Friday: As it happened
- More explosions near the Strait of Hormuz and further sporadic clashes between Iranian forces and US vessels have been reported in the waterway
- US secretary of State Marco Rubio said a response from Iran on its latest proposals to end the war is expected on Friday, saying; ‘the hope is it’s something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation’
- Iran’s leadership were branded ‘lunatics’ by US president Donald Trump after three destroyers were targeted by missiles, drones and small boats in the strait on Thursday
- Iran’s foreign ministry condemned moves by the US navy against two Iranian tankers as aggressive acts and violations of the pre-existing ceasefire
- At least five people have been killed by Israel in its latest raids on towns and villages in the south of the country
Best reads
- Diarmaid Ferriter: War games and debates over nuclear energy – it’s the 1970s again
- History signals hawkish central bank response to Iran war price shock
- ‘Trust me bro’: Iran mocks Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’
That concludes Friday’s live coverage of the US-Israeli war on Iran and wider conflict in the Middle East.
For a recap of the day’s events, see our wrap.
[ Washington waits on Iranian response to plan as exchanges continue in GulfOpens in new window ]
Qatar PM calls for renewed diplomacy on reaching Iran agreement
Qatar’s prime minister called for renewed diplomacy on an agreement with Iran as he met with US vice-president JD Vance in Washington earlier.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Vance and discussed Pakistani-led efforts to broker a permanent peace amid a shaky ceasefire.
The Qatari prime minister “stressed the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation efforts, to pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region,” the Qatari foreign ministry said on X. – The Guardian
Washington revises proposed UN resolution demanding Iran halt attacks
Washington has revised its proposed United Nations resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and mining in the Strait of Hormuz but the changes are unlikely to avert Chinese and Russian vetoes, diplomats said on Friday.
A Chinese veto would be awkward ahead of Trump’s trip to China next week, where the Iran war is likely to be high on the agenda.
An updated draft shared with Security Council members on Thursday afternoon and seen by Reuters removed a clause invoking Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which allows the council to impose measures ranging from sanctions to military action.
However, tough language against Iran remained, as well as a clause that in the event of noncompliance the council would “meet again to consider effective measures ... including sanctions measures, in order to ensure the freedom of navigation in the area.”
It was unclear when the council might vote on the resolution.
While the text does not explicitly authorise force, it does not rule it out, and “reaffirms the right of member States ... to defend their vessels from attacks and threats, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.”
A previous resolution backed by the United States that appeared to open a path to legitimising US military action against Iran failed last month after Russia and China exercised their vetoes in the 15-member UN Security Council.
Diplomats said the original version of the current resolution, drafted by the United States and Bahrain, and submitted to council members for review this week ran into strong Chinese and Russian objections. – Reuters
The price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose about 1 per cent Friday, settling at $101.29 a barrel. – The New York Times
US to facilitate ‘intensive’ talks between Israel and Lebanon next week
As was reported earlier in the week, the US will facilitate two days of “intensive talks” between Israel and Lebanon on May 14th and 15th, the US state department has said.
The talks will be aimed at establishing long-term border security, and reaching a “comprehensive”, lasting peace agreement to prevent further conflict, the state department said.
They will also seek to address Hizbullah’s ability to “entrench and enrich themselves”, which has allowed the group to “undermine the authority of the Lebanese state, and endanger Israel’s northern border”. – The Guardian
Reuters reports that US vice-president JD Vance’s meeting with the Qatari prime minister will cover relations between the two countries and the situation in Iran, with a focus on liquefied natural gas markets and regional stability.
US redirects or disables more than 60 vessels in Arabian Sea
US Central Command has said it has redirected or disabled more than 60 vessels in its naval efforts to prevent ships reaching or departing from Iranian ports.
In a post on X, it said 57 commercial vessels were redirected while four were disabled in the ongoing naval blockade of Iran.
Trump seizes uranium – but not from Iran
US president Donald Trump has succeeded in removing a country’s stash of highly enriched uranium – although that country is not Iran.
