Here are the latest developments as of May 4:
- The United States is expected to launch an effort on Monday to “guide” stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said, as two ships around the strait reported attacks. Trump had previously shared details about what could be a sweeping attempt to help hundreds of vessels on TruthSocial. Iran quickly denounced the move as a ceasefire violation.
- Trump said in a social media post on Sunday that “neutral and innocent” countries have been affected by the Iran war, and “we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business”.
- US President Donald Trump said that he will soon review a new plan from Iran, but added he “can’t imagine that it would be acceptable.”
- Iranian state media reported that Iran had submitted a 14-point response to a proposal from the US, with Pakistan emerging as an intermediary.
- Iran’s armed forces have said it is “likely” the US-Israel war on the country will resume as “evidence shows the US is not committed to any agreements or treaties”.
- Iran’s parliament is ready to approve a law that would put restriction on which vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state TV. Israeli vessels will never be allowed, while ships from “hostile countries” would have to pay war reparation to obtain a permit.
- The US State Dept approved military sales worth over $8.6 billion to Middle Easter allies Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE.
- Israel and Hezbollah continued to attack each despite a declared ceasefire in Lebanon.
- The US Defence Dept estimated that Iran has been denied nearly $5 billion in oil revenue since the blockade started on April 13, according to an Axios report citing Pentagon officials.
- A new Washington Post-ABC-Ispos poll found that 61% of Americans believed that the decision to launch military action against Iran was a mistake in light of the war’s impact on the global economy.
- The average price of a gallon of gas has now reached $4.30, marking the biggest single-day increase in the past six weeks.
| Commodity | Last Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| WTI Crude | $105.12 | +0.05% |
| RBOB Gasoline | $3.77 | 0.00% |
| Natural Gas | $2.76 | -0.18% |
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Monday, on behalf of the Joint Maritime Information Centre, that the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical due to ongoing regional military operations.
UKMTO said mariners are advised to coordinate with Omani authorities via VHF channel 16 and should consider routing via Oman territorial waters south of the traffic separation scheme, where the U.S. has established an enhanced security area
Trump says US will 'guide' stranded ships from Strait of Hormuz, starting on Monday
The United States will launch an effort on Monday to "guide" stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said, as two ships around the strait reported attacks.
Trump gave few details about what could be a sweeping attempt to help hundreds of vessels and some 20,000 seafarers. Iran quickly denounced the move as a ceasefire violation.
Trump said in a social media post on Sunday that "neutral and innocent" countries have been affected by the Iran war, and "we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business".
"Project Freedom" would begin on Monday morning in the Middle East, Trump said, adding that his representatives are having discussions with Iran that could lead to something "very positive for all".
US Central Command said the initiative would involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft and 15,000 service members. The Pentagon did not immediately answer questions about how they would be deployed.
Iran's effective closure of the strait, imposed after the US and Israel launched the war on Feb 28, has shaken global markets.
CENTCOM says 49 vessels redirected amid Iran port blockade
US Central Command said commander Brad Cooper visited the USS Milius as it patrolled regional waters supporting the blockade of Iranian ports. CENTCOM said Cooper addressed sailors onboard and stressed the importance of the mission. “As of today, 49 commercial vessels have been redirected to comply with blockade. US forces remain fully committed to total enforcement,” the command said.
Kuwait expects higher oil output as OPEC+ raises June targets
Kuwait’s oil minister Tareq Al-Roumi said Kuwait’s oil production is expected to rise to 2.6 million barrels per day in June. The comments came after OPEC+ announced seven member countries would increase oil output targets by 188,000 bpd next month, marking the third consecutive monthly increase.
Bulk carrier attacked by small craft near Iran’s Sirik, UKMTO says
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said a bulk carrier transiting north about 11 nautical miles west of Sirik, Iran, reported being attacked by multiple small craft on Sunday. All crew members were reported safe and no environmental damage was recorded following the incident.
Lebanon says Israeli attacks have killed 2,679 people since March
Lebanon Ministry of Public Health said Israeli attacks across Lebanon have killed 2,679 people and wounded 8,229 between March 2 and May 3.
Treasury's Bessent says that oil prices will likely come down later this year
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said surging energy prices linked to the US-Israel war with Iran are expected to decline later this year. “Oil prices on the other side of this conflict are going to be much lower,” Bessent said on Fox Business Network’s “Sunday Morning Futures” program.
