Chaos erupted in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday as Donald Trump sought China’s backing in resolving the lingering crisis with peace talks to end the conflict still on hold.
An unidentified ship was boarded by “unauthorised personnel” off the coast of the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah and redirected towards Iran, the British maritime security agency UKMTO reported.
The agency said it received a report that the vessel near the southern entry of the Strait of Hormuz was boarded at 5.45am local time. It had been anchored 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah.
India said meanwhile that an Indian-flagged wooden cargo vessel had sunk on Wednesday while sailing through Omani waters following a fire from a suspected drone or missile strike.
Iran, widening its claim to regional waters, appeared to be making more deals with countries to allow some ships to pass through the vital waterway as the IRGC said 30 vessels had crossed the strait since Wednesday morning.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported on Thursday that an agreement had been reached to allow some Chinese ships to pass, as Trump discussed the war with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
After Trump and Xi met, a White House official said the leaders had agreed that the strait should be open, and that Iran should never obtain nuclear weapons. China is close to Iran and the main buyer of its oil.
Key Points
- Netanyahu claims he visited UAE at the height of war in Iran as Emirates’ foreign ministry calls the claim ‘baseless’
- Iran denounces Netanyahu’s visit to UAE
- US Senate rejects latest bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers
Chinese companies 'discussed selling weapons to Iran' amid war with US
16:00 , James ReynoldsChinese companies have been discussing selling weapons to Iran with the conflict with the United States still held to an uneasy stalemate, according to a report.
US intelligence suggests that Chinese companies and Iranian officials have talked through possible arms transfers, although it was unclear whether any had been sold, US officials told the New York Times.
The sources said they had discussed sending the weapons through other countries in order to mask their origin. The officials said they do not believe that the Chinese government has formally approved the plan - but said the talks were unlikely to have gone ahead without the state knowing.
Donald Trump said previously he had received assurances from Chinese premier Xi Jinping that China would not transfer shoulder-fired missiles to Iran.
The report emerged as Trump headed to China for talks with Xi including on the conflict. The pair agreed on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz should be open and that Iran should never obtain nuclear weapons, a White House official said.
Trump 'does not have a credible strategy to win' in Iran, says Dem senator
15:30 , Alex WoodwardCentral Command Admiral Brad Cooper is testifying to the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning on the Pentagon’s budget but is facing questions about the war in Iran.
In an opening statement, the committee’s top Democrat Jack Reed, a former Army officer, said Trump “does not have a credible strategy to win.”
“Every member of this committee shares the goal of preventing Iran from having a nuclear weapon. But there is no purely military solution to this problem,” he said.
Trump “tore up” the Iran Nuclear Deal and “unilaterally took our nation to war,” he said.
“More than a dozen servicemembers have lost their lives and hundreds more have been wounded. We have suffered significant damage to our bases, dramatically expended our munitions stockpile, and sustained billions of dollars of damaged equipment. The Strait of Hormuz is still closed, despite brief attempts to escort commercial ships,” Reed told the committee.
It remains “unclear” what the U.S. is still doing despite Pete Hegseth’s claim that the operation is over.
“Iran’s regime is intact. Its nuclear material remains in place. The majority of its missiles and launchers have reportedly been recovered. Iran has demonstrated its ability to shut down the Strait. And most importantly, American families are bearing real costs — at the gas pump and the grocery store — for a war they did not want and Congress has not authorized,” Reed said.
Recap: Ship seized off UAE coast by ‘unauthorised personnel’ and sailed towards Iran
15:00 , James ReynoldsA ship anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was boarded by “unauthorised personnel” and is being sailed towards Iranian waters, the UK Maritime Trading Organisation (UKMTO) has said.
The UKMTO said it received a report that the unnamed vessel near the southern entry of the Strait of Hormuz was boarded at 5.45am local time. It had been anchored 38 nautical miles (61 kilometres) northeast of the UAE port of Fujairah.
It came hours after Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi threatened action over the UAE’s “collusion” with Israel after Benjamin Netanyahu made claims that he secretly visited the Emirates.
Araghchi warned that it was “unforgivable” and said those involved would be “held to account”. He said countries that engage with Israel in hostilities toward Tehran are making “a foolish gamble”.
Saudi Arabia suggests non-aggression pact with Iran: report
14:58 , James ReynoldsSaudi Arabia has discussed the idea of a non-aggression pact between Middle Eastern states and Iran once the war ends, according to a report.
