The development comes as Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran (Photo: AP)Iran-US War: US President Donald Trump earlier said he postponed a planned strike on Iran at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE Tuesday, noting that “serious negotiations are now taking place,” while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that “dialogue does not mean surrender” and that Tehran entered talks “with dignity, authority, and the preservation of the nation’s rights.”
About the May 19 plan: Several countries in the region didn’t know Washington had been preparing a possible attack on Iran scheduled for May 19, the Wall Street Journal reported citing Gulf officials. Some officials from other Gulf countries reportedly told the newspaper they had no prior knowledge of the planned strike before Trump disclosed it publicly.
China won’t supply arms to Iran, says Trump: US President Donald Trump said the United States may need to strike Iran again and claimed Tehran is “begging” to make a deal, reported Reuters. He added that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him that China would not send military equipment to Iran. “That’s a beautiful promise. I take him at his word. I appreciated it,” he told reporters at the White House, reported Al Jazeera.
Explosions in Iran’s Qeshm Island: Explosions have been reported on Qeshm Island, reported Reuters citing Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency said the explosions were caused by the neutralisation of unexploded munitions, citing an official, as reported by Reuters.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran acquired military knowledge from previous hostilities, and warned that “a return to war will feature many more surprises”. The remarks come after US President Donald Trump gave the country “two to three days” to strike a deal, and his deputy JD Vance said both sides have made a “lot of progress” in talks.
Oil prices were down around 1 percent on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump said he had paused a planned attack on Iran to allow for negotiations to end the war.
On Monday, Trump posted on social media that he was holding off on a military attack that had been scheduled for Tuesday while efforts to reach a deal with Iran continued, adding that the US was ready to resume attacks if a deal is not reached.
- Reuters
US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday said the United States and Iran have made a lot of progress in their talks and neither side wants to see a resumption of the military campaign.
"We think that we've made a lot of progress. We think the Iranians want to make a deal," Vance told reporters during a press briefing at the White House.
US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday said that America has downgraded Iran's military capabilities and President Donald Trump has deployed his administration to "aggressively negotiate" with the Islamic Republic.
Vance added that negotiations with Iran remain in a good spot but added that it would "take two to tango" and the US is "locked and loaded" to resume the military campaign against Tehran if required.
The Wall Street Journal, citing Gulf officials, reported that several countries in the region did not know Washington had been preparing a possible attack on Iran scheduled for May 19.
Officials from other Gulf countries reportedly told the newspaper they had no prior knowledge of the planned strike before Trump disclosed it publicly.
Trump earlier said leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had urged him to delay military action to give diplomacy more time.
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions targeting an Iranian foreign currency exchange house, associated front companies and vessels linked to Iranian oil exports.
The US Treasury Department said it sanctioned Iran-based Amin Exchange, also known as Ebrahimi and Associates Partnership Company, accusing it of operating a network of front companies across the UAE, Turkiye and Hong Kong on behalf of Iranian banks. Washington also blocked 19 vessels allegedly involved in transporting Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products to overseas buyers.
The measures are part of the Trump administration’s continuing pressure campaign against Iran amid ongoing tensions and negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional activities.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him that China would not send military equipment to Iran.
“That’s a beautiful promise. I take him at his word. I appreciated it,” he told reporters at the White House, reported Al Jazeera.
US President Donald Trump said Iran still retains a limited ability to retaliate against the US, while peaking at the White House.
(Reuters)
Speaking at the White House, Trump said US could still launch an attack within “two or three days” or early next week if an agreement is not reached.
Trump reiterated that US would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
(Reuters)
US President Donald Trump said he was an hour away from authorising a strike on Iran before postponing the attack to allow more time for negotiations.
(Reuters)
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi says Iran is fully prepared to confront any military aggression following comments by US President Donald Trump about postponing a planned attack.
In a social media post, Gharibabadi criticised Washington for describing the temporary suspension of a planned attack on Iran as an “opportunity for peace” while continuing to threaten military action. He said Iran remained united and determined in the face of threats, adding that surrender “holds no meaning” for the country. The deputy foreign minister also invoked the rhetoric of martyrdom and resistance, saying Iran would either “triumph or become martyrs”.
آمریکا میگوید "حمله به ایران را «موقتاً» متوقف کرده تا به مذاکره فرصت بدهد؛ اما همزمان از آمادگی برای حمله گسترده در هر لحظه سخن میگوید". این یعنی "تهدید" را "فرصت صلح" نامیدن!
