest of the World, for 47 years (DELAY, DELAY, DELAY!)," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

He also accused Tehran of "laughing at our now GREAT AGAIN Country" but added: "They will be laughing no longer!"

Tehran says peace deal still ‘under review’ as Trump impatient over delayed response

WASHINGTON, May 9: The US expects Iran to respond to its latest proposal to end their war imminently, officials said, as clashes in the Strait of Hormuz threatened to further fracture a month-long ceasefire. Iran has still given no indication whether it will accept President Donald Trump’s plan, sent on Wednesday, which proposes that the Islamic Republic reopen the strait and the US end a blockade on Iranian ports over the next month, according to a report.

Tehran’s response is “under review,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told the semi-official Tasnim news agency, without giving a timeline.

Trump told reporters at the White House late Friday he was still expecting a response “tonight.” Asked if Iran was intentionally slow rolling the process, he said “we’ll find out soon enough.”

The one-page proposal implies Iran’s acceptance would end the 10-week war, which has killed thousands of people across the Middle East and sent energy prices soaring, even though the two sides would still need to negotiate a deal over Iran’s nuclear program.

UN chief calls on all parties to abide by the ceasefire

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern at the reported exchange of fire between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, his spokesperson said.

“He underscores that this is a critical moment for de-escalation and urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Friday.

Guterres calls on all parts to refrain from action “that could lead to renewed escalation or undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts,” Dujarric said.

Iran’s envoy urges UN to ‘condemn unequivocally’ the US blockade and attacks on 2 Iranian oil tankers

Iran has laid out new rules for vessels seeking to transit the strait, according to a document seen by CNN. Iran has asked shippers to either comply with a new protocol for transiting the Strait of Hormuz — or risk attack.

Under the new system, all vessels intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz will receive an email from an address linked to the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) informing them of new rules and regulations for passage, according to the report. Ships are required to obtain a transit permit before crossing the waterway, one of the world’s most important oil-shipping chokepoints.

The crucial waterway continues to be under blockade by the US and Iran and has unleashed the biggest oil supply shock in history, sending energy prices sharply higher.

Earlier, Iran’s Fars news agency reported “sporadic clashes” between Iranian forces and US naval ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.

The tensions escalated after US Central Command said it struck two empty Iranian-flagged oil tankers that were allegedly attempting to violate an ongoing US blockade by entering an Iranian port through the Gulf of Oman.

UAE Reports New Strikes As US-Iran Ceasefire Hangs By Thread

WASHINGTON, May 8: A ceasefire between the United States and Iran hung by a thread as the two countries traded fire over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, in the most serious violation since the truce was declared nearly a month ago. The American ally in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, also reported attacks during the exchange of fire.

US President Donald Trump, who insisted the strikes were just a "love tap" and the truce remains intact, also threatened that Iran would be "blown off the face of the earth" if it again attacked US ships.

Iran, meanwhile, appeared undaunted as it vowed to keep exerting control over the Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which one-fifth of the world's oil flowed before the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

A US admiral said US forces sank six small Iranian ships. Iran denied any had been sunk and earlier fired warning shots at US warships. The UAE, meanwhile, said it came under a barrage of missiles and drones from Iran.

"These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable transgression, posing a direct threat to the state's security, stability, and the safety of its territories," the UAE's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the US military struck two empty Iranian-flagged oil tankers on Friday that it said were seeking to violate the ongoing U.S. blockade, US Central Command said in a post on X, adding that a third Iranian-flagged vessel had been disabled on Wednesday.

"All three vessels are no longer transiting to Iran," Central Command said.

Trump says deal with Tehran 'very possible'

WASHINGTON, May 7: US President Donald Trump has said that a deal with Tehran was "very possible" but threatened to bomb Iran again if negotiations fell apart. Trump's optimistic remarks about a diplomatic breakthrough came as the US proposed a one-page memorandum of understanding that could open the door to longer-term negotiations and end the three-month-long global ordeal.

Iran is yet to respond to a new US proposal, with its chief negotiator warning that Washington was seeking to force the Islamic republic's "surrender". However, citing sources, a news agency and American publication Axios reported that the foes were "closing in on a one-page memo to end their war" in the Middle East and "set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations."

Nothing has been agreed yet, but the sources told Axios that this was the closest the two parties had been to an agreement since the war began. Negotiators in Washington are expecting Tehran's responses on several key points in the next 48 hours.

