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

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.

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

Obama Highlights JCPOA Success President Barack Obama spoke on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert about his administration’s efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions through diplomacy. He pointed to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), asserting that the agreement successfully restricted Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile without resorting to military action. Obama explained that the deal included stric

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

On May 14, US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for an important summit that could reshape the US-China relationship. This high-level meeting comes after years of trade disputes, rising tensions over Taiwan, and concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The two leaders are expected to tackle these critical issues head-on, with major global implications. This marks Trump’s first visit to China since 2017, and the atmosphere surrounding the trip is tense, yet optimistic. Alongside the president, top business leaders, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Tesla’s Elon Musk, will be part of the delegation, emphasizing the US’s desire to push for commercial deals that strengthen trade ties with China. The summit is taking place against the backdrop of escalating tensions, including the ongoing trade war between the two powers, China’s rare earth restrictions, and the fierce competition in artificial intelligence (AI). Trade Tensions: A Fragile Truce One of the central issues on the table is trade. The US and China have been at odds for years, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods. While last year saw a brief period of truce, many unresolved issues remain. President Trump is expected to press China for further trade reforms and better deals for American businesses, especially in the face of high tariffs and economic uncertainty.Both sides are aware that the trade dynamics have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, so finding common ground will be critical. Taiwan: A Stubborn Point of Contention Another major issue will be Taiwan, which has long been a flashpoint between the two nations. China views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory, while the US has shown strong support for the island’s autonomy. With tensions rising, especially after China increased military activity near Taiwan, the US's stance on Taiwan remains a key area of friction. Trump’s administration has been vocal about its support for Taiwan, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the overall talks. How the two leaders address this issue will set the tone for future interactions between the two countries, especially considering the delicate balance the US must strike between its relationship with China and its support for Taiwan. Iran: A Strategic Challenge Trump is also expected to address the situation in Iran, seeking China’s cooperation on curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. With China’s significant economic ties to Iran, Trump hopes Beijing can use its influence to help rein in Tehran’s nuclear program and reduce instability in the Middle East. China’s role in global diplomacy has been growing, and this summit could serve as a turning point for its involvement in international peace efforts. The Stakes of the Summit Both leaders face high stakes at this summit. Trump’s goal is clear: to secure deals that will benefit American businesses and address concerns about China’s rising influence in global trade and AI. For China, maintaining its geopolitical power while ensuring economic growth is paramount. Despite the challenging topics, both leaders know the importance of maintaining a functional relationship for global stability. As the summit unfolds, eyes will be on whether the two leaders can navigate their differences and strike a deal that addresses the critical issues of trade, Taiwan, and Iran. The outcome will not just shape US-China relations, but could influence global geopolitics for years to come. This meeting is more than just diplomacy; it's a chance to shape the future of international relations, with consequences that reach far beyond the negotiating table.