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THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 30, 2026, 05:27:38 IST
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US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Hezbollah says it carried out 22 operations targeting Israeli soldiers, military infra
US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and starting talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to Axios.
However, US President Donald Trump is yet to give final approval to the deal, Axios reported, citing two US officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts.
This comes as tensions in the Middle East intensified on Thursday after Iranian media reported fresh confrontations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including warning shots fired at vessels and an alleged exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces near Bandar Abbas.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that four vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and enter the Persian Gulf were forced to turn back after allegedly failing to coordinate with Iranian authorities. According to an 'informed military source' cited by Tasnim, Iranian naval forces initially issued warnings before firing warning shots when the vessels ignored instructions.
In another development, Tasnim claimed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navy fired on a US tanker that allegedly attempted to transit the strategic waterway with its radar system switched off. Iranian media further reported that US forces responded by firing at a 'scorched area' near Bandar Abbas, with explosions reportedly heard in the port city. Iranian authorities said there were no casualties or property damage.
The incidents came shortly after the United States Treasury Department added Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its sanctions list. The body had been created by Tehran to manage transit requests through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and gas chokepoints. The Trump administration said the move formed part of wider efforts to increase economic pressure on Iran during ongoing peace negotiations.
At a cabinet meeting, US President Donald Trump reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain 'open to everybody', describing it as international waters. Trump also stressed that the United States would only agree to a 'great deal' with Tehran and warned that Washington could 'finish the job' if negotiations failed.
The latest developments underline the increasingly fragile state of the diplomatic process despite signals from both sides that they remain open to negotiations. The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has already disrupted global energy markets and heightened fears of a broader regional war involving Lebanon and the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, Israel intensified operations in southern Lebanon, issuing fresh evacuation orders for residents south of the Zahrani River and warning of possible military action against Hezbollah targets. In Gaza, casualties continued to rise following fresh Israeli strikes.
Global markets remain highly sensitive to any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Oil prices rose again after reports of new military exchanges near the waterway, while concerns over inflation and global energy supplies continue to weigh on investors and governments worldwide.
Key developments:
However, US President Donald Trump is yet to give final approval to the deal, Axios reported, citing two US officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts.
This comes as tensions in the Middle East intensified on Thursday after Iranian media reported fresh confrontations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including warning shots fired at vessels and an alleged exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces near Bandar Abbas.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that four vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and enter the Persian Gulf were forced to turn back after allegedly failing to coordinate with Iranian authorities. According to an 'informed military source' cited by Tasnim, Iranian naval forces initially issued warnings before firing warning shots when the vessels ignored instructions.
In another development, Tasnim claimed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navy fired on a US tanker that allegedly attempted to transit the strategic waterway with its radar system switched off. Iranian media further reported that US forces responded by firing at a 'scorched area' near Bandar Abbas, with explosions reportedly heard in the port city. Iranian authorities said there were no casualties or property damage.
The incidents came shortly after the United States Treasury Department added Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its sanctions list. The body had been created by Tehran to manage transit requests through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and gas chokepoints. The Trump administration said the move formed part of wider efforts to increase economic pressure on Iran during ongoing peace negotiations.
At a cabinet meeting, US President Donald Trump reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain 'open to everybody', describing it as international waters. Trump also stressed that the United States would only agree to a 'great deal' with Tehran and warned that Washington could 'finish the job' if negotiations failed.
The latest developments underline the increasingly fragile state of the diplomatic process despite signals from both sides that they remain open to negotiations. The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has already disrupted global energy markets and heightened fears of a broader regional war involving Lebanon and the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, Israel intensified operations in southern Lebanon, issuing fresh evacuation orders for residents south of the Zahrani River and warning of possible military action against Hezbollah targets. In Gaza, casualties continued to rise following fresh Israeli strikes.
Global markets remain highly sensitive to any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Oil prices rose again after reports of new military exchanges near the waterway, while concerns over inflation and global energy supplies continue to weigh on investors and governments worldwide.
Key developments:
- Iranian media claimed four vessels were forced to turn back after warning shots near the Strait of Hormuz.
- US imposed sanctions on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
- Tasnim reported an exchange of fire between Iranian and US forces near Bandar Abbas.
- Donald Trump insisted the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and warned Iran over negotiations.
- Israel issued new evacuation orders in southern Lebanon amid intensified operations against Hezbollah.
09:10 (IST) May 29
Iran war news: Iran shoots down US drone near Bushehr amid fresh Gulf tensions
Iran’s air defences were activated late Thursday night in the southern province of Bushehr after what Iranian media described as an “invading” US drone entered the area, escalating tensions in the Gulf region amid continuing hostilities between Tehran and Washington.
According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iranian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed the drone using missiles near Bushehr. The semi-official Fars news agency also reported that Iran’s armed forces launched missiles at unspecified targets from the country’s southern regions, while local sources suggested possible clashes in the Gulf waters.
Separately, Mehr news agency said Iranian forces fired warning shots at four vessels near the Strait of Hormuz for allegedly attempting to cross the strategic waterway without coordination with Iranian authorities.
According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iranian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed the drone using missiles near Bushehr. The semi-official Fars news agency also reported that Iran’s armed forces launched missiles at unspecified targets from the country’s southern regions, while local sources suggested possible clashes in the Gulf waters.
Separately, Mehr news agency said Iranian forces fired warning shots at four vessels near the Strait of Hormuz for allegedly attempting to cross the strategic waterway without coordination with Iranian authorities.
08:57 (IST) May 29
Israel-Iran war: Netanyahu orders major Gaza expansion; claims Israel moving to seize 70% of strip
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he has directed the country’s military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip, stating that Israel aims to take control of 70 per cent of the territory in a phased operation.
Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently control around 60 per cent of Gaza, up from 50 per cent earlier. “We are now in 60 per cent of the territory of the Gaza Strip. We were at 50 per cent. We moved to 60 per cent. My directive is to move to... first of all 70,” CNN reported quoting Netanyahu.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as expanding Israeli control could force nearly two million Palestinians into increasingly smaller areas of the besieged enclave. Earlier reports cited by CNN said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had already shared maps with aid agencies showing control over nearly 64 per cent of Gaza.
