Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said the United States “will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” adding that Washington had “strong support” for its position. He announced what he described as a strengthened naval blockade, referred to as the “Steel Wall.”

Trump said the United States would “seize more Iranian oil tankers,” adding that “no one can break through the naval blockade” imposed on Iran and that additional Iranian vessels “will be intercepted unless Tehran shows real commitment and changes its behaviour.”

Addressing lawmakers at the White House, Trump also said the United States would “end the war very quickly” with Iran, reiterating that Tehran would not be permitted to possess nuclear weapons.

Iran’s foreign ministry, however, said Tehran was currently focused on “ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon,” while insisting it continued negotiations “in good faith.” The ministry said Washington must demonstrate seriousness in any diplomatic process.

The ministry described the US naval measures as “a violation of the ceasefire and contrary to international law,” dismissing discussions of ultimatums or deadlines imposed on Iran as “ridiculous.”

It added that coastal states have the right to prevent “aggressor states” from crossing the Strait of Hormuz and called for mechanisms regulating passage through the strategic waterway to ensure maritime security and environmental protection. Tehran also demanded the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to what it described as “maritime piracy against Iranian shipping.”

In a further escalation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any renewed attack on Iran would not remain confined within its borders. In a statement carried by Tasnim news agency, the Guards said the “American-Zionist enemy” had failed to learn from repeated strategic defeats, adding that Iran had “not yet used all of its capabilities” despite confronting the United States and Israel.

Iranian state television later reported that five large oil tankers had received authorisation from the Revolutionary Guards to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting continued tensions surrounding one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

Elsewhere in the region, Jordan’s military said it had shot down an unidentified drone that entered the country’s airspace over Jerash province on Wednesday morning, adding that there were no casualties and only minor material damage.

In the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates called on Iraq to prevent “any hostile acts” launched from its territory following a recent drone attack targeting the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Baghdad to take immediate and unconditional action to prevent “all hostile acts originating from its territory” and address the threats responsibly in accordance with international law.

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In international politics, denial can occasionally be part of the game. US President Donald Trump has officially denied requesting Chinese mediation regarding Iran during his recent visit to Beijing. Yet the timing of the visit, the nature of the issues discussed, and the simultaneous escalation in the Gulf have all prompted observers to ask a larger question: Is Washington beginning to view China as a partner that can no longer be bypassed in managing Middle Eastern crises?

From this perspective, Trump’s visit to Beijing was not merely a historic encounter between two strategic rivals or a diplomatic showcase between two great powers. It reflected a deeper transformation unfolding within the international system itself. The shift is neither the collapse of America, as some imagine, nor the rise of China as a traditional replacement empire. Rather, it lies in the changing nature of power itself. Today, power is no longer measured solely by military capabilities, but also by the ability to influence markets, energy flows, supply chains, and networks of economic dependency.

Even without an officially declared mediation request, the mere linkage between Beijing, Washington, and the Iranian file reveals an undeniable reality: China has become too influential to ignore in Middle Eastern calculations. Washington, which for decades acted as the sole power capable of shaping regional balances, now finds itself operating in a world where other actors possess genuine leverage in one of the most strategically sensitive regions on earth.

China today is not merely a trading partner for Tehran; it is a vital economic artery. It is the largest importer of Iranian oil, has massive strategic investments under the Belt and Road Initiative, and holds the ability to grant Tehran economic breathing space in the face of Western sanctions. This makes Beijing—unlike many other international powers—capable of addressing Iran in the language of interests, not threats alone.

However, reading the scene as a “complete Chinese victory” would be a superficial and hasty interpretation. China itself does not—at least not yet—seek to lead the world according to the traditional American model. Beijing is highly aware that any direct confrontation with Washington could threaten the global economic stability upon which its rise depends. Therefore, China’s strategy is based on quiet expansion: economic influence, commercial penetration, long-term investments, and flexible alliances, without engaging in large-scale military adventures.

As for Trump, he operates with a mindset different from that of classical American administrations. He does not place much faith in ideological alliances or grand slogans about democracy and human rights; he believes in the language of “the deal.” His political approach is deeply pragmatic: reducing tensions when necessary, protecting economic interests, and avoiding disruptions that could destabilize energy markets or global trade flows.

