US Iran War News Live Updates: Iran FM Araghchi meets PM Modi in New Delhi
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 14, 2026, 23:05:42 IST
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US Iran War News Live Updates: Iran FM Araghchi meets PM Modi in New Delhi

US Iran War News: The escalating standoff between the United States and Iran has entered a critical phase, with military escalation, diplomatic friction and mounting tensions in the Strait of Hormuz drawing global attention.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly maintained that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” saying the issue outweighs concerns over market volatility and rising prices in the US economy. Tehran, meanwhile, has criticised Washington, with Iranian state media reporting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described distrust in US actions as the biggest obstacle to peace during talks with Norway’s deputy foreign minister in Tehran.

The regional fallout continues to deepen as the leader of Hezbollah urged the Lebanon government to withdraw from planned direct talks with Israel in Washington this week, calling them a concession and advocating indirect negotiations instead. Lebanon and Israel are expected to hold two days of talks beginning Thursday in a bid to prevent further escalation after the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict that erupted following the Iran war, while also discussing the future of relations between the two countries, which have officially remained at war since 1948.
23:05 (IST) May 14
Trump says Xi offered to help open Strait of Hormuz
Trump says China’s President Xi offered to help open the Strait of Hormuz as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said Xi “would like to see a deal made”.

“He did offer, he said, ‘If I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help,’” Trump said.

Trump also suggested China’s dependence on Iranian oil gave Beijing an interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

“Anybody that buys that much oil has obviously got some kind of relationship with them. He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open.”
20:52 (IST) May 14
Iran's Revolutionary Guard still has 'significant authority' despite US strikes, says top US commander
Despite damage inflicted by US military strikes on Iranian forces, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard still exercises "significant authority" in running the country, the top US military commander in the Middle East said.

In response to questions from Senator Angus King about who is in charge in Iran, Admiral Brad Cooper said the Guard is still "exercising significant authority."

However, Cooper deferred to diplomats and negotiators on whether the paramilitary force is part of the ongoing peace negotiations.
20:18 (IST) May 14
CENTCOM says 70 vessels ‘redirected’ in total since blockade began
18:38 (IST) May 14
PM Narendra Modi meets Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi, officials said.

The meeting comes on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers' gathering, where Araghchi has called on member states to shatter the West's "false sense of superiority and immunity."
18:35 (IST) May 14
Israeli and Lebanese delegations arrive at US State Department for crunch talks
Israeli and Lebanese delegations have arrived at the State Department headquarters for a new round of negotiations, Al Jazeera has reported.

The direct talks will take place on Thursday and Friday in Washington, and will include the participation of Lebanese and Israeli diplomatic figures, as well as American officials.
17:33 (IST) May 14
Israel Iran war: Iran says West's 'false sense of superiority' must be 'shattered' by Global South at BRICS meeting
Iran called on BRICS member states to condemn what it says are ongoing violations of international law by the United States and Israel, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that "the West's false sense of superiority and immunity must be shattered by all of us."

Speaking at the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, Araghchi said: "In the face of horrific violence, the Iranian people have firmly and proudly stood up for themselves. Did we retreat from our ideal of independence? Did we surrender to the will and whims of imperial power? The answer is clear: we did not and never will."

He added that the battle Iran has fought is "in defence of all of us – of the new world that we are building together."

BRICS nations include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

17:04 (IST) May 14
Iran war: Iran reportedly allowing Chinese vessels to pass through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has begun allowing Chinese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency cited an "informed source" as saying.

The official said the arrangement was made based on the two countries' "deep relations" and "strategic partnership," following "an understanding about Iranian management protocols of the strait."

The report comes after shipping data showed several China-linked cargo and vessel tankers, including the Yuan Hua Hu crude carrier, passing the strait on Wednesday.
16:43 (IST) May 14
Iran war: About 30 ships made it through Hormuz since Wednesday: IRGC
About 30 vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Iran's authorisation since Wednesday evening, the country's state broadcaster IRIB reported, quoting the Revolutionary Guard's navy.

The report comes shortly after Iranian media said Tehran has begun facilitating the passage of Chinese vessels through the crucial waterway.

Chinese ships began passing through Hormuz under Iran's "management protocols", the semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing an informed source. Reported by Al Jazeera.