Israel says it seized more than 100 Hezbollah weapons in southern Lebanon
Israeli Army said troops found more than 100 weapons allegedly used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours. The cache reportedly included Kalashnikov-type rifles, 20 rockets, sniper rifles and other combat equipment found in the Rashaf area by forces from the 401st Brigade, reported Al Jazeera.
OPEC+ raises June oil output target after UAE exit
OPEC+ said seven member countries will increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in June following the UAE’s withdrawal from the bloc. Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman agreed to the move during a virtual meeting reviewing global market conditions and the outlook for supply.
Paramedics injured in Israeli strike near Lebanon medical centre, ministry says
Lebanon Ministry of Public Health said at least five people, including four paramedics, were wounded in an Israeli strike on Srifa in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district. The ministry said the air raid hit next to a medical centre and condemned the “repeated attacks,” citing Article 19 of the Geneva Convention on the protection of medical facilities in conflict zones.
Poland says no sign US troops leaving Germany will move east
Poland PM Donald Tusk said Warsaw has received no indication from Washington that US troops withdrawn from Germany would be redeployed to Poland or NATO’s eastern flank.
At least one killed, three injured in Israeli attack on Lebanon’s Nabatieh district
An Israeli air raid on the municipality of Arab Salim in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh district has killed at least one person and injured three others, including a child, reported Al Jazeera.
ADNOC pledges $55bn investment days after UAE exits OPEC
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said it will spend $55 billion on new projects over the next two years, days after the UAE formally left OPEC. “ADNOC today confirmed it is accelerating growth and delivery of its strategy with AED 200 billion ($55 billion) in new project awards for 2026-2028,” the company said in a statement.
Israeli court extends detention of Gaza flotilla activists
An Israeli court has approved a two-day extension to the detention of two foreign activists from a captured Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla vessel, reported Al Jazeera. “The court extended their detention by two days,” said Miriam Azem of Adalah, which is representing the activists.
Former IRGC commander threatens to turn Hormuz into ‘graveyard’ for US forces
Mohsen Rezaee, former IRGC commander and secretary of Tehran’s Expediency Council, compared US forces blockading the Strait of Hormuz to “pirates” and warned the waterway could become “a graveyard” for American aircraft carriers and troops. “The U.S. is the only pirate in the world that possesses aircraft carriers,” he said, adding Iran’s ability to confront “pirates” is “no less than our ability to sink warships.”
IRGC intelligence unit says ‘room for US decision-making has narrowed’
The intelligence unit of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said US now faces a choice between “an impossible military operation or a bad deal” with Iran. The agency said Tehran has set a deadline for the US to end its blockade of Iranian ports and claimed China, Russia and Europe are shifting tone against US. “The room for US decision-making has narrowed,” it said in a post on X.
Israel approves plan to buy new fighter aircraft from US
Israeli Defence Ministry said Israel has given final approval for the purchase of two new combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15IA aircraft.
The multibillion-dollar deal involves Lockheed Martin and Boeing and comes as Israel continues expanding military readiness amid regional tensions.
China issues formal injunction to block 'illegal' US sanctions on domestic refiners
The Chinese government has issued a formal injunction to block US sanctions directed at five domestic refiners, including the Hengli Petrochemical Refinery, accused by Washington of purchasing Iranian oil.
China Daily, a state-affiliated English-language outlet, defended Beijing's decision by describing the move as a "defensive and justified response" to what the government characterises as a clear violation of international law.
OPEC+ set to agree third oil output quota hike since Hormuz closure
According to a Reuters report, OPEC+ is set to agree on Sunday a modest oil output hike. But the increase will remain largely on paper as long as the U.S.-Iran war continues to disrupt Gulf oil supplies. Seven OPEC+ countries have reportedly agreed in principle to raise oil output targets by about 188,000 barrels per day in June, the third consecutive monthly increase.
Israel shells southern Lebanon’s Tyre district
According to an Al Jazeera update citing the Lebanese state-run National News Agency, Israeli artillery shelling is underway in the southern district of Tyre, including the municipality of Froun and Ghandouriyeh, as well as the outskirts of al-Mansouri, Qlailah and the hills of Majdal Zoun.
Iran executes man convicted over killing of security officer in 2022 unrest
According to a Reuters update, Iran has executed a man convicted of involvement in the killing of a security officer. The Supreme Court had upheld his sentence in late 2025.