Yet behind this pragmatism lies a larger, undeniable truth: America is no longer able to manage the world single-handedly as it did after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In the 1990s, Washington acted as the “sole pole,” capable of imposing sanctions, igniting wars, and building international coalitions without needing genuine understandings with rival powers. Today, the landscape is entirely different.

The war in Ukraine exposed the limits of Western power. The escalation in the Middle East revealed the fragility of global energy markets. Meanwhile, China’s economic rise has created a web of mutual dependencies that makes isolating or bypassing Beijing extremely difficult. The world is gradually transforming into a more complex system in which centers of influence are distributed among Washington, Beijing, Moscow, and rising regional powers.

Most importantly, the Middle East itself is no longer what it once was. Countries in the region have become more pragmatic and more capable of diversifying their alliances. Saudi Arabia cooperates economically with China while maintaining its security partnership with America. The UAE moves flexibly between East and West. Turkey plays a balancing role between Russia and NATO. Even Iran itself is increasingly looking eastward.

In this context, Egypt stands before an important strategic opportunity. A multipolar world grants Cairo wider space for political and economic maneuver, away from the logic of sharp polarization. Egyptian-Chinese relations are expanding economically, while the security and military partnership with the United States continues. This ability to balance may become one of the most significant factors in Egypt’s strength in the coming years.

However, multipolarity does not necessarily mean greater stability. Sometimes a unipolar world is more predictable, while competition between major powers can lead to prolonged crises and open contests of influence. The real danger lies not in China’s rise alone, but in the absence of clear rules to regulate relations between the great powers in the coming phase.

The question that imposes itself here is not: “Has American hegemony ended?” but rather: “How will America behave in a world it no longer controls alone?”

Washington recognizes that Beijing has become its most serious economic competitor, yet it also understands that China’s role in global energy markets, trade networks, and regional diplomacy cannot simply be ignored. This complex relationship of rivalry and selective cooperation may become the defining feature of international politics over the next decade.

As for Iran, it is well aware of the value of its position within this equation. The higher the tension in the Gulf, the greater the importance of the Iranian role, and the greater the need for major powers to negotiate with it, directly or indirectly. Therefore, Tehran will likely continue using its regional pressure cards cautiously, without risking an all-out confrontation that could threaten the regime’s survival.

The Strait of Hormuz remains the true heart of the crisis. It is not merely a waterway, but a global energy artery through which a significant share of oil and gas exports flows. Any disruption there threatens not only the Gulf but the entire global economy. This is why the whole world watches this small area with anxiety that sometimes surpasses attention to the wars themselves.

In the end, Trump’s visit to Beijing may not be an official announcement of the end of the American era. Still, it is certainly a practical acknowledgment that the world has entered a new phase: a phase in which no power—no matter how strong—can manage international balances alone.

And perhaps this is the most important message the visit carried, far from official statements and diplomatic photographs: The world is changing… slowly, but profoundly.

Dr. Marwa El-Shinawy, Academic and Writer

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Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian said Iran’s “dignity and honour will not be sacrificed for comfort or worldly interests,” adding: “We will stand firm until the last breath with dignity and honour, while continuing negotiations and resolutely defending the rights of our dear people.”

His remarks came as the naval forces of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the establishment of a new body, the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority”, tasked with overseeing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and levying transit charges on passing vessels, a move likely to intensify global concerns over shipping security and energy supplies moving through one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints.

Despite the escalation, signs emerged that diplomatic efforts remain active. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had submitted an updated 14-point proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediation after amending an earlier US proposal containing the same number of points. According to Tasnim, the revised Iranian proposal focuses on ending the conflict and establishing confidence-building measures from Washington’s side.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said negotiations with the United States were continuing through the Pakistani channel, dismissing speculation surrounding uranium enrichment and nuclear materials. He said both sides had exchanged proposals and comments without providing further details.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump sharpened his rhetoric towards Tehran, warning that “the clock is ticking” for Iran and saying it must move “very fast or there will be nothing left of them.” He also wrote on his Truth Social platform that time was running out for Iran to reach an agreement.