16:31 (IST) May 14
US Iran war: Trump and Xi both agree Iran cannot have nuclear weapons: White House
White House says Trump, Xi both agree Iran cannot have nuclear weapon
According to the White House, the two leaders agreed “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon”.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the White House said Xi made it clear “China’s opposition to the militarisation of the strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use”.
China’s state news agency Xinhua did not reference those remarks in its write-up of the Trump-Xi meeting.

16:05 (IST) May 14
Israel Iran war: At least 2 killed in Israeli attack on Lebanon's Srifa town
At least two people were killed in an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese town of Srifa that completely destroyed a residential project, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

The Health Ministry said Israeli army attacks have killed 2,896 people in Lebanon since March 2 — including 589 women, children and medics. Some 1.2 million people have been driven from their homes in Lebanon. Reported by Al Jazeera.
15:38 (IST) May 14
Iran war: Iran's Araghchi accuses UAE of direct involvement in attacks on Iran, calls for policy shift
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the UAE of direct involvement in military attacks against Iran and said the country should reconsider its "alliance with Israel."

Araghchi made the comments at the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, according to a post on his official Telegram channel.

"I must say that the UAE was directly involved in the act of aggression against my country… They allowed their territory to be used to fire artillery and equipment against us," Araghchi said.

He also denounced the UAE's relations with Israel, which it normalised in 2020.

"Your alliance with the Israelis did not protect you either, and reconsider your policy towards Iran," Araghchi said, according to his post.
15:21 (IST) May 14
Cargo dhow 'Hazi Ali' with 18 Indian crew catches fire, capsizes off Oman; all safe
A wooden cargo dhow named Hazi Ali carrying 18 Indian crew members caught fire and capsized off the coast of Oman, the Shipping Ministry said. All crew members are safe.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region, though officials have not confirmed the cause of the fire.
15:15 (IST) May 14
Iran war: Two India-bound ships cross Strait of Hormuz
Two India-bound ships have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the Shipping Ministry said on Thursday.


15:14 (IST) May 14
US Iran war: Trump and Xi Jinping agreed Strait of Hormuz 'must remain open': White House
US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held a "good" meeting on Thursday in which they agreed that the Strait of Hormuz "must remain open", the White House said.
Iran has largely blocked shipping through the vital waterway, through which a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas normally passes, since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on February 28.
"The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy," the White House said.
China is directly affected by the lack of petroleum crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
More than half of the crude imported by sea to China comes from the Middle East and mainly transits through the strait, according to maritime analytics firm Kpler.
According to the White House, Xi expressed an interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China's dependence on the strait in the future.
Beijing's own readout of the meeting did not mention any such interest.
For its part, the White House statement did not mention any discussions between the two leaders on Taiwan, the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing and a sensitive subject in US-China diplomacy.
Xi earlier warned that "conflict" between China and the United States could break out, should the issue be mishandled, Chinese state media had reported.
14:56 (IST) May 14
US Iran war: Israeli air raids pound south Lebanon as strikes intensify before talks
Israeli air strikes hit multiple areas in southern Lebanon on Thursday, with raids targeting the towns of Seddiqine and Tuffahta, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA).

One of the attacks in Seddiqine reportedly caused several injuries, while another strike hit Tuffahta amid escalating cross-border hostilities.

Earlier in the day, Israeli bombardment also targeted the towns of Kafra, Majdal Selem and Souaneh, the NNA reported, as tensions continued to rise ahead of US-backed talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington.
14:54 (IST) May 14
Iran war: Iran unveils new Hormuz transit rules, warns “hostile” nations may be blocked
Iranian officials have reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping, but only for vessels that cooperate with Iranian naval authorities under a newly introduced approval mechanism, despite fresh calls by US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for unrestricted passage through the waterway.

During their meeting earlier today, Trump and Xi agreed that no shipping charges or restrictions should apply in the strategically vital strait, amid growing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies.

Soon after, Tehran announced it was establishing a new system overseen by what it calls the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” (PGSA), requiring ships to submit detailed information in advance, including cargo manifests, ownership details, destination and route plans, and expected transit timing.

