US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

The UAE’s diplomatic delegation at the United Nations expressed profound disappointment at the council’s inability to adopt a resolution outlining a clear framework for international cooperation aimed at halting Iran’s illicit aggression and threats to global economic stability.
“The Strait of Hormuz must remain accessible to all nations, and the freedom of navigation must be safeguarded. No country should have the authority to disrupt the vital trade routes that sustain the global economy and push the world to the precipice of economic disaster,” the statement emphasized, shared on the social media platform X.
“The Security Council’s inaction does not diminish the gravity of this crisis or the UAE’s unwavering commitment to securing international cooperation to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” it further stated, reaffirming the UAE’s determination to continue advocating for collective efforts to protect this critical waterway.

In a statement, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir announced that the US-Israeli coalition’s campaign against Iran is nearing a pivotal turning point, and he reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying the impact on Iran’s ruling authorities. According to Zamir, the operation has thus far yielded substantial successes, including those aligned with the initial objectives. He emphasized that the Israeli military will persist in its efforts, further weakening the Iranian regime.

In a statement to Al Jazeera, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the ball is in Iran’s court, with a looming deadline of 8PM Eastern Time for Tehran to reach a deal with the US. According to Leavitt, only President Trump holds the key to understanding his potential response if Iran fails to comply within the specified timeframe, which is just seven hours away.

Within the last two hours, warnings have been issued regarding three incoming Iranian missile volleys, with one targeting the southern region and two aimed at central Israel.
Reports are emerging of a potential impact site in Petah Tikva, a city housing several military-industry facilities, one of which was previously hit this week.
The prevailing sentiment in Israel is that any concessions offered by mediators would be unacceptable, as anything short of a complete dismantling of Iran’s government and the collapse of its system would be considered a defeat.
Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become increasingly invested in this conflict, with his party’s strategists exploring more extreme scenarios, including the destruction of critical infrastructure.

Kataib Hezbollah has announced that it will release US journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped by the group, in a move that appears to be linked to the outgoing Iraqi prime minister’s stance.
According to Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official within the Iraqi armed group, the decision to release Kittleson was made in recognition of the national positions taken by the former prime minister. However, the release is contingent on Kittleson’s immediate departure from Iraq.

Reports are emerging of human barricades forming around key Iranian power facilities, primarily in the southern region. This development, coupled with President Trump’s warnings, has led to a hardening of the Iranian government’s stance. They have announced a temporary halt to diplomatic efforts, citing the insurmountable differences between their proposed concessions and the US demands. The Israeli influence is also exacerbating the situation, as it pushes for a more stringent US stance. The Iranians are now faced with an ultimatum: surrender or resist. In response, the Iranian military has vowed to retaliate proportionally against any targets that may be struck at the power plants.

Reports from Israeli sources indicate that a soldier has lost his life and numerous others have been injured in a confrontation in southern Lebanon. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Oil refineries in Europe and Asia are now facing unprecedented costs, with certain crude oil grades selling for nearly $150 per barrel, significantly outpacing paper futures, underscoring the escalating global supply shortage triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The ongoing conflict has led to the shutdown of at least 12 million barrels of oil per day, equivalent to about 12 percent of the world’s total supply, due to Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Consequently, Brent oil futures reached a 12-month high of $119.50 per barrel last month, exceeding the 2022 benchmark, albeit falling short of the 2008 record of $147.50. The nearby Brent contract is set for delivery in June.
The intense competition among Asian and European refiners to secure alternative oil supplies and replace disrupted Middle Eastern flows has driven up prices for replacement crudes with immediate delivery, such as those sourced from Europe and Africa.
As a result, some oil grades are already setting new records.

A warning has been broadcast by the Israeli military to all ships navigating or moored within the maritime sector between Lebanon’s coastal towns of Tyre and Ras Naqoura, indicating a heightened risk of an imminent strike. According to the military directive, all vessels are required to promptly alter their course and proceed north of the Tyre region.

Following a provocative social media post by Trump, I had the opportunity to speak with a high-ranking official in Pakistan who revealed that just hours prior, there were indications that a breakthrough in negotiations was imminent. The Pakistani government had been cautiously optimistic that the situation was heading towards a path that could lead to a reduction in tensions.
However, a series of events unfolded rapidly, including an Israeli airstrike on Iranian rail infrastructure, a targeted attack on an Israeli consulate in Istanbul, an assault on Saudi oil facilities, and Trump’s inflammatory social media post. According to my Pakistani source, there are internal saboteurs within both the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the US administration who are opposed to any prospect of peace. Notably, my source identified Israel as the primary obstacle to peace, driven by a desire to see the US remain entrenched in the conflict. Israel’s apparent goal is to perpetuate an endless cycle of violence, drawing in regional actors and fostering internal strife.