Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has threatened action against the United Arab Emirates over what he described as 'collusion' with Israel, following claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he secretly visited the Emirates. Araghchi warned that such cooperation was 'unforgivable' and that those involved would be 'held to account'. He stated that countries engaging with Israel in hostilities toward Tehran are making 'a foolish gamble'.
Iran Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz
Iran has further tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz by securing deals with Iraq and Pakistan to transport oil and liquefied natural gas from the region, according to sources familiar with the matter. An Iranian army spokesperson said that supervision of the vital shipping route could generate twice as much revenue as Iran's oil income. 'After this war ends, there will be no place for retreat,' the spokesperson said, as reported by ISNA news agency.
US Vice President Cites Progress in Talks
US Vice President JD Vance insisted that progress was being made in negotiations with Iran. 'The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the President's red line?' he said. 'And the red line is very simple. He needs to feel confident that we put a number of protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.'
South Korea Warns of Diplomatic Retribution
South Korea has warned that it will take unspecified diplomatic retaliatory measures once responsibility for an attack on a South Korean-operated cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz is officially confirmed. A senior official told Yonhap that it was highly unlikely that anyone other than Iran was behind the attack. 'There may still be a possibility of another actor besides Iran, but common sense suggests it is not high. There were no pirates nearby,' the foreign ministry official said. South Korea has sent a technical investigation team to Dubai to examine the 4 May explosion and fire aboard the Panama-flagged vessel HMM Namu.
US Senate Rejects Bid to Curb Trump's War Powers
The US Senate has rejected a resolution aimed at ending American involvement in the Iran war, with a 49-50 vote. This was the seventh failed Democratic attempt to limit or end the war powers used by Donald Trump. Most Republicans opposed the measure, but three – Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Susan Collins – voted in favour. Murkowski argued that US military involvement continues without proper congressional authorisation, citing the War Powers Act. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, accused Republicans of enabling Trump's actions. The Trump administration defended its position, stating that a ceasefire means the legal requirement for congressional approval no longer applies.
Trump Reiterates Nuclear Red Line
Donald Trump has said his top priority is stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling it 'the only thing that matters'. He made the comment at the White House before leaving for a trip to China. 'I think about one thing: we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all,' he added. Trump also claimed he is 'not even a little bit' motivated by rising costs affecting the US economy, including inflation and fuel prices. He said the economic pressure from the Iran war was not influencing his push for a peace deal with Tehran. 'I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody,' he stated.
Family of British Couple Detained in Iran Fear for Safety
The family of British couple Lindsay Foreman and Craig Foreman say they have lost all contact with them and fear for their safety. The couple, both 53 and from East Sussex, were arrested in Iran in January 2025 during a round-the-world motorcycle trip. They are being held in Evin Prison after being sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges, which they deny. Their family believes Iranian authorities cut off their phone access after the couple publicly criticised their detention. Their son, Joe Bennett, said the family is 'terrified' and has not heard from Lindsay for more than a week. 'We simply do not know if my mum and Craig are safe. Craig told us that they might have to stop eating if their calls were taken away. I have not spoken to my mum for over a week now. Every day of silence makes it worse. We don't know what is happening to them and we are terrified for them.' The British government previously described the couple's sentences as 'completely appalling and totally unjustifiable'.
Netanyahu's UAE Visit Claim Denied
Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he secretly visited the UAE during the Iran war and met UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 'This visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE,' the Israeli prime minister's office said. However, the UAE foreign ministry denied the visit, calling the claims 'baseless' and insisting ties with Israel are conducted openly under the Abraham Accords. Reuters reported the alleged meeting took place in the UAE city of Al-Ain and lasted several hours.