— Gharibabadi (@Gharibabadi) May 19, 2026
ایران، یکپارچه و قاطعانه آماده مقابله با هرگونه تجاوز نظامی است. برای ما تسلیم شدن معنایی ندارد؛ یا…
US President Donald Trump said Washington may need to strike Iran again and claimed Tehran is "begging" for a deal.
(Reuters)
UAE's defence ministry has said that the drones that targeted the country’s Barakah nuclear facility on Sunday had 'originated in Iraqi territory', according to Al Jazeera.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
The UAE defence ministry said it detected and intercepted 6 drones launched from Iraq over the past 48 hours.
(Reuters)
In a joint statement, the G7 finance ministers said reopening the Strait of Hormuz is imperative and highlighted the need to address global current account imbalances.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation in responding to risks facing the global economy, as disruptions in the strategic waterway continue to affect energy markets, shipping and supply chains worldwide.
(With inputs from PTI)
Kuwait and Pakistan have discussed strengthening military cooperation and joint defence coordination between the two countries.
Kuwait said the chief of general staff of its armed forces held talks with the Pakistani Army’s director of operations during a meeting in Kuwait. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, military cooperation and areas of joint defence collaboration between the two countries.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Russia’s Rosatom said it expects to return staff to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant within weeks after evacuating workers following the outbreak of war.
Rosatom is confident it can resume staffing operations at the Bushehr nuclear facility after withdrawing hundreds of employees following the outbreak of war in Iran at the end of February, Al Jazeera reported citing Russian state news agency RIA.
Rosatom is currently involved in constructing two additional reactor units at the Bushehr site, one of Iran’s key civilian nuclear energy projects.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could push millions more people into acute food insecurity worldwide.
Speaking at the Global Partnerships conference, Cooper cited World Food Programme estimates suggesting nearly 45 million more people could face acute food insecurity if the Iran conflict continues beyond mid-year. She said Gulf states are major suppliers of fertilisers and warned that continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz was driving up food and fuel costs globally.
Cooper accused Iran of effectively hijacking an international shipping lane and said the UK would continue pushing for the immediate reopening of the strait and support plans for a multinational mission aimed at safeguarding navigation and stabilising global supply chains.
(With inputs from The Guardian)
Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Doha supports Pakistan’s mediation efforts and believes negotiations between Washington and Tehran need additional time to produce results.
He said Pakistan had shown seriousness in bringing the parties together and working towards a solution.
Qatar has remained engaged in regional diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and preventing a return to military confrontation.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Explosions heard on Iran’s Qeshm Island were caused by the neutralisation of unexploded munitions, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency citing an official.
(Reuters)
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said communication with the United States and Iran would continue as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent renewed escalation.
Referring to President Donald Trump’s statement that he delayed a planned attack on Iran at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, al-Ansari described it as “a good response”.
He also said Qatar maintains “positive relations” with Tehran, while acknowledging that Iran’s attack on Qatar had strained ties between the two countries.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that regional leaders and parties involved in the conflict remain in active communication to prevent renewed escalation and maintain diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the situation.
(Reuters)
A spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said two LNG tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. However, this should not be interpreted as a return to normal shipping operations in the strategic waterway, he added.
(Reuters)
Explosions have been reported on Qeshm Island, reported Reuters citing Iran's Mehr News Agency. However, the cause of explosions remains unclear.
The UN Security Council could hold an emergency meeting as support grows for a draft resolution aimed at securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, reported ANI.
UNSC can hold emergency meeting today amid growing support for Strait of Hormuz resolution
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 19, 2026
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/BAGvIqpr3P#unsc #straiofhormuz #westasiaconflict pic.twitter.com/PRrxLozWLu
Oil prices declined after Donald Trump said he had paused a planned military strike on Iran to allow negotiations to continue.
Global benchmark Brent crude fell 1.5 percent to $110.37 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery slipped to $108.03. The more actively traded July WTI contract also declined.
Markets reacted after Trump announced he had delayed a scheduled military strike on Iran in favour of pursuing negotiations to end the conflict.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Iran-US War News LIVE: Iran dug out ballistic missile launchers during ceasefire in its war against the United States and Israel, according to a New York Times report. The report, citing an anonymous US military official, stated that Tehran worked to “dig out scores of bombed ballistic missile sites, move mobile missile launchers, and, despite significant losses, adjust its tactics for any resumption of strikes.”