On Friday, the US department of dnergy announced that “thanks to President Trump’s decisive leadership” 13.5kg of uranium had been removed from a legacy research reactor in Venezuela.
The department called the joint operation, involving the United Kingdom, the United States and Venezuela, “a win for America, Venezuela, and the world”.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said the uranium had been “safely and securely transported by land and sea from South to North America” after “a complex and sensitive operation”. It was taken to a department of energy complex in South Carolina having been removed from a site 15km from Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.
The department claimed the operation sent “another signal to the world of a restored and renewed Venezuela”.
After Trump’s controversial decision to order the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, on January 3rd the White House has rebooted relations with its long-time adversaries in Caracas.
One of Trump’s key stated objectives after going to war with Iran in February has been forcing it to surrender about 408kg of highly enriched uranium. So far those efforts have failed. – The Guardian
More Hormuz clashes possible if US forces ‘cause trouble for Iranian vessels’
Sporadic clashes between Iranian forces and US vessels have been taking place in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported.
The Tasnim news agency later cited an Iranian military source saying the situation had calmed, but warning more clashes were possible “if Americans try to enter the Gulf again and cause trouble for Iranian vessels”.
Following earlier reports by Axios, Qatari prime minister sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani has arrived in Washington DC for meetings with US officials.
Hamad al-Muftah, the deputy chief of mission for the Qatari embassy in Washington, posted a photo of the prime minister’s arrival on X.
World peace is ‘endangered by international tensions’, says pope
Pope Leo asked that God would inspire world leaders to calm global tensions and reduce hatred in an address to mark his first anniversary as head of the Catholic Church, a day after he met US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the Vatican.
Leo, who has drawn the ire of US president Donald Trump after criticising the Iran war, asked worshippers on Friday to pray that global governments would turn away from violence.
In a visit to Pompei, a modern city about 245km south of Rome near the famed ruins of a volcanic eruption, the pope said he would join their prayers that God would begin “touching hearts, calming rancour and fratricidal hatreds, and enlightening those who have special responsibilities of government”.
Leo, the first US pope, held talks with Rubio on Thursday in an atmosphere of tension with Washington as Trump has repeatedly disparaged the pontiff on social media.
The Vatican said afterwards that the two had pledged to improve their bilateral relations, in what insiders said was an unusual recognition of unprecedented tensions.
The US embassy to the Holy See said on X after the meeting that Leo and Rubio had discussed “topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere”.
In his message to thousands in Pompei’s main square on Friday, the pontiff lamented that world peace is “endangered by international tensions and by an economy that prefers the arms trade to respect for human life”.
He urged people not to become accustomed to war.
“We cannot resign ourselves to the images of death that the news shows us every day,” Leo said. – Reuters
Iranian spokesman warns against ‘adventurism and roguish behaviour’
In a post on X, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned against “adventurism and roguish behaviour” following reported US military attacks on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said: “Scheming and naive euphemisms such as ‘a light slap’ can do nothing to erase the profound disgrace born of narcissism, greed, reckless miscalculation, and lawless irresponsibility.”
“The consequences of this whimsical adventurism and roguish behaviour have now become clear to the entire world. Disjointed, delusional tweets no longer hold any sway over reality – though, as ever, “the deeper they sink into folly, the more inventive they become in justifying it.” – The Guardian
Iran enters 70th day of internet blackout
The internet blackout in Iran has entered its 70th day, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, as the regime continues one of the longest-running national internet shutdowns ever recorded.
NetBlocks said in a social media post: “Today marks the 70th day of Iran’s internet blackout, with the incident now surpassing 1656 hours. Digital connectivity is vital in times of crisis, and limiting service harms those most in need – people with disabilities, students, small businesses and the general public.”
Senior government officials are awarded “white” Sim cards granting them access to the global internet while the vast majority of the population remains completely cut off.
Under pressure to alleviate the economic harm the shutdown is causing, the government has been allowing less-restricted internet access to a small number of professions, businesses and regime-friendly journalists.
