US Iran War News Live Updates: USS Gerald R Ford returns after longest deployment since Vietnam war amid Iran conflict

An Iraqi man accused of planning at least 18 terror attacks across Europe in response to the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran has been arrested and charged in the United States with supporting Iran-backed terrorist groups.

Federal prosecutors allege that Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi was linked to a series of planned attacks, including a firebombing at a bank in Amsterdam and knife attacks targeting Jewish men in London.

Court documents unsealed in Manhattan on Friday also claim that Al-Saadi had intended to attack a synagogue in New York City last month. Investigators said he shared photographs and maps of Jewish centres in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, with an undercover law enforcement officer, allegedly identifying them as future targets.

An Iraqi national accused of plotting at least 18 terror attacks in Europe in retaliation for the US war in Iran, including firebombing a bank in Amsterdam and stabbing Jewish men in London, has been arrested and charged with supporting Iran-backed terrorist organizations.

According to a complaint unsealed Friday in federal court in Manhattan, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi sought to attack a New York City synagogue last month and provided an undercover law enforcement officer with photos and maps of Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, that he planned to target.

He is also accused of involvement in two recent attacks in Canada: an attack on a synagogue and a shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto in March.

Al-Saadi is charged with conspiracy to provide material support to Kata’ib Hizballah, an Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militant group, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, both of which have been designated by the U.S. government as foreign terrorist organizations.

He is also charged with conspiring and providing material support for acts of terrorism and conspiring to bomb a place of public use.

Hezbollah said on Friday it had launched drones at an Israeli barracks near Nahariya in northern Israel, as Lebanon-Israel talks entered a second day.

In a statement, the Lebanese group said that it had targeted the Liman barracks north of Nahariya, "with a squadron of attack drones."

Israel carried out new strikes in southern Lebanon that it said targeted the militant group Hezbollah on Friday, wounding 37 people as the two countries' envoys started a second day of peace talks in Washington.

"The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in the area of Tyre in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement.

Lebanon's health ministry said the strikes on the Tyre district wounded at least 37 people, including six hospital personnel, nine women and four children.

The United Arab Emirates rejected "attempts to justify Iranian terrorist attacks" on Friday after Tehran accused the wealthy Gulf state of playing an active role in the Middle East war.

Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar "affirmed the UAE's categorical rejection of Iranian claims and attempts to justify Iranian terrorist attacks targeting the UAE" and other nations, a foreign ministry statement said.

The statement followed Thursday's BRICS meeting in New Delhi, during which Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a Telegram post: "The UAE is an active partner in this aggression, and there is no doubt about it."

In a statement carried by the Iranian state news agency IRNA, Araghchi said he "advised the representative of the UAE that the Zionist regime (Israel) and the United States cannot guarantee their security" and that Abu Dhabi had "seen the consequences of the presence of American bases" on its soil.

The UAE has been "subjected to repeated and unjustified Iranian terrorist attacks", including about 3,000 attacks by ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, its statement said.

"The UAE reserves all its sovereign, legal, diplomatic, and military rights to confront any threat, claim, or hostile act," Marar was quoted as saying.

"The UAE does not seek protection from anyone and is capable of deterring aggression," he added.

"It reserves its full and legitimate right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to ensure the protection of its citizens, residents, and visitors."

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he agreed to a ceasefire with Iran as a "favour" to Pakistan and ruled out any further bombing of the Persian Gulf nation, with which it has been at odds for several decades.

The US and Israel's war on Iran started on February 28, and attacks have been paused since April 8, when the warring sides agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan.

“We did the ceasefire as a request from another nation. I would have really benefited from it, but we did it as a favour to Pakistan. They are terrific people, the Field Marshal and the Prime Minister,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One while returning from China to the US.

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon said on Friday that talks between Lebanon and Israel offer a "critical opportunity" to end the Israel-Hezbollah war.

"Diplomatic efforts now offer a critical opportunity to stop the violence," Imran Riza said in a statement, adding that he hoped "ongoing negotiations will pave the way toward a political solution".

"Airstrikes and demolitions continue daily, with an unacceptable toll on civilians and civilian infrastructure," he added. Israeli attacks have killed at least 2,951 people since the start of the war on March 2, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

Spain's boycott of Eurovision over Israel's war in Gaza puts it "on the right side of history", Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday, ahead of the final in Austria.

