US President Donald Trump departs Air Force One at Morristown Airport for a campaign and economic policy event at SUNY Rockland Community College on May 22, 2026 in Morristown, New Jersey. (AFP)
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
US CENTCOM carries out strikes on Iran
Published: May 25, 2026 | 23:24 GMT | by Web Desk
The United States military conducted strikes on southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and Iranian boats laying mines, US Central Command said, as reported by The Guardian.
The strikes were carried out “in self-defense,” according to Central Command, which said the military would “defend” US forces "while using restraint" during the ongoing ceasefire.
Earlier, explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, a southern Iranian port city. The Iranian state news agency Mehr said the situation was "completely under control" and there was no reason for residents to worry.
Trump outlines uranium disposal options for Iran
Published: May 25, 2026 | 22:53 GMT | by Web Desk
President Donald Trump laid out potential arrangements for Iran's enriched uranium in a Truth Social post, tackling what has become a central hurdle in attempts to resolve the ongoing Middle East War.
The US President presented two primary options: the uranium could either be transferred directly to the United States for destruction, or it could be destroyed within Iran or at another mutually acceptable site under international supervision.
Under Trump's proposal, the “Atomic Energy Commission” or an equivalent authority would oversee whichever disposal method Iran selects.
It remained unclear whether Trump's proposal represents part of the broader agreement being negotiated with Iran.
The Atomic Energy Commission Trump cited was abolished in 1974, and its functions were divided between two successor bodies.
Hebzollah says targeted three barracks, military post in northern Israel
Published: May 25, 2026 | 22:03 GMT | by AFP
Hezbollah said it staged several attacks Monday on three barracks and a military post in northern Israel "in response to the violation of the ceasefire" by the Jewish state.
The group claimed responsibility for at least four drone attacks on the Shomera barracks, as well as attacks on two barracks in towns in northern Israel, and another on a military post in Misgav Am, carried out around midday at short intervals.
Explosions reported in southern Iran
Published: May 25, 2026 | 21:44 GMT | by Web Desk
Multiple explosions were reported in southern Iran with state authorities stating that the situation was under control and posed no danger to residents, The Guardian reported.
The Iranian state news agency Mehr reported that conditions in the port city of Bandar Abbas remained stable, according to The Guardian.
The Tasnim news agency said three explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas. The Fars news agency reported similar sounds near the coastal towns of Sirik and Jask, near the Strait of Hormuz.
The cause and exact locations of the explosions were unknown.
Iran's top security official rejects surrender as talks continue
Published: May 25, 2026 | 19:22 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran's supreme security council secretary rejected any possibility of “surrender” or strategic withdrawal amid ongoing diplomatic discussions with Washington, Iran’s state media reported.
According to IRNA, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr made the statement Monday. He said Iran's armed forces, diplomatic initiatives and mobilized civilians have “demonstrated sufficient resolve to defeat their opponents through persistent resistance.”
He stated that his nation faces a critical need for internal unity and solidarity. He said “such unified effort” would ultimately secure Iran's victory.
Iran president orders internet restored after war suspension: local media
Published: May 25, 2026 | 18:50 GMT | by AFP
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access in Iran, which had been suspended since the United States and Israel launched attacks against the country, local media reported Monday.
"The decree aimed at restoring internet access to its pre-January state was communicated to the Ministry of Communications by the president," Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported.
Authorities shut down the internet during large-scale protests that peaked in early January, then suspended it again on February 28 at the start of the Middle East war.
Since then, the population has only had access to domestic platforms and websites.
Israel's Netanyahu orders escalation of Lebanon offensive to 'crush' Hezbollah
Published: May 25, 2026 | 18:30 GMT | by AFP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he had ordered the military to intensify its offensive in Lebanon in an effort to "crush" Hezbollah, accusing the group of targeting Israeli forces with drone attacks.
"I have ordered an even greater acceleration of our operations," Netanyahu said in a video statement posted on his Telegram channel.
"It is true that they are attacking us with drones, including fibre-optic drones, but we have teams working on countermeasures and we will solve this issue... We will intensify our blows, increase our firepower, and we will crush them."
Oil drops below $100 on hopes of US-Iran deal to open Hormuz
Published: May 25, 2026 | 16:30 GMT | by AFP
Oil prices plunged below $100 a barrel on Monday and stock markets rallied as investors raised their expectations of a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following signs that Washington and Iran were edging closer to a deal.
Both North Sea Brent, the international benchmark, and West Texas Intermediate crude futures contracts were down more than five percent after headlines over the weekend suggested progress on talks to end the Middle East war.