Vessels will then need to await approval from Iranian authorities before receiving permission to pass through the strait.

Iranian officials indicated that ships linked to countries deemed “hostile” toward Iran would not be allowed to transit the corridor. Warships belonging to the United States or Israel would also be barred from passage.

Ships granted approval will receive designated transit routes assigned by Iranian authorities.
14:24 (IST) May 14
Israel Iran war: Israel launches strikes on south Lebanon hours before US-backed talks with Beirut
Israel’s military said it carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon, just hours before US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon were scheduled to begin in Washington.

“The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites in several areas in southern Lebanon,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

The strikes came shortly after the military issued evacuation warnings for several villages in southern Lebanon, underscoring escalating tensions despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader security agreement between the two sides.
13:54 (IST) May 14
Iran war: Ship seized near Strait of Hormuz, heads toward Iranian waters amid soaring Gulf tensions
A ship anchored off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates has been seized by unidentified personnel and is now heading toward Iranian territorial waters, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The British military-linked monitoring centre said the vessel was taken while anchored about 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah, a key UAE port near the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO said it is investigating the incident and has not identified the ship or those responsible.

The seizure comes at a highly sensitive moment in the region, as US President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for talks expected to focus heavily on the Iran conflict and its impact on global trade and energy markets.

The incident also follows reports from Israel claiming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a quiet visit to the UAE during the Israeli-US war with Iran, an assertion swiftly denied by Emirati authorities.

Fujairah, the UAE’s main oil export hub outside the Persian Gulf, has faced repeated attacks during the conflict. Iran has seized multiple vessels since the war began, including the oil tanker Ocean Koi last week. Tehran claimed the vessel was attempting to disrupt Iranian oil exports, while the United States had previously sanctioned the tanker as part of what it described as a “shadow fleet” transporting Iranian oil.
13:36 (IST) May 14

The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted. All Indian crew on board are safe and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them. India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on attack on Indian-flagged ship

13:33 (IST) May 14
India condemns attack on Indian-flagged ship off Oman coast
India condemned the attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman, calling the targeting of commercial vessels and civilian sailors “unacceptable”.

In an official statement, the MEA said, “The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted.”

The government confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the vessel were safe and thanked Omani authorities for carrying out rescue operations.

“All Indian crew on board are safe and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them,” the statement said.

India also reiterated its call for the protection of maritime trade routes amid rising regional tensions, stating that “targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided.”
13:29 (IST) May 14
Israel’s Defence Ministry signs deal to boost range of F-35 jets
Israel’s Defence Ministry has announced a $34m deal with defence firm Elbit’s subsidiary Cyclone to increase the range of its F-35 fighters.
12:59 (IST) May 14
India calls for practical BRICS synergy for global challenges

India on Thursday urged BRICS nations to find "practical ways" to better navigate the fallout of geopolitical upheavals and trade disruptions while underlining the critical importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving global conflicts.


12:49 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: Vessel seized near UAE’s Fujairah

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre says it received a report of a vessel being “taken by unauthorised personnel” near the United Arab Emirate’s Fujairah.



12:36 (IST) May 14
Iran’s FM Araghchi says Hormuz open to commercial ships if they cooperate
12:21 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: External affairs minister Jaishankar raises Hormuz security, Gaza ceasefire at BRICS foreign ministers’ meet
India’s External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and the war in Gaza while addressing the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, attended by Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations, ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.

Addressing tensions in West Asia, Jaishankar stressed the importance of “safe, unimpeded maritime flows” through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it crucial for global economic security, according to Reuters.

He also underlined the need for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza and greater humanitarian access as the conflict in the Palestinian enclave continues.
12:16 (IST) May 14
Iran war: UAE denies Israeli PM Netanyahu secretly visited the country during Iran war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the Israeli-US war with Iran, further strengthening ties with a Gulf nation that normalised relations with Israel in 2020, his office said Wednesday.

However, the UAE denied any secret visit had occurred. THE UAE's official WAM news agency posted an article denying the report about a Netanyahu visit.
12:10 (IST) May 14
Iran war and oil dominate BRICS meet in India

BRICS foreign ministers, including from Iran and Russia, met in New Delhi on Thursday, where India warned of "considerable flux" with conflict driving economic uncertainty and energy insecurity.