Under the October 2025 ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces had withdrawn to a demarcation known as the “yellow line,” leaving them in control of about 53 per cent of the territory. Hamas, however, accused Israel of violating the agreement by shifting the line and attempting to impose “new facts on the ground” to entrench military control over Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel continued targeting Hamas leadership in the enclave. The IDF said it eliminated Muhammad Odeh, the newly appointed leader of Hamas’s military wing and one of the alleged architects of the October 7 attacks, in a strike carried out on the instructions of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Odeh had recently replaced Ezzedine al-Haddad, who was killed in an earlier Israeli strike in Gaza.
Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently control around 60 per cent of Gaza, up from 50 per cent earlier. “We are now in 60 per cent of the territory of the Gaza Strip. We were at 50 per cent. We moved to 60 per cent. My directive is to move to... first of all 70,” CNN reported quoting Netanyahu.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as expanding Israeli control could force nearly two million Palestinians into increasingly smaller areas of the besieged enclave. Earlier reports cited by CNN said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had already shared maps with aid agencies showing control over nearly 64 per cent of Gaza.
Under the October 2025 ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces had withdrawn to a demarcation known as the “yellow line,” leaving them in control of about 53 per cent of the territory. Hamas, however, accused Israel of violating the agreement by shifting the line and attempting to impose “new facts on the ground” to entrench military control over Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel continued targeting Hamas leadership in the enclave. The IDF said it eliminated Muhammad Odeh, the newly appointed leader of Hamas’s military wing and one of the alleged architects of the October 7 attacks, in a strike carried out on the instructions of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Odeh had recently replaced Ezzedine al-Haddad, who was killed in an earlier Israeli strike in Gaza.
08:26 (IST) May 29
Iran war news: Indian-bound oil tanker clears Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions
An oil tanker carrying petroleum for India has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is headed towards Visakhapatnam, according to maritime tracking platforms. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, Nissos Keros, departed Shajrah on May 21 and was reported in the Northern Arabian Sea off India’s west coast at around 6 am IST on Friday.
The tanker is expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on June 3. The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait, through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass. Iran’s IRNA news agency said the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy allowed 23 commercial vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, to transit the waterway in the previous 24 hours after “formal coordination” with Iranian naval authorities.
Iran recently announced the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), even as the United Nations maintains that charging transit fees in international waters is illegal. The United States has demanded that Tehran restore unrestricted navigation through the Strait, accusing Iran of mining the passage and attacking vessels following US involvement in Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that “the Strait is going to be open to everybody” and also threatened action against Oman if it entered into any arrangement with Tehran regarding transit fees. According to International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, nearly 1,500 ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the ongoing crisis.
The tanker is expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on June 3. The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait, through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass. Iran’s IRNA news agency said the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy allowed 23 commercial vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, to transit the waterway in the previous 24 hours after “formal coordination” with Iranian naval authorities.
Iran recently announced the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), even as the United Nations maintains that charging transit fees in international waters is illegal. The United States has demanded that Tehran restore unrestricted navigation through the Strait, accusing Iran of mining the passage and attacking vessels following US involvement in Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that “the Strait is going to be open to everybody” and also threatened action against Oman if it entered into any arrangement with Tehran regarding transit fees. According to International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, nearly 1,500 ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the ongoing crisis.
08:14 (IST) May 29
US Iran war news: Iran’s Bagheri kani holds high-level talks with Egyptian, Brazilian officials in Moscow
Senior Iranian political figure and former interim foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani held separate meetings with top officials from Brazil and Egypt in Moscow, amid continuing diplomatic engagements over regional developments in West Asia.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Bagheri Kani met Celso Amorim, the chief foreign policy adviser to the Brazilian president, to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia as well as the expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Brasília. He also held talks with a senior official from Egypt’s National Security Council, signalling continued diplomatic outreach between Iran and key regional and global players.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Bagheri Kani met Celso Amorim, the chief foreign policy adviser to the Brazilian president, to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia as well as the expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Brasília. He also held talks with a senior official from Egypt’s National Security Council, signalling continued diplomatic outreach between Iran and key regional and global players.
07:15 (IST) May 29
US expands pressure campaign against Iran's petrochemical sector
The United States has designated three entities and one individual in connection with trade in Iranian-origin petrochemical products. Officials say the action is part of a broader effort to curb revenue streams that fund the IRGC and Iran's military apparatus.
07:01 (IST) May 29
US says pressure brought Iran to nuclear talks
Claiming a breakthrough in its Iran policy, the Trump administration said its military and economic pressure campaign has forced Tehran to engage on its nuclear programme, a subject Washington has long struggled to address.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the talks reflected a significant change in Iran's stance, arguing that President Trump's approach had succeeded where previous administrations fell short.
"President Trump has done something no other administration was able to do," Bessent said. "We have gotten the Iranians to talk about their nuclear programme and potentially commit to forgoing it."
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the talks reflected a significant change in Iran's stance, arguing that President Trump's approach had succeeded where previous administrations fell short.
"President Trump has done something no other administration was able to do," Bessent said. "We have gotten the Iranians to talk about their nuclear programme and potentially commit to forgoing it."
06:21 (IST) May 29
‘Kinetic action, economic pressure brought Iran to table’: Bessent
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration’s “kinetic actions and economic pressure” had pushed Iran into negotiations over its nuclear programme.
“This administration, President Trump, has done something that no other administration was able to do. We have gotten the Iranians to talk about their nuclear programme,” Bessent told reporters at the White House.
He added that any future agreement would depend on President Donald Trump and would require Iran to hand over its highly enriched uranium, abandon nuclear weapons ambitions and ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open,” Bessent said.
His remarks came amid reports that US and Iranian negotiators had reached a tentative 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the fragile ceasefire and paving the way for formal nuclear talks.
“This administration, President Trump, has done something that no other administration was able to do. We have gotten the Iranians to talk about their nuclear programme,” Bessent told reporters at the White House.