The Saudis are modelling their plans on the Helsinki Process of the 1970s that sought to ease tensions between East and West, two diplomats told the FT.
Gulf States were said to be concerned that Iran could be emboldened once the war ends and the Americans withdraw military assets from the region.
“It all depends who is in it - in the current climate you are not going to be able to get Iran and Israel ... without Israel it could be counter-productive because after Iran, they are seen as the biggest source of conflict,” one diplomat told the newspaper.
“But Iran is not going anywhere and this is why the Saudis are pushing it.”
Diplomats raised concerns that the UAE, pulled more into the orbit of the US and Israel after weathering harsh strikes from Iran, may not be open to joining any such arrangement.
Rubio says Iran built missile stockpile to protect nuclear ambitions
14:30 , Alex CroftMarco Rubio has defended the war on Iran, claiming Tehran was building a massive missile and drone arsenal to eventually protect a nuclear weapons programme.
“Iran was building up a conventional capability, where they would have so many missiles and so many drones, that they could overwhelm anyone’s defences,” Rubio told Fox News.
“They were going to have so many drones and missiles that no one could attack Iran, because the result would be catastrophic for the region – and once they had that immunity, then they would break out towards a weapon,” he said.
Iran urges BRICS nations to condemn US-Israeli violations of international
13:57 , Alex CroftIran’s foreign minister urged BRICS nations to condemn what he called violations of international law by the US and Israel, as diplomats from emerging economies met for talks in Delhi in the shadow of war in the Middle East.
Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also accused US ally the United Arab Emirates of direct involvement in military operations against Iran.
It marked a rare moment when Iranian and Emirati officials have been in the same room since the US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28.
Araghchi said Iran was a "victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering". He asked the BRICS+ grouping - comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE - to resist "Western hegemony and the sense of impunity that the US believes it is entitled to".
"Iran therefore calls upon BRICS member states and all responsible members of the international community to explicitly condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel," he said.
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel skewers Trump's China visit with dig over Iran war parallels
13:27 , James ReynoldsIndian-flagged ship had been attacked off the coast of Oman
13:00 , James ReynoldsIndia's foreign ministry said on Thursday that an Indian-flagged ship had been attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday.
"The attack ... is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted."
Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar struck a cautious tone during a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi, avoiding direct criticism while stressing the importance of stability.
He said unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, were vital for global economic well-being.
"The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention," Jaishankar said, without naming specific countries.
He also flagged concerns over the growing use of unilateral sanctions, a longstanding point of contention among BRICS members.
Iran calls on BRICS to condemn US and Israel - but UAE rift remains an obstacle
12:30 , James ReynoldsIran's foreign minister urged BRICS nations on Thursday to condemn what he called violations of international law by the United States and Israel, including "their illegal aggression against Iran".
Abbas Araghchi’s remarks at a two-day meeting in New Delhi underscore divisions within the expanded BRICS bloc. The group now includes regional rivals Iran and the United Arab Emirates, complicating efforts to forge a unified position on the conflict.
Araghchi criticised Washington, describing the war as "illegal expansionism and warmongering," and said Iran remained open to diplomacy while being ready to defend itself "with all available means."
"Iran therefore calls upon BRICS member states and all responsible members of the international community to explicitly condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel," he said.
Iran's stance could make it difficult for BRICS — which operates by consensus — to agree on a joint statement, given the UAE’s presence on the opposing side. Iran has launched numerous attacks on the UAE and other neighbouring countries.
Iran regime has ‘gun to our head’ over Strait of Hormuz, says former CIA boss
11:58 , James ReynoldsFormer CIA director Leon Panetta has said that Iran has “a gun to our head” because of its stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz and warned that President Donald Trump has bitten off more than he can chew.
“My sense is that it’s very likely this war, which was supposed to end after six to eight weeks, is probably going to continue for a number of months,” Panetta told The Times.
“This is because we have not found the key to how we achieve, not just a continuing ceasefire, but a resolution to some of the crucial issues which will then allow us to end the war. The president, frankly, has very few options.”
Iran regime has ‘gun to our head’ over Strait of Hormuz, says former CIA boss
Dozens of ships pass Strait with Tehran's permission: IRGC
11:55 , James ReynoldsIran's revolutionary guards say about 30 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Tehran's permission since Wednesday evening.
Iran 'allowing transit of Chinese vessels' in Strait of Hormuz
11:39 , James ReynoldsIran has begun allowing some Chinese vessels to transit through the Strait of Hormuz following an understanding over Iranian management protocols for the waterway, the semi-official Fars news agency said on Thursday, citing an informed source.