There was an earlier internet shutdown in January during nationwide protests, which helped obscure extreme violence against Iran’s population. – The Guardian
US vice-president JD Vance is in a meeting with the prime minister of Qatar to discuss the negotiations with Iran, Axios reported on Friday. – Reuters
Friday afternoon recap
At least five killed in Israeli raids on Lebanon
Lebanon’s national news agency is reporting that Israeli warplanes launched a series of raids targeting southern Lebanese towns and villages this afternoon.
At least five people were killed in the attacks, according to the report.
The Israeli military, which is continuing to issue evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon, said earlier that Hizbullah had launched rockets and mortar bombs toward its forces in southern Lebanon.
The renewed Israeli war on Lebanon started when Hizbullah launched missiles at Israel on March 2nd after the US-Israeli bombing of Iran in late February.
In its latest update, the Lebanese health ministry said since March 2nd, Israeli attacks have killed at least 2,727 people in Lebanon, including many women and children.
Israel has also established a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon where Israeli troops are active, comprising at least 55 villages. – The Guardian
US forces strike two empty Iranian oil tankers, Central Command says
The US military struck two empty Iranian-flagged oil tankers on Friday that it said were seeking to violate the ongoing US 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.
Clashes between Iranian armed forces and US vessels in Strait of Hormuz
According to Iran’s Fars news, there has been sporadic clashes between Iranian armed forces and US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. – Reuters
Explosion heard near Strait of Hormuz
Mehr reports an explosion was heard in Iran’s Sirik, near the Strait of Hormuz.
It said reasons for the explosion are unknown. – Reuters
Suspected oil spill seen near Iran’s Kharg Island
A suspected oil spill covering dozens of square kilometres of sea near Iran’s main oil hub of Kharg Island has been seen on satellite imagery this week.
The likely spill – appearing on images as a grey and white slick – covered waters to the west of the 8km-long island, pictures from Copernicus’s Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 satellites showed on May 6th to 8th.
“The slick appears visually consistent with oil,” said Leon Moreland, researcher at the Conflict and Environment Observatory, who estimated that it was covering an area of approximately 45sq km.
Louis Goddard, co-founder of consultancy Data Desk, which focuses on climate and commodities, agreed that the images likely showed an oil slick, which he said was potentially the largest to occur since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran 70 days ago.
The US military and Iran’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the images.
The cause of the possible spill and the point of origin are currently unknown, Moreland added, noting that images from May 8th showed no evidence of additional active spills. – Reuters
Iran still weighing up answer to US proposals
According to the Tasnim news agency, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Tehran is still weighing its answer to the US proposals. – Reuters
The US said on Wednesday that Iran had 48 hours to respond, which is today.
‘If they threaten Americans they are going to get blown up’, says Rubio
Asked by a reporter if the US has communicated any “red lines” to Iran in their proposal, Marco Rubio replied: “Well the red line is clear, if they threaten Americans they are going to get blown up. How much clearer can you be than that?”
“We are not going to let our ships get sunk by the Iranians with their drones that they are firing,” the secretary of state said.
“They don’t have a Navy any more but they bring out these little Boston whaler fishing boats and they try to swarm you. We are going to blow those boats up if they are coming towards our boats. I don’t know if that is a red line but I hope they know it is by now.” – The Guardian
A local governor told Mehr news agency that 10 crew members have been injured and five are missing after the Iranian commercial ship was attacked by the US navy on Thursday near the Strait of Hormuz. – Reuters
‘Only stupid countries don’t shoot back when you’re shot at, and we’re not a stupid country’, says Rubio
If Nato allies refuse permission to use US bases to project force, “that’s a problem and has to be examined”, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said.
“I said publicly, and I’ve said repeatedly, I’ve been a strong supporter of Nato throughout my career in the Senate and even now, and one of the advantages of being in Nato is that it allows us to have forces deployed in Europe and bases that allow us a logistical ability to project power in case of contingencies.
“We had a contingency and some countries in Europe, some countries in Europe like Spain as an example, denied us the use of those bases for a very important contingency that in some ways, the denial of those bases actually impeded the mission, not severely but had a cost and in fact, even created some unnecessary dangers.”
He said the US “shot back” at Iran to respond to its attacks.