Iran-US War News LIVE: Iran, in its recent proposal to the United States, has called for the release of Iranian frozen funds and an end to the marine blockade on the country, said Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency. The proposal reportedly also includes ending the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
The United Arab Emirates for decades has advertised itself as a haven for international business in a Middle East awash in violent upheaval. Those waves have now crashed into this nation, testing its economic model like never before.The UAE, a close ally of the United States and Israel, faced more missile and drone attacks from Iran during the war than any other country.
Responding to a question on Iran creating the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to administer shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq has said it does not “want any particular entity to restrict … freedom of access” to the strategic waterway.
“Ultimately, for us, we want to make sure that there’s no constraint to freedom of navigation on the high seas and on the Strait of Hormuz,” Haq said.
Iran’s ISNA news agency reports that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the US’s “contradictory and excessive behaviours” a serious obstacle to diplomacy, telling Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi that past breaches of promises have fueled Tehran’s deep suspicion of Washington, though Iran is engaging in talks to end the conflict from a “responsible outlook.” Naqvi said he hopes Pakistan can help restore peace and stability to the region.
Speaking to the New York Post Monday, President Trump said Iran "knows what's going to be happening soon" and that he is "not open" to concessions after Tehran's latest response in peace talks.
"I can tell you they want to make a deal more than ever, because they know we're what's going to be happening soon," Trump told the Post in a brief phone call.
The Reuters news agency reports that India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, has increased its retail fuel prices for the second time in a week as the shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continues to pressure global fuel supplies.
On Tuesday, the Indian government raised petrol and diesel prices by approximately 0.9 rupees ($0.0093) per litre in an effort to recover losses stemming from surging global crude oil costs.
With this latest adjustment, the price of petrol rose to 98.64 rupees a litre from 97.77 rupees, while diesel prices moved to 91.58 rupees a litre from 90.67 rupees.
President Trump on Monday afternoon said the US "will NOT" follow through with "scheduled" attacks on Iran on Tuesday, after he said partner nations in the Middle East asked him to hold off. The president made the announcement on Truth social.
A new opinion poll from The New York Times and Siena University has provided further evidence of falling US support for the Israeli military and the war on Iran.
The poll of 1,507 registered voters found that just 30 percent supported the US war on Iran, while 64 percent opposed it.
Some 57 percent of respondents opposed providing US military aid to Israel, compared with 37 percent who supported it.
By comparison, in November 2023, one month into Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, just more than 51 percent of US voters surveyed by Quinnipiac University supported sending more military aid to Israel.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack against Iran after Tehran sent a peace proposal to Washington, and that there was now a "very good chance" of reaching a deal limiting Iran's nuclear program.
Trump said he had instructed the military not to go ahead with what he described as a scheduled attack.
“We will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow,” he wrote, adding that forces should be ready for a “full, large scale assault… on a moment’s notice” if an acceptable deal is not reached.
He later told reporters there was a “very good chance” of an agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. “If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy,” he said. Read more
Oil prices fell more than 2% in early Asian trade on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had paused a planned attack on Iran to allow for negotiations to end the war in the Middle East.
Brent futures for July delivery fell $3.01, or 2.7%, to $109.09 a barrel as of 0001 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery fell $1.38, or 1.3%, to $107.28. The two benchmarks had hit their highest levels since May 5 and April 30, respectively, in the previous session.
The Palestinian Information Center reports that a violent air attack launched by Israeli aircraft targeted a building in the al-Mushaqqa area of the Tyre District in southern Lebanon.
The bombardment occurred after the Israeli military issued a forced displacement threat for al-Mushaqqa in Tyre in the past hour.
غارة عنيفة شنتها طائرات الاحتلال على مبنى في منطقة قضاء صور جنوبي pic.twitter.com/NUNok2Ma64
— المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) May 18, 2026
Oil prices rose, and global stock markets reacted in a mixed manner after US President Trump said he postponed a planned attack on Iran at the request of Gulf leaders.
Oil prices had briefly lowered following an Iranian media report that said US officials had agreed to suspend sanctions against its crude while talks on ending the war continue. But with no confirmation of the report, as well as Iranian statements on taxing travel through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices quickly began rising again.
US crude futures fall over 2 percent during early Asian trading after US President Donald Trump halts a planned air strike on Iran to facilitate peace talks.
