Iran says examining US proposal to end Middle East war

This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.

Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments

• UK foreign minister 'truly appalled' by Israeli video
• US military says boarded Iranian-flagged oil tanker in Gulf of Oman
• Oil prices plunge 5% on US-Iran deal hopes
• EU condemns Israel's detention of Gaza flotilla activists
• Iran national team manager calls on US to facilitate World Cup visas

Iran says examining US proposal to end Middle East war, 

Published: May 21, 2026 | 22:06 GMT | by AFP

Iran said it was examining a new US proposal to end the Middle East war, as President Donald Trump described the talks as being on the "borderline" between a deal and renewed strikes.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had "received the points of view of the American side" and was examining them. He repeated Iran's demands for the release of frozen assets and an end to the US blockade of Iranian ports.

US lifts sanctions on UN expert on Palestinians

Published: May 21, 2026 | 22:51 GMT | by AFP

The United States removed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, a UN expert on the Palestinian territories who has harshly criticized Israel, following a court order.

A notice on the Treasury Department's website showed that it had removed a sanctions designation on Albanese that had blacklisted her globally, making it impossible for her to use major credit cards or carry out bank transactions.

Albanese, who is Italian, has been a relentless critic of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians in her role as the UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories.

US District Judge Richard Leon last week granted a preliminary injunction against the sanctions.

"Protecting the freedom of speech is 'always' in the public interest," Leon wrote in an opinion accompanying the order.

Australia condemns Israel's 'degrading' treatment of flotilla activists

Published: May 21, 2026 | 23:05 GMT | by AFP

Australia's foreign minister condemned on Thursday Israel's "degrading" treatment of detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, after footage showed protesters bound and on their knees.

"The images we have seen posted by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir — who Australia has sanctioned — are shocking and unacceptable," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

"We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained."

Trump says negotiations with Iran in 'final stages'

Published: May 21, 2026 | 22:10 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump said that negotiations with Iran was in the final stages of the agreement.  

"It's right on the borderline, believe me," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington. "If we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go."

UK foreign minister 'truly appalled' by Israeli video

Published: May 21, 2026 | 20:51 GMT | by AFP

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper on Wednesday said she was "truly appalled" by the video of activists detained by Israel with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground.

Cooper said the footage "violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated," adding that London has "demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities."

Naqvi meets Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

Published: May 20, 2026 | 18:41 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings with senior Iranian officials during his visit to Tehran, according to statements released through the minister’s official WhatsApp channel.

According to the statements, Naqvi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and also held talks with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on various matters.

“Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni and discussed various matters,” the statement said.

The Pakistani minister was received upon arrival in Iran by Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pour Jamshidian, with both sides discussing key issues during their meeting, the statements said.

The visit marks Naqvi’s second trip to Iran in recent days as Islamabad continues regional diplomatic engagement following the Iran-US ceasefire.