He added that any future agreement would depend on President Donald Trump and would require Iran to hand over its highly enriched uranium, abandon nuclear weapons ambitions and ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open,” Bessent said.
His remarks came amid reports that US and Iranian negotiators had reached a tentative 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the fragile ceasefire and paving the way for formal nuclear talks.
05:48 (IST) May 29
UKMTO lowers Gulf of Oman threat level; Hormuz Strait remains ‘critical’
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has lowered its threat assessment for the Gulf of Oman from “critical” to “severe”, while maintaining the Strait of Hormuz at a “critical” threat level amid continuing regional tensions.
In its latest advisory, the UKMTO said naval presence and enforcement activity across the region remain elevated despite no security-related incidents being reported over the past 48 hours.
The organisation noted that ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains “significantly reduced”. Only three vessels transited the waterway on Wednesday and seven on Tuesday, compared with the pre-conflict daily average of around 138 ships.
The advisory also warned that risks linked to the mining of shipping routes and interference with satellite navigation systems continue to persist in and around the strait.
In its latest advisory, the UKMTO said naval presence and enforcement activity across the region remain elevated despite no security-related incidents being reported over the past 48 hours.
The organisation noted that ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains “significantly reduced”. Only three vessels transited the waterway on Wednesday and seven on Tuesday, compared with the pre-conflict daily average of around 138 ships.
The advisory also warned that risks linked to the mining of shipping routes and interference with satellite navigation systems continue to persist in and around the strait.
05:11 (IST) May 29
Kuwait, UAE condemn ‘Iranian aggressions’ after missile interception
Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Friday condemned what they described as “Iranian aggressions” targeting Kuwait following reports of a ballistic missile launch linked to escalating regional tensions.
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah held a phone conversation with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan after what Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry called the “sinful Iranian aggressions that targeted the State of Kuwait”.
“Both sides affirmed the full right of the State of Kuwait to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty, maintain its security and stability, and protect its people and residents on its territory,” the ministry said in a statement.
The remarks came after the US military said a ballistic missile launched towards Kuwait from Iran had been “successfully intercepted”.
While Iran did not directly confirm targeting Kuwait, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck a base used by US forces in response to recent American attacks near the Strait of Hormuz.
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah held a phone conversation with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan after what Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry called the “sinful Iranian aggressions that targeted the State of Kuwait”.
“Both sides affirmed the full right of the State of Kuwait to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty, maintain its security and stability, and protect its people and residents on its territory,” the ministry said in a statement.
The remarks came after the US military said a ballistic missile launched towards Kuwait from Iran had been “successfully intercepted”.
While Iran did not directly confirm targeting Kuwait, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck a base used by US forces in response to recent American attacks near the Strait of Hormuz.
04:45 (IST) May 29
US denies Iranian claim of downed aircraft near Bushehr
The US military on Friday denied Iranian state media reports claiming that an American aircraft had been shot down near Bushehr province in southern Iran.
Iranian state television earlier reported that a US aircraft was destroyed in Jam governorate in Bushehr, citing local governor Masoud Tangestani.
Responding to the claim, the US Central Command said all American aircraft were accounted for.
“No U.S. aircraft were shot down. All U.S. air assets are accounted for,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
Iranian state television earlier reported that a US aircraft was destroyed in Jam governorate in Bushehr, citing local governor Masoud Tangestani.
Responding to the claim, the US Central Command said all American aircraft were accounted for.
“No U.S. aircraft were shot down. All U.S. air assets are accounted for,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
04:42 (IST) May 29
US imposes fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s ‘illicit oil revenue’
The US Treasury Department on Thursday announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting what it described as Iran’s “illicit oil revenue” network, focusing on vessels and companies allegedly involved in the country’s military-linked oil trade.
The sanctions target eight vessels accused of transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, including the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Flora, the Comoros-flagged crude oil tanker Hauncayo, and the Panama-flagged tanker Ill Gap.
More than 15 entities were also sanctioned, including Hong Kong-based Worth Seen Energy Limited and Mehdiyev Trading Co, as well as Dubai-based Symphony Shipping and Maritime Management Inc.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said easing sanctions on Iran was “not on the table” unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and Tehran agrees to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile.
The sanctions target eight vessels accused of transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, including the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Flora, the Comoros-flagged crude oil tanker Hauncayo, and the Panama-flagged tanker Ill Gap.
More than 15 entities were also sanctioned, including Hong Kong-based Worth Seen Energy Limited and Mehdiyev Trading Co, as well as Dubai-based Symphony Shipping and Maritime Management Inc.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said easing sanctions on Iran was “not on the table” unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and Tehran agrees to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile.
04:20 (IST) May 29
US, Iran made 'a lot of progress' towards deal: Vance
While giving and update on of the deal would be signed by Trump, Vance added, ""Hopefully, we'll continue to make progress and the president will be in a position where he can endorse the agreement, but obviously that's still TBD (to be determined)."
03:53 (IST) May 29
Vance says it’s ‘TBD’ whether Trump will sign tentative Iran agreement
US Vice President JD Vance said that it remains “TBD” whether President Donald Trump will sign a tentative memorandum of understanding with Iran, as negotiations continue over key nuclear-related issues.
“I think it’s hard to say exactly when or if the president is going to sign the MOU. We’re going back and forth on a couple of language points,” Vance told reporters at Joint Base Andrews.
Vance said discussions were still ongoing over Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment-related provisions.
“There are a couple of issues on the nuclear stuff, the highly enriched stockpile, and also the question of enrichment,” he said.
While noting that progress had been made, Vance added that the US believes Tehran is “negotiating, at least so far, in good faith.”
03:29 (IST) May 29
Iranian air defences destroy ‘hostile aircraft’ in Bushehr province
Iranian air defences intercepted and destroyed a “hostile aircraft” in the coastal Bushehr province, Iranian media reported, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
“The incident that occurred tonight was related to the destruction of a hostile aircraft,” the semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Jam County governor Masoud Tangestani as saying. “The city is now in a normal situation.”
