Iran’s foreign minister accused the United States of repeatedly undermining diplomatic efforts on Friday with the fragile truce agreement in question as both sides renewed strikes.
Abbas Araghchi wrote in a brief statement that “every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure”, asking whether it was a “crude pressure tactic” or Donald Trump being “duped...into another quagmire”.
“Whatever the causes, the outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim,” he continued, reaffirming Iran’s readiness for a reopened conflict and claiming Tehran’s missile inventory is 120% of what it was at the start of the war.
His comments came as Iran claimed to have seized an oil tanker, the Ocean Koi, in the Gulf of Oman over an alleged attempt to disrupt Iranian oil exports. The Barbados-flagged ship, sanctioned by the US, was carrying Iranian oil and “trying to harm and disrupt oil exports”, the army said.
The seizure came as US and Iranian forces clashed around the Strait of Hormuz. American forces on Thursday carried out retaliatory strikes on Iranian military facilities that allegedly launched “unprovoked” missile, drone and small boat attacks against US warships.
Iran responded by attacking US military vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, but Trump played down the exchange, as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to its proposal to end the war.
Key Points
- Trump threatens to knock out Iran 'more violently' without peace deal
- Iranian state media says situation near Hormuz ‘back to normal’
- Briefing: What we know on the 70th day of the US-Israel war on Iran
MAGA Iran hawk says US proposal to end war would be ‘disastrous’
12:30 , James ReynoldsConservative US radio host Mark Levin showed signs of a fracture in Donald Trump’s Maga base on Wednesday as he aired his concerns about a reported US proposal to end the war.
Levin said he believed the Axios report on a 14-point deal to halt Iranian enrichment, lift sanctions and end the war had to be “largely fake” in comments on social media.
“If the Axios report is close to accurate, the Iranian regime will survive, the Iranian people will face even more extensive brutality, and the Israeli government could fall in the October election. A disastrous result,” he said.
The Independent reviewed how the latest peace proposal stands up to past offers - and what the US may have to give up to end the war.
How Trump’s ‘one page memo’ takes us back to square one in Iran
EU bought record amount of gas from Russian project as Iran war bit
12:41 , James ReynoldsThe European Union bought a record amount of gas from Russia's largest natural gas project in the first four months of the year as the Iran war pushes Europe back towards the fuel it has been trying to phase out.
The EU received 91 cargoes from Russia's Yamal LNG project between January and April, totalling 6.69 million tonnes – the highest volume for that period since the project was launched in December 2017, according to new analysis of shipping data published on Thursday by environmental group Urgewald.
The bloc paid an estimated €3.88bn (£3.25bn) for the gas over the four months, based on benchmark market prices.
EU purchases from Russia’s largest natural gas field hit record £3bn
Three injured in UAE following ballistic missile strikes
12:13 , James ReynoldsThe UAE says its air defences engaged with 2 ballistic missiles and 3 drones from Iran on Friday, causing three injuries.
Iran's missiles 'are at 120% of capacity' from the start of the war: Araghchi
12:09 , James ReynoldsIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a defiant warning to the United States, despite diplomatic whispers gathering pace.
He says that “every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure”.
“Iranians never bow to pressure,” he continues, before reaffirming Iran’s readiness for future conflict should diplomacy falter.
He says Iran’s missile inventory and launcher capacity are now at 120 per cent of what they were at the start of the war in February.
He accuses the US Navy of aggressive acts and violations of the ceasefire agreement, amid renewed reports of clashes.
Iran can withstand Trump’s blockade for months and retains 70% of its missiles, says US intelligence
12:00 , James ReynoldsIran is able to withstand the effects of the US blockade for three to four more months and retains significant missile stockpiles, according to US intelligence, casting doubt on Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran needs the war to end imminently.
New analysis by the CIA suggests that the Islamic Republic may be more resilient than expected and could withstand the economic pain of the blockade until later this year.
The confidential report was delivered to officials in the Trump administration earlier this week, four people familiar with the document told the Washington Post.
Iran ‘can withstand Trump’s blockade for months and retains 70% of its missiles’
Watch: Trump attacks reporter over question about Iran war during visit to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
11:25 , James ReynoldsBritish Airways’ parent company expects £1.7bn hit from higher fuel bill
11:00 , James ReynoldsBritish Airways’ parent company warned its profits will be hit as it expects to spend about two billion euros (£1.72 billion) more than planned on fuel this year amid the Iran oil crisis.
International Airlines Group (IAG) chief executive Luis Gallego said it is “managing the uncertainty” caused by the fuel price increase by “taking the necessary action on yields, costs and capacity”.