Iran officials visit Qatar as part of 'diplomatic process' to end war: media
Published: May 25, 2026 | 13:03 GMT | by AFP
Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Qatar on Monday as part of the "diplomatic process" to end the war with the United States, state media reported.
An Iranian delegation headed by "Ghalibaf, travelled to Doha today. This trip comes as part of the diplomatic process", said the official IRNA news agency, adding that talks will be held to end the war that broke out on February 28.
Other media in Iran including Tasnim and Fars news agencies said the delegation included Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as well as Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati.
Trump urges Saudi Arabia and Qatar to sign Abraham Accords as part of Iran peace deal
Published: May 25, 2026 | 13:03 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump on Monday urged Saudi Arabia, Qatar to normalize relations with Israel as part of the Iran peace deal.
In a lengthy social media post, Trump listed countries whose leaders he spoke with on Saturday about efforts to end the war with Iran, adding: "I stated that, after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords."
Dialogue and negotiation right way forward, says China
Published: May 25, 2026 | 10:33 GMT | by Web Desk
In response to a question about the US and Iran appearing to be close to an agreement to end the war in the Middle East, and whether China is playing a diplomatic role to achieve this agreement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "China’s position on the Iran situation is very clear. It is a conflict that should not have happened in the first place and there is no point in prolonging it any more."
"To find an early way to resolve the situation is in the interest of not only the US and Iran, but also regional countries and the rest of the world."
Ning said, "The recent US-Iran ceasefire and effort to explore resolving issues through negotiation is welcomed by regional countries and the international community."
The spokesperson said, "China always believes that dialogue and negotiation is the right way forward, and the use of force is a dead end."
"It is important to steady the momentum in easing the situation, keep to the direction of political settlement, engage in dialogue and consultation, and reach a settlement that accommodates the concerns of all parties," she said.
Iran, Oman consulting to ensure Hormuz's stability: Foreign ministry spokesperson
Published: May 25, 2026 | 10:21 GMT | by Web Desk
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson has said that Iran and Oman are consulting to ensure the stability of the Strait of Hormuz, according to state broadcaster IRIB.
The spokesperson said, "The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global waterway requiring guaranteed security. Iran and Oman are consulting to ensure this stability."
"At the war's onset, the US utilized SoH to launch its military aggression against Iran," the spokesperson said.
Top Iranian negotiator Bagher Ghalibaf re-elected as parliament speaker
Published: May 25, 2026 | 09:41 GMT | by Web Desk
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf won re-election as speaker of Iran’s parliament for a seventh straight year after securing strong backing from lawmakers in the 12th legislative term, Iran's Fars News Agency reported.
Iran 'not seeking to collect tolls,' says foreign ministry
Published: May 25, 2026 | 09:03 GMT | by AFP
Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday that Tehran was collecting fees for "navigational services" on ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, rather than imposing tolls.
"The services that are provided -- navigational services in addition to the measures necessary to protect the environment of the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman -- require the collection of certain fees," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing.
He added that Iran was "not seeking to collect tolls."
Oman FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss regional developments
Published: May 25, 2026 | 07:35 GMT | by Web Desk
Oman's foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, discussed regional developments in a phone call with the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, according to Al Jazeera.
The two leaders expressed support for efforts to resume maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and end tensions in the region, Al Jazeera reported, quoting the Omani foreign ministry.
The two leaders also addressed the existing partnership between the EU and Oman, the ministry said.
US, Iran working toward finalized agreement, says official
Published: May 25, 2026 | 07:27 GMT | by Web Desk
The United States and Iran are moving toward a finalized agreement, CBS News reported, quoting a senior official in the Trump administration.
According to the official, Iran has, in principle, accepted a deal to dispose of highly enriched uranium, and both sides share a general understanding of the key principles.
On Truth Social, President Trump wrote that US-Iran negotiations are still underway, but he has instructed his representatives not to hurry the process, adding that “time is on our side.”
Israel military issues new evacuation warning to 10 Lebanon villages
Published: May 25, 2026 | 06:43 GMT | by AFP
Israel's military on Monday warned residents of 10 villages, most of them in southern Lebanon, to evacuate their homes ahead of expected strikes against alleged Hezbollah targets.
"In light of Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement, the Israel Defense Forces are compelled to operate against it with force," the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee, said in a social media post, listing the names of the villages.
"For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 meters away from these towns and villages to open areas."