"In the face of illegal war and also genocide, silence is not an option. And we cannot remain indifferent to what continues to happen in Gaza and in Lebanon," Sanchez said in a video message posted on X.

"This year, therefore, will indeed be different. We will not be in Vienna, but we will do so with the conviction that we are on the right side of history."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he had a “good” phone call with US President Donald Trump, with both agreeing Iran must return to negotiations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and not obtain nuclear weapons.

The UAE is to fast-track construction of a new oil pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, official media said on Friday, after the Middle East war crippled exports through the vital waterway.

The West-East Pipeline will double state oil giant ADNOC's capacity through Fujairah port and is expected to become operational next year, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan "directed ADNOC to accelerate delivery of the project", the report said.

An existing, 360-kilometre (224 miles) pipeline from the Habshan oil fields to Fujairah has a capacity of 1.8 million barrels per day, according to the Port of Fujairah website.

The UAE, which made waves by quitting oil cartel OPEC at the start of this month, has plans to raise production capacity to five million barrels a day by next year.

Oil facilities in Fujairah have been repeatedly struck during the Middle East war. Three Indian nationals were wounded in the latest attack on May 4.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged not to provide military equipment to Iran and offered to help end the conflict during their meeting in Beijing.

During an interview with Fox News following the summit, Trump said China’s relationship with Iran was discussed extensively as tensions continue across the Middle East.

“He said he's not going to give military equipment. That's a big statement,” Trump said. “He said that today. That's a big statement. Said that strongly.”

Trump also said Xi wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened as China continues relying heavily on oil shipments moving through the region.

“He'd like to see Hormuz Strait opened,” Trump said. “I said, well, we didn't stop it. They did it. And then we stopped them.”

US President Donald Trump said Friday that his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping "feels strongly" that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon.

"He (Xi) feels strongly that they can't have a nuclear weapon and he wants them to open up the strait," Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One, referring to the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that has been choked by the war.

Trump, who spoke with Fox News, said Xi additionally offered to help broker a resolution to the conflict.

“He said, if I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help,” Trump said.

The president also renewed pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement before the conflict escalates further.

“They should make a deal,” Trump added. “Any sane person would make a deal, but they might be crazy.”

"Now, after 40 days of war, when the US became hopeless of achieving any goal in their aggression against Iran, they offered negotiation... We have no trust in Americans... This is the main obstacle in the way of any diplomatic effort. We have every reason not to trust Americans, while they have no reason not to trust us," he stated.

Despite the prevailing hostility, Araghchi noted that a "very shaky" ceasefire is currently holding, though he warned that Iran's patience should not be mistaken for submission.

"We are now in a state of ceasefire, although it's very shaky. But we are trying to keep it to give diplomacy a chance... There is no military solution to anything related to Iran. They have tested us time and again. We never bow to any pressure or threat... We also resist against any sanction... Iranian people only answer to the language of respect..." he emphasised.

Addressing a presser, Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Yesterday, I had a very good brief discussion with Prime Minister Modi, and today, a lengthy meeting with (External Affairs) minister Jaishankar. We discussed almost everything, including the Strait of Hormuz and the situation in the Persian Gulf region. I have to say that we more or less share similar positions, and we have the same concerns and interests in this important region. So, we will continue to coordinate with our Indian colleagues. As I said, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is very complicated right now, and we are trying to help ships pass safely. Everything will return to normal once the act of aggression is totally and completely ended.”

India can play a "greater role" for peace in West Asia, Iranian foreign minister Araghchi said on Thursday.

Araghchi, who is in New Delhi to attend a BRICS conclave, added that there can't be any solution other than a negotiated settlement on the West Asia crisis.

"We will welcome any constructive role by India," he stated.

On negotiations with the US, he said these are "suffering from trust".

"Iran has every reason not to trust US while Americans have every reason to trust us," he added.

According to Araghchi, mediation by Pakistan has not failed yet.

He also asserted Iran has never wanted nuclear weapons.

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday he was open to any support, including from China, to help resolve conflict in the Middle East.

"We appreciate any country who has the ability to help, particularly China," he told reporters in New Delhi, where he attended a meeting of the BRICS bloc of nations.