CNN, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that Trump’s patience was wearing thin over Iran’s handling of negotiations and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil markets. The report added that Trump had more seriously considered resuming military operations in recent days as a means of increasing pressure on Tehran, although he still preferred a diplomatic resolution.

Meanwhile, Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding developments linked to Iran, while Saudi Arabia said it reserved the right to respond after intercepting three drones that entered its airspace from Iraq.

A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said the drones had been intercepted and destroyed, adding that the kingdom would “take all necessary operational measures” to address any threat to its security and sovereignty.

Qatar also condemned the drone incident, describing it as “a violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security,” while reaffirming its full solidarity with Riyadh.

Underscoring growing regional concern, Pakistan deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a bilateral defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources, as Islamabad continues to serve as a principal mediator between Washington and Tehran.

On the diplomatic front, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Massad Boulos, senior adviser to the US president for Arab and African affairs, to discuss efforts to reduce regional tensions. Abdelatty stressed the importance of resuming dialogue between the United States and Iran to reach understandings that could help avert a broader regional conflict.

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Trump posted on his Truth Social platform late on Saturday an image of warships, including a boat carrying the Iranian flag, alongside the phrase “The calm before the storm,” in what observers viewed as a possible signal of looming military action against Iran, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The post came shortly after Trump returned from China, where he discussed the Iran war and other global issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid growing international pressure on Washington to avoid a broader regional conflict.

Tehran responded sharply. Iranian armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that any new attack on Iran would result in the United States receiving “even harsher and more severe blows,” adding that American interests and forces would face “new and devastating attack scenarios” if Washington acted on its threats.

Iran’s defense ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei Nik also said Iranian armed forces were “fully prepared to respond to any threat or aggression,” as Tehran intensified both military and political messaging regarding Gulf shipping security.

Iranian state television announced new procedures for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, requiring ship owners to submit transit requests through their foreign ministries to Iran’s foreign ministry, which would then forward them to the Revolutionary Guards navy for evaluation of the vessel’s route, ownership and cargo. Transit permission would be granted only if the vessel was not linked to a “hostile state.”

The move points to unprecedented Iranian tightening of shipping controls in the strait, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes, raising renewed concerns over maritime security and energy supplies.

In a separate development, the UAE defense ministry said its air defenses dealt with three drones entering the country’s airspace from the western border area. Two drones were intercepted, while the third struck a power generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al Dhafra region, though no casualties were reported.

The ministry said investigations were underway to determine the source of the attack and stressed that the armed forces remained on full alert to confront threats targeting the country’s security.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sought clarification from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi over an attack on a South Korean cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. A South Korean official was quoted as saying the likelihood that another party besides Iran was responsible was “low.”

In Israel, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli military had moved to maximum alert over the possibility of renewed war with Iran, adding that the government was awaiting Trump’s decision amid growing assessments that Tehran may reject U.S. conditions for ending the conflict and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

The newspaper also said the United States and Israel were “strongly preparing” for the possible resumption of hostilities, echoing an earlier New York Times report that the Pentagon was preparing for renewed war because key U.S. objectives — especially concerning Iran’s nuclear program — had not been achieved.

At the same time, Tehran sought to project domestic unity and regional backing. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistan’s interior minister that the United States and Israel had aimed to “topple the regime” but had failed to anticipate that the Iranian people would stand by their country and government. He also praised Pakistan’s role in helping sustain the ceasefire and expressed hope that Islamabad’s efforts would support regional peace.

As mutual threats continue, shipping restrictions tighten and military readiness increases across the region, fears are growing that the current ceasefire may prove only a temporary pause in a conflict whose core disputes remain unresolved.

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The reliance on deceptive maritime practices to circumvent the blockade, which was imposed in mid-April to choke off Tehran’s oil revenues and restrict its regional financing, comes as the US Navy deploys extensive forces to the region. China remains the world’s largest importer of Iranian oil, and the ongoing trade coincides with recent meetings between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The continued flow of crude has prompted US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to accuse Beijing of “effectively funding terrorism” by maintaining its purchases of Iranian oil, according to the New York Times.