He added: “Whilst the impact of the higher fuel price will inevitably lead to lower profit this year than we originally anticipated, we are confident in our business model and strategy.”
British Airways’ parent company expects £1.7bn hit from higher fuel bill
Watch: Crowd erupts in cheers as Kamala Harris criticizes 'unauthorized' Iran war
10:30 , James ReynoldsWorld food prices extend rise in April for a third month
10:03 , James ReynoldsWorld food prices climbed in April for a third consecutive month, with vegetable oil prices particularly elevated due to disruptions linked to the Iran war, the UN said on Friday.
The Food and Agriculture Organization Food Price Index, which measures changes in a basket of globally traded food commodities, averaged 130.7 points in April, up 1.6% from its revised March level.
In a separate report, the FAO slightly raised its 2025 global cereal production estimate to a record 3.040 billion metric tons, 6% above levels seen a year ago.
No massive flight cancellations expected this summer in France, minister says
09:31 , James ReynoldsFrench transport minister Philippe Tabarot said on Friday he did not expect airlines to cancel flights en masse this summer due to jet fuel shortages.
Most airlines have no interest in cancelling flights during the summer when they make most of their revenues, though some have slightly reduced their traffic, he said.
Transavia France cancelled 2% of its flights in May and June, a spokesperson said on Friday.
The French government is preparing aid measures to support airlines such as deferrals of social security contributions, extended tax payment deadlines and flexibility on fuel loads.
European authorities are scrambling for solutions to prevent broad aviation disruptions this summer after European airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks as a result of the Iran war.
Europe is more dependent on jet fuel imports, with some 75% from the Middle East, than for any other transport fuel.
China confirms attack on oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz
09:15 , James ReynoldsChina’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that an oil products tanker carrying Chinese crew was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, and expressed deep concern about vessels affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
There are Chinese nationals aboard the vessel, but no reported crew casualties so far, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular news conference.
A Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, China's Caixin reported on Thursday.
European shares retreat as Middle East tensions flare
09:00 , James ReynoldsEuropean shares dropped on Friday, with an escalation in clashes sending oil prices higher and dampening hopes that a diplomatic solution could be close.
Donald Trump said the ceasefire was still in effect despite forces clashing in the Gulf, with Washington awaiting a response from Tehran to its proposal to end the conflict.
The pan-European STOXX 600 fell 0.8% to 611.69 points as of 0703 GMT. Major regional markets mirrored the move, with Germany's DAX and London's FTSE 100 down 0.9% and 0.5%, respectively.
European equities have remained sensitive to geopolitical headlines, with the region's energy dependence weighing on markets and raising concerns over the impact on inflation and growth. Financial markets currently price in three or more rate hikes from the European Central Bank over the next 12 months.
Trump set to meet Xi despite Iran woes
08:26 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump is still set to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping next week in Beijing, despite concerns around the unresolved war with Iran.
The leaders are set to meet on 14-15 May, having already pushed the date back over the conflict.
Bloomberg reports that some Chinese officials are uneasy about holding the meeting - the first visit of a US leader in a decade - before the war in Iran is resolved.
Asian stocks fall and oil prices climb after attacks imperil the ceasefire with Iran
08:00 , Maira ButtAsian stocks retreated and oil prices rose on Friday as the fragile ceasefire with Iran was strained by missile and drone attacks that prompted US retaliatory strikes on Iranian military facilities.
US futures rose despite the latest flaring in the conflict.
Investors are closely watching the war situation as negotiations between the US and Iran to end the war make limited progress. Tehran said Thursday that it was still examining the latest proposals from the U.S. for ending the war.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.1 per cent to 62,174.12 after closing the day before at a record high of 62,833.84. It also briefly crossed the 63,000 mark for the first time during Thursday trading. SoftBank Group, one of Japan’s largest stocks, lost more than 5 per cent.
Asian stocks fall and oil prices climb after attacks imperil the ceasefire with Iran
Rubio and Pope commit to stronger ties, Vatican says
07:31 , Shweta SharmaUS secretary of state Marco Rubio arrived at the Vatican on a fence-mending visit with Pope Leo after the US presient’s bitter tirade against the Vatican leader.
Trump's repeated broadsides against history's first US pope created an unprecedented back-and-forth on issues of the Iran war and peace that strained US-Holy See relations.
By the end of the visit, both the Vatican and the State Department stressed their strong bilateral ties.
But the episode nevertheless pushed Leo out of his comfort zone and onto the global stage to make zingers like the one this week, after Trump's latest misrepresentation of his views.