The most active July contract for US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped by $2.08, or 2.02 percent, to stand at $102.34 per barrel as of 22:12 GMT.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday it has been informed by the United Arab Emirates that off-site power was restored to Unit 3 of the Barakah nuclear power plant following the drone strike on Sunday.
The US Treasury will extend a sanctions waiver allowing purchases of Russian seaborne oil for another 30 days to aid "energy-vulnerable" countries cut off from Gulf oil supplies, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday.
Bessent said the Treasury was issuing the 30-day general license after a previous waiver lapsed on Saturday. This will allow temporary access to Russian oil and petroleum products stranded on tankers without violating severe US sanctions on Russian oil majors.
- Reuters
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple attacks targeting Israeli army positions and vehicles in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, according to Al Jazeera.
Hezbollah said its fighters launched attacks on Israeli military targets in southern Lebanon, including a strike on an Israeli army position in Maroun al-Ras using drones. The group also claimed it targeted the vehicle of the commander of Israel’s 300th Brigade in Shomera in northern Israel.
In a separate statement, Hezbollah said it had downed an Israeli aircraft over Aita al-Jabal. The Israeli military had not commented on the claims at the time of reporting.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Qatar’s prime minister voiced full support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions and advancing negotiations between the US and Iran, reported Al Jazeera.
In a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis involving Washington and Tehran. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the Qatari premier appreciated Pakistan’s role, as well as the efforts of other parties involved in securing the ceasefire, and stressed the importance of all sides engaging constructively in negotiations to achieve lasting regional peace and stability.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
he White House believes Iran’s updated proposal to end the war does not make meaningful concessions and remains insufficient for an agreement, according to Axios.
Axios reported that senior US officials said President Donald Trump still wants a negotiated settlement to end the conflict but is also considering resuming military operations because Iran has rejected several US demands and refused to make significant concessions on its nuclear programme.
Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which recently launched an official account on X, has warned that ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz without its permission will be considered illegal.
“Navigation within the introduced boundaries of the Strait of Hormuz, which were previously determined by the Armed Forces and authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is contingent upon full coordination with these entities,” Al Jazeera cited its statement, adding, “and passage without permission will be considered illegal.”
Lebanon’s Health Ministry says at least 3,020 people have been killed and more than 9,200 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2, reported Al Jazeera.
Israel has issued a forced displacement warning for residents of Burj Shemali in southern Lebanon ahead of planned military action.
Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee ordered residents of Burj Shemali, near the city of Tyre, to immediately evacuate their homes, saying the military was preparing to “act forcefully” against Hezbollah in the area.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
The US Central Command on Monday said that its forces have redirected 84 commercial vessels and disabled 4 as it continued to support the US maritime blockade against Iran.
"US Sailors stand watch in the combat information center aboard USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea supporting the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 18, CENTCOM forces have redirected 84 commercial vessels and disabled 4," Centcom said in a post on X.
U.S. Sailors stand watch in the combat information center aboard USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea supporting the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 18, CENTCOM forces have redirected 84 commercial vessels and disabled 4. pic.twitter.com/cLgRj5dL1a
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 18, 2026
An Iranian official did not immediately comment on whether the United States has agreed to waive oil sanctions on Iran during the ongoing negotiations, reported news agency Reuters.
The response came amid reports by Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency that Washington temporarily waived off sanctions on Iran’s oil sector during talks.
India says it will continue purchasing Russian oil irrespective of US sanctions waivers, citing commercial and energy security considerations, PTI reported.
Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said India had been buying Russian crude before, during and after the US sanctions waiver period and would continue to do so if commercially viable. She said India’s crude sourcing decisions were based on pricing and supply availability rather than geopolitical considerations. The comments came after a temporary US sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne crude expired on May 16.
Despite Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine war, Russian crude has remained a key part of India’s import basket due to discounted pricing, with imports expected to average nearly 1.9 million barrels per day in May, according to Kpler data.
(With inputs from PTI)
UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al Jaber condemned the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant, calling it a “terrorist aggression” against a peaceful clean energy project.
Al Jaber, who also serves as CEO of ADNOC, said the Barakah nuclear facility was built to the highest safety standards and provides electricity to homes, hospitals and industries across the UAE. In a statement posted on X, he said the attack targeted not only the plant but also the right of nations to pursue development and clean energy. He added that Barakah would continue operating and that the UAE would continue building despite the attack.