China will do what it can to reopen Strait of Hormuz, says Bessent
11:38 , James ReynoldsUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he believes China will act to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, as he and Donald Trump embarked on an historic visit to Beijing.
“I think they're going to do what they can,” he told CNBC.
“China, it's very much in their interest to get the Strait reopened, and I think they will be working with behind the scenes to the extent anyone has any say over the Iranian leadership."
Iran condemns 'Kuwaiti attack on Iranian boat'
11:27 , James ReynoldsIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday condemned Kuwait’s detention of four Iranian nationals in the Persian Gulf.
He said the Arab state had “unlawfully attacked an Iranian boat” in a “clear attempt to sow discord”, demanding the immediate release of those detained.
On Tuesday, Kuwait said it had arrested four people affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guards who attempted to infiltrate the Gulf state by sea.
Iran and UAE 'clash at BRICS meeting'
11:00 , James ReynoldsIran's foreign minister accused the United Arab Emirates of direct involvement in military operations against his country during a BRICS meeting in New Delhi on Thursday.
"I didn't name the UAE in my statement for the sake of unity,” the foreign minister wrote on Telegram.
“But the truth is that the UAE was directly involved in the aggression against my country. When the attacks started, they didn't even issue a condemnation.”
Araghchi issued a firm warning to the Abu Dhabi that “your alliance with the Israelis did not protect you either”, urging them to rethink their approach to Iran.
“Just yesterday it was revealed that Netanyahu had traveled to the Emirates and Abu Dhabi during the war. It was also revealed that they participated in these attacks and may have even acted directly against us. So the Emirates is an active partner in this aggression, and there is no doubt about it.”
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz must stay open to international trade: WH
10:45 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed in a meeting that the Strait of Hormuz must be open for the free flow of energy, according to a White House readout of the summit on Thursday.
Trump is expected to ask China to help end the costly and unpopular Iran war in discussions on Thursday, with peace talks stalled and the global economic cost of the conflict increasing.
The war with Iran looms large over the visit to China, the first by a US president since Trump’s last trip there in 2017, although analysts say he is unlikely to get the support he wants.
Follow the China summit latest with our live blog:
Trump-China visit live: Xi warns of potential for ‘dangerous situation’ over Taiwan
Ship near Strait of Hormuz taken by 'unauthorised personnel': report
10:25 , James ReynoldsA ship off the coast of the UAE, near the Strait of Hormuz, has been taken by “unauthorised personnel” and is now heading for Iranian waters, according to a maritime agency.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Thursday it received a report of an incident 38 nautical miles (70 km) northeast of the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah.
It said the vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel while at anchor and is now heading toward Iranian territorial waters.
Israeli civilians injured after Hezbollah drone falls near border, military says
10:17 , James ReynoldsSeveral Israeli civilians were injured and evacuated to hospital for treatment after an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah fell within Israeli territory near the Israel-Lebanon border, the Israeli military said on Thursday.
Netanyahu says he ‘secretly visited’ UAE during war with Iran
09:58 , James ReynoldsBenjamin Netanyahu has claimed he made a secret trip to the United Arab Emirates at the height of the conflict with Iran, shoring up relations with the Gulf state as Tehran singled it out for strikes.
The Israeli prime minister’s office said late on Wednesday that a covert meeting with Emirati president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had led to “a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE”.
A source familiar with the talks said Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed met in Al-Ain, an oasis city by the Oman border, on March 26 and that their meeting lasted several hours.
The source familiar said Mossad chief Dedi Barnea also made at least two visits during the war to coordinate military actions.
But in a twist, the UAE’s foreign ministry denied the meeting took place, saying relations with Israel “are public” and “not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements”.
Trump’s remarkable military failure shows abject fiasco of his Iran war
09:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarSources tell The Independent that at least 60 per cent of Iran’s missiles have survived the Israeli-US attacks while its nuclear facilities remain largely undamaged amid delusion in the White House, reports world affairs editor Sam Kiley:
Trump’s remarkable military failure shows abject fiasco of his Iran war
Ship seized near UAE and sailed towards Iranian waters
09:12 , Daniel KeaneA ship anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates was boarded by “unauthorised personnel” and is being sailed towards Iranian waters, the UK Maritime Trading Organisation (UKMTO) has said.
The UKMTO said it received a report that the unnamed vessel near the southern entry of the Strait of Hormuz was boarded at 5.45am local time. It had been anchored 38 nautical miles (61 kilometres) northeast of the UAE port of Fujairah.