“What if you fire a drone or a missile at our destroyer, what are we supposed to do? Let it hit it? We have to respond to it. We have to knock down the missile. We have to knock out whatever it is that launched that missile. The alternative is to let it sink one of our ships. That’s crazy.”
“Of course, we fired back at them. They were shooting at us. That’s what I would expect to do. Only stupid countries don’t shoot back when you’re shot at, and we’re not a stupid country ... If you fire on, if you are a missile launching guy, whatever they call that job, and you’re sitting there, and you fire a missile at the United States, and we saw you fire it, we’re going to hit you,” he said.
Rubio praises ‘very positive’ talks with Pope Leo
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said, after his meeting with Pope Leo, “there’s a lot that we work together with the church, and we talked about those areas, that ultimately it’s important. ... There’s a lot that we work together with the church and we talked about those areas that we’re working together on different parts of the world.
“I know everyone’s interested in the other aspects of it, but I ... updated them on the situation with Iran, expressed our point of view about why this was an important and the danger that Iran poses to the world, which is largely recognised.”
He said Leo is “a spiritual leader, first and foremost,” and understandably argued the case for peace, but he said the meeting overall was “very cordial” and “very positive,” recognising the church’s role as “an important global institution.” – The Guardian
US will not negotiate with Iran over Hizbullah, says Rubio
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, after meeting with the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, said the reasons why Lebanon “faces violence” is because of the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hizbullah.
He said the US wants to empower and “equip” the Lebanese government to confront the “threat” of Hizbullah.
He said Italy is among the countries that can play a role in helping “equip” the government and cutting off the financing that supports Hizbullah.
Rubio said Hizbullah is still capable of” “inflicting damage” even though it has been “weakened”.
“We are not going to negotiate with Iran over Hizbullah.”
“I think our role is with the Lebanese government,” he said.
“Lebanon should be governed by the Lebanese government. It should not have a terrorist group operating within its national territory that poses a threat both to its own people – including the Shia population – and to the government and to Israel and to its other neighbours.” – The Guardian
US expect Iran response to proposal to end war today
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that the US should get a response on Friday from Iran to its proposal to end the war.
“We’ll see what the response entails. The hope is it’s something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation,” Rubio, told reporters in Rome on Friday. – Reuters
Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon possibly extended by up to two years due to strikes, says US think tank
Israeli and US strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites have set back Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon, potentially extending the timeline to build one by nine months to two years, according to the Institute for Science and International Security.
In a report published this week, the Washington-based think tank said it identified at least six nuclear sites that were attacked since the war began on February 28th, including uranium enrichment facilities.
It said before US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s key nuclear sites in June 2025, Tehran could have built a non-missile deliverable nuclear weapon with almost 100 per cent certainty in less than six months.
Describing the situation now, it said: It [Iran] will face a much more difficult struggle towards success if it tries in the coming months, and the probability of succeeding, whether it be in nine months, one year, or two years, is now much less technically certain, and significantly less than 100 per cent. – The Guardian
US forces preventing 70 tankers from entering or leaving Iranian ports
In a post on X, the US Central Command said there are currently more than 70 tankers that US forces are preventing from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
These commercial ships have the capacity to transport over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil worth an estimated $13 billion-plus.
Three people injured in UAE following missile and drone attacks
Three people have been injured, confirmed the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence in a post on X, as its air defences have engaged with two ballistic missiles and three drones from Iran on Friday. – Reuters
Iran condemns moves by US navy
Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned moves by the US navy against two Iranian tankers as aggressive acts and violations of the truce, according to Iranian state media.
In a post on X, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said: “Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure. Is it a crude pressure tactic? Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?”
“Whatever the causes, outcome is the same: Iranian’s never bow to pressure,” Araghchi added. – Reuters
Meloni meets Rubio as Iran war strains Italy-US ties
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni met US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Friday at a moment of unusual strain between her government and president Donald Trump’s administration, driven largely by the war with Iran.