Leaks about the one-page memo -- which contains 14 key points --have come from Washington and negotiator Pakistan, with Iran remaining largely quiet about it. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran, which still seems to be holding the diplomatic upper hand despite weeks of Israeli and US bombing, will only accept "a fair and comprehensive agreement," without directly mentioning the draft memo.

Axios reported that among other provisions, the deal would involve Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, the US agreeing to lift its sanctions and release billions in frozen Iranian funds, and both sides lifting restrictions around transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

In its current form, the memorandum has been kept deliberately thin-- a framework rather than a full treaty. It would declare an end to the war in the region and the start of a 30-day period of negotiations on a detailed agreement on key demands on both sides, Axios added.

Those negotiations could happen in Islamabad or Geneva, two sources said.

Per the Axios report, the two sides are actively discussing the duration of the moratorium on uranium enrichment, with sources placing the landing spot at least 12 to 15 years. Earlier, Iran had proposed a 5-year moratorium on enrichment, and the US demanded 20.

Moreover, the Americans also want to insert a provision whereby any Iranian violation of enrichment would prolong the moratorium. After the timeline expires, Tehran would reportedly be able to enrich to the low level of 3.67 per cent.

Iran would also be required to commit to a provision to never seek a nuclear weapon or conduct weaponisation-related activities, the report said.

The MOU also reportedly has a clause whereby Iran would commit not to operate underground nuclear facilities and commit to an enhanced inspections regime, including snap inspections by UN inspectors.

On America's part, the MOU requires Washington to gradually lift the sanctions imposed on Iran and release billions of dollars in Iranian funds that are frozen around the world.

Two sources with knowledge also claimed Iran would be required to remove its highly enriched uranium from the country, a key US priority that Tehran has rejected up to now. One option being discussed is moving the material to the US, the report said.

Many of the terms laid out in the 14-point memo would be contingent on a final agreement being reached between Tehran and Washington, leaving the possibility of renewed conflict or extended tensions, in which the hot war has stopped but nothing is truly resolved.

The memorandum of understanding, seemingly an initiative from the US, whose President Donald Trump is trying to extricate himself from a war, is being negotiated between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and several Iranian officials, both directly and through mediators, the report said.

However, the Trump administration believes the Iranian leadership is currently fractured, and it may be hard to forge consensus across the moderates and hardline factions. Some US officials even remain sceptical whether an initial deal could be reached, Axios reported.

Trump has said that if "Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to," the war would be over, but if not, the bombing would resume "at a much higher level and intensity."

"We've had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it's very possible that we'll make a deal," Trump later told reporters.

Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said that "we don't have to have the actual agreement written in one day."

"This is highly complex and technical. But we have to have a diplomatic solution that is very clear on the topics they are willing to negotiate on and the extent of the concessions they are willing to make at the front end in order to make it worthwhile," he added.

But State Secretary also called Iran's top leaders "insane in the brain" and said it was unclear whether they would make a deal.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told local media that the "US plan and proposal are still under review," and that Tehran would communicate its position to mediator Pakistan "after finalising its views."

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker who has taken the lead in negotiations, meanwhile warned that Washington "is seeking, through a naval blockade, economic pressure and media manipulation, to destroy the country's cohesion in order to force us to surrender."

Trump says Hormuz operation paused amid US, Tehran talks

WASHINGTON, May 6: US President Donald Trump has paused 'Project Freedom', the American military's effort to guide stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, so that Washington could finalise a deal with Iran. The American commander-in-chief, however, said the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place even as there has been progress in negotiations with Iran toward an agreement to end the war.

"Great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement with representatives of Iran," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump claimed he was pausing the effort for a short period to give space for US efforts to finalise a settlement with Iran, even as there has been an uptick in military activity in recent days.

"Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed," he said.

The announcement came hours after military leaders and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a ceasefire in the Middle East was still in place and that, while the conflict was not resolved, the initial major US military operation against Iran had concluded.

"The operation is over. Epic Fury -- as the president notified Congress -- we're done with that stage of it," Rubio said.

He echoed Washington's top military officer, who earlier in the day said that US forces were ready to resume combat operations if ordered. Rubio, however, insisted that for peace to be achieved, Iran must agree to Trump's demands on its nuclear programme and also agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy.

US downs Iranian missiles and drones, destroys six boats

WASHINGTON, May 5: The United States shot down multiple Iranian missiles and drones fired at US Navy and commercial vessels and destroyed six of Tehran's small boats, a top US admiral said on Monday.