UAE has secretly been carrying out military strikes on Iran, report says
08:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe United Arab Emirates has carried out secret strikes on Iran during the war started by the US and Israel earlier this year, according to a report, in what would mark the first involvement of a Gulf nation in the conflict.
The Gulf monarchy was Iran’s number one target since it began its retaliatory attacks across the region, targeting states that are allied with the US.
The UAE has not publicly acknowledged the strikes, which included an attack on a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf in early April, around the time Donald Trump announced a temporary truce.
Read more here:
UAE has secretly been carrying out military strikes on Iran, report says
Iran denounces Netanyahu’s secret visit to UAE
08:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Benjamin Netanyahu had confirmed what Iranian intelligence already knew about regional cooperation with Israel.
Araghchi warned that “collusion” with Israel against Iran was “unforgivable” and said those involved would be “held to account”.
He said countries that engage with Israel in hostilities toward Tehran are making “a foolish gamble”.
Earlier, the Israeli leader claimed that he secretly visited the UAE during the height of the war on Iran and met with president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Rubio says Iran built missile stockpile to protect nuclear ambitions
07:43 , Maroosha MuzaffarMarco Rubio has defended the war on Iran, claiming Tehran was building a massive missile and drone arsenal to eventually protect a nuclear weapons programme.
“Iran was building up a conventional capability, where they would have so many missiles and so many drones, that they could overwhelm anyone’s defences,” Rubio told Fox News.
“They were going to have so many drones and missiles that no one could attack Iran, because the result would be catastrophic for the region – and once they had that immunity, then they would break out towards a weapon,” he said.
Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh released from prison
06:58 , Maroosha MuzaffarProminent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been released from Evin Prison more than a month after being detained in Tehran.
Sotoudeh is known for defending activists, opposition figures and women prosecuted over compulsory headscarf laws.
Rights groups said she was released on bail or temporary custody.
Her release came as Donald Trump arrived in China for talks expected to include the Iran war.
Sotoudeh has been jailed multiple times, and her husband Reza Khandan has also been imprisoned.
Netanyahu claims he visited UAE at the height of war in Iran as Emirates’ foreign ministry calls the claim ‘baseless’
06:42 , Maroosha MuzaffarBenjamin Netanyahu claimed he secretly visited the UAE during the Iran war and met UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.“This visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE,” the Israeli prime minister’s office said on Wednesday night.
However, the UAE foreign ministry denied the visit, calling the claims “baseless” and insisting ties with Israel are conducted openly under the Abraham Accords.
Reuters reported the alleged meeting took place in the UAE city of Al-Ain and lasted several hours.
Israeli strikes injure civilians in south Lebanon as Hezbollah attacks troops
06:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarIsraeli strikes overnight targeted several towns in southern Lebanon, injuring at least nine people in the Zibqin area, including four women, according to the Middle East Eye.
The attacks reportedly hit residential neighbourhoods, and the injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.
More Israeli raids were reported in Aitit, while strikes and shelling also hit al-Mansouri, al-Haniya, al-Qulayla and areas along the Litani River.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed three separate attacks targeting Israeli troops and military vehicles in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon and Israel are expected to begin new peace talks in Washington as a fragile ceasefire approaches its expiry. Despite the ceasefire that began on 17 April, Israel has continued near-daily attacks in Lebanon, the outlet reported.
Lebanese authorities say more than 2,800 people, including at least 200 children, have been killed since March, while aid groups estimate even higher casualties.
Seoul says it will take ‘diplomatic retribution’ over Hormuz ship attack
06:02 , Maroosha MuzaffarSouth Korea has warned that it will take unspecified diplomatic retaliatory measures once responsibility for the attack on a South Korean-operated cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz is officially confirmed.
A senior official told Yonhap that it was highly unlikely that anyone other than Iran was behind the attack.
“There may still be a possibility of another actor besides Iran, but common sense suggests it is not high. There were no pirates nearby,” the foreign ministry official said, according to the outlet.
South Korea has sent a technical investigation team to Dubai to examine the 4 May explosion and fire aboard the Panama-flagged and South Korean-operated vessel HMM Namu.
Iran says 'no place for retreat' as it tightens grip over Strait of Hormuz
05:44 , Maroosha MuzaffarIran has further tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz by cutting deals with Iraq and Pakistan to ship oil and liquefied natural gas from the region, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.