Leo and Rubio "renewed the shared commitment to fostering good bilateral relations," the Vatican said in a statement after the first meeting between the pope and a Trump cabinet official in nearly a year.
Rubio's meeting with Leo is a sign of a "strong" relationship between the Vatican and the US, state department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Rubio spent two and a half hours at the Vatican before driving away in a convoy under tight security. He also met with senior Vatican officials, including top diplomat Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Trump says US proposal to Iran was 'more than a one-page offer'
07:00 , Shweta SharmaDonald Trump said on Thursday that a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict with Iran was far more detailed than reports describing it as a “one-page offer”.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the proposal included commitments that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons and would hand over what he described as “the nuclear dust”, alongside “many other things that we want”.
“They have agreed,” Trump claimed, before adding that Iranian assurances could quickly change. “When they agree it doesn’t mean much because the next day they forgot they agreed,” he said.
Trump also suggested Washington was dealing with competing factions within Iran’s leadership, saying: “We’re dealing with different sets of leaders.”
Iran has yet to formally respond to the proposal. Iranian media reported that Tehran was still reviewing messages from the US delivered through Pakistan, which has been mediating between the two sides.
Here is everything you need to know if you are just joining us.
- US president Donald Trump branded Iran’s leadership “lunatics” after three US destroyers came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz in one of the most serious confrontations since the fragile ceasefire began
- The US military said missiles, drones and small boats targeted the warships during their transit through the strait, though all attacks were intercepted and none of the destroyers were hit
- Washington later carried out retaliatory strikes on what it described as Iranian military facilities responsible for the assault, including launch sites and command centres
- Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the Iranian attackers had been “completely destroyed” and warned Tehran the US would respond “a lot harder, and a lot more violently” if a peace deal was not signed quickly
- Iran, however, described the incident as an “exchange of fire” between Iranian armed forces and the “enemy” even as Trump said the ceasefire was holding
- Iranian news agencies reported that “several explosions” were heard near the city of Bandar Abbas, while commercial sections of a pier on Qeshm Island – the largest island in the Gulf – were reportedly targeted
- Iran’s top military command alleged the US had targeted an Iranian oil tanker heading toward the strait as well as another vessel entering the waterway opposite the Emirati port of Fujairah
- Tehran said its armed forces had “immediately responded” by attacking US military vessels and claimed to have inflicted “significant damage”, though the US said none of its destroyers were hit
- Trump later insisted the ceasefire was still holding and said negotiations with Tehran continued. “It could happen any day,” he said of a potential deal, before adding, “And it might not happen”
Oil prices rise as US and Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz
05:56 , Stuti MisraOil prices rose and stock markets pulled back slightly on Friday after the US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, although Asian markets remained on course for their strongest weekly performance in years on the back of an AI-driven rally.
Brent crude rose 1.3 per cent to $101.60 per barrel as the renewed Middle East hostilities unsettled markets that had spent much of the week pricing in a negotiated resolution.
Iran targeted three US destroyers with missiles, drones and small boats in the strait on Thursday, according to the US military, which said the attacks were successfully intercepted and none of the warships were damaged. Strikes were then carried out against Iranian military facilities, including launch sites and command and control centres, it claimed.
Oil prices rise as US and Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz
In picture: Iranian navy firing in Strait of Hormuz
05:37 , Shweta SharmaA still image from a video shows the Iranian navy firing a missile at an unknown location.
Iranian news agencies reported that “several explosions” were heard near the city of Bandar Abbas, while commercial sections of a pier on Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Gulf, were reportedly targeted.
Iran’s top military command alleged the US had targeted an Iranian oil tanker heading toward the strait as well as another vessel entering the waterway opposite the Emirati port of Fujairah.
Tehran said its armed forces had “immediately responded” by attacking US military vessels and claimed to have inflicted “significant damage”, though the US said none of its destroyers were hit.
Southeast Asian leader meet in Philippines to discuss response to Iran war
05:32 , Shweta SharmaLeaders of Southeast Asian countries are meeting today to discuss a coordinated response to the Middle East crisis.
The meeting of the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is being held in Cebu, Philippines, the chair of the bloc.
They are expected to press for a harmonised strategy to ensure energy and food security in a region particularly exposed to a nearly 70-day blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz.
In opening remarks as chair of Asean, Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Asean was standing together to demonstrate its capacity to respond with unity and resolve, but must remain agile.
"We must ensure regional energy security and resilience," he said.
"At a time of heightened volatility, Asean must strengthen coordination and reinforce preparedness, pursue practical collective measures to safeguard a stable energy supply and improve interconnectivity."
The leaders are seeking to diversify suppliers and routes and developing a crisis communication protocol, but it was unclear what, if any, action might be taken.