To grant Washington the capacity to monitor and intercept Asia-bound vessels, the US Navy has pushed significant forces into the region, beginning in the Gulf of Oman. US officials state the blockade has achieved substantial results, with more than 70 vessels intercepted since operations commenced. These include interventions near the Iranian coast and at significant distances in the Indian Ocean. Notably, US forces seized the tanker Majestic X, which was carrying an Iranian oil cargo destined for China, more than 2,000 miles from the Gulf of Oman.

However, a New York Times analysis of shipping data and satellite imagery demonstrates that several oil-laden vessels departing Iranian ports concurrently with or following the blockade’s implementation have successfully maintained their routes to East Asia.

Sophisticated Concealment Tactics

To evade detection, these vessels employ a variety of concealment methods, including deactivating tracking devices, spoofing geographical locations, sailing under false flags, and conducting ship-to-ship transfers at sea to obscure the true origin of the cargo. According to maritime intelligence firm Windward, the number of vessels utilising such deceptive practices surged by 600% between April 19 and May 3.

A prominent example is the Iranian supertanker Huge, which loaded approximately 2m barrels of crude from Kharg Island, Iran’s primary export terminal, before crossing the Strait of Hormuz in early April. Satellite imagery indicates the vessel departed the Gulf of Oman around April 13, almost exactly as the US blockade was enforced. The tanker kept its tracker deactivated for nearly its entire journey, briefly switching it on in early May when it appeared off the Indonesian coast in the Lombok Strait.

Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, stated that Washington does not consider the Huge to have evaded the blockade, as its crossing predated official enforcement. Conversely, the New York Times noted that US forces intercepted and seized another vessel carrying Iranian crude, the MT Tiffany, in the Indian Ocean on April 21, despite it also leaving the Gulf of Oman prior to the blockade’s imposition.

Satellite imagery tracked the Huge near Sri Lanka on April 23 before it continued north along the Vietnamese coast, with estimates suggesting it is bound for China or waters near Hong Kong. The vessel’s route is significant as it navigated the Indonesian Lombok Strait rather than the more frequently used Malacca Strait. Ami Daniel, chief executive of Windward, observed that an increasing number of Iran-linked vessels are adopting this route to minimise detection.

Describing the level of US focus on the blockade as “unprecedented,” Daniel added: “I do not think a 300-metre tanker can leave the Strait of Hormuz without being detected.” He suggested that some vessels successfully transiting the region may have secured understandings or waivers from US authorities for humanitarian or other considerations.

Electronic Spoofing and Covert Transfers

The US-sanctioned tanker Atomis utilised electronic spoofing to mask its location while loading Iranian crude. On April 2, tracking data positioned the vessel in Kuwait, whilst satellite imagery confirmed its presence at Kharg Island. The ship, which was falsely flying the Comoros flag, changed its name from Davit to Atomis just one day before crossing the US blockade zone.

Captain Hawkins asserted that electronic spoofing operations have not impeded the US Navy’s enforcement capabilities, noting that Washington relies on multiple monitoring means, including radio frequency data and radar-based satellite imagery. Analysts project the Atomis, which continued its journey across the Indian Ocean to a waiting area near Hong Kong, will likely transfer its cargo to another vessel.

Smaller vessels are proving highly manoeuvrable, frequently executing ship-to-ship transfers at sea. The US does not classify these transfers as a direct violation of the blockade, which prioritises vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports. The Salute Legend, a small Hong Kong-flagged tanker, used spoofing techniques to disguise its true location. According to a Lloyd’s List report, the vessel likely received Iranian oil from another tanker in the Gulf of Oman before sailing east to the Chinese port of Quanzhou.

The analysis indicates at least eight small Iran-linked vessels have departed the Gulf of Oman for Asia since the blockade began, with half believed to have engaged in ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Gulf or off the Malaysian coast. The waters near Malaysia have served as a primary hub for covert Iranian oil transfers for several years.