War in Iran and the related fuel crisis are dominating discussions in the two-day gathering.

11:30 (IST) May 14
Iran War: Rubio defends Iran war, claims Tehran was building missile shield for future nuclear push
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has defended the war on Iran, alleging that Tehran was rapidly expanding its missile and drone capabilities as a precursor to developing a nuclear weapon, a charge Iran has consistently denied.

“Iran was building up a conventional capability, where they would have so many missiles and so many drones, that they could overwhelm anyone’s defences,” Rubio said in an interview with Fox News.

“They were going to have so many drones and missiles that no one could attack Iran, because the result would be catastrophic for the region – and once they had that immunity, then they would break out towards a weapon,” he claimed.

Rubio added that former US President Donald Trump viewed such a scenario as unacceptable, saying, “That’s impossible.”
11:17 (IST) May 14
Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Wednesday killed at least 22 people, including eight children, as tensions rose ahead of a new round of US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington.

The escalation occurred just before planned direct negotiations in the US capital, despite opposition from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
11:04 (IST) May 14
In the past 24 hours, two India-bound ships carrying LPG crossed the Strait of Hormuz, taking the total number of such vessels to 13. The two ships are foreign-flagged vessels.

Officials said the Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier Symi transited through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday and it’s proceeding with a crew of 21, comprising eight Ukrainians and 13 Filipinos. It is carrying around 20,000 tonnes of liquid propane and butane. The tanker is estimated to reach Deen Dayal port, Kandla on Saturday.
10:44 (IST) May 14
Visuals: External affairs minister Jaishankar welcomes Araghchi for BRICS foreign ministers' meet
10:43 (IST) May 14
Israel Iran war: Hezbollah claims 17 attacks on Israeli forces as tensions escalate ahead of US-backed Lebanon talks
Hezbollah carried out 17 operations targeting Israeli military positions, troops and vehicles in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to Iranian state media outlet Press TV, amid escalating cross-border hostilities ahead of fresh US-backed talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Press TV reported that the operations included eight drone strikes, five missile or rocket attacks, one artillery strike and one guided missile launch. Hezbollah reportedly targeted two “Nimr” military vehicles, two “Merkava” tanks, an armoured personnel carrier and two military bulldozers.

The group also claimed its fighters “ambushed” Israeli troops near the outskirts of Haddatha using pre-planted explosives along with “light and heavy weapons and artillery fire”.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a statement posted on Telegram on Thursday, said “a short while ago, an interceptor was launched toward a suspicious aerial target identified in the area in which IDF soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon.” The military added that no sirens were activated “in accordance with protocol”.

The IDF further said Hezbollah launched an anti-tank missile and several mortar shells near areas where Israeli troops were operating, but stated that “No IDF injuries were reported.”

Amid the renewed fighting, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem ruled out any discussion on the group’s weapons during ongoing negotiations. “We will not abandon the field. We will turn it into hell for Israel,” Qassem said in a televised address, according to Al Jazeera, asserting that Hezbollah’s military capabilities remain an internal Lebanese matter.

The escalation comes despite a US-brokered ceasefire first introduced on April 17 and later extended, which observers say now exists largely only on paper as daily clashes continue. Israeli forces are reported to maintain control over parts of southern Lebanon, while Washington is set to facilitate another round of Israel-Lebanon talks on May 14 and 15 focused on security arrangements and the Hezbollah issue.
10:21 (IST) May 14
Iran war: Jaishankar welcomes Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi in Delhi for BRICS foreign ministers’ meet
External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar welcomed Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting.

The meeting comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with regional security and global economic coordination expected to feature prominently in discussions among BRICS member nations.
09:54 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: Japan-linked oil tanker passes through Hormuz as blockade shows signs of easing
A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker managed by Japanese refining giant Eneos has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second known transit by a Japan-linked vessel through the heavily disrupted waterway amid regional tensions.

The tanker crossed the strait on Thursday carrying 1.2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude and 700,000 barrels of Emirati Das Blend oil loaded in late February, Reuters reported citing ship-tracking data from LSEG. Data from shipping monitor Kpler indicated the vessel is expected to reach Japan on June 3.