"We have very good relations with China, we are strategic partners to each other, and we know that (the) Chinese have a good intention, so anything that can be done by them to help diplomacy would be welcomed by the Islamic republic."

'Mediation by Pakistan has not failed yet,' says Araghchi.

"Situation in Strait of Hormuz is very complicated now. There can't be any solution other than a negotiated settlement," says Abbas Araghchi.

We are ready to help pass all vessels through Strait of Hormuz: Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi

'Iran has never wanted nuclear weapons.'

There is no military solution to anything related to Iran: Iranian foreign minister Araghchi at press conference in New Delhi.

Iran has every reason not to trust US; Americans have every reason to trust Iran.

UAE tried to persuade neighbouring states including Saudi Arabia and Qatar to take part in a coordinated military response to Iran’s airstrikes and was left frustrated when they refused, according to people familiar with the matter.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed held a series of calls with fellow leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, shortly after the US and Israel began bombing Iran on Feb. 28, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private conversations.

Israel's military said Friday it was striking Hezbollah targets in the Tyre area of south Lebanon, as the two countries entered the second day of US-brokered talks in Washington.

"The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in the area of Tyre in southern Lebanon," the army said in a statement, hours after issuing evacuation warnings for five towns and villages. An AFP correspondent saw strikes in the area.

In a separate statement, the military said "a number of explosive drones" had fallen in several areas of northern Israel, with no injuries reported. The exchanges of fire come despite a truce with Lebanon intended to halt the fighting.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday issued a stark remark on the ongoing maritime crisis in the Gulf region due to conflict between Iran and US-Israeli coalition forces and the border concern over the blockade in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, noting that the "unprovoked aggression" by Washington and Tel Aviv on February 28 led to such a situation, while stating that Iran was not responsible for it.

Speaking at a press conference in India after the BRICS Foreign Affairs Meeting, Lavrov said safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz had already been ensured before US-Israeli forces attacked Iran, asserting that Tehran was not responsible for creating the current state of instability in the Persian Gulf region.

"We need to understand the root causes of every conflict, and we understand what the root cause is here: unprovoked aggression by the US and Israel against Iran. And now everyone is calling on Iran and everyone else with this demand to open up the Strait of Hormuz. I would like to remind you that before February 28th, before the start of this aggression, there was no problem, no problem with the Strait of Hormuz. The navigation was ensured, safe navigation was ensured 100 per cent. So when this aggression against Iran was launched, the goal was clear, it was declared--to put an end to the period of history where allegedly Iran instilled fear and terror into its neighbouring countries," Lavrov said.

"But Iran is not the country that blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Iran was not the country that created this problem in relation to the other neighbouring countries in relation to the Persian Gulf states," he added.

Israel’s military on Friday issued an evacuation warning for residents of five villages in southern Lebanon ahead of expected strikes targeting Hezbollah positions, despite an existing ceasefire agreement aimed at halting cross-border hostilities.

In a post on X, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire deal and said the army would respond with force.
“In light of the terrorist Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement, the defence army is compelled to act against it forcefully,” Adraee wrote in Arabic, naming five villages located near the coastal city of Tyre in south Lebanon.

“For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and stay away from the villages and towns by a distance of no less than 1,000 metres,” he added.

US President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Iran during their recent talks and agreed that Tehran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, while stressing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

“We’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve,” Trump said, according to Reuters.

Fresh tensions erupted near the Strait of Hormuz after a ship anchored off the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iranian waters, while an Indian-flagged cargo vessel sank off Oman following an attack that triggered a fire onboard.

Authorities did not immediately identify who was behind the incidents, but they came amid escalating tensions involving Iran and growing concerns over security in the strategic waterway.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the seized vessel was taken by “unauthorised personnel” while anchored about 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah, a key UAE oil export hub. British authorities said the ship was moving toward Iranian waters.

Separately, Indian authorities said cargo ship Haji Ali sank off Oman after coming under attack on Wednesday while travelling from Somalia to Sharjah in the UAE. All 14 Indian crew members were rescued safely by Oman’s coast guard.

Mukesh Mangal said the attack caused a fire onboard before the vessel went down. India’s foreign ministry condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and criticised continued attacks on commercial shipping and civilian sailors.

