US-Iran war news: Key developments from May 17
- Abu Dhabi confirms a drone strike causing a fire in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region.
- Iran is set to unveil its plan to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including a toll mechanism which would prohibit “enemy” weapons shipments from passing through.
- US President Donald Trump warned Iran that it would be a “very bad time” for the country if they fail to reach a peace deal.
- Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s assassination of Hamas’ Qassam Brigades leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad in Gaza, calling it a “terrorist act.”
- Araghchi said Iran has “every reason” not to trust the United States, warning that deep distrust remains the main obstacle to any meaningful diplomatic breakthrough.
- Bearing the Marshall Islands flag, tanker Symi arrived at the Kandla Port in Gujarat, India, today. Having crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 13, it is carrying about 20,000 tonnes of LPG.
- India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York, Parvathaneni Harish outlined India’s approach to the ongoing Hormuz crisis, stressing the need for a combination of short-term and long-term measures backed international cooperation, at a Special Meeting of the UNECOSOC.
- Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon wounded dozens of civilians, including women, children and paramedics, while also damaging ambulance and emergency response facilities.
- China said dialogue and a permanent ceasefire are the only solutions to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, with Beijing offering support for renewed diplomatic efforts.
- Oil prices surged sharply amid fears over instability in the Strait of Hormuz, while global markets remained rattled by war concerns and inflationary pressure.
- After talks in the US, the State Department announced that the ‘ceasefire’ between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by 45 days. More such US-brokered talks are expected later this month and in June.
Trump warns Iran ‘there won’t be anything left of them’
US President Donald Trump has issued another stark warning to Iran amid escalating tensions and ongoing negotiations over a possible ceasefire deal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”
UAE presidential adviser condemns ‘terrorist targeting’ of nuclear plant
Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president, has condemned what he described as the “terrorist targeting” of the country’s nuclear power plant following the drone incident near the Barakah facility. In a post on X, Gargash said the attack “whether carried out by the principal perpetrator or through one of its agents, represents a dangerous escalation and a dark scene that violates all international laws and norms”.
Iranian media says US response lacks ‘tangible concessions’ in war talks
Iran’s Mehr news agency says Washington has failed to offer any concrete concessions in its latest response to Tehran’s proposed framework for negotiations aimed at ending the war. “The United States, offering no tangible concessions, wants to obtain concessions that it failed to obtain during the war, which will lead to an impasse in the negotiations,” Mehr reported.
Iran says US-Israeli war has weakened American global dominance
Iran’s Defence Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said the US-Israeli war on Iran has altered the global order and weakened American dominance. “In the third imposed war, America’s global hegemony has collapsed. The Iranian nation and armed forces remain ready to respond decisively to any threat or aggression,” Talaei-Nik was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.
Netanyahu and Trump discuss Iran and China visit in phone call: Report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump held a phone call lasting more than 30 minutes, according to Israeli broadcaster Kan. The report said the two leaders discussed the possibility of renewed fighting with Iran amid ongoing regional tensions and fragile diplomatic efforts.
Qatar condemns drone attack near UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the drone attack on the United Arab Emirates, including a strike near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region. In a post on X, the ministry described the attack as a “flagrant violation of international law” and a “serious threat to regional security and stability”.
Pezeshkian says US-Israel attacks aimed to ‘spread insecurity’ in Iran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the objective of US and Israeli attacks on Iran was “to spread insecurity inside the country by supporting terrorist groups”. Speaking during a meeting with Pakistan’s interior minister, Pezeshkian said those efforts failed because neighbouring countries prevented their territory from being used against Iran. He described the “cooperation and responsibility of Iran’s neighbours in preventing any misuse of their territory against our country” as “a valuable and commendable act”.
Iran responds to reported US ceasefire conditions with own demands
Iran has reportedly responded to the United States’ proposed conditions for a peace deal with a set of demands of its own aimed at ending the war. According to Iranian media reports, Tehran’s conditions include ending the conflict across all fronts in the Middle East, lifting US sanctions on Iran, and releasing all frozen Iranian funds. Iran also reportedly demanded compensation for war damages and formal recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The reported exchange highlights major gaps between the two sides, with the US said to have explicitly rejected at least two of Iran’s key demands in its own pre-conditions for a deal.