The hostilities occurred as American forces seek to facilitate the transit of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in an effort dubbed "Project Freedom" that President Donald Trump announced on Sunday.

US Apache and Seahawk helicopters hit "six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping," Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command , told journalists.

US forces also "effectively engaged" all "missiles and drones that were fired at both us and the commercial ships," Cooper said.

Some cruise missiles were launched at US Navy ships but most of them as well as multiple drones targeted commercial vessels, he said.

"We defended both ourselves and, consistent with our commitment, we defended all the commercial ships," Cooper said.

In a post on his Truth Social Platform, Trump put the number of Iranian boats struck at seven and said "there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait" aside from a South Korean ship that was hit, about which he provided no further details.

Iranian state television meanwhile quoted a senior military official from the country as saying: "The US claim that it sank a number of Iranian war boats is false."

US and Israeli forces launched the war against Iran on February 28, after which the Islamic republic closed the Strait of Hormuz a vital route for oil and gas exports while American forces later launched a blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian state television said earlier Monday that the country's navy had fired cruise missiles, rockets and combat drones near US destroyers moving through the strait in what it described as a "warning shot."

CENTCOM said that two US guided-missile destroyers had passed through the strait into the Gulf as part of "Project Freedom," while two US-flagged merchant vessels transited the opposite way and "are safely headed on their journey."

Cooper said the US military is not directly escorting ships through the strait, but rather has "multiple layers that include ships, helicopters, aircraft, airborne early warning, electronic warfare," amounting to "a much broader defensive package than you would have... if you were just escorting."

The effort comes after US forces used unspecified "exquisite technology" to clear a pathway through the strait "over the last couple of weeks" and then "put this umbrella over the top of it," he said.

It will "ultimately be a two-way path," but "the most important thing... in the near term, is getting ships out," Cooper added.

As of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were located in the Gulf, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine.

Trump warns Iran over Hormuz tensions, says ceasefire must hold amid ship attack reports

WASHINGTON, May 5: US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a strong warning to Iran, saying Tehran should hope the fragile ceasefire remains in effect amid reports of renewed attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington continues to assess whether the truce has been violated.

When asked whether the ceasefire had been breached, Trump told US media, “We’ll let you know,” offering no confirmation on the status of the agreement.

The comments came after reports of attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway, raising concerns over maritime security and the stability of the ceasefire arrangement.

Providing an update on naval activity, Trump said, “Ships are moving. You know, we moved quite a few last night – big ones. There was no firing. I guess there has been some recently. I’m looking into it,” according to Al Jazeera.

He then issued a direct warning to Tehran, saying, “Iran ‘better hope’ [the ceasefire] remains in effect,” adding that “the best thing that can happen to them is that we keep it in effect.”

The remarks add to growing uncertainty in the Gulf, where tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain calm.

In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump warned Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it targeted US vessels involved in the “Project Freedom” operation aimed at securing shipping lanes through the vital waterway.

He also said Iran had become “much more malleable” in negotiations, while stressing that the US military presence in the region remains robust.

“We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher grade than we had before,” Trump said. “We have the best equipment. We have stuff all over the world. We have these bases all over the world. They’re all stocked up with equipment. We can use all of that stuff, and we will, if we need it.”

When asked whether the ceasefire was still intact, Trump declined to give a clear answer. “Well, I can’t tell you that,” he said.

Earlier, he had also warned Iranian forces they would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if they targeted US ships in the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf.

Trump added that the conflict with Iran was “essentially over” militarily, but said the situation could still shift depending on developments, outlining two possible paths ahead: “Reaching a good faith deal or resuming military operations.”

‘Iran has not yet paid big enough price for what it has done': Trump

WASHINGTON, May 3: "I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can't imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Speaking briefly to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, he did not say what might lead to fresh military action against the Islamic Republic.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. He also said on Friday that he was unhappy with the latest proposal from Tehran, while Iran's foreign minister said the country was ready for diplomacy if the US changes its approach.

Although Trump has often said he is in no rush, he is facing pressure at home to end Iran's control over the strait, which has blocked 20% of global oil and gas supplies and driven up petrol prices in the United States. His Republican Party also faces the threat of voter anger over rising prices when the country holds midterm congressional elections in November.

 

Trump says ‘prefer not’ to strike Iran

WASHINGTON, May 2: When asked whether the US would resume military operations on Iran, Trump stated that he would “prefer not” to do so.

“Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever -- or do we want to try and make a deal?” Trump said, adding that he would “prefer not” to choose the first option “on a human basis.” This comes even as the US President, under pressure to seek congressional approval for the conflict, declared that hostilities were “terminated.”

Washington is dealing with a legal dispute over whether Trump has passed a deadline to seek congressional approval for the war. Officials have argued that a ceasefire pauses the 60-day clock, at the end of which congressional approval is needed. This, however, has been opposed by the Democrats.

Trump Approves Nearly $9 Billion Weapons Sales To Israel, UAE, Other Mideast Allies Amid Iran War

WASHINGTON, May 2: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved expedited arms transfers to Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, bypassing a standard congressional review to rush air defense missiles and laser guidance systems to the Middle East as the Iran war ceasefire seems ever more fragile.

The agreements amount to nearly $9 billion, according to the State Department.

The department authorized the sale to Israel of as many as 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II All Up Rounds, worth $992.4 million and manufactured by BAE Systems.

Kuwait has been cleared to purchase Integrated Battle Command Systems and related equipment worth as much as $2.5 billion. Northrop Grumman Corp., RTX Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. are the principal contractors on the potential sale.

The department also endorsed the sale to Qatar of up to 200 Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) interceptors and 300 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors and related equipment valued as high as $4.01 billion. Lockheed and RTX are the principal contractors on that purchase.

In a separate deal, Qatar was approved to buy 10,000 APKWS-II all-up-rounds advanced (single variant) and related equipment, for a maximum potential value of $992.4 million.

The State Department also authorized the sale to the UAE of as much as $147.6 million in APKWS and related equipment.

Rubio, in all of these cases, "has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale" of these weapons, and that such an expedited transfer "is in the national security interests of the United States," according to statements from the department.

Ordinarily, potential arms purchases are subject to a congressional review period, and the quantities and price are finalized during negotiations between customers and vendors. The secretary of State previously approved expedited weapons sales to Middle Eastern allies in March.

After the US and Israel began their military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28, several countries in the region came under attack by Iranian drones and missiles.

The vital Strait of Hormuz has been closed since the early days of the conflict, touching off a global energy crisis, and negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain at a standstill. That has heightened fears that aerial assaults could soon resume.

US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany

WASHINGTON, May 2: The Iran-US war has put to test Washington's allegiance with other countries especially the NATO allies in Europe. Germany might be the latest highlight in this as the Pentagon announced the drawdown from Germany, its largest European base, on Saturday.

The timing of the troop exit is interesting as it comes days after US President Donald Trump sparred with German chancellor Friedrich Merz as he questioned Washington's exit strategy in the Middle East.

Though Trump had called for a reduced military presence in Germany since his first term and has repeatedly urged Europe to take responsibility for its defence, the sudden exit hints at strained ties.

The war that started with joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28 has threatened global energy supplies. The heads of several countries are concerned as rising energy prices are rendering huge blows to economies. For example, many airlines have started cutting down on flights as jet fuel prices are rising.

The US has ordered the drawdown of roughly 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year.

The United States had approximately 68,000 active-duty military personnel assigned permanently in its overseas bases in Europe as of December 2025, according to data from the US Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). These do not include rotational forces sent on deployment and exercise missions.

The US military is spread over 31 permanent bases and a further 19 military sites to which the Department of Defense has access as of March 2024, according to a Congress report.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that the “decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.”

The number of troops leaving Germany would be 14% of the 36,000 American service members stationed there.

German defense minister Boris Pistorius termed the Pentagon move to withdraw troops from Germany as “foreseeable”.

“The presence of American soldiers in Europe, and especially in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the US,” Pistorius was quoted as saying by German news agency dpa. He said the European allies needed to adjust their defense postures.

“We Europeans must take on more responsibility for our security,” he was quoted as saying.

‘Blast them or make a deal’: Trump's 2 options after Iran's 'unsatisfactory' new proposal

WASHINGTON, May 1: US President Donald Trump on Friday cast doubt on the chances of a deal with Iran, saying that he wasn't “happy” with the proposals sent by Tehran as negotiations drag on.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he wasn't “sure” whether the US could reach a deal with Iran.

"We just had a conversation with Iran. Let's see what happens, but I would say that I'm not happy... They've got to come up with the right deal. At this moment, I'm not satisfied with what they're offering," Trump said.

