Trump threatens ‘a big hit’ if Tehran does not make deal soon

President Donald Trump has renewed threats of new US attacks on Iran if Tehran does not agree to significant concessions for a deal to end the Middle East war. Trump stated he was close to ordering strikes but pulled back, citing a peace proposal from Iran via Pakistan and reluctance from allies. He indicated a limited timeframe, possibly by the weekend or early next week, for a deal before a "big hit" could occur. Iran has remained defiant, calling US demands "excessive" and reiterating its control over the Strait of Hormuz, while also proposing an end to hostilities and withdrawal of US forces. Analysts suggest the conflict is deadlocked, with both sides wanting to avoid war but unwilling to make necessary concessions.

US President Donald Trump announced he has halted a planned US military attack on Iran, originally scheduled for Tuesday. He stated this decision was made at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who indicated that serious negotiations are underway and a deal acceptable to the US, ensuring Iran will not possess nuclear weapons, is anticipated. Trump cautioned that the US military remains prepared for a large-scale assault if negotiations fail. This development follows a period of stalled talks and intermittent exchanges of fire between Iran and US/Israeli forces, despite a ceasefire agreement in April aimed at facilitating discussions. Iran has not yet publicly responded to Trump's statement.

President Trump announced he has paused a planned attack on Iran, scheduled for Tuesday, following a request from Gulf leaders. This decision comes after Iran submitted a new 14-point peace proposal to Washington via Pakistan. Trump stated there is now a "very good chance" of reaching an agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, though other sticking points are expected to remain. Iran's demands for peace reportedly include the lifting of sanctions. This development occurs amidst recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, raising concerns about renewed military escalation in the Gulf as peace negotiations continue. Trump has instructed the US military to be prepared for a large-scale assault if an acceptable deal is not reached.

President Donald Trump stated that Chinese leader Xi Jinping assured him that China would not send weapons to Iran. Trump made this announcement following his visit to China, where he had previously touted trade agreements but no major breakthroughs regarding the conflict involving Iran. This statement also coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in China for discussions on their strategic partnership. Trump expressed his trust in Xi's promise, noting that Xi also desires the Strait of Hormuz to remain open. The US president also issued a new threat, indicating that the United States might strike Iran again if progress toward a lasting ceasefire is not achieved within days.

President Trump announced that a planned US attack on Iran on Tuesday has been postponed. This decision was made to allow for ongoing peace talks, following a new proposal from Tehran. Iran's proposal reportedly includes a condition that Washington pressure Israel to cease its military actions in Lebanon. The US has expressed reluctance to exert significant pressure on Israel regarding its attacks on southern Lebanon, despite a recent ceasefire extension and upcoming diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel in early June.

An analyst suggests Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of a "secret visit" with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has strained the U.S.-brokered alliance designed to counter Iran. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any undisclosed arrangements, stating their relations with Israel are public under the Abraham Accords. This friction arises as tensions with Iran escalate, with the UAE having recently intercepted drones. Analyst Natan Sachs called Netanyahu's announcement a "diplomatic blunder" that embarrassed the UAE and potentially damaged trust, suggesting it may have been motivated by domestic politics. The Abraham Accords, established in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, fostering security cooperation against Iran.

The United Arab Emirates' Defense Ministry stated that drones targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant originated from Iraq, suggesting the involvement of Iranian-backed Shiite militias. The attack, which occurred on the facility's perimeter and hit a generator, caused no reported injuries or radiological release. This incident follows repeated drone attacks on Gulf Arab states, suspected to be linked to Iran. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones from Iraqi airspace. The Barakah plant, the Arab world's only nuclear facility, was built with South Korean assistance and became operational in 2020. An Emirati diplomat criticized regional countries for their roles amidst what they described as Iranian aggression.

The United Arab Emirates has blamed Iran or its proxies for a drone strike that caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant. The UAE described the incident as a "dangerous escalation," occurring during a tense ceasefire in the Iran war with stalled peace talks. The drone targeted an electrical generator outside the plant's perimeter, causing no injuries or radiation alerts. The UAE's foreign minister informed the International Atomic Energy Agency and stated the country reserves the right to respond. The UAE's defense ministry reported three drones entered from the western border, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source.

The United Arab Emirates reported a drone strike on Sunday that ignited a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi. The UAE's defense ministry stated that three drones entered from the west, with two being intercepted and one striking an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter. Authorities are investigating the source of the strike, which the UAE's foreign ministry condemned as an "unacceptable act of aggression" and a "dangerous escalation" violating international law. No injuries were reported, and radiological safety levels remained unaffected. The UAE has previously accused Iran of similar attacks on its infrastructure.

On day 78 of the war, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US, under President Trump, has signaled openness to new negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, though a deadlock persists over enriched nuclear material. Trump also suggested a potential willingness to have Iran pause its civilian nuclear program for two decades if Tehran shows commitment to a broader agreement. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire by 45 days, despite ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon that resulted in at least 12 deaths on Friday. Iran's capital has detailed significant damage and casualties from US-Israeli attacks, and Iran is permitting more ships through the Strait of Hormuz following the acceptance of new legal protocols by several countries.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a lack of trust is the primary impediment to negotiations aimed at ending the war with the U.S. Speaking in New Delhi, Araghchi expressed doubt about American intentions due to contradictory messages and indicated Tehran would welcome diplomatic assistance, particularly from China. He emphasized that progress in negotiations hinges on Washington's readiness for a "fair and balanced deal." U.S. President Donald Trump had previously dismissed Iran's latest proposal. The ongoing conflict continues to threaten regional stability and prolong a global energy crisis, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical point of contention. Araghchi also identified Iran's enriched uranium stockpile as a difficult subject in the talks.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is set to advocate for Tehran's stance against the US at the Brics foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi. India, holding the Brics chairmanship, is hosting the gathering of the expanded bloc, which now includes Iran and the UAE. The meeting, taking place on Thursday, will also see Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in attendance. Discussions are expected to focus on critical issues such as Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz. The presence of Iran, a nation in conflict with the US and Israel, presents a diplomatic challenge for India as it navigates its relationships within the bloc.