Rubio is in Italy for a two-day trip aimed at easing ties with Pope Leo after unprecedented attacks on the pontiff by Trump, while also addressing Washington’s frustration over Italy’s refusal to support the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Before heading to the prime minister’s office, Rubio met Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, who said the talks had been positive.
“I am convinced that Europe needs America, Italy needs America, but the United States also needs Europe and Italy,” Tajani told reporters.
Meloni and Rubio were expected to discuss the situation in the Gulf, as well as Russia’s war on Ukraine, US tariffs on European goods and the outlook for Cuba, which Washington is seeking to isolate both diplomatically and economically. – Reuters
Pakistan, Iran and Singapore discuss repatriating crew members on ships seized by US
The Pakistani foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, said he spoke with his Iranian and Singaporean counterparts about repatriating crew members on ships seized by the US.
He asked the Singaporean foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, for help repatriating “11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers, aboard vessels seized by US authorities and currently near Singaporean waters”, Dar wrote in a post on X, without specifying which ships the crew were on.
He said he also spoke to Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and that they “remain in close co-ordination on the matter”.
“Pakistan also stands ready to facilitate the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistan,” he added.
US special forces boarded a stateless oil tanker in the Indian Ocean last month, which the Pentagon claimed was carrying Iranian crude oil. – The Guardian
Iran seizes oil tanker Ocean Koi
Iran has seized the oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman over an alleged attempt to disrupt Iran’s oil exports, Iranian state media said, quoting an army statement.
It said the Barbados-flagged tanker was carrying Iranian oil and “was trying to harm and disrupt oil exports ... by exploiting regional conditions”.
The oil tanker – which has been under US sanctions since February – was escorted to the southern coast of Iran and handed over to the judicial authorities, according to state media.
The seizure came after US and Iranian forces clashed in the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. – Reuters
Aer Lingus chief says it has enough fuel for summer flights
Aer Lingus says it will have enough fuel for the summer but is reviewing costs after losses almost doubled to €103 million in the first three months of this year, reports Barry O’Halloran.
Fears of jet fuel shortages have been growing after some airlines axed services following the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, which squeezed global oil supplies.
Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton confirmed on Friday the Irish carrier was confident it would have enough fuel to operate its summer schedule.
Click here, to read the full article.
More than half of Lebanese people surviving on humanitarian aid
More than three million people in Lebanon are surviving on humanitarian aid, according to the EU commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Hadja Lahbib.
That equates to more than half of the country’s population, Lahbib told reporters today after meeting the Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, in Beirut.
She said the EU has provided €100 million in aid to Lebanon, but this barely scratches the surface in meeting growing humanitarian needs.
Last month, the Lebanese minister for social affairs, Hanin Sayyed, said if war and displacement continues, the country will need $1 billion (about €849.8 million) “to just keep the humanitarian situation afloat”. – The Guardian
Israel issues further evacuation orders in Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued another warning ordering people in seven towns and villages in Nabatieh and southern Lebanese district of Tyre to flee their homes as the Israeli military prepares to launch further strikes.
The IDF has issued such orders almost everyday since the ceasefire began. – The Guardian
Rescue worker killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon
In Lebanon, the country’s civil defence agency said one of its rescue workers was killed in an Israeli strike this morning as he was travelling between two towns in the south.
It is a further sign of a disintegrating ceasefire that took effect on April 17th, with Israel and Hizbullah continuing to trade blows and the Israeli military forcing people out of their homes in dozens of towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese civil defence said their rescuer was killed “as a result of an Israeli strike that targeted him” on a road between Rachaya al-Foukhar and Kfar Shouba in Nabatieh district.
The Israeli military has not commented on the report.
Since the war began in Lebanon on March 2nd, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had “verified 152 attacks on healthcare that resulted in 103 deaths and 241 injuries”, WHO’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Wednesday. – The Guardian
EU to clarify airlines can use Jet-A fuel amid Hormuz block
The European Union is set to clarify that the Continent’s airlines are allowed to use a type of jet fuel more commonly consumed in the US to help them cope with the loss of supply caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
It will also confirm that ticket prices can’t be increased after sale.