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that the interception took place within the past hour.
“The incident that occurred tonight was related to the destruction of a hostile aircraft,” the semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Jam County governor Masoud Tangestani as saying. “The city is now in a normal situation.”
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that the interception took place within the past hour.
02:35 (IST) May 29
Iranian forces fire warning shots at vessels near Strait of Hormuz
Iranian armed forces fired warning shots at four vessels near the Strait of Hormuz after they allegedly attempted to pass through the strategic waterway “without coordination”, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported, according to Al Jazeera.
Mehr said the vessels were trying to transit the strait without prior clearance, prompting Iranian forces to open warning fire. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were released.
Mehr said the vessels were trying to transit the strait without prior clearance, prompting Iranian forces to open warning fire. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were released.
01:40 (IST) May 29
Iran fires missiles ‘towards specific targets’
Iran’s armed forces launched missiles from southern Iran towards “specific targets” a short while ago, though the exact destination of the missiles was not immediately clear, as reported by Al Jazeera quote Iranian news agency Fars.
01:05 (IST) May 29
Iran says it seeks world order rejecting ‘hegemony and domination’
Iran on Thursday said it was working towards building a global order that rejects “hegemony and domination”, amid heightened tensions with the US and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a security forum in Moscow, Ali Bagheri, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran’s strategic approach was based on “unity, independence, and resistance”. He also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz “cannot be a source of insecurity for the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
00:26 (IST) May 29
US Treasury Secretary says lifting sanctions not on the table until Strait reopens
“Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open, and the Iranians agree they have to turn over the highly enriched uranium,” he said.
23:53 (IST) May 28
Bessent says US reaffirmed Strait of Hormuz navigation freedom after Oman talks
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that US President Donald Trump “wanted to punctuate freedom of navigation in the Strait” when he made a threat to “blow up” Oman during recent remarks on the Strait of Hormuz.
Bessent added that he spoke with the Omani ambassador, who “assured” him that there are no plans to introduce any tolling mechanism or restrictions in the strategic waterway, reinforcing US concerns over keeping the passage open for global shipping.
23:23 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iranian missile targeting Kuwait 'successfully intercepted'
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday confirmed that a ballistic missile launched from Iran targeted Kuwait during the broader exchange of hostilities between Washington and Tehran amid the fragile ceasefire, adding that the missile was successfully intercepted by Kuwaiti forces.
In a post on X, CENTCOM described the incident as an "egregious ceasefire violation," hours after it stated that multiple aerial threats were launched by the Islamic Republic in the region.
"At 10:17 pm ET on May 27, Iran launched a ballistic missile toward Kuwait that was successfully intercepted by Kuwaiti forces. This egregious ceasefire violation by the Iranian regime occurred hours after Iranian forces launched five one-way attack drones that posed a clear threat in and near the Strait of Hormuz," the post read.
Iran's action on Kuwait came after the US carried out strikes on the Islamic Republic, CBS News reported, citing a US official who described the action as "defensive" and aimed at preserving a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
According to CBS News, US forces shot down four Iranian drones and struck a ground control station in the port city of Bandar Abbas that was preparing to launch a fifth drone.
The official added that despite the latest exchange, the US-Iran ceasefire was still considered to be holding.
Following the strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched early-morning strikes at an American base. However, it did not share the name or provide specific details of the attack.
In a post on X, CENTCOM described the incident as an "egregious ceasefire violation," hours after it stated that multiple aerial threats were launched by the Islamic Republic in the region.
"At 10:17 pm ET on May 27, Iran launched a ballistic missile toward Kuwait that was successfully intercepted by Kuwaiti forces. This egregious ceasefire violation by the Iranian regime occurred hours after Iranian forces launched five one-way attack drones that posed a clear threat in and near the Strait of Hormuz," the post read.
Iran's action on Kuwait came after the US carried out strikes on the Islamic Republic, CBS News reported, citing a US official who described the action as "defensive" and aimed at preserving a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
According to CBS News, US forces shot down four Iranian drones and struck a ground control station in the port city of Bandar Abbas that was preparing to launch a fifth drone.
The official added that despite the latest exchange, the US-Iran ceasefire was still considered to be holding.
Following the strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched early-morning strikes at an American base. However, it did not share the name or provide specific details of the attack.
22:51 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Bigger proportion of non-Iran ships crossing Hormuz strait, says data
The European Union’s foreign policy chief said Thursday securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran war ends will require more ships, including more vessels from Europe, and the expansion of a current EU naval mission.
The EU mission in the Red Sea — dubbed Aspides, from the Greek for “shield” — is comprised of three vessels that protect shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas used to pass prior to the war, sits at the southern end of the Red Sea.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers that the operational plans for Aspides may have to be amended, depending on additional requirements such as specialized vessels to clear mines from the strait.
“But it mostly needs more ships,” she said, adding that an additional vessel will join the Aspides operation, without providing any details.
The EU earlier this year extended Aspides’ mandate until the end of February 2027 with an additional 15 million euros ($17.5 million) in funding.
France and the U.K. are also mulling their own naval force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end.
An EU official said the bloc was in discussions about possibly merging Operation Aspides with the Franco-British force, but much still needs to be ironed out regarding under whose authority a joint force would operate. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to talk publicly about the negotiations.
Shipping costs increased after the war in Iran began on Feb. 28, due to high insurance premiums. The EU official said costs were unlikely to go down for at least another year after an end to hostilities, noting that it’s now cheaper for ships to travel around the African continent than to traverse the Red Sea.
The EU mission in the Red Sea — dubbed Aspides, from the Greek for “shield” — is comprised of three vessels that protect shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas used to pass prior to the war, sits at the southern end of the Red Sea.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers that the operational plans for Aspides may have to be amended, depending on additional requirements such as specialized vessels to clear mines from the strait.
“But it mostly needs more ships,” she said, adding that an additional vessel will join the Aspides operation, without providing any details.