Floating Storage Declines

Despite the continued flow of some shipments to Asia, analysts assess the US blockade is actively impacting the volume of Iranian oil stored on vessels at sea.

According to data from Kpler, a global crude tracking firm, the volume of Iranian oil stored on tankers off the coast of Malaysia has dropped from approximately 85m barrels in early February to 51m barrels currently. This decline indicatesthat a significant portion of the floating inventory is no longer being replenished with fresh shipments at its previous pace.

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Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy commander of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the geographical concept of the Strait of Hormuz was no longer confined to the traditional area around Hormuz and Hengam islands, but now extended across a broader strategic zone stretching from the coasts of Jask and Sirik to beyond Iran’s major islands.

Speaking to Iranian state television, Akbarzadeh said Tehran was monitoring US military movements in the region “with precision and capability” and would not allow attacks on its waters or interests. He added that Iran had previously “taught the Americans a lesson” during earlier tanker confrontations in the Gulf.

The remarks come amid mounting international concern over security in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes, as tensions between Iran and the United States persist despite a fragile ceasefire reportedly mediated by Pakistan.

In a separate escalation, Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, said uranium enrichment to 90% purity “could be one of Iran’s options” if the country faced another attack, a level considered close to weapons grade.

Writing on X, Rezaei said parliament could discuss the option in the event of renewed attacks, reflecting growing pressure inside Iran for a tougher nuclear stance as diplomatic efforts falter.

On the US side, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the ceasefire with Iran remained in place, adding that Washington was “winning the war against Iran” and that ending it would happen “on our terms.” He also said Operation Freedom, the naval mission escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, could resume if President Donald Trump decides to reactivate it.

Pentagon officials meanwhile said the cost of the conflict with Iran had risen to $29bn, amid growing questions in Washington over the financial and strategic burden of prolonged military involvement in the region.

In Israel, military options against Iran’s nuclear programme returned to the spotlight after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at the possibility of securing Iranian nuclear materials “either through an agreement or through special operations,” reviving comparisons with past Israeli covert operations in the region.

Regionally, Kuwait’s interior ministry announced the arrest of four men accused of belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after they allegedly attempted to infiltrate Bubiyan Island by sea to carry out “hostile acts,” according to an official statement. Authorities said a clash with Kuwaiti forces left one serviceman injured.

Meanwhile, Qatar and Türkiye called for avoiding the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a “political or military weapon” and voiced support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said during a joint press conference in Doha with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that the region was passing through “extremely sensitive circumstances” requiring closer political and diplomatic coordination.

Pakistan also rejected US media reports claiming Iranian aircraft were present at Noor Khan Airbase, describing the reports as “misleading” and aimed at undermining ongoing mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.

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According to the Egyptian presidency, Al-Sisi underscored Egypt’s support for peaceful settlements to regional conflicts, stressing the need to preserve state sovereignty and stability. He reaffirmed Cairo’s full backing for Gulf states and rejected any attacks on their sovereignty amid escalating tensions involving Iran.

Both sides acknowledged the gravity of current uncertainty and its implications for regional and global stability. Discussions also covered the role of U.N. agencies in delivering humanitarian aid to Sudan and Gaza. Al-Sisi emphasized the importance of sustained assistance, while Guterres highlighted funding pressures facing U.N. organizations. The Secretary-General praised Egypt’s role in easing humanitarian suffering and supporting regional stability, particularly in Sudan and Gaza.

In separate meetings, Al-Sisi discussed bilateral cooperation with Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianarina, focusing on trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, and health. Al-Sisi expressed Egypt’s readiness to support Madagascar’s sustainable development, while Randrianarina called for closer ties and coordination on African challenges, aligning with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Al-Sisi also met CMA CGM Chairperson Rodolphe Saadé to explore expanding the French shipping giant’s investments in Egypt, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. He praised the company’s role in Egypt’s ports and maritime transport sector, notably the Red Sea Container Terminal at Sokhna Port, the country’s first semi-automated container terminal.

