The United Arab Emirates has achieved a major milestone with 50% completion of the West-East Pipeline, a strategic crude oil project designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Managed by ADNOC and accelerated under Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the pipeline aims to increase crude export capacity via the port of Fujairah by 2027. ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber highlighted that even after the resolution of regional conflicts, global oil flows could take several months to

Iran said it is reviewing a new US proposal as Pakistan helps relay diplomatic messages between Tehran and Washington, keeping indirect talks active despite major unresolved disputes. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, that Tehran had received Washington’s latest position and was examining the points raised by the American side. The comments came as diplomatic communication continued through back channels rather than direct public ne

Iran nuclear talks are nearing a critical stage as US President Donald Trump warns that Washington may take tougher action if diplomacy fails. Trump said in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, that the United States is close to either securing a deal with Iran or moving toward further steps if no agreement is reached. Iran Nuclear Talks Enter Final Stage Speaking to reporter

Amid growing regional tensions, Iran has initiated a public training program teaching citizens how to safely handle AK-47 and Kalashnikov rifles. The initiative, named “National Defense Preparedness”, is designed to enhance civilian readiness while educating citizens about firearm safety. Public Drills Across Major Cities In Tehran and other key cities, men, women, and teenagers are particip

U.S. regulators are examining an unexpected spike in oil futures trading that occurred just before President Donald Trump announced a postponement of planned strikes on Iran’s energy sector. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is reviewing unusual off-hours trading activity that reportedly generated millions in profits for several trading firms. Trading Activity Details

Senate Votes To Advance War Powers Resolution On Tuesday, May 19, the US Senate voted 50-47 to advance a war powers resolution that seeks to compel President Donald Trump to end military operations in Iran unless Congress authorizes continuation. This procedural victory marks the first time a resolution of this type has progressed after seven previous failed attempts since the conflict began in February. Four Republicans joi

US Military Investigation Nears Completion The US military investigation into the Minab school strike in Iran is nearing its final stages, officials said. The February 28 strike targeted a girls’ school in southern Minab, which Iranian authorities claim resulted in over 175 deaths among students and teachers. Admiral Brad Cooper told the US House committee that the investigation has been complex due to t

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

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

On May 17, 2026, US President Donald Trump posted a strong warning about Iran on Truth Social, saying that Iran needed to move fast toward an agreement and that time was running out. On May 18, 2026, another post featuring an AI-style map of West Asia gained attention because it showed arrows pointing toward Iran along with the American flag. The image quickly became a talking point because it appeared during a sensitive moment in US-Iran relations.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, May 17, as tensions involving Iran remained high and questions continued over the durability of the ceasefire. The discussion reportedly focused on the war with Iran, regional security conditions and the future of diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing another round of escalation. The call came amid reports that Washington and Jerusalem are weighing their next steps after the ceasefir

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.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested Manisha Mandhare, a Botany professor and member of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) paper-setting committee for the 2026 NEET-UG exam held on May 3. Mandhare was taken into custody in Delhi after interrogation at the CBI headquarters. According to the CBI, Mandhare was a key source behind the leak of the NEET-UG 2026 Biology questions, acting as a “mastermind” following information obtained from retired Chemistr

President Donald Trump left Beijing on Friday, May 15, 2026, without a final decision on a major U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, keeping one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations unresolved. The Trump Taiwan arms sale decision became a central focus after his three-day China visit, where talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping covered Taiwan, Iran, trade, Boeing aircraft and wider efforts to stabilize relations between Washington and Beijing. Trump-Xi Tai

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, except for vessels from countries currently at war with Iran. Speaking in New Delhi, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran prioritizes safe navigation through this vital maritime corridor. Strategic Importance of the Strait The minister highlighted the strait’s significance for oil, gas, and global trade. With a substantial share of worl