The defendant, identified as Mehrab Abdollahzadeh, was described as one of the main individuals responsible for the death of security officer Abbas Fatemiyeh, killed in 2022 during a nationwide protest movement sparked by the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody.
The judiciary's news outlet Mizan, reported on Sunday that the defendant confessed to assaulting the security officer. Rights group HRANA quoted an informed source as saying Abdollahzadeh was subject to torture to extract forced confessions.
White House appoints Nick Stewart as adviser to diplomatic team for Iran peace talks
The White House has confirmed the appointment of Nick Stewart as an adviser to the diplomatic team tasked with negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a report by CBS News.
In an official statement, White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales described Stewart as a "sharp, seasoned policy expert" who would serve as a significant asset to the delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Wales noted that Stewart possesses a deep background in Iran-related matters, having previously held positions within the State Department during the first Trump administration and on Capitol Hill.
Israeli military shoots down two ‘suspicious aerial targets’
The Israeli Military wrote on X that it had "intercepted two additional suspicious aerial targets” before they crossed into its territory after sirens sounded in northern Israel. The military also “launched interceptors” following alerts of “rocket fire in the Kiryat Shmona area”.
OPEC+ members meet to set new oil quotas following UAE exit
Seven members of OPEC+ will meet today to decide on oil production levels for the first time since the UAE left the group. The United Arab Emirates had officially left the grouping last week. The seven countries are expected to raise their daily production by 188,000 barrels, according to traders.
According to analysts, it decided to quit on April 28 because it was unhappy with the limits the group placed on how much oil it could produce.
UN Chief warns of 'nacceptable impunity' as global press freedom hits 25-year low
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning on World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the escalating dangers faced by media professionals globally and asserting that without a free press, there can be no peace or human rights.
The UN chief noted that while it is often said that in war, "truth is the first casualty," the reality is frequently more grim. "But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists, who risk everything to report that truth, not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny," he said.
Israeli military orders residents of multiple Lebanese towns to evacuate
The Israeli military issued an urgent warning on Sunday to residents of 11 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, urging them to evacuate their homes and move at least 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) away to open areas.
The military said it was conducting operations against Hezbollah following what it described as a violation of their ceasefire agreement, warning that anyone near Hezbollah fighters or facilities could be at risk.
Energy shock from Iran war delays rate cuts
Central banks globally are reassessing their policy trajectories after the Iran war pushed energy prices higher, with Investment management firm, Robeco, warning that the "crude disruption" is forcing some to postpone easing while others weigh hikes they had not previously anticipated. Looking ahead, the firm expects the Fed to deliver two rate cuts later this year under incoming Chair Kevin Warsh, while the ECB could hike 25 (basis points) bps in June and September if Brent crude holds near USD 80 per barrel. In Asia, the Bank of Japan is likely to continue tightening as a tight labour market and 3per cent wage growth raise the risk of a 2022-style inflation episode.
Israel strikes 50 Hezbollah-linked infrastructure sites in Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces said its forces struck multiple sites linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon over the past day, targeting what it described as 'militant infrastructure' used to plan and support attacks.
"Over the past day (Saturday), the IDF struck numerous terrorist infrastructure sites and eliminated terrorists operating adjacent to IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon," the military said.
It added that around 70 military structures and approximately 50 Hezbollah-linked infrastructure sites were dismantled across several areas. According to the IDF, the targets included command centres, weapons storage facilities, military buildings, and other sites allegedly used to advance attacks against Israeli forces.
CENTCOM chief visits USS Tripoli in Arabian Sea
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited sailors and Marines on board the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli in the Arabian Sea during a trip to the command's area of responsibility. His presence in the region comes as the US naval blockade continues to be enforced in the Gulf of Oman, adjacent to where the USS Tripoli is currently operating.
The Iranian Embassy in South Africa took a fresh swipe at the United States and President Donald Trump on Sunday via X. The handle claimed that "when someone truly wins, they don’t keep trying to convince everyone they did".
"You know, it’s amazing how every time you talk about Iran, the story changes — one day “you’ve already won,” the next day suddenly “you’re not happy.” Which one is it? If everything was supposedly destroyed, if the Navy is gone, the Air Force is gone, the leadership is gone, and it would take them 20 years to rebuild… then why are you still demanding a deal? Sounds less like victory, more like panic dressed up as confidence," the Embassy handle jibed.