The EU earlier this year extended Aspides’ mandate until the end of February 2027 with an additional 15 million euros ($17.5 million) in funding.
France and the U.K. are also mulling their own naval force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end.
An EU official said the bloc was in discussions about possibly merging Operation Aspides with the Franco-British force, but much still needs to be ironed out regarding under whose authority a joint force would operate. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to talk publicly about the negotiations.
Shipping costs increased after the war in Iran began on Feb. 28, due to high insurance premiums. The EU official said costs were unlikely to go down for at least another year after an end to hostilities, noting that it’s now cheaper for ships to travel around the African continent than to traverse the Red Sea.
22:42 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: EU envoy seeks more vessels to secure Hormuz navigation once the war in Iran ends
The European Union’s foreign policy chief said Thursday securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran war ends will require more ships, including more vessels from Europe, and the expansion of a current EU naval mission.
The EU mission in the Red Sea — dubbed Aspides, from the Greek for “shield” — is comprised of three vessels that protect shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas used to pass prior to the war, sits at the southern end of the Red Sea.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers that the operational plans for Aspides may have to be amended, depending on additional requirements such as specialized vessels to clear mines from the strait.
“But it mostly needs more ships,” she said, adding that an additional vessel will join the Aspides operation, without providing any details.
The EU earlier this year extended Aspides’ mandate until the end of February 2027 with an additional 15 million euros ($17.5 million) in funding.
France and the U.K. are also mulling their own naval force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end.
The EU mission in the Red Sea — dubbed Aspides, from the Greek for “shield” — is comprised of three vessels that protect shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas used to pass prior to the war, sits at the southern end of the Red Sea.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers that the operational plans for Aspides may have to be amended, depending on additional requirements such as specialized vessels to clear mines from the strait.
“But it mostly needs more ships,” she said, adding that an additional vessel will join the Aspides operation, without providing any details.
The EU earlier this year extended Aspides’ mandate until the end of February 2027 with an additional 15 million euros ($17.5 million) in funding.
France and the U.K. are also mulling their own naval force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end.
22:11 (IST) May 28
US and Iranian negotiators reach tentative deal to extend ceasefire and launch nuclear talks
US and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and launch talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a US official familiar with the matter told news agency Associated Press.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said President Donald Trump still needs to sign off on the emerging memorandum of understanding.
The tentative agreement worked out by the two sides comes at a moment when the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran appeared to be wavering.
The US military earlier on Thursday accused Iran of violating the ceasefire after Kuwait reported coming under attack following an American strike against the Islamic Republic. It was the latest flare-up of fighting to threaten ongoing negotiations to end the war.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said President Donald Trump still needs to sign off on the emerging memorandum of understanding.
The tentative agreement worked out by the two sides comes at a moment when the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran appeared to be wavering.
The US military earlier on Thursday accused Iran of violating the ceasefire after Kuwait reported coming under attack following an American strike against the Islamic Republic. It was the latest flare-up of fighting to threaten ongoing negotiations to end the war.
21:28 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: US military planes harming Israeli commercial activity, airports chief says
Ben-Gurion International Airport, Israel's main air gateway near Tel Aviv, is operating at about one-third of capacity due to the presence of US refuelling aircraft, threatening heavy flight cancellations this summer, the head of the Israel Airports Authority said on Thursday.
21:04 (IST) May 28
Iran missile attack on Kuwait an 'egregious ceasefire violation': US military
An Iranian missile attack on Kuwait was an "egregious ceasefire violation," the US military said Thursday, amid an exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran.
"This egregious ceasefire violation by the Iranian regime occurred hours after Iranian forces launched five one-way attack drones that posed a clear threat in and near the Strait of Hormuz," the US Central Command said in a post on X, adding that all the drones were intercepted by US forces, who also prevented a sixth drone launch.
"This egregious ceasefire violation by the Iranian regime occurred hours after Iranian forces launched five one-way attack drones that posed a clear threat in and near the Strait of Hormuz," the US Central Command said in a post on X, adding that all the drones were intercepted by US forces, who also prevented a sixth drone launch.
20:29 (IST) May 28
'Won’t tolerate': After Trump, US treasury secy warns Oman over Hormuz toll, working with Iran
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, in a social media post on X said, The United States government will not tolerate any effort to impose a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz. Oman, in particular, should know that the US treasury will aggressively target any actors involved - directly or indirectly - in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalized."
"All nations should reject outright any efforts by Iran to disrupt the free flow of commerce. Tehran’s days of terrorizing the region and the world are over," he added.
"All nations should reject outright any efforts by Iran to disrupt the free flow of commerce. Tehran’s days of terrorizing the region and the world are over," he added.
19:56 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: US-Iran truce deal ready, but needs Trump's final approval, says report
US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and starting talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to Axios. However, US President Donald Trump is yet to give final approval to the deal, Axios reported, citing two US officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts.
19:26 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Israel breaks all contact with UN secretary-general, says ambassador
Israel is breaking all contact with United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, the country's ambassador announced Thursday, saying it was "outrageous" that Israel has been blacklisted over accusations of sexual violence in war zones.
"We are done with this secretary-general," Ambassador Danny Danon said in a video posted on X.
"We are done with this secretary-general," Ambassador Danny Danon said in a video posted on X.
19:03 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: US Treasury chief says to halt Iran airlines' access to landing spots
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that the United States will halt Iranian airlines' access to landing spots, among other measures, as Washington pushes to intensify pressure on Tehran and open the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Bessent said Washington will "be shutting down both Iranian airlines' access to landing spots, refueling, and ticket sales," without providing further details.
"Only a satisfactory outcome in negotiations will end the downward spiral," he warned.
18:47 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: IDF orders six more southern Lebanon towns to evacuate
An Israeli army spokesperson posted an evacuation warning for six towns and villages in southern Lebanon, saying attacks are forthcoming.
Because of “Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire agreement, the [army] is compelled to act against it forcefully”, the spokesperson said.
The social media post threatened the municipalities and towns of Habboush, Kafr Kila, Sahmar, Ain Qana, Nabatieh al-Tahta and Kafr Reman in southern Lebanon.
