Iran questions the seriousness of US diplomacy in the ongoing negotiations to end conflict in the Middle East. Tehran has expressed doubts about the US’s commitment to diplomacy in light of recent tensions and ceasefire violations. The recent skirmishes in the Gulf have raised suspicions about the American motivation for peace talks according to Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. However, the US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he is awaiting a response from the Iranians regarding a proposal to permanently end hostilities.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with an Israeli-American attack on Iran, has led to strategic moves by both sides. Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the US to impose a blockade on Iranian ports. The US military reportedly neutralized two Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman, a crucial passageway for global oil trade. Despite the tensions, both Iranian and US forces have reportedly ceased fire after a period of exchange.
In response to the conflict, the UK announced plans to deploy a destroyer in the Middle East for a future international mission to secure transport in the Strait of Hormuz. Satellite images revealed a sizable oil spill in the Gulf of Kharg, Iran’s main oil terminal. However, the extent of the spill has reportedly decreased, with no official confirmation of oil leaks near Kharg.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah continue with daily attacks despite a ceasefire in place. An Israeli drone allegedly targeted a motorcycle in Nabatiye, killing a Syrian and injuring his daughter. The conflict has caused 2750 deaths in Lebanon, with new discussions between the neighboring countries set to take place in Washington on May 14 and May 15, although Hezbollah is against the talks.
/2026/05/10/6a0032d608a02147030403.jpg "Vladimir Putin says the war in Ukraine \"comes to an end\"and criticizes the support of Western countries for kyiv.")