Talks addressed the impact of regional tensions on maritime routes and global supply chains, with Al-Sisi urging stronger international cooperation to reduce disruptions to global trade, especially in energy and food security. Saadé affirmed CMA CGM’s commitment to expanding its presence in Egypt and leveraging the country’s growing logistics infrastructure.

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Trump said on Truth Social that he had reviewed Iran’s response, delivered via Pakistani mediators, and found it “totally unacceptable.” He later told Fox News he had not yet decided whether to resume “Project Freedom,” the US-led naval operation designed to secure maritime traffic, but suggested it could be expanded beyond Hormuz.

He said Washington was considering reviving the operation “on a broader scale, not limited to escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” while warning that the United States would continue dealing firmly with Iran’s hardline leadership until an agreement was reached.

US Central Command reported redirecting 62 commercial vessels and disabling four ships since the blockade began, underscoring continued American pressure. Bloomberg cited sources saying Iran’s demands included lifting the blockade, easing sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and removing restrictions on oil exports. Tehran also sought control over Hormuz shipping and called for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Iranian state television and the conservative Tasnim news agency said Tehran’s response emphasized the “fundamental rights of the Iranian people” and rejected what it described as “Trump’s excessive demands.” Reports added that Iran also sought compensation for the war and guarantees against renewed attacks.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran’s proposal was “not excessive,” arguing that Washington continued to present “unreasonable demands.” He added that any understanding must include an end to fighting on all fronts, the lifting of sanctions and arrangements to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to Trump’s rejection, Tasnim quoted a source as saying the US president’s position “carries no importance,” adding that Iran’s negotiating team drafts proposals “to defend the rights of the Iranian people, not to satisfy Trump.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country had “multiple options,” ranging from entering negotiations “with dignity” to remaining in a state of “no war, no peace,” reflecting Tehran’s continued caution toward the diplomatic track.

Meanwhile, regional powers stepped up mediation efforts. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan stressed the importance of diplomacy following a phone call between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during which they discussed Islamabad’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the Saudi minister expressed support for Islamabad’s role, while both sides emphasized the importance of safeguarding maritime security, including shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also held another phone call with his Saudi counterpart – the second in less than 24 hours – to discuss regional developments and Pakistani-mediated negotiations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Doha on Tuesday for talks on the Iran conflict, Gulf security and maritime safety in Hormuz, according to a Turkish diplomatic source.

The source said Ankara was maintaining intensive contacts with the United States, Iran and Pakistan in an effort to contain escalation, while supporting Qatar and simultaneously criticizing Iranian strikes on Gulf states.

Highlighting mounting international concern, Fatih Birol warned that the Strait of Hormuz’s reputation as a reliable global energy corridor could be “permanently damaged” if disruptions continue, adding that once confidence is lost “it cannot easily be restored.”

The Arab League condemned attacks targeting Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, calling them a “flagrant violation” of international law and warning that further escalation could undermine mediation efforts and push the region toward deeper instability.

With both sides firmly holding to core demands, diplomacy faces an increasingly difficult test as issues of war, sanctions, maritime security and energy flows become more tightly intertwined, complicating efforts to move beyond a fragile ceasefire toward a broader agreement.

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Trump stated that the United States would “eventually” gain access to Iran’s deeply buried uranium stockpile, adding that the US Space Force was monitoring the site. “If anyone goes near the buried enriched uranium, we will know about it and we will blow it up,” he said.

The president stressed that military operations against Iran had not fully ended, clarifying that he never declared the fighting over but only said Iran had been “defeated.” He added that Tehran had been “militarily defeated” and lacked effective naval, air, and air defense capabilities.

Trump said the United States had eliminated “three layers” of Iran’s leadership and remained capable of continuing military operations for “another two weeks” and striking additional targets inside Iran, noting that roughly 70% of Washington’s objectives had been achieved. He added that rebuilding Iran’s capabilities would take years even if strikes stopped now, reiterating that Washington would never allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon. “If Iran had acquired a nuclear weapon, it would have used it against Israel and the Middle East,” he said.