The report said it remained unclear under what arrangements the tanker was able to transit the strategically vital chokepoint, while Eneos, Japan’s largest refining group, declined to comment.

The development follows the passage of a Chinese supertanker on Wednesday carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude after being stranded in the Gulf for more than two months amid the US-Iran conflict. LSEG and Kpler data showed the Very Large Crude Carrier Yuan Hua Hu was heading toward Zhoushan port in eastern China and is expected to arrive on June 1.
09:22 (IST) May 14
Israel Iran war: Israeli soldier shoots dead Palestinian teen confronting settlers stealing family sheep in West Bank
A 16-year-old Palestinian boy was shot dead by an Israeli soldier on Wednesday after confronting Israeli settlers accused of stealing hundreds of sheep near the town of Sinjil in the occupied West Bank’s Ramallah area.

According to an Al Jazeera report citing locals, Israeli soldiers provided security cover to the settlers during the incident. Yusuf Kaabneh was killed after he approached the settlers while they were allegedly taking his father’s livestock.

The killing adds to a growing toll of Palestinian minors killed in the occupied West Bank. Rights monitors say at least one Palestinian child has been killed every week on average by Israeli forces in the territory since January 2025.
08:59 (IST) May 14
Israel Iran war: Washington to host another round of Israel-Lebanon talks today; Beirut seeks 'permanent ceasefire'
Officials from Lebanon and Israel are set to meet in Washington, DC later on Thursday for a fresh round of peace negotiations as the current ceasefire agreement, due to expire soon, remains technically in effect despite continued violence on the ground.

The truce, which Lebanon says exists largely “in name only”, has failed to halt near-daily Israeli strikes that have reportedly killed dozens of Lebanese civilians.

Lebanese foreign minister Youssef Raggi said Beirut’s primary objective in the direct talks with Israel is securing a permanent ceasefire. Speaking after discussions with Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani, Raggi said Lebanon is pushing for a lasting truce, but added that Tel Aviv “is demanding the prior disarmament of Hezbollah”.

Although the ceasefire was extended until Sunday, Lebanese authorities say the violence has continued unabated. According to Lebanese government figures cited by AFP, Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 people since the truce came into effect on April 17.
08:37 (IST) May 14
Israel Iran war news: Israeli strikes intensify in Lebanon ahead of Washington talks
Violence continues to escalate in Lebanon as attacks targeted vehicles travelling between Beirut and Sidon, reportedly killing several people, including women and children. The strikes come just ahead of expected meetings in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese officials, raising concerns that the renewed violence could derail diplomatic efforts.

The escalation is likely to make it harder for the Lebanese government to consider any concessions while attacks continue. Key issues expected to feature in the talks include a possible Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the return of prisoners and reconstruction efforts in areas heavily damaged during the conflict.
07:40 (IST) May 14
US Iran war: Iran rejects US-backed UN move, calls support 'coerced' and 'deceptive'
Iran has strongly criticised a US-backed draft resolution at the United Nations, accusing Washington of using political pressure and coercion to manufacture international support against Tehran.

In a sharply worded statement, Iran dismissed US claims of broad backing for the resolution as “absurd and deceptive,” arguing that co-sponsorships were secured through threats and intimidation rather than genuine consensus.

Tehran also accused the United States of committing “internationally wrongful acts” through its maritime blockade, seizure of Iranian commercial vessels and detention of crews, comparing the actions to piracy. The statement further alleged that Washington was attempting to use the resolution to legitimise unlawful measures against Iran and undermine the credibility of the UN Security Council while providing political cover for its regional actions.
07:29 (IST) May 14
US Iran war: US, China agree no country should impose Hormuz shipping tolls ahead of Trump-Xi summit
The United States and China have agreed that no country should impose shipping tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US state department, signalling rare convergence between Washington and Beijing amid rising tensions in the strategic waterway.