Airlines 4 Europe, a trade association representing the likes of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Air France-KLM and British Airways owner IAG SA, previously asked the EU to allow imports and use of Jet A-type fuel used predominantly in the US into the bloc, according to a document seen by Bloomberg. The norm in Europe is fuel type A1.
The EU’s clarification may potentially encourage more shipments of jet fuel from the US into the region.
The bloc’s executive will also say that the price of a ticket that’s been sold cannot be increased retroactively, while reminding the industry of air passenger rights for all types of cancellations.
The commission will also inform airlines that existing rules allow for flexibility over airport slots.
“No jet fuel shortages have been reported across the EU,” the document says. – Bloomberg
South Korea begins investigation into ship fire in Strait of Hormuz
South Korea’s oceans ministry said government investigators had started examining the cause of an explosion and fire aboard a Korean-operated vessel amid uncertainty over whether it had been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
The spokesperson said it was to early to estimate when the investigation would conclude.
The ship suffered an explosion and fire in the engine-room area on Monday while anchored near the United Arab Emirates, according to the company and Seoul officials.
All 24 crew members were unharmed.
US president Donald Trump said Iran had fired at the South Korean vessel and urged South Korea to join US-led efforts to secure shipping through the strait.
South Korea’s presidential office said on Wednesday it had suspended a review of whether to join the US escort operation, dubbed “Project Freedom”, after Trump put the plan on hold.
Iran’s embassy in South Korea denied responsibility, saying it “firmly rejects and categorically denies” allegations that Iranian armed forces were involved in damage to the vessel.
Iran’s state-run Press TV later carried commentary suggesting a South Korean vessel had been targeted, but the Iranian embassy said the article was outside commentary and did not represent Tehran’s official position.
South Korea has said it is keeping all possibilities open, including whether the damage was caused by an external attack or an internal malfunction, while prioritising fact-finding before deciding any response. – Reuters
‘Trust me bro’: Iran mocks Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’
When US president Donald Trump abruptly pulled the plug on “Project Freedom”, the scheme to open the Strait of Hormuz, barely a day after it had been announced, he gave the impression that an opportunity for a peace deal had materialised that could not be missed, writes Julian Borger.
To the surprise of nobody who has been following the US’s recent adventures in geopolitics, Trump’s spin concealed a lot of the underlying reality. It turns out that Trump suspended Project Freedom after Saudi Arabia stopped the US military from using its bases or airspace to carry out the operation, which involved giving air cover to commercial shipping sailing through the strait.
There are different versions of why this happened. NBC News, which first reported the Saudi action, suggested it was because Riyadh, and other Gulf capitals, were not informed beforehand.
For the full article, read here.
World food prices rise in April for third consecutive month
World 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 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation said.
The FAO Food Price Index, which measures changes in a basket of globally traded food commodities, averaged 130.7 points in April, up 1.6 per cent 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, six per cent above levels seen a year ago. – Reuters
Message from the Editor
Oil tanker arrived in South Korea after passing through Strait of Hormuz
An oil tanker that passed through the Strait of Hormuz arrived in South Korea on Friday – the first such vessel to reach the Asian nation by that route since Iran declared the critical waterway closed.
The arrival of the Malta-flagged Odessa, carrying one million barrels of crude oil, will likely ease Seoul’s concerns over energy security as the war in the Middle East drags on.
The hulking vessel was spotted around 10am (1am Irish time) near a mooring facility off the coast of Seosan, AFP reports.
Its arrival is expected to help stabilise supply, securing crude equivalent to nearly half of South Korea’s daily oil consumption, industry sources said.
Its cargo will undergo refining before being supplied to the market as petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel, the sources said.
The Odessa passed through the Hormuz strait on April 17th, a source said, during a brief reprieve in the blockade. – The Guardian
Oil prices rise by two per cent
Oil prices climbed and stocks across Asia fell on Friday after the United States said it had struck Iranian military sites in retaliation for Iran firing on US warships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The price of Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, rose two per cent, to about $102 (€86.84) a barrel. – The New York Times
Trump calls Iranian leaders ‘lunatics’
Iran’s leadership has been branded “lunatics” by Donald Trump after three US destroyers were targeted by missiles, drones and small boats in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military said the “unprovoked” attacks were successfully intercepted and none of the warships were hit.