Iranian media reports US ceasefire conditions for Tehran
Iranian state media says the United States has presented Tehran with a list of conditions tied to a potential ceasefire agreement. According to the report, the proposed terms include no compensation for Iran’s war-related damages, the transfer of 400kg of uranium to the US, and limiting Iran to one active nuclear facility. The reported conditions also state that Iran’s frozen assets would not be released and that any ceasefire across all fronts would remain conditional on continued negotiations.
The developments come as the Iran war enters its 78th day amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and continued regional tensions.
UAE says drones entered through western border, one struck near Barakah plant
The UAE’s Defence Ministry says three drones entered the country through its western border, with two intercepted and a third striking a generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the al-Dhafra region. Authorities said the strike caused a fire, but there was no impact on radiological safety or the plant’s operational systems. “Investigations are under way to determine the source of the attacks, and updates will be announced once they are complete,” the ministry said in a post on X.
IAEA expresses ‘grave concern’ over drone strike near UAE nuclear plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed “grave concern” over a drone strike near a nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates that triggered a fire. The UN nuclear watchdog said radiation levels remained normal despite the incident near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.
Pakistan interior minister meets Iranian president in Tehran
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during his visit to Tehran, according to the Pakistani Embassy in Iran. Naqvi, who arrived in the Iranian capital on Saturday, spent nearly three hours at the Presidential Palace for talks with senior Iranian officials.
Israeli army says four troops injured in blast in southern Lebanon
The Israeli military says one officer and three soldiers were injured overnight in what it described as an “explosive device detonation” in southern Lebanon.
NetBlocks says Iran internet blackout enters 79th day
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks says Iran’s nationwide internet blackout has entered its 79th day, marking the start of its 12th week. The disruption, which began in late February, has severely restricted access to the global internet across Iran, with connectivity levels remaining near zero in many areas.
Trump shares cryptic ‘calm before the storm’ message amid Iran tensions
US President Donald Trump has posted a cryptic message on his Truth Social platform amid escalating tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz crisis. On Sunday, Trump shared an AI-generated image showing himself alongside military vessels with the caption: “It Was The Calm Before The Storm.”
Israel issues new evacuation threats for towns in southern Lebanon
Israel has issued new warnings for several towns and villages in southern Lebanon ahead of threatened attacks. An Israeli military spokesperson warned residents in Arzi, Al-Marwaniyah, Al-Babiliyah and Al-Baysariyah to evacuate the areas.
Netanyahu says he will speak with Trump about China trip and Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is expected to speak with US President Donald Trump later on Sunday and discuss both Iran and Trump’s recent trip to China.
Netanyahu says Israel expanding efforts to counter advanced drone threats
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is intensifying efforts to counter evolving drone threats, including fiber-optic guided drones. Netanyahu said the government has brought together defence companies and civilian technology experts to develop new counter-drone solutions. “I told them there is no budget limit,” he said. “Whatever it costs, it costs.”
Iran warns against transit of ‘enemy’ weapons through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has warned it will no longer allow the transit of “enemy” military equipment through the Strait of Hormuz, according to First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. “We had given up our right of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and we previously allowed the passage of military equipment that was intended to be used against us,” Aref said. “We will not permit that again.”
Abu Dhabi reports drone strike near Barakah nuclear plant
Authorities in Abu Dhabi have confirmed a drone strike caused a fire in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region. Officials said the incident did not affect radiological safety levels and there was no impact on the plant’s operational safety systems.
Kazakhstan sends humanitarian aid shipment to Iran amid war-linked crisis
Kazakhstan has delivered 30 wagons of humanitarian aid to Iran, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, as Tehran faces a worsening economic crisis after months of war with the US and Israel. The shipment was sent on the orders of Kazakhstan’s president and included canned meat, sugar, flour, medical equipment and medicine.