Israel continues to violate the ceasefire with daily deadly attacks and the occupation of Lebanon’s territory.
Because of “Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire agreement, the [army] is compelled to act against it forcefully”, the spokesperson said.
The social media post threatened the municipalities and towns of Habboush, Kafr Kila, Sahmar, Ain Qana, Nabatieh al-Tahta and Kafr Reman in southern Lebanon.
Israel continues to violate the ceasefire with daily deadly attacks and the occupation of Lebanon’s territory.
18:30 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Israel military says launched strike on Beirut
The Israeli military said it launched an airstrike on the Lebanese capital Beirut on Thursday after earlier strikes on the country's south killed at least 12 people.
"A short while ago, the IDF precisely struck in Beirut. Details to follow," a brief military statement said. A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah was supposed to have taken effect on April 17 but has never been observed.
"A short while ago, the IDF precisely struck in Beirut. Details to follow," a brief military statement said. A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah was supposed to have taken effect on April 17 but has never been observed.
18:21 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say region will not see peace until Israel is 'destroyed'
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Middle East would not see peace until Israel is “destroyed,” dismissing what it called US President Donald Trump’s vision of peace as one of “killing, murder and terror.”
The statement came after two Hamas commanders were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The Guards said the killings would not weaken what it called the Palestinian “resistance” and would instead strengthen the fight for the “liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.”
The statement came after two Hamas commanders were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The Guards said the killings would not weaken what it called the Palestinian “resistance” and would instead strengthen the fight for the “liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.”
18:09 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iran Guards threaten 'firm response' if US repeats attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened a "firm response" on Thursday in the event of renewed attacks, after the United States carried out a strike the country's south.
"If this action is repeated, the US military will face a firm response," the Guards said in a statement on their Sepah News website.
"If this action is repeated, the US military will face a firm response," the Guards said in a statement on their Sepah News website.
18:04 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: US, Iran accuse each other of violating truce after attacks
The United States and Iran accused each other of violating an ongoing truce on Thursday following an exchange of fire, three months after the Middle East war began with a wave of US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic.
The latest exchange was the most serious since the ceasefire started in April, rattling ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the war and drawing in US ally Kuwait, which accused Iran of a "dangerous escalation".
It came as violence on the war's Lebanese front escalated sharply after Israel declared much of the country's south a combat zone and stepped up strikes, including near Beirut.
Iranian forces had fired at four ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without authorisation, state broadcaster IRIB reported on Thursday. Iran has blockaded the waterway since the start of the war on February 28.
US forces said they had intercepted five attack drones in and around the strait, and prevented the launch of a sixth from a ground control station in the southern port area of Bandar Abbas.
The strike in Bandar Abbas prompted Iran to target "the American airbase that served as the source of the attack", according to IRIB, citing the country's Revolutionary Guards.
The Guards did not specify the location of the base, but Kuwait, which hosts US troops, said its air defences had responded to incoming fire.
The latest exchange was the most serious since the ceasefire started in April, rattling ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the war and drawing in US ally Kuwait, which accused Iran of a "dangerous escalation".
It came as violence on the war's Lebanese front escalated sharply after Israel declared much of the country's south a combat zone and stepped up strikes, including near Beirut.
Iranian forces had fired at four ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without authorisation, state broadcaster IRIB reported on Thursday. Iran has blockaded the waterway since the start of the war on February 28.
US forces said they had intercepted five attack drones in and around the strait, and prevented the launch of a sixth from a ground control station in the southern port area of Bandar Abbas.
The strike in Bandar Abbas prompted Iran to target "the American airbase that served as the source of the attack", according to IRIB, citing the country's Revolutionary Guards.
The Guards did not specify the location of the base, but Kuwait, which hosts US troops, said its air defences had responded to incoming fire.
17:21 (IST) May 28
Shaky ceasefire in Iran war challenged again as Kuwait faces a missile attack
The US military on Thursday slammed Iran for violating a fragile ceasefire after Kuwait reported coming under attack in the latest flare-up that threatened ongoing negotiations to end the war.
US Central Command said that Kuwait had intercepted missiles launched by Iran late Wednesday night, calling the Iranian attack on one of America's top allies in the Persian Gulf an “egregious ceasefire violation.”
Kuwait had earlier announced an attack on its territory, and Iran said had retaliated after strikes earlier in the week by firing on a US base in an Gulf state it did not name.
The US and Iran have traded strikes throughout the week, even as President Donald Trump has said he's confident his administration is making headway in negotiations with Iran to end the war.
On Monday, the US said it conducted what the Pentagon called “defensive” strikes on missile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran. U.S. officials said late Wednesday in Washington that forces launched more strikes on Iran, shooting down four one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the strait and hitting an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.
The officials were not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
US Central Command said that Kuwait had intercepted missiles launched by Iran late Wednesday night, calling the Iranian attack on one of America's top allies in the Persian Gulf an “egregious ceasefire violation.”
Kuwait had earlier announced an attack on its territory, and Iran said had retaliated after strikes earlier in the week by firing on a US base in an Gulf state it did not name.
The US and Iran have traded strikes throughout the week, even as President Donald Trump has said he's confident his administration is making headway in negotiations with Iran to end the war.
On Monday, the US said it conducted what the Pentagon called “defensive” strikes on missile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran. U.S. officials said late Wednesday in Washington that forces launched more strikes on Iran, shooting down four one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the strait and hitting an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.
The officials were not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
16:27 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iran supreme leader says US, Israel seek to 'bring nation to its knees'
"The enemy's blind plan — after the imposed war, economic pressure, and propaganda siege — is to create division and social fragmentation, to compensate for its military defeats and bring the nation to its knees," Mojtaba Khamenei said.
16:15 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iranian ambassador to Germany slams Europe for silence over US-Israeli attacks
Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, Iran’s ambassador to Germany, has criticised European countries’ “silence” over the attacks by the US and Israel in the region, reacting to US President Trump’s threat to “blow up” Oman.
