US Seizes Iran-Linked Skywave Tanker In Indian Ocean The United States has seized the Iran-linked oil tanker Skywave in the Indian Ocean, marking another significant enforcement action under US sanctions against Tehran. Officials said the tanker, sanctioned in March for allegedly transporting Iranian crude oil, was intercepted west of Malaysia on May 19 after passing through the Strait of Malacca. Ship-tra

Iran has presented a comprehensive peace plan to the United States, aiming to end hostilities in Lebanon and across the region. The proposal calls for the withdrawal of US forces near Iranian borders, reparations for conflict damages, lifting of economic sanctions, release of frozen funds, and the removal of the US naval blockade from Iranian ports. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi highlighted that Tehran’s plan is designed to foster lasting peace in West Asia through diplomacy and

Trump Delays Iran Attack As Gulf Leaders Push Nuclear Deal US President Donald Trump said he is postponing a planned military attack on Iran that had been scheduled for May 19,2026, citing requests from Gulf leaders and renewed negotiations with Tehran. Trump announced the decision May 18,2026 on Truth Social shortly after Iran confirmed it had responded to a new US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. He said the

Cuba Warns Against Military Action As US Pressure Grows Cuba’s leadership warned that any military action by the United States would bring severe consequences, as tensions between Havana and Washington escalated following new US sanctions targeting Cuba’s intelligence apparatus and senior officials. President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the country does not pose a threat to the United States or any other nation, but insisted

Germany says Turkiye has key leverage in Iran conflict diplomacy, pointing to Ankara’s strategic location, economic strength and political influence across several crisis zones. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made the remarks during a press conference in Berlin alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, saying Turkiye can play an important role in developments linked to the Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine. Turkiye’s Regional

Pakistan has reportedly deployed about 8,000 troops, JF-17 fighter jets and air defence assets to Saudi Arabia, marking a major expansion of the Saudi Pakistan defence pact signed in 2025. The move places Pakistani personnel and military equipment in the kingdom at a time of heightened Middle East tensions, giving Riyadh additional defence support while Islamabad balances its regional diplomatic role. Pakistan Troops in Saudi Arabia 2026: What Was Sent

Iran-US peace talks are continuing through Pakistan as Tehran and Washington remain divided over sanctions, nuclear activity, frozen Iranian assets, war damages and the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded to a new proposal aimed at ending the conflict, while Pakistan continues to play the role of mediator between the two sides. The diplomatic effort comes at a sensitive time. Tensions remain high in the region, and both countries are under pressure to avoid another round of escalat

Drone Strike Sparks Fire at Barakah Nuclear Plant A drone strike on May 17,2026 ignited a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, officials confirmed, with no injuries reported and no impact on radiation levels. The incident occurred at an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter in the Al Dhafra Region. Precautionary measures were immediately implemented, and authorities assured that a

Iran Accuses US and Israel of Destabilization Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on May 17,2026 accused the United States and Israel of pursuing divisive politics aimed at creating distrust among Muslim nations. Pezeshkian stated that military actions against Iran were intended to disrupt domestic order and weaken the governing establishment. According to reports, these measures directly threaten Iran’s leadership and the

Trump Issues Urgent Warning to Iran US President Donald Trump on May 17,2026 posted a stern warning to Iran, emphasizing that “the clock is ticking” as negotiations over nuclear stockpiles, sanctions relief, and war compensation remain deadlocked. Trump’s message, shared via Truth Social, stressed that Iran must act quickly on the peace proposal or face dire consequences.

India condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged cargo vessel near Oman after all 14 Indian crew members were safely rescued, raising fresh concerns over commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, identified by Indian shipping officials as Haji Ali, sank after a suspected attack in Omani waters on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Indian Crew Rescued After Ship Attack Near Oman India’s Ministry of External Affairs said o

A Warmer Welcome for Trump Chinese President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic approach to Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing marked a clear shift in China-US relations. Unlike in 2017, when Trump was greeted by a lower-ranking official, this time China sent Vice President Han Zheng, along with both ambassadors and senior foreign affairs officials, signaling a significant elevation in the diplomatic reception. Isabelle Vladoiu, founder of the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Righ

On May 13, US Vice President JD Vance opened up about the ongoing negotiations with Iran and the hurdles the US has faced as these talks progress. While the US continues its diplomatic outreach to Tehran, Vance acknowledged the growing frustration due to unsatisfactory responses from the Iranian side. This has raised questions about whether a comprehensive deal is truly within reach. Diplomacy Amid Rising Tensions In a recent press briefing, Vance shed l

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially denied reports claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the country amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly with Iran. These claims initially surfaced from Netanyahu's office, which stated that the Israeli leader traveled to the UAE to strengthen military and diplomatic ties during a period of heightened regional conflict. Netanyahu’s office had described the alleged visit as a “histo

India LPG Carriers Move Through Strait of Hormuz India has moved nearly all of its LPG carriers out of the Strait of Hormuz with support from the Indian Navy as tensions continue to affect shipping security in the Persian Gulf region. Government sources said on Thursday, May 14, 2026, that the 14th Indian liquefied petroleum gas carrier had crossed the strategic waterway, while one final vessel remained in the process of crossing under close monitoring.

Israel-Iran War Ceasefire Faces New Pressure The Israel-Iran war ceasefire is under fresh strain after US President Donald Trump warned Iran that Washington would prevail “peacefully or otherwise,” while Tehran insisted its latest peace plan must be accepted. The exchange sharpened doubts over whether the truce can hold as Gulf governments warn that the conflict is spilling into shipping, energy security and regional diplomacy. Hor

Fresh satellite imagery has sparked renewed scrutiny over Pakistan's involvement in the ongoing US-Iran diplomatic talks, with reports suggesting that Islamabad may be housing at least one Iranian military aircraft at the strategically important Nur Khan Airbase, located near Islamabad. These developments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, as Pakistan continues to position itself as a mediator between the two nations. The satellite images, which are believe

Trump Defends Pakistan's Role in Iran Talks President Donald Trump reaffirmed his trust in Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing talks with Iran, dismissing concerns raised by Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, calling them “absolutely great” for their efforts in facilitating diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran. His comments came on Ma