The incidents come as Iran renewed claims over control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil trade passed before the conflict escalated. The waterway has become a major flashpoint in ongoing US-Iran tensions, with fears of disruption already impacting global fuel prices and shipping routes.

The White House said US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation during talks in Beijing and agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

The developments follow last week’s confrontation in the strait, when US forces said they disabled Iranian oil tankers allegedly attempting to breach a blockade of Iranian ports.

At the second session of the Meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers in New Delhi, Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, strongly criticised remarks made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, who had accused Iran of attacking the UAE, according to the Iranian Embassy on Thursday.

The Embassy stated that Gharibabadi accused the UAE of "supporting and facilitating the military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran", adding that "a party that itself contributed to the creation and escalation of tensions lacks any legitimacy to level political accusations and claims against Iran." He referenced the 1974 United Nations General Assembly Resolution, noting it "makes clear that when countries facilitate and provide services to aggressors, this is not merely assistance; such conduct itself constitutes aggression."

"Therefore, the UAE is an aggressor, not merely an accomplice to aggression," he said.

Gharibabadi further alleged UAE collusion in attacks on Iranian people and infrastructure, stating Iran acted in self-defence under the UN Charter and had no alternative in responding.

The head of the Football Federation of Iran said he will meet FIFA officials in Turkey on Saturday to seek assurances over visa arrangements for players and staff ahead of the World Cup, according to president Mehdi Taj, as cited by Iran International. He called the talks “decisive,” citing delays in processing and uncertainty over approvals. Iran continues preparations while awaiting clarity from FIFA and hosts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and reiterated India’s support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts during discussions on Ukraine and West Asia. Modi thanked Lavrov for updates on the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and conveyed greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We also exchanged views on various regional and global issues, including situation in Ukraine and West Asia. Reiterated our consistent support for efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of conflicts", Modi said on X.

Lavrov, visiting New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meet, also held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Technology shares drove another major rally across global markets as investors continued pouring money into artificial intelligence-linked companies. Cisco Systems surged 13.4 per cent after raising its earnings forecast, while AI chipmaker Cerebras jumped more than 68 per cent during its first trading session on Nasdaq. The gains helped lift all three major US indices, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing at record highs. European markets also advanced strongly, led by technology stocks in Frankfurt and Paris. Investors appeared increasingly confident that AI-related growth could offset concerns surrounding geopolitical instability and slowing global demand. However, analysts warned that enthusiasm may be outrunning economic fundamentals. Patrick O'Hare said markets continued “to press ahead despite a lot of calls about it being overextended on a short-term basis”.

Iranian media reported that several Chinese ships were allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under what Tehran described as “Iranian-managed transit protocols”. The move reportedly followed direct requests from Beijing amid fears over worsening maritime instability in the Gulf region.

The development highlights China’s growing involvement in efforts to maintain critical energy routes as conflict continues to threaten global shipping. Iranian officials framed the decision as evidence that Tehran remains in control of the strategically vital waterway despite military tensions involving the United States and Israel. The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 per cent of global fuel shipments, making any restrictions or disruptions a major concern for world markets.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday mocked US defence spending and Washington’s military presence in the Persian Gulf, taking aim at Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, Ghalibaf wrote: "So you're funding Hegseth the failed TV host at rates unheard of since 2007, so he can cosplay as Secretary of War in our backyard in Hormuz? You know what's crazier than $39 trillion in debt? Paying a pre-GFC premium to fund a LARP and all you'll get is a brand new GFC."

The remarks came amid growing concerns over the economic impact of the Iran war. The International Monetary Fund warned that continued disruption could push the global economy towards an “adverse” scenario, with weaker growth, tighter financial conditions and rising inflation risks. The IMF said global growth could slow to 2.5 per cent if oil prices remain elevated for a prolonged period.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered help in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and promised not to supply military equipment to Iran. Trump said Xi told him: "He'd like to see the Hormuz Strait open, and said 'if I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help.'"

At the same time, Israel and Lebanon opened fresh peace talks in Washington while Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon continued. Iranian media also reported that Chinese ships had been allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian-managed transit protocols.