Trump was speaking about the control over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran insists it would operate in coordination with Oman — both have coasts to the critical waterway.
The silence of “some European parties … would embolden warmongers,” the diplomat said, reported by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. “Today, the same logic of threat has targeted Oman as well,” he added.
“Experience has shown that any misplaced expediency and silence in the face of aggression does not lead to crisis containment, but rather to the normalisation of lawbreaking and the hostage-taking of international security,” Ahmadabadi added.
“The world must stand against this dangerous path before it is too late,” he concluded.
15:47 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Pentagon says US military personnel are reportedly being targeted using location data, says report
15:23 (IST) May 28
Israeli soldier killed by Hezbollah drone near Lebanon border, says military
The Israeli military said on Thursday that a soldier was killed the day before by a Hezbollah drone near the Lebanon border, taking to 24 the number of its troops killed in the war with the Iran-backed group.
A military statement named her as 20-year-old Sergeant Rotem Yanai, who "fell during operational activity in northern Israel".
It added that one reservist soldier was severely injured and another moderately so in the same incident.
The military told AFP that Yanai was killed by a Hezbollah explosive drone.
In mourning her death, Israel's far-right finance minister said the only way to stop the attacks was the large-scale destruction of Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah holds sway.
"You know that the only way, at this time, to prevent our soldiers from being harmed is to raze 10 buildings in Beirut's Dahiyeh for every drone," Bezalel Smotrich wrote on Telegram, addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"For every drone that strikes one of our soldiers, we must destroy a hundred buildings," he added.
It came after the Israeli military said it had begun new strikes on Thursday morning targeting "Hezbollah infrastructure" around the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, after issuing an evacuation warning to its residents.
A military statement named her as 20-year-old Sergeant Rotem Yanai, who "fell during operational activity in northern Israel".
It added that one reservist soldier was severely injured and another moderately so in the same incident.
The military told AFP that Yanai was killed by a Hezbollah explosive drone.
In mourning her death, Israel's far-right finance minister said the only way to stop the attacks was the large-scale destruction of Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah holds sway.
"You know that the only way, at this time, to prevent our soldiers from being harmed is to raze 10 buildings in Beirut's Dahiyeh for every drone," Bezalel Smotrich wrote on Telegram, addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"For every drone that strikes one of our soldiers, we must destroy a hundred buildings," he added.
It came after the Israeli military said it had begun new strikes on Thursday morning targeting "Hezbollah infrastructure" around the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, after issuing an evacuation warning to its residents.
15:01 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Lebanon says 11 dead, including 2 children, in Israeli strikes on south
15:00 (IST) May 28
Iran war news: Air India extends suspension of flights to Israel till July end
Amid continued geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia, Air India on Thursday said it is extending its suspension of operations on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route till July end.
Earlier this month, it had announced suspension till June end but with no clarity on the prevailing security situation in the region, the leading Indian carrier has decided to further extend its suspension of operations on the route by another month.
A senior executive heading the airlines’ Israel operations told PTI that the “schedule amendment (has been) notified yesterday evening.”
The flights have been “further suspended till 31 July due to the geopolitical situation,” he said.
In the wake of the West Asia conflict, which started in late February, airlines have been facing multiple headwinds, including costlier fuel and airspace curbs, which pushed up their operational costs.
Earlier in April, the Indian carrier announced to put on hold its operations till the end of May, which now is further extended.
Despite the ceasefire between the US and Iran holding on for some time, the uncertainties surrounding the situation in West Asia have pushed the majority of airlines to stop operating on the Tel Aviv route.
Earlier this month, it had announced suspension till June end but with no clarity on the prevailing security situation in the region, the leading Indian carrier has decided to further extend its suspension of operations on the route by another month.
A senior executive heading the airlines’ Israel operations told PTI that the “schedule amendment (has been) notified yesterday evening.”
The flights have been “further suspended till 31 July due to the geopolitical situation,” he said.
In the wake of the West Asia conflict, which started in late February, airlines have been facing multiple headwinds, including costlier fuel and airspace curbs, which pushed up their operational costs.
Earlier in April, the Indian carrier announced to put on hold its operations till the end of May, which now is further extended.
Despite the ceasefire between the US and Iran holding on for some time, the uncertainties surrounding the situation in West Asia have pushed the majority of airlines to stop operating on the Tel Aviv route.
14:39 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iran condemns US ceasefire 'violations' after strikes in south
Iran condemned on Thursday what it called violations by the United States after its strikes on the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, while vowing to defend its sovereignty.
The ministry's spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran would "take all necessary measures to defend its national sovereignty" and condemned what he called "the threatening rhetoric of American officials against Iran and several regional countries."
"Referring to the continuous ceasefire violations by the US... Baqaei insisted on the Islamic Republic of Iran's determination to take all the necessary measures to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," a foreign ministry statement said.
According to the statement, Baqaei "expressed solidarity with the friendly and brotherly country that is Oman" after President Donald Trump threatened to "blow them up".
The ministry spokesman condemned the remarks as "a worrying sign of the normalisation of anarchy and intimidation in international relations".
US forces launched strikes that hit a ground control station in the southern port area of Bandar Abbas, a US official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The strikes prompted a swift response, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards saying they had targeted the US air base that served as the source of the attack without providing details on its location.
The ministry's spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran would "take all necessary measures to defend its national sovereignty" and condemned what he called "the threatening rhetoric of American officials against Iran and several regional countries."
"Referring to the continuous ceasefire violations by the US... Baqaei insisted on the Islamic Republic of Iran's determination to take all the necessary measures to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," a foreign ministry statement said.
According to the statement, Baqaei "expressed solidarity with the friendly and brotherly country that is Oman" after President Donald Trump threatened to "blow them up".
The ministry spokesman condemned the remarks as "a worrying sign of the normalisation of anarchy and intimidation in international relations".
US forces launched strikes that hit a ground control station in the southern port area of Bandar Abbas, a US official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The strikes prompted a swift response, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards saying they had targeted the US air base that served as the source of the attack without providing details on its location.