An army spokesperson said that supervision of the vital shipping route could generate twice as much revenue as Iran’s oil income.
“After this war ends, there will be no place for retreat,” the spokesperson said, according to comments carried by ISNA news agency.
Iran denounces Netanyahu’s visit to UAE
05:25 , Maroosha MuzaffarIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Benjamin Netanyahu had confirmed what Iranian intelligence already knew about regional cooperation with Israel.
Araghchi warned that “collusion” with Israel against Iran was “unforgivable” and said those involved would be “held to account”.
He said countries that engage with Israel in hostilities toward Tehran are making “a foolish gamble”.
Netanyahu has now publicly revealed what Iran's security services long ago conveyed to our leadership.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 13, 2026
Enmity with the Great People of Iran is a foolish gamble. Collusion with Israel in doing so: unforgivable.
Those colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account.
Earlier, the Israeli leader claimed that he secretly visited the UAE during the height of the war on Iran and met with president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
US Senate rejects latest bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers
04:57 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe US Senate has rejected a resolution aimed at ending the American involvement in the Iran war, with a 49-50 vote.
It was the seventh failed Democratic attempt to limit or end the war powers being used by Donald Trump. Democrats have repeatedly tried to pass resolutions limiting US involvement in the war on Iran since it began in late February, but none have succeeded.
Most Republicans opposed the measure, but three – Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Susan Collins – voted in favour.
Murkowski argued that US military involvement continues without proper congressional authorisation, citing the War Powers Act.
Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, accused Republicans of enabling Trump’s actions and avoiding accountability.
The Trump administration defended its position, saying a ceasefire means the legal requirement for congressional approval no longer applies.
Trump reiterates that US ‘cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon’
04:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarDonald Trump has said his top priority is stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling it “the only thing that matters”.
He made the comment at the White House before leaving for a trip to China.
“I think about one thing: we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all,” he added.
Meanwhile, Trump also claimed that he is “not even a little bit” motivated by rising costs affecting the US economy, including inflation and fuel prices.
He added that the economic pressure on Americans from the Iran war was not influencing his push for a peace deal with Tehran.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody,” he said.
Family of British couple in detention in Iran fear for their safety
04:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe family of British couple Lindsay Foreman and Craig Foreman say they have lost all contact with them and fear for their safety.
The couple, both 53 and from East Sussex, were arrested in Iran in January 2025 during a round-the-world motorcycle trip.
They are being held in Evin Prison after being sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges, which they deny.
Their family believes Iranian authorities cut off their phone access after the couple publicly criticised their detention and said they felt abandoned.
Their son, Joe Bennett, said the family is “terrified” and has not heard from Lindsay for more than a week. “We simply do not know if my mum and Craig are safe.
“Craig told us that they might have to stop eating if their calls were taken away.
“I have not spoken to my mum for over a week now. Every day of silence makes it worse. We don’t know what is happening to them and we are terrified for them.”
The British government previously described the couple’s sentences as “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable”.
The couple’s phone access was reportedly cut off after they gave a media interview saying they felt abandoned in detention.
Netanyahu claims he visited UAE at the height of war in Iran as Emirates’ foreign ministry calls the claim ‘baseless’
04:06 , Maroosha MuzaffarBenjamin Netanyahu claimed he secretly visited the UAE during the Iran war and met UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.“This visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE,” the Israeli prime minister’s office said on Wednesday night.
However, the UAE foreign ministry denied the visit, calling the claims “baseless” and insisting ties with Israel are conducted openly under the Abraham Accords.
Reuters reported the alleged meeting took place in the UAE city of Al-Ain and lasted several hours.
Briefing: What we know on the 76th day of US-Israel war on Iran
03:50 , Maroosha Muzaffar- Iran has strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz by making oil and LNG shipping deals with Iraq and Pakistan, according to Reuters.
- US vice president JD Vance said negotiations with Iran were making progress. He said the key US demand is ensuring Iran can “never have a nuclear weapon”.
- Donald Trump is currently in Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping amid the crisis.
- Israel reportedly fears Trump could eventually agree to a “bad deal” with Iran if diplomacy remains stalled.
- The EU said it does not expect a major short-term jet fuel supply crisis from the conflict, though longer-term risks remain.
- Iran accused Kuwait of unlawfully attacking and detaining four Iranian citizens near a Gulf island reportedly used by US forces.
- Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed civilians, including children, as tensions with Hezbollah continue.
- The UAE publicly called for diplomacy with Iran, despite reports alleging it secretly carried out strikes during the conflict.