US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered Beijing’s assistance in ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open amid growing fears over global energy disruptions caused by the Iran conflict. Trump also claimed Xi assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran during the ongoing crisis.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil supplies. Any prolonged disruption there could send energy prices sharply higher and damage the global economy. Trump’s remarks suggest Washington is attempting to involve Beijing in stabilising the region despite broader tensions between the two powers. China has maintained close economic ties with Iran while also depending heavily on Gulf energy supplies.

The International Monetary Fund warned that prolonged disruption caused by the Iran conflict could significantly weaken the global economy, pushing growth closer towards an “adverse scenario” marked by slower expansion and higher inflation. The IMF said rising oil prices, unstable financial markets and tightening global conditions could reduce worldwide growth to 2.5 per cent in 2026 if tensions continue.

A senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tehran would not resume negotiations without confidence-building measures from the US, warning Washington it had “no better option” than accepting Iran’s demands.

"A renewed war would certainly be to America’s detriment. Donald Trump does not like the texts sent by the Islamic Republic’s negotiating team, but he has no better option than accepting Tehran’s conditions," said Mohammad-Ali Jafari, the former IRGC chief commander who now leads the Guard’s Cultural and Social Headquarters.

Sharp divisions over the West Asia crisis erupted during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, exposing growing tensions within the expanded bloc. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly clashed with UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar during discussions on the regional conflict, forcing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to intervene and calm the situation.

Iran urged BRICS nations to condemn what it described as “illegal aggression” by the United States and Israel, accusing Western powers of violating international law. The UAE, however, criticised Tehran over alleged attacks on regional energy infrastructure and rejected accusations that it had supported military action against Iran. The heated exchanges highlighted the growing challenge of maintaining consensus within BRICS after its expansion to include Iran and the UAE. With the bloc now representing nearly half the world’s population, disagreements over major geopolitical crises could complicate efforts to issue unified statements on issues such as energy security, trade disruptions and regional diplomacy.

Thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through Jerusalem’s Old City during the annual Jerusalem Day celebrations, with some participants chanting anti-Arab slogans and clashing with Palestinian residents and activists. Videos and eyewitness accounts showed marchers shouting “Death to Arabs” and attacking Palestinian property as police maintained a heavy security presence throughout the area.

The annual event marks Israel’s capture and annexation of east Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, a move not recognised internationally. Palestinian residents described scenes of intimidation, with several shopkeepers forced to shut their businesses while nationalist youths roamed the narrow streets. Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir also visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound during the celebrations, a move likely to further inflame tensions. While many marchers described the event as a patriotic display, rights groups and activists warned that the atmosphere has become increasingly hostile each year. The march took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional conflict and repeated ceasefire violations in Gaza and Lebanon.

Iraq’s parliament approved a new government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who has pledged to bring all weapons under state control amid mounting pressure from Washington to curb Iran-backed militias. The 40-year-old leader, Iraq’s youngest premier, secured parliamentary backing after months of political deadlock and negotiations among rival Shia factions.

Zaidi’s programme focuses heavily on reforming Iraq’s security apparatus and strengthening the authority of state institutions. The issue has become increasingly sensitive following attacks by Iran-backed armed groups on US facilities during the recent West Asia conflict. Washington has repeatedly urged Baghdad to disarm militias it considers terrorist organisations, while Iran-backed factions reject any moves made under foreign pressure. Zaidi now faces the difficult task of balancing Iraq’s ties with both Tehran and Washington while also repairing relations with Gulf states affected by regional instability. Economic reforms are another major challenge, particularly as Iraq struggles with falling oil revenues and disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli troops near the Rosh HaNikra border area with an explosive drone on Thursday, injuring several civilians and escalating tensions despite ongoing talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington. Israeli authorities said the drone landed inside Israeli territory near the border, while a local hospital confirmed four injuries, including one person in critical condition.

The attack came during a fresh round of US-backed negotiations aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The truce, announced by US President Donald Trump last month, is due to expire on Sunday. Although both sides technically remain under the ceasefire framework, cross-border attacks and Israeli airstrikes have continued almost daily. Hezbollah has strongly opposed direct negotiations with Israel, with senior figures accusing Beirut of making concessions. Israel, meanwhile, claims it has targeted dozens of Hezbollah sites across southern Lebanon in recent days as the risk of a wider regional conflict continues to grow.