Saudi Arabia forced Trump to pause Project Freedom after suspending US access to bases and airspace: report
05:25 , Shweta SharmaPresident Donald Trump dramatically backtracked on Project Freedom after just two days because its Gulf ally, Saudi Arabia, blocked access to its military bases and airspace, according to reports.
Just 48 hours after announcing the operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the US leader paused the initiative to enable negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iran had attacked ships across the Gulf and struck a port in the UAE on Tuesday.
It has now emerged that Trump’s decision to pause the operation was driven by complaints by Saudi Arabia, two US officials told NBC News.
Trump paused Project Freedom after Gulf ally ‘suspended US access to airspace’
Trump rebukes female reporter over ‘stupid question’ after Lincoln Memorial drive-by to check out work by his ‘pool guy’
05:15 , Shweta SharmaPresident Donald Trump and members of his administration made an unusual visit to the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, driving the presidential motorcade through the empty reflecting pool that the president recently ordered contractors to renovate.
When pressed with questions about why he was focused on an ornamental project when gas prices are soaring because of the Iran war, President Trump castigated ABC News reporter Rachel Scott.
The president claimed the memorial had previously been “disgusting” and that truckloads of trash had been removed since the pool project began last month.
Trump slams reporter over ‘stupid question’ about Iran war at Lincoln Memorial visit
Trump says ceasefire is holding after slamming 'lunatic' Iran
05:11 , Shweta SharmaUS president Donald Trump insisted the fragile ceasefire with Iran remained in place on Thursday despite a dramatic exchange of strikes in the Strait of Hormuz that threatened to derail ongoing peace talks.
He said “trifled with us”, referring to an Iranian missile and drone attack launched against US Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz Thursday.
“They trifled with us. We blew them away”, Trump told reporters Thursday night, Washington time. “If there’s no ceasefire, you’re not going to have to know. You’re just going to have to look at one big glow coming out of Iran”.
Trump did note that the US is continuing to negotiate with Iran. He said if
Trump later described the incident as a “love tap” and branded Iran’s leaders “lunatics”, warning Tehran it would face a far more violent response if it failed to sign a deal to end the conflict quickly.
When asked how close the US was to making a deal with Iran, Donald Trump said, “It could happen any day, and it might not happen”.
“I believe they want the deal more than I do”, the US president told reporters Thursday night, Washington time.
Iranian state media says situation near Hormuz ‘back to normal’
04:58 , Shweta SharmaIran’s English-language state broadcaster Press TV said the situation in Iranian islands and cities along the Strait of Hormuz has “returned to normal” as Donald Trump said great damage was done to the Iranian side.
"Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire. There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"They were completely destroyed along with numerous small boats," he said.
UAE reports drone and missile attacks from Iran
04:38 , Shweta SharmaThe United Arab Emirates said its air defences are "actively engaging" with a missile and drone attack early Friday as the Iran war's shaky ceasefire was again challenged.
The defence ministry said on X that sounds rang out across the country due to “ongoing engaging operations of missiles and UAVs”.
“The public is urged to remain calm and follow the safety and security instructions issued by relevant authorities.”
The ministry advised residents not to approach, photograph or touch "any debris or fragments that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions.
"Hours earlier, the US military said it had intercepted Iranian attacks on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz Thursday night and "targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking US forces."
Trump threatens to knock out Iran 'more violently' without peace deal
04:28 , Shweta SharmaUS president Donald Trump has threatened to knock out Iran “more violently” if a peace deal is not signed following attacks on US ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military announced Thursday it intercepted “unprovoked Iranian attacks” in the key oil waterway.
Trump later boasted about how the US Navy guided-missile destroyers were able to fight off the Iranian attack, writing on Truth Social, “Drones came, and were incinerated while in the air. They dropped ever so beautifully down to the Ocean, very much like a butterfly dropping to its grave!”
The president warned, “Just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!”
Watch: Trump says ceasefire still on after Iran 'trifled with us'
04:27 , Shweta SharmaBriefing: What we know on the 70th day of the US-Israel war on Iran
04:19 , Shweta Sharma- US president Donald Trump brands Iran’s leadership “lunatics” after three US destroyers come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz in one of the most serious confrontations since the fragile ceasefire began
- US military says missiles, drones and small boats targeted warships during their transit through the strait, though all attacks were intercepted and none of the destroyers were hit
- Washington later carry out retaliatory strikes on what it described as Iranian military facilities responsible for the assault, including launch sites and command centres
- Iran, however, described the incident as an “exchange of fire” between Iranian armed forces and the “enemy” even as Trump said the ceasefire was holding