The issue was discussed by US secretary of state Marco Rubio and chinese foreign minister Wang Yi ahead of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
06:59 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: After months of blackout, Iran gives internet to select few
After months of living under an almost complete internet blackout during the Middle East conflict, Iranian tech worker Amir-Hassan was finally able to reconnect — but only through a privileged service that has drawn widespread criticism. Since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February, millions of Iranians have struggled without reliable internet access, severely affecting online businesses and freelance workers.
05:44 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: Mike Waltz accuses Iran of illegal actions in international waters
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on Wednesday that Iran had become increasingly isolated over what he called illegal activities in international waters, including mining operations and imposing tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, Waltz noted that 113 countries had co-sponsored a UN Security Council resolution condemning Iran’s conduct.
04:18 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: UAE 'denies reports' of secret Netanyahu visit
The United Arab Emirates on Thursday denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the country during the recent war with Iran, after Netanyahu’s office claimed he had met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In a statement, the UAE foreign ministry said it “denies reports circulating regarding an alleged visit” by Netanyahu or the presence of any Israeli military delegation in the country. It added that relations between the UAE and Israel are “public” and not based on “non-transparent or unofficial arrangements”.
03:24 (IST) May 14
Enmity with the great people of Iran is a foolish gamble: Iran warns after Netanyahu’s secret UAE visit
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned Gulf states against aligning with Israel after reports emerged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the recent Israel-US conflict with Iran. In a post on X, Araghchi said Netanyahu had “publicly revealed what Iran’s security services long ago conveyed to our leadership”, adding that “enmity with the Great People of Iran is a foolish gamble” and that “collusion with Israel” was “unforgivable”.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Wednesday that he met UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing the talks as a “historic breakthrough” in ties between the two countries, which normalised relations under the 2020 Abraham Accords.

The disclosure came a day after US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel had deployed Iron Dome air defence systems and personnel to the UAE during the conflict. The move publicly underscored the deepening military and strategic cooperation between Israel and the Gulf state.
03:19 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: Israel hammers Lebanon with strikes, killing 22
Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 22 people, including eight children, were killed on Wednesday as Israel intensified its strikes across the country, with several deadly attacks reported south of Beirut. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, around 40 locations in the south and east were targeted in Israeli air raids.

The escalation comes ahead of a fresh round of US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, a move strongly opposed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Strikes on vehicles along the coastal motorway near Beirut reportedly killed eight people, including two children, while additional attacks in southern villages claimed further civilian lives.
02:14 (IST) May 14
'US is not doing serious diplomacy': Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has accused the United States of failing to engage in “serious diplomacy”, days after President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran’s peace proposal and claimed the ceasefire was on “life support”.

Gharibabadi said Iran had not attacked neighbouring countries and criticised the presence of US military bases across the region. He maintained that peace would improve security and transparency in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran had already facilitated the safe passage of 11 Indian vessels and was working to assist more.

Trump had earlier branded Iran’s proposal “garbage” and “unacceptable”, claiming Tehran had been militarily weakened and warning that the US could swiftly destroy any renewed capabilities.

Gharibabadi also welcomed mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan, Qatar and Oman, while reiterating that India has consistently supported peace initiatives in the region. A fragile ceasefire has remained in place since fighting erupted on 28 February involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
01:40 (IST) May 14
'We are making progress': US VP JD Vance optimistic on Iran negotiations
US Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday that progress was being made in negotiations with Iran aimed at ending hostilities, although he warned it was too early to know whether talks would satisfy President Donald Trump’s key demand.

Speaking at the White House during an event on healthcare fraud, Vance said the administration’s “red line” remained preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. He revealed he had spent “a good amount of time” speaking with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, as well as officials from Arab nations, before addressing reporters.

“The fundamental question is whether we make enough progress that we satisfy the president’s red line,” Vance said.

The vice president also dismissed speculation over Trump’s comments about a possible Republican successor for the 2028 election. Trump had jokingly asked supporters at a White House dinner whether Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should lead the party in the future. Vance described the remarks as Trump “joking around”.

He also defended Trump after the president said Americans’ financial concerns were “not even a little bit” part of the Iran negotiations. Vance argued the comments had been misrepresented and repeated that stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons remained the administration’s central priority.

Separately, the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell at a time of persistent inflation and growing political pressure on the central bank.
01:38 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: Iran hangs man on Israel spy charges, another over protests
Iran on Wednesday executed two men, including one accused of spying for Israel, amid a growing wave of hangings linked to unrest and heightened tensions surrounding the US-Israeli conflict with the Islamic republic.

