Day 84 | Signs of progress amid efforts to reach US-Iran peace deal
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Iran’s chief negotiator says the United States is seeking to restart the war, accusing Washington of carrying out “overt and clandestine movements” that indicate preparations for a new attack.
US President Donald Trump said the American military may strike Iran “even harder” if tensions escalate, but added that Washington will wait to see whether a peace agreement can be finalized after previously stating that negotiations were in their “final stages.”
Meanwhile, US Marines boarded an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after suspecting it had violated a US blockade while heading toward an Iranian port. The vessel was later released.
At the same time, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Iran in what officials described as an effort to facilitate the exchange of messages and provide further clarification regarding communications sent between the parties.
Day 85 of the US-‘Israeli’ war on Iran
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Read more: Day 85 | Tehran says US demand to hand over uranium would doom any deal
'Israeli' army calls for evacuation of two areas of Tyre in south Lebanon
The 'Israeli' military on Friday called for the evacuation of two areas of Tyre in southern Lebanon, which has already been targeted by numerous 'Israeli' strikes, despite a ceasefire.
On X, the army's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, called for residents of two buildings and surrounding areas to leave, including one in a densely populated area of the city.
"You are located near Hezbollah facilities that the (Israeli military) is about to operate against," he added.
Trump weighs final military operation to end war: Axios
A source close to Donald Trump told Axios the US president has grown increasingly frustrated in recent days and is considering a final major military operation before declaring victory and ending the war.
Iran says Qatar-mediated talks with US reach “turning point”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said ongoing Qatar-mediated negotiations with the United States have reached a “turning point,” while stressing that Tehran will not reveal details of nuclear discussions after past talks “led to war” and reaffirming Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Hezbollah claims series of drone and rocket attacks on 'Israeli' military targets
Hezbollah said it targeted 'Israeli' troop gatherings, a Merkava tank and military positions near the border with explosive drones and rockets on Friday.
France drafts UN mission plan for Strait of Hormuz amid US pushback
France is preparing a UN resolution for an international Hormuz shipping mission as US efforts face resistance from Russia and China.
'Israeli' soldier wounded after explosive drone infiltrates northern border area
An 'Israeli' soldier was injured in the abdomen after an explosive-laden drone detonated in Misgav Am near the Lebanese border, 'Israeli' media reported.
Pakistan military chief departs to Iran: security sources
Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir departed Friday for an official visit to Tehran, security sources to AFP.
"Munir has left today for an official visit where he will have meetings with Iranian leadership," the sources said.
US Navy official says Taiwan arms sales on 'pause' over Iran war
The acting US Navy secretary said Thursday (May 21) that arms sales to Taiwan had been put on "pause" to ensure that the American military had sufficient munitions for its Iran operations.
Asked at a congressional hearing about the stalled US$14 billion weapons purchase by Taiwan, acting secretary Hung Cao said that "right now we're doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury - which we have plenty".
"But, we're just making sure we have everything, then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary."
The US State Department and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Cao's remarks.
US President Donald Trump has not committed to following through with the sale, raising concerns over his commitment to support for Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.
Ahead of his recent state visit to China, Trump said he would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the arms sales, a departure from Washington's previous insistence that it will not consult Beijing on the matter.
Afterward, he said he had made no commitments to Xi about Taiwan and would be making a determination on the arm sales "over the next fairly short period of time".
The United States recognises only Beijing, but under US law is required to provide weapons to the self-ruled democracy for its defence.
China has sworn to take the island and has not ruled out using force, ramping up military pressure in recent years.
Pakistan’s interior minister to remain in Tehran for talks
Pakistan’s interior minister will remain in Tehran on Friday to continue consultations and hold meetings with Iranian officials.
UKMTO says threat level in Strait of Hormuz remains critical
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation said the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman/Arabian Sea remains “critical”, with shipping traffic through the strait still significantly reduced.
The agency also warned that piracy threats remain severe, while risks including mined shipping routes and interference with satellite navigation systems continue across the region.
Iran and US continue indirect talks through Pakistani mediation
Indirect talks between Iran and the United States are continuing through Pakistani mediation, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.
The report said Tehran and Washington are exchanging messages and draft texts in an effort to establish a formal framework for an agreement.