Full Israeli withdrawal remains priority, says Lebanon’s president
Published: May 25, 2026 | 05:37 GMT | by Web Desk
President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun issued a statement commemorating Resistance and Liberation Day, which marks Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 after a 22-year occupation, according to Al Jazeera.
“The path to a complete Israeli withdrawal remains a steadfast national demand, one that the Lebanese state is working to achieve through negotiations,” he said.
“These negotiations will not be concessions or surrenders, but rather a reaffirmation of Lebanon’s exclusive right to protect its land and sovereignty and extend its authority through its army and legitimate security forces.”
Footage documents attack on Palestinian fishermen off Gaza City coast
Published: May 25, 2026 | 04:41 GMT | by Web Desk
Palestinian fishermen continue to face severe risks as they attempt to earn a living amid Israel’s war on Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.
On Sunday, three Palestinian fishermen were injured when Israeli naval forces fired at their boat off the coast of Gaza City.
The Palestinian Information Center also shared footage on X showing the moment Israeli forces targeted the fishermen’s boats with gunfire.
India hikes fuel prices again due to Middle East war
Published: May 25, 2026 | 04:29 GMT | by AFP
India's state-run fuel companies raised petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in 10 days on Monday, as the Middle East war strains supplies to the country.
Automobile fuel prices have increased by five percent since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran in February.
India, the world's third-largest oil buyer, normally sources about half of its crude through the vital waterway.
Fuel rates vary across the country, but prices have broadly been increased by a little over two rupees ($0.02) after the latest adjustment.
In New Delhi, petrol prices rose to 102.12 rupees from 99.5 rupees, while diesel is now at 95.20 rupees.
Israel military says soldier killed in southern Lebanon
Published: May 25, 2026 | 04:21 GMT | by AFP
Israel said on Monday a soldier was killed in southern Lebanon, taking to 23 the number of its troops killed in the war.
A military statement named him as 19-year-old Sergeant Nehoray Leizer of the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion, who "fell in combat in southern Lebanon".
During the incident in which Leizer was killed, "an additional soldier was severely injured", the Israeli military said separately on Telegram.
A total of 24 Israelis have been killed in the conflict, 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor, since hostilities began on March 2.
Rubio says Iran deal still possible Monday
Published: May 25, 2026 | 03:29 GMT | by AFP
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that a deal to end the war with Iran could materialize "today", adding that Israel had the right to defend itself against attack.
"We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today, I wouldn't read too much into it," Rubio said in New Delhi, referring to the potential agreement.
"Israel always has a right to protect itself... if Hezbollah is going to launch missiles or launches missiles at them, Israel has every right to respond to that," he told reporters as he departed the Indian capital, where he has been on an official visit.
Teen shot during Israeli raid in occupied-West Bank town
Published: May 25, 2026 | 2:48 GMT | by Web Desk
A Palestinian teenager was wounded on Monday after being struck by gunfire during an Israeli military operation in the town of Beit Fajjar in the occupied West Bank, Al Jazeera reported, citing Wafa.
The Palestinian news agency reported that Israeli troops entered the area as part of a raid and fired live rounds during the incident. The 15-year-old was hit in the leg, the reports said.
He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Japan's Nikkei jumps over 3% on Iran deal hopes
Published: May 25, 2026 | 1:52 GMT | by AFP
Japan's Nikkei share index soared more than 3% on Monday on hopes of a deal to end the US-Iran war, despite President Donald Trump downplaying its imminence.
At around 0145 GMT, the Nikkei 225 was up 3.2% at 65,363.57 points.
US futures rise as traders weigh ME War developments
Published: May 25, 2026 | 1:38 GMT | by Web Desk
The Guardian reported Monday that US stock futures rose in early trading as investors reacted to expectations of a possible agreement to end the war in Iran.
The gains came as market participants positioned for an increase in risk appetite at the start of the week.
Nasdaq futures rose 0.89%, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.6%.
However, uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz limited market enthusiasm.
Oil retreats in Asian trading even as Trump dampens US–Iran deal prospects
Published: May 25, 2026 | 5:44 GMT | by Web Desk/AFP
Oil prices fell more than 5% in early Asian trading on Monday, as markets reacted to expectations of a possible US-Iran agreement, even after US President Donald Trump signaled caution about its timing.
Brent crude dropped 5.1% to $98.22 per barrel around 2300 GMT on Sunday, while West Texas Intermediate fell 5.2% to $91.57.
Trump said in a social media post on Sunday that negotiators should not rush into a deal, saying time was on their side. He added that restrictions would remain in place until an agreement is reached and signed.
The United States and Iran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators continue efforts toward a negotiated settlement.
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