In response, strikes were carried out against the “Iranian military facilities responsible”, including launch sites and command and control centres.
US headquarters said it did not seek escalation but “remains positioned and ready to protect American forces”.
Following the exchange, Trump warned Tehran that the US would “knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently” if they did not sign a deal to end the conflict “fast”.
Iranian state media said the country’s armed forces had exchanged fire with “the enemy” on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, while explosions were also reported elsewhere.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, the US president said: “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. They were completely destroyed along with numerous small boats, which are being used to take the place of their fully decapitated Navy.”
He added: “A normal country would have allowed these Destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal country.
“They are led by LUNATICS, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question – But they’ll never have that opportunity and, 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!” – PA
UAE dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran
The United Arab Emirates said its air defences were dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran, early this morning.
The country’s defence ministry also said on X that “the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones”.
Iran has targeted the Gulf nation with thousands of drones and hundreds of missiles since the war began in late February, with most intercepted. – The Guardian
Trump insists ceasefire still in effect
Even after the United States and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, president Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire was still in effect and dismissed the Iranian attacks as a mere “trifle.”
“They trifled with us today,” Trump told reporters as he made an unannounced visit to the site of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, which he is renovating. He was visiting shortly after the US military confirmed the strikes on Iranian military sites. “We blew them away. They trifled – I call that a trifle.”
The president then asserted the world would know when the United States considered the ceasefire over.
“If there’s no ceasefire, you’re not going to have to know,” he added. “You’re just going to have to look at one big glow coming out of Iran. And they better sign their agreement fast.”
He was referring to the deal made in a one-page proposal from the United States that would have both sides reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting for 30 days while they work on a comprehensive deal.
Trump’s effort on Thursday to minimise the outbreak of violence comes as he tries to keep a lid on the most serious crisis of his presidency – a war in Iran that has lasted longer than he predicted and has caused growing political problems at home.
Asked whether Iran has responded to the one-page proposal, Trump said that it was “more than a one-page offer,” and provided an overview about the agreement’s sticking points.
“It’s an offer that basically said they will not have nuclear weapons,” he said. “They’re going to hand us the nuclear dust and many other things that we want.”
When asked whether they had agreed to that, he said yes, but added: “When they agree, it doesn’t mean much, because the next day they forget.” – The New York Times
US strikes military targets in Iran after navy destroyers attacked
The US struck military targets in Iran overnight after the country fired on three navy destroyers sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, an escalation that threatened to fracture a fragile ceasefire and reignite hostilities even as the two sides say they are discussing an end to the war.
Iran’s assault on three US warships involved “multiple missiles, drones and small boats”, a US Central Command statement said on Thursday evening, US time, adding “no US assets were struck”.
US forces responded by eliminating “inbound threats” and targeting Iranian missile and drone launch sites, command and control locations and intelligence facilities that were deemed “responsible for attacking US forces”, it said.
The latest clash heightens tensions in the region as the US attempts to exit a war now in its third month. The Trump administration has been waiting for Iran to respond to its proposal to reopen the strait and end the conflict, which has killed thousands of people and triggered a global energy crisis.
“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!” US president Donald Trump said in a social media post.
Iran’s leaders have not yet indicated whether they will accept the terms of the offer, though they have shown little sign of yielding on their nuclear programme or accepting a moratorium on enriching uranium – both top US demands.
In a bid to ease the crisis, the US president had announced “Project Freedom”, an initiative to help ships transit the strait, before abruptly suspending it. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on the US military’s ability to use regional bases, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, a move that could allow the Trump administration to restart the effort to ease traffic through the strait.
A US Central Command official referred questions about the reporting on the bases to the Saudi and Kuwaiti governments. Asked whether Project Freedom would be restarted, the official declined to speculate. The Kuwaiti and Saudi embassies did not respond to requests for comment. – Bloomberg