Reports indicate the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secretly launched a significant attack on Iran, escalating the risk of Gulf states being drawn into direct conflict. This UAE assault, reportedly a retaliation for Iranian attacks on its facilities, targeted Iran's Lazan Island just before a ceasefire was announced. The news makes the UAE a potential target for Iran if the ceasefire collapses. Separately, Kuwait reported capturing IRGC members attempting "terrorist attacks" on Bubiyan Island. The UAE's military actions, utilizing French and Chinese aircraft, underscore its diplomatic hostility towards Iran, which has previously targeted the UAE due to its stance. Despite UAE efforts, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have not increased their counter-Iran measures.

On day 76 of the war, US Vice President JD Vance stated progress is being made in talks with Iran, despite President Trump deeming Tehran's proposal unacceptable. These negotiations aim to prevent a ceasefire collapse. Iran's military, according to Brigadier-General Mohammad Akrami Nia, remains on high alert, signaling readiness to respond to escalation. Meanwhile, Israel claims Prime Minister Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE during the war, a trip the UAE denies. Iran's Foreign Minister warned countries colluding with Israel would be held accountable. Separately, Iran celebrated its national football team's send-off for the 2026 World Cup amidst the ongoing conflict.

An Indian-flagged vessel, the Hui Chuan, has reportedly been hijacked by Iran off the coast of Oman. This incident follows an attack on the same vessel on Wednesday, which Indian officials state was a suspected explosion from a drone or missile. The ship, carrying livestock, was en route from Berbera Port in Somalia to Sharjah in the UAE when the fire broke out, forcing the crew to abandon ship before it sank. Omani authorities rescued the 14 Indian crew members and brought them to Diba Port. India's Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attack as "unacceptable."

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced that Israel has deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and operating personnel to the United Arab Emirates. This deployment is intended to defend the UAE during the ongoing Iran war. Huckabee made these remarks at an event in Tel Aviv, highlighting the strengthening defense ties between Israel and the UAE, both of whom are concerned about Iran. The UAE and Israel established diplomatic relations in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords. The deployment underscores regional security concerns amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Kuwait announced it foiled an infiltration operation on May 1, arresting four men accused of being members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The men were apprehended on Bubiyan Island after attempting to infiltrate by sea aboard a chartered fishing boat. During the confrontation with Kuwaiti forces, one Kuwaiti soldier was injured. The arrested individuals reportedly admitted to being tasked by the IRGC with infiltrating the island. Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the alleged incursion as a violation of its sovereignty and international law, demanding Iran cease hostile acts. Two other individuals reportedly escaped during the incident. Iran has not yet commented on the accusations.

A ship was seized off the coast of the United Arab Emirates near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday morning, according to the British military. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah. The ship, identified by the BBC as the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan, was observed heading towards Iranian territorial waters after the incident. Citing a risk-management company, the BBC also reported that the ship's operators claimed it was functioning as a "floating armory" for vessels to defend against pirates. This seizure follows at least two other ship seizures in the Strait of Hormuz since February, including two by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in April.

Ukraine is monitoring unusual activity along its border with Belarus, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning Minsk against involvement in Russia's ongoing invasion. Kyiv has imposed sanctions on Belarus and is prepared to respond to any aggressive actions. Zelenskyy reported that Russia has used apartment blocks in Belarus to launch attacks and circumvent Ukrainian defenses. He also detailed recent "brutal attacks" on Kherson, with drones targeting civilian transport and causing casualties, as well as strikes in other Ukrainian cities and on energy infrastructure. While Russian forces crossed into Ukraine from Belarus at the start of the invasion, Belarus has not directly participated in the fighting.

On day 63 of heightened tensions, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the US naval siege of Iranian ports as "intolerable," while US President Donald Trump indicated a potential resumption of war. Air defenses were activated in Tehran to counter small aircraft and drones. Analysts suggest Iran is prepared for the blockade due to stockpiled oil and a large domestic market, having endured harsher sanctions previously. Despite US pressure tactics, a diplomatic impasse is likely, though international pressure may push for negotiations. The US also urged a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese leaders following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, and Trump is considering troop reductions in Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the Iran war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that the United States is being "humiliated" in its conflict with Iran, warning of a potential quagmire similar to Iraq and Afghanistan. Speaking to students in Marsberg, Merz argued that Iran is demonstrating superior negotiation skills and appears "clearly stronger than one thought." He expressed concern that the US lacks a clear exit strategy from the war, which he believes is impacting Germany's economy. Merz also indicated Germany's readiness to deploy minesweepers to secure the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a ceasefire. The comments highlight growing European concerns about the conflict's economic and energy ramifications.

President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of European allies, threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Italy and Spain. This comes after Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the U.S. was being "humiliated" by Iran. Trump has also expressed dissatisfaction with NATO allies for not contributing naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, a U.S. Senator questioned the Secretary of Defense regarding the accuracy of war assessments on Iran. In unrelated news, footage was released showing an individual attempting to breach security at a White House dinner event.