US-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran sets new Strait of Hormuz rules, requires vessel coordination and permits
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 21, 2026, 11:10:00 IST
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US-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran sets new Strait of Hormuz rules, requires vessel coordination and permits

Iran and the United States continue to exchange warnings even as diplomatic channels remain active through Pakistan-mediated talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Tehran were on the “borderline” between a breakthrough and renewed military action, while Iranian officials confirmed they were reviewing a fresh US proposal. Tehran has demanded sanctions relief, release of frozen assets and an end to the American blockade on Iranian ports as part of any agreement.

The tensions have triggered heightened military mobilisation inside Iran, with public weapons training sessions and Revolutionary Guard-linked demonstrations taking place in Tehran. Iranian officials have also warned that any renewed conflict could spread beyond the Middle East.

Meanwhile, oil markets remain volatile as concerns persist over the Strait of Hormuz and possible disruptions to global energy supplies.

Key developments:

  • Iran reviewing new US proposal to end conflict
  • Trump warns talks could quickly shift to military action
  • Pakistan-mediated diplomacy between Tehran and Washington continues
  • Iran expands public weapons training and mobilisation campaigns
  • Oil prices remain volatile amid Hormuz supply concerns
11:10 (IST) May 21
Iran War News: Tehran launches new body to oversee Strait of Hormuz
Iran has formally launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a new regulatory body tasked with managing and monitoring operations linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

The announcement was reposted by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
10:47 (IST) May 21
Iran War: Iran says ceasefire messages exchanged with US through Pakistan
Iran and the United States have been exchanging messages through Pakistan regarding the wording of a proposed ceasefire document, according to Iran’s Nour News Agency.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had received Washington’s views and was reviewing them. He added that the exchanges were based on Iran’s proposed 14-point framework.

The remarks came during a visit to Iran by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Naqvi, as Islamabad continues mediating between the two sides.
10:35 (IST) May 21
US Iran War: Iran says advanced weapons not yet used are ready amid US threats
Iran has claimed it possesses advanced domestically produced weapons that have not yet been deployed or tested in combat, amid renewed US warnings of possible military strikes.

An Iranian military source told Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti that Tehran was fully prepared for escalation and faced no shortage in defence capabilities. “This time, we do not intend to act with restraint,” the source said.
10:32 (IST) May 21
Israel-Iran War: Revolutionary Guards warn conflict could spread beyond region
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any renewed attack on Iran would trigger a wider regional conflict.

The force said future escalation would extend “beyond the region” if aggression against Tehran resumes.
10:22 (IST) May 21
Iran War: State TV presenters appear armed amid mobilisation campaign
Iranian state television presenters have appeared carrying weapons during live broadcasts as authorities intensify mobilisation efforts linked to the ongoing regional conflict and fears of renewed fighting.
10:12 (IST) May 21
Iran War News: Iran introduces new maritime traffic mechanism in Hormuz
Iranian state media reported that all vessels planning to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will receive official instructions and regulations through the Persian Gulf Strait Authority’s new system.

Ships must obtain transit clearance before entering the waterway.
10:09 (IST) May 21
US Iran War: Iran faces economic strain amid continued tensions
The military mobilisation campaign comes as Iranians face worsening economic conditions, including layoffs, business closures and rising prices for food and medicine during the prolonged regional crisis.
10:00 (IST) May 21
US Iran War: Iran says ships need permits to pass through Hormuz
US Iran War: Iran says ships need permits to pass through Hormuz

Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority said ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz must now obtain official permits and comply with regulations issued under Tehran’s new maritime governance system.

The move comes amid continuing tensions with the US over control of the strategic waterway.

09:56 (IST) May 21
US Iran War: Deadlock over nuclear talks continues amid Hormuz dispute
The latest Iranian measures over the Strait of Hormuz come as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

The US has demanded a complete halt to Iran’s nuclear programme, while Tehran continues insisting on maintaining control linked to its energy security interests.
09:51 (IST) May 21
Iran War News: Iran defines Strait of Hormuz supervision zone under new authority
Iran’s newly launched Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has defined the boundaries of its Strait of Hormuz supervision area, stretching between coastal points in Iran and the UAE.

The authority said vessels passing through the zone would require coordination and permits under the new framework.
09:47 (IST) May 21
US Iran War: Iran says millions volunteered to defend country
Iranian officials claim more than 30 million people have volunteered to defend the country through the “Janfada” campaign, though there has been no independent confirmation of the figure.

State media has intensified messaging encouraging support for the government amid fears of renewed conflict.
09:47 (IST) May 21
Iran War News: Oil prices rebound amid fears over Iran conflict and supply risks
Oil prices rose on Thursday after a two-day decline as concerns over supply disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran continued to support the market.

Brent crude futures climbed 0.77 per cent to $105.83 per barrel, while US WTI crude gained 0.99 per cent to $99.23 by 00:55 GMT.

Markets remained cautious over uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire situation and concerns about tightening global supplies after a fall in US crude inventories.
09:46 (IST) May 21
Iran War News: Tehran sees rise in public weapons training amid war tensions
Iran has stepped up public weapons displays and firearms training in Tehran as tensions with the US continue over stalled negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Revolutionary Guard-linked events now regularly feature Kalashnikov-style rifles and military demonstrations in public spaces.
09:46 (IST) May 21
US Iran War: White House aide warns Iran of unprecedented military action
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller warned Iran that it must agree to terms acceptable to the United States or face severe military consequences.

Speaking to Fox News, Miller said Iran’s leadership had a clear choice: “They can either agree to a piece of paper that is satisfactory to the United States, or they can face a punishment from our military, the likes of which has not been seen in modern history.”

The remarks come as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
Tensions between Iran and the United States remain high as diplomatic efforts continue alongside fresh military threats and regional security concerns.

Iran said it is reviewing a new US proposal aimed at ending the conflict, while President Donald Trump warned talks were on the “borderline” between a deal and renewed strikes. Tehran has reiterated demands for sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian funds and an end to the US blockade on Iranian ports.

Pakistan-mediated negotiations remain ongoing, with Iranian officials saying diplomacy is continuing even as the Revolutionary Guards warned that any new conflict would spread beyond the Middle East.

The war atmosphere has intensified inside Iran, where public weapons training sessions, military parades and mobilisation campaigns have expanded across Tehran amid fears of renewed fighting.

Meanwhile, oil prices remain volatile as uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz continues to raise fears over global energy supplies, shipping disruptions and wider economic fallout.