US Imposes New Iran Sanctions, Warns Against Paying Hormuz Tolls

WASHINGTON, May 1: The United States imposed new sanctions Friday on three Iranian foreign currency exchange firms, in an effort to target Tehran's "financial lifelines" in the Middle East war.

The US Treasury Department warned in a separate statement against paying a "toll" to Iran's government in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, saying this could trigger sanctions.

Tehran has virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for energy transit, since US-Israeli strikes on Iran from late February.

Trump says will increase tariff on European cars and trucks to 25%

WASHINGTON, May 1: US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he will increase tariffs on European cars and trucks, claiming that the EU was “not complying with our fully agreed-upon trade deal”.

According to Trump's post on Truth Social, the tariff on European cars and trucks will increase to 25 per cent, effective next week.

“I am pleased to announce that, based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States. The Tariff will be increased to 25%,” Trump wrote.

Trump also said that no tariff will be applicable on the companies which produce cars and trucks in the United States, claiming many automobile plants were being constructed in the country with “over $100 billion” in investment, which he said was “a record in the history of car and truck manufacturing”.

“It is fully understood and agreed that, if they produce Cars and Trucks in U.S.A. Plants, there will be NO TARIFF. Many Automobile and Truck Plants are currently under construction, with over 100 Billion Dollars being invested, A RECORD in the History of Car and Truck Manufacturing. These Plants, staffed with American Workers, will be opening soon. There has never been anything like what is happening in America today!” he added.

Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had agreed to the trade deal last July. It set a 15 per cent tariff on most goods.

Both the US and the EU had previously confirmed their commitment to preserving the trade framework, known as the Turnberry Agreement, which was named after Trump's golf course in Scotland. But the status of the 2025 deal was first cast into doubt after the US Supreme Court ruled in February this year that the Republican president lacked the legal authority to declare an economic emergency and charge tariffs on EU goods.

The initial agreement had set a tariff ceiling of 15 per cent on goods from the EU, but the Supreme Court ruling reduced that to 10 per cent as the Trump administration launched a new set of import taxes under other laws.

The Trump administration is in the middle of investigations on trade imbalances and national security risks to impose a new tariff regime, which could ultimately put the agreement with the EU at risk of violation.

The EU had said it expected the bilateral deal would save European automakers about €500 million to €600 million ($585 million to $700 million) a month.

The value of EU-US trade in goods and services amounted to €1.7 trillion ($2 trillion) in 2024, or an average of €4.6 billion a day, according to the EU statistics agency Eurostat.

Trump Says Lifting Scottish Whisky Tariffs To 'Honor' King Charles

WASHINGTON, May 1: US President Donald Trump said Thursday he was removing tariffs on Scottish whisky in honor of Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they wrapped up their state visit.

Trump's announcement as the royal couple ended their four-day trip to the United States represents a major trade concession to key ally Britain even as the Iran war strains transatlantic relations.

Shortly after bidding the British royals goodbye at the White House, Trump posted that he was making the gesture "in Honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom."

"The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" Trump said on his Truth Social network.

Scotch whisky from the UK has faced a 10-percent tariff during Trump's second presidency. But the rate was on course to jump later this year when the suspension of an earlier 25-percent tariff -- part of a previous trade truce -- expires.

In his post, Trump said he was "removing the tariffs and restrictions" on whisky but added that it related to Scotland's trade with the bourbon-making state of Kentucky, particularly on wooden barrels.

But US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer later appeared to confirm the announcement applied to the alcoholic drink itself.

"The United States will allow preferential duty access for whiskey produced in the United Kingdom," Greer said in a statement.

He added that move was part of a broader trade deal announced by the United States and Britain in an Oval Office appearance by Trump last year.

Almost from the moment that Trump returned to power last year, Britain has been trying to make the case for whisky to be exempted from tariffs.

During Trump's first term, his tariffs in 2019 against the European Union -- which then included Britain -- also targeted the UK's whisky industry.

The United States remains the primary export market for Scotch whisky, accounting for $1.2 billion per year.

But the royal charm offensive by King Charles appeared to have paid off.

Trump hailed Charles as the "greatest king" as he waved him and Camilla off at the White House.

The visit was officially meant to celebrate transatlantic ties as the United States marks its 250th anniversary of independence from Britain, but much of Charles's time has been spent smoothing over tensions over Iran.

Trump has bitterly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his opposition to the US-Israeli war on Iran.