Iran, meanwhile, maintained a defiant tone amid mixed signals over prospects for renewed diplomacy. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the Iranian people would “never submit to the enemy,” insisting that talks did not mean surrender or retreat. He argued that Iran’s adversaries were trying to shift the conflict into the “economic arena” after failing militarily, urging Iranians to remain united and reduce energy consumption.

Iranian state television quoted a military spokesman as saying any new attack on Iran would be met with “new weapons, new warfare methods and new battlefields,” while another official warned that countries complying with US sanctions would “certainly face difficulties” crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

The Revolutionary Guards escalated their rhetoric, warning that any attack on Iranian oil tankers would trigger “violent” strikes on US centers and hostile ships in the region. The commander of the Guards’ aerospace force said Iranian missiles and drones had “locked onto American targets and enemy ships” and were awaiting launch orders.

Against that backdrop, Iran’s state news agency reported that Tehran had sent its response to a US proposal to end the war through Pakistani mediation, adding that negotiations at this stage would focus on ending the regional conflict.

Qatar continued its mediation efforts. The Qatari foreign ministry said Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed the ceasefire and de-escalation efforts with his Saudi and Iranian counterparts. Doha stressed the need for all sides to engage with mediation efforts and address the roots of the crisis through dialogue, while emphasizing that freedom of navigation was “a non-negotiable principle.” It warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz or using it as leverage would deepen the crisis and threaten regional security.

Qatar also condemned a drone attack on a commercial cargo vessel in its territorial waters, describing it as a “blatant violation” of international law and freedom of navigation.

Meanwhile, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates said they had dealt with drones over their territories despite the ceasefire in place since April 8, highlighting the fragility of the truce and persistent security concerns across the Gulf.

The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, reported that Israel had established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert to support air operations against Iran and had struck Iraqi forces that came close to discovering the site during the early days of the war. The report said the base had been set up with US knowledge.

The continued hardline rhetoric from both sides, despite ongoing diplomatic contacts, suggests the current calm remains fragile and vulnerable to collapse, particularly with unresolved disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, Gulf shipping security, and the US military presence in the region.

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US President Donald Trump adopted a hardened tone, stating that Iran “has no real naval or air power” and describing the situation as a “small military engagement,” despite ongoing discussions about potential negotiations.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane announced the launch of “Project Freedom” to secure maritime transit through the strait, accusing Iran of threatening global shipping and weaponising supply chains. He said Iranian forces had targeted commercial vessels nine times and attacked US forces ten times since a ceasefire was declared.

Kane added that US forces remain prepared to resume combat operations if ordered, calling on countries with strategic interests in the strait to contribute to safeguarding navigation, as Washington continues its maritime blockade on Iran.

Iranian officials, however, insisted the crisis cannot be resolved through military means. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said recent developments demonstrate that “there is no military solution,” noting that talks are progressing through Pakistani mediation. Meanwhile, Iran’s ground forces commander warned of “severe consequences” in the event of any miscalculation.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf described the current situation in the strait as “unsustainable for the United States,” accusing Washington and its allies of undermining maritime security through the blockade.

On the ground, US media reported that two American destroyers successfully transited the strait despite Iranian attacks involving boats, missiles and drones, without sustaining damage. Iranian media, by contrast, claimed US vessels had become stranded in southern waters, highlighting conflicting narratives and the difficulty of independently verifying developments.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy also reported seizing vessels in the area, while shipping data indicated a growing backlog of tankers awaiting clearance—underscoring disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Elsewhere, the United Arab Emirates said its air defences intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while France and United Kingdom condemned the attacks and called for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement.

Regionally, Egypt has intensified diplomatic contacts with Gulf states and the United States in support of de-escalation efforts. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi expressed solidarity with the UAE during a call with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, while Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need to sustain negotiations and warned of serious risks to regional and global stability.

Saudi Arabia also voiced concern over the escalation, calling for restraint and supporting Pakistani mediation, while emphasising the importance of ensuring safe maritime navigation through the strait.

At the international level, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the extension of the ceasefire, describing it as an opportunity to reduce tensions, as countries including South Korea consider joining international efforts to secure vital shipping routes.

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