The judiciary said 32-year-old Ehsan Afreshteh, described as a Mossad-trained spy, was executed after being convicted of passing sensitive information to Israel. Rights organisations, however, said Afreshteh denied the allegations and claimed his televised confessions were extracted under torture. A cybersecurity specialist, he maintained he had only warned independent websites about cyberattacks.

Authorities also hanged Mohammad Abbasi, 55, over the killing of a police officer during January protests. State media labelled him a rioter, while activists described him as a protester.

Human rights groups say Iran has executed 26 political prisoners since the conflict began, including individuals linked to protests and banned opposition groups. Iran remains one of the world’s leading executioners, with rights monitors recording at least 1,639 executions last year and nearly 200 already in 2026.
01:34 (IST) May 14
Iran war news: India-bound LPG tanker MV Sunshine crossing Strait of Hormuz; Indian Navy, agencies provide all support: Report
The India-bound LPG tanker MV Sunshine is currently crossing the Strait of Hormuz and is receiving coordinated support to ensure its safe passage to India, according to sources cited by news agency ANI. The vessel is reportedly the 15th LPG carrier bound for India to be safely escorted out of the Persian Gulf amid heightened regional tensions. Multiple agencies, including the Indian Navy, are assisting the ship as it continues its journey.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated on Wednesday that stability in the Strait of Hormuz would improve once peace is restored in the region. Speaking to ANI, he said Iran would act in accordance with international law and ensure greater transparency and security if tensions ease. He also criticised the United States, claiming Washington was not engaged in serious diplomacy.
23:01 (IST) May 13
Iran war news: 15th LPG ship bound for India crossing Strait of Hormuz, sources say
LPG Tanker MV Sunshine is crossing the Strait of Hormuz. This was the 15th LPG Ship bound for India to be safely evacuated from the Persian Gulf. The ship is heading towards India and it is being provided all support by multiple agencies, including the Indian Navy, to move safely towards India: Sources
22:48 (IST) May 13
US-Iran war: Netanyahu visited UAE during Iran war, Israel PM's office says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a "secret" meeting with the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the war with Iran, his office said on Wednesday.

"During Operation 'Lion's Roar', Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a secret visit to the UAE, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," his office said in a statement.

Wednesday's announcement comes a day after US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced that Israel had sent its Iron Dome air defence systems and personnel to operate them to the UAE during the war with Iran.

While stopping short of confirming Huckabee's comments, Netanyahu's office said the visit "marked a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates
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BRICS foreign ministers met in New Delhi on Thursday amid rising global anxiety over the Iran conflict, energy disruptions and growing economic uncertainty linked to tensions in West Asia.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar, addressing the two-day conclave attended by Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and representatives from Russia, Brazil and other member states, warned that the world was facing a period of “considerable flux” marked by ongoing conflicts, trade disruptions and security challenges.

A key focus of the discussions was the fallout of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, particularly its impact on global energy supplies and maritime security. Jaishankar stressed the importance of ensuring “safe, unimpeded maritime flows” through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, and called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

He also reiterated the need for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza and greater humanitarian access in the Palestinian enclave.

India urged BRICS nations to find “practical ways” to strengthen cooperation and help developing economies deal with challenges related to energy, food, fertiliser and supply chain security. Jaishankar said reliable supply chains and diversified markets would be essential to improving economic resilience amid geopolitical instability.

The meeting gained added significance as BRICS, now expanded to 11 members including Iran, seeks to position itself as a stabilising force for emerging economies navigating global crises ahead of the bloc’s annual summit in September.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” saying the issue takes precedence over concerns about market volatility and rising prices in the US economy. Tehran, meanwhile, has sharply criticised Washington, with Iranian state media reporting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the lack of trust in the US as the biggest obstacle to peace during talks with Norway’s deputy foreign minister in Tehran.

At the same time, the regional fallout from the conflict continues to widen. The leader of Hezbollah on Tuesday urged the Lebanon government to pull out of direct talks with Israel scheduled in Washington later this week, calling the move a concession and advocating indirect negotiations instead. Lebanon and Israel are set to hold two days of discussions beginning Thursday in an effort to prevent further escalation after the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict that erupted following the Iran war.