Iran appoints parliament speaker Ghalibaf as special envoy to China
Iranian Consultative Assembly Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has been appointed as a special envoy to China, according to Iran’s state news agency Tasnim. Ghalibaf has emerged as one of Tehran’s key negotiators in talks with the United States since the outbreak of the war.
US ends temporary waiver on Russian oil sanctions after expiry
The US Treasury Department has allowed a temporary waiver on Russian oil sanctions to expire, ending a monthlong exemption that had permitted global buyers to purchase Russian crude stranded at sea.
The Trump administration had introduced the waiver to help stabilise energy markets after supply disruptions linked to the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The temporary measure enabled major importers, particularly India, to absorb large volumes of Russian crude and ease pressure on global supplies. During the exemption period, India reportedly increased imports of Russian oil to record levels of 2.3 million barrels per day.
Pakistani Minister's Tehran visit linked to revival of Iran-US talks: Reports
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's previously unannounced visit to Tehran was linked by Pakistani and Iranian media to Islamabad's continuing efforts to revive the stalled Iran-US peace process amid persistent tensions in West Asia.
Dawn newspaper, quoting unnamed diplomatic sources, reported on Sunday that Naqvi's two-day visit came after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's latest response to American proposals.
It also said that Pakistan was continuing shuttle diplomacy aimed at preventing the negotiations from collapsing entirely after momentum generated by earlier rounds of talks in Islamabad slowed sharply.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency also described Naqvi's trip as part of Pakistan's "ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and promote regional peace".
India, other oil importers to bilaterally negotiate transit corridors with Iran: Moody's
India and other oil importing nations are likely to negotiate bilaterally to secure energy supplies, potentially through coordinated transit corridors, but a return to pre-war traffic volumes is unlikely in 2026, Moody's Ratings has said.
In a global report on geopolitical risks, Moody's said there is little prospect of a swift and durable settlement between the US and Iran and with it the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Moody's said the transit flows will gradually improve, but through bilateral channels rather than a general reopening. This would allow some incremental improvement in energy transit flows from near-zero now, but the process will be slow, opaque and subject to interruption.
"We expect oil importers -- particularly China, India, Japan and Korea -- to negotiate passage bilaterally with Iran, potentially through coordinated transit corridors such as those reportedly emerging near Larak Island and through Omani territorial waters... A return to pre-conflict traffic volumes in 2026 is unlikely," it said.
Comoros suspends fuel price hikes
After protests against fuel price hikes turned deadly in Comoros, Africa, the country's government announced it had "heard the cried of the Comorian people" and was suspending the price increases.
Energy Minister Aboubacar Said Anli said President Azali Assoumani has suspended the decrees introducing the higher prices, which took effect on May 9, to allow for talks.
“The goal is to preserve peace,” he said at a news conference.
Kazakhstan sends humanitarian aid to Iran
Kazakhstan sent 30 wagons of humanitarian aid to Iran, according to Tasnim news agency. Sent on Kazakhstan's president's orders, the shipment included canned meat, sugar, flour, medical equipment and medicine. It was given to the Iranian Red Crescent Society at the Sarakhs railway station.
Israeli air strikes target another Lebanon town
After previous reports of Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon today, two more attacks targeted the outskirts of the town of Yahmar in the western Bekaa Valley, eastern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera. Another Israeli raid was also reported on the town of Sahmar in the western Bekaa Valley.
Pak minister's Tehran visit linked to reviving Iran-US talks
Pakistani and Iranian media linked Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's previous Tehran visit to Islamabad's continued efforts to revive the delayed US-Iran peace talks.
According to Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Naqvi's two-day visit followed Trump's rejection of Tehran's response to American proposals.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency also described Naqvi's trip as part of Pakistan's "ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and promote regional peace".
Trump's endless warnings to Iran - 'Calm before the storm'
In addition to threatening Iran that a "very bad time" was in store for the country if no peace deal is reached, Trump shared an image warning reiterating his claims.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, the POTUS shared an AI-generated image that shows him wearing a 'Make America Great Again' hat. He's seen standing with a US navy admiral in the middle of turbulent waters that are otherwise filled with Iranian ships.
"It was the calm before the storm," reads the message shared with the image.