استهداف "براكة" عدوانٌ ارهابي على مشروع سلمي بُني وفق أعلى معايير السلامة لتوفير إمدادات الكهرباء للمنازل والمستشفيات والمصانع في جميع أنحاء دولة الإمارات، وهو اعتداءٌ على حق كل دولة في البناء، والتقدم، وتوفير الطاقة النظيفة لشعبها.
— Dr. Sultan Al Jaber (@SultanAlJaber) May 18, 2026
ستستمر "براكة" في العمل، وستواصل دولة الإمارات…
The United States has agreed to temporarily waive Iran’s oil sanctions during negotiations in a new proposal, according to a source cited by Iran's semi-official news agency.
Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to Iran’s negotiating team, reported that Washington’s latest proposal includes a temporary waiver of sanctions related to Iran’s oil sector. The report said the waiver would apply to sanctions administered by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control until a final agreement is reached.
Iran, however, continues to insist that all sanctions must eventually be removed as part of any broader settlement with the United States.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted what it described as US and Israeli-backed armed groups operating in northern Iraq.
The IRGC’s Hamzeh Sayyed al-Shuhada Command said the groups were attempting to smuggle a large shipment of sealed American weapons and ammunition into Iran when they were struck in Kurdistan Province. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, citing Iran’s Fars News Agency, described the targeted factions as “counter-revolutionary terrorist groups” backed by the US and Israel. No immediate independent confirmation of the operation or casualties was available.
Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal through Pakistan focused on ending the war and rebuilding trust, reported Al Jazeera citing Iranian media reports.
Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, reported that Iran’s latest proposal was delivered via Pakistan and centers on ending the conflict and restoring trust between the parties.
The development comes as Pakistan’s interior minister extended his visit to Tehran for a third day amid ongoing mediation efforts.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will call on G7 finance ministers to follow Washington’s sanctions regime against Iran.
Bessent said he would urge G7 countries to align with US sanctions measures aimed at preventing financing for what he described as Iran’s “war machine”. The comments come amid continuing Western pressure on Tehran over regional tensions and the ongoing conflict linked to the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East instability.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Iran has announced the formation of a new body to manage operations and developments related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council unveiled the new Persian Gulf Strait Authority through a social media announcement, saying the agency would provide “real-time updates on the Hormuz Strait operations and latest developments”.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters and detained around 100 activists, Al Jazeera reported citing organisers and Israeli media reports.
Iran-US War News LIVE Updates: Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson says the process of talks through Pakistani mediation is ongoing.
Iran-US War News LIVE Updates: India on Monday strongly condemned the drone attack near the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and urging restraint amid rising tensions in West Asia. Amid a delicate US-Iran ceasefire, a drone strike near the plant has raised fresh security concerns in West Asia.
Iran-US War News LIVE Updates: Pakistan shares revised Iranian proposal to end war with US Sunday night (May 17), news agency Reuters reported citing sources.
Iran-US War News LIVE Updates: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it hit over 30 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The military said that the targets included weapon depots, surveillance posts and buildings used by the terror group to advance attacks.
Oman condemned the drone strike that sparked a fire at the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, denouncing all hostile and escalatory actions in the region.
The Omani Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with the UAE’s security measures and territorial protection, urged dialogue to resolve regional challenges, and called for adherence to international law, good neighborly relations, and noninterference in states’ internal affairs.
(Photo: AP)
Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Tehran’s Expediency Council and former IRGC commander, has warned the US to lift its blockade of Iranian ports, saying that the Iranian military is ready for further confrontation.
Speaking on state television, Rezaei said: “We advise the US military to end the siege before the Sea of Oman becomes your graveyard.”
Rezaei described the US blockade as an “act of war” and said confronting it was Tehran’s right. “The longer they prolong the naval blockade of Iran, the greater the damage to countries around the world will be,” he said.
(With inputs from Aljazeera)
Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has shared a clip from The Apprentice, a 2024 biopic about Trump’s early career.
The scene features Roy Cohn, Trump’s mentor in the film, laying out his “rules for winning”, including the idea that “no matter what happens, you claim victory and never admit defeat” and that success requires being “willing to do anything to anyone”.
Baghaei’s post is part of a wider wave of Iranian official messaging and affiliated accounts taunting the US president and mocking his widely criticised and poorly planned attack.
🎥 The Apprentice (2024) pic.twitter.com/CWddNLl6zU
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) May 17, 2026
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