14:18 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Israeli attacks kill 3 in southern Lebanon’s Sidon
At least three people were killed after an Israeli attack targeted an apartment in Lebanon.
As per a report in Lebanon’s official National News Agency, the medic volunteers also sent five injured people to the city’s hospitals.
Israel continues to heavily bombard areas of southern Lebanon.
As per a report in Lebanon’s official National News Agency, the medic volunteers also sent five injured people to the city’s hospitals.
Israel continues to heavily bombard areas of southern Lebanon.
13:56 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Israeli soldier killed by Hezbollah drone near Lebanon border
The Israeli military said on Thursday that a soldier was killed the day before by a Hezbollah drone near the Lebanon border, taking to 24 the number of its troops killed in the war with the Iran-backed group.
A military statement named her as 20-year-old Sergeant Rotem Yanai, who "fell during operational activity in northern Israel".
A military statement named her as 20-year-old Sergeant Rotem Yanai, who "fell during operational activity in northern Israel".
13:41 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iran condemns US strikes on Bandar Abbas, slams Trump’s threat against Oman
Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned recent US strikes near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and criticised what it called threatening rhetoric by American officials towards regional countries, including Oman.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran would “take all necessary measures to defend its national sovereignty” following the latest escalation. He also expressed solidarity with Oman after US President Donald Trump reportedly threatened to “blow them up” during remarks linked to the ongoing regional tensions.
The statement comes amid rising military friction around the Strait of Hormuz and continuing uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran would “take all necessary measures to defend its national sovereignty” following the latest escalation. He also expressed solidarity with Oman after US President Donald Trump reportedly threatened to “blow them up” during remarks linked to the ongoing regional tensions.
The statement comes amid rising military friction around the Strait of Hormuz and continuing uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations.
13:30 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Tehran condemns US ceasefire violations after strikes in south, reports AFP
13:20 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: Iran war triggering global energy shift, biggest crisis since 1970s oil shock: IEA chief
The ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran is reshaping global energy strategies and forcing countries to rethink fuel security, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol has warned.
In the IEA’s latest World Energy Investment report, Birol described the situation as the “largest energy security crisis the world has ever faced” and said it could transform investment patterns similar to the oil shocks of the 1970s.
The agency said global energy investment is projected to reach $3.4 trillion in 2026, slightly higher than last year, even as investments in oil are expected to decline for a third consecutive year and fall below $500 billion despite higher crude prices.
In the IEA’s latest World Energy Investment report, Birol described the situation as the “largest energy security crisis the world has ever faced” and said it could transform investment patterns similar to the oil shocks of the 1970s.
The agency said global energy investment is projected to reach $3.4 trillion in 2026, slightly higher than last year, even as investments in oil are expected to decline for a third consecutive year and fall below $500 billion despite higher crude prices.
13:09 (IST) May 28
Iran war news: ‘Return to war benefits no one’ - EU foreign policy chief warns amid Iran tensions
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned against a renewed escalation in the Middle East, saying a return to war would not benefit any side.
Speaking during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, Kallas said the region currently stood “between a very dangerous zone of war and peace” and stressed that continued conflict was in nobody’s interest. Her remarks come amid fragile ceasefire efforts and rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Speaking during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, Kallas said the region currently stood “between a very dangerous zone of war and peace” and stressed that continued conflict was in nobody’s interest. Her remarks come amid fragile ceasefire efforts and rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
12:55 (IST) May 28
US Iran war: UN adds Israel to sexual violence blacklist; envoy calls move ‘political’
The United Nations has added Israel to its blacklist of perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict zones, according to Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.
Danon criticised the decision as “political” and “disconnected from facts and reality”, saying Israel had submitted evidence challenging the allegations in UN reports. Israeli media said the Israeli Prison Service and other Israeli authorities were among the entities added to the list. The move is expected to deepen tensions between Israel and the UN amid ongoing scrutiny over the Gaza war, Al-Jazeera reported.
Danon criticised the decision as “political” and “disconnected from facts and reality”, saying Israel had submitted evidence challenging the allegations in UN reports. Israeli media said the Israeli Prison Service and other Israeli authorities were among the entities added to the list. The move is expected to deepen tensions between Israel and the UN amid ongoing scrutiny over the Gaza war, Al-Jazeera reported.
12:40 (IST) May 28
Iran war news: Timeline of events
25 More Updates
US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and starting talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to Axios.
However, US President Donald Trump is yet to give final approval to the deal, Axios reported, citing two US officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts.
This comes as tensions in the Middle East intensified on Thursday after Iranian media reported fresh confrontations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including warning shots fired at vessels and an alleged exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces near Bandar Abbas.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency claimed four vessels attempting to enter the Persian Gulf without coordination were forced to retreat after Iranian naval warnings. The agency also alleged that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces fired on a US tanker accused of switching off its radar system while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a reported US response.
The developments came as the United States added Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its sanctions list as part of President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign on Tehran during ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all nations and warned that the US would only accept a deal that satisfied American interests. Meanwhile, Israel intensified military pressure in southern Lebanon with fresh evacuation orders linked to operations against Hezbollah.
The escalating tensions continue to fuel fears of wider regional instability and further disruption to global energy markets.
However, US President Donald Trump is yet to give final approval to the deal, Axios reported, citing two US officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts.
This comes as tensions in the Middle East intensified on Thursday after Iranian media reported fresh confrontations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including warning shots fired at vessels and an alleged exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces near Bandar Abbas.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency claimed four vessels attempting to enter the Persian Gulf without coordination were forced to retreat after Iranian naval warnings. The agency also alleged that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces fired on a US tanker accused of switching off its radar system while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a reported US response.
The developments came as the United States added Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its sanctions list as part of President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign on Tehran during ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all nations and warned that the US would only accept a deal that satisfied American interests. Meanwhile, Israel intensified military pressure in southern Lebanon with fresh evacuation orders linked to operations against Hezbollah.
The escalating tensions continue to fuel fears of wider regional instability and further disruption to global energy markets.
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