War breaking news. Trump: possible deal with Iran within a week. Media: agreement includes ceasefire in Lebanon

Iran's mission to the UN rejected a resolution on the Strait of Hormuz that demands (1) a cessation of attacks by Tehran, (2) an indication of the number and locations where Iran has laid mines at sea, and (3) the creation of a humanitarian corridor.

According to a post on X by the mission itself, for Iran 'the only viable solution in the Strait of Hormuz is clear: 1) a permanent end to the war, 2) the lifting of the sea blockade, and 3) the restoration of normal passage.

In March 2026, US airlines' aviation fuel costs increased by 56.4 per cent, consumption by 19.5 per cent, and fuel cost per gallon by 30.9 per cent compared to February 2026. The Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released data on US airline fuel costs and consumption in March, showing that total fuel spending by US scheduled airlines of ($5.1bn) was up 56.4% compared to February 2026 ($3.2bn) and 30.4% compared to March 2025 ($3.9bn).
Airlines used 1.6bn gallons of fuel, 19.5% more than in February 2026 (1.3bn gallons) and 0.4% more than in March 2025 (1.6bn gallons). The cost per gallon of fuel in March 2026 ($3.13) was 74 cents (30.9%) higher than in February 2026 ($2.39) and 72 cents (29.9%) higher than in March 2025 ($2.41).

Oil closed down sharply in New York on expectations of a possible agreement between the US and Iran that could end the conflict and reopen shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where about 20 percent of the world's crude transits. Wti, the US crude oil benchmark, dropped 6.96% to $95.15, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, plunged 7.85%, but remained above $100, at $101.25 per barrel.

The readiness of the Italian Navy's ships, which are already equipped for the demining operation in the Strait of Hormuz pending the possible authorisation of the Italian authorities, remains high: the hypothetical deployment will take place - as Minister Guido Crosetto himself said yesterday - only after the cessation of hostilities and subject to authorisation by Parliament.

Azzam al-Hayya, son of Hamas leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya, was reportedly killed in an Israeli attack in the Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza City. This was reported by Quds News Network, affiliated with the Palestinian movement in the Gaza Strip. At the moment - reports the Times of Israel - no further details on the incident or independent confirmation has been provided. Another son of the leader, Imam al-Hayya, had previously died during an Israeli raid last September that targeted Hamas members in Qatar.

France is 'deeply concerned about the news of the unprecedented deterioration in the health condition of Mrs Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize winner, detained in Iran for her tireless defence of the fundamental rights of Iranian men and women', according to a note issued by the Foreign Ministry in Paris.

An air raid attributed to Israel targeted Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut and Hezbollah stronghold. Lebanese media and Arab satellite TV reported this.

A photo circulating on social media shows an Israeli soldier sticking a cigarette into the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in a Christian village in southern Lebanon. This was reported by Israeli and Lebanese media, according to which the picture was taken in the village of Debel, in southern Lebanon, where a few weeks ago another IDF soldier had destroyed a statue of Jesus, provoking international condemnation. The Israeli army, reports Times of Israel, said it was examining the photo.

The container ship Saigon, belonging to the French shipping company CMA CGM, managed to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a maritime source told Afp.

The ship, last located by satellite "on 5 May at 12.30 GMT (14:30 Italian time) inside the Gulf", was "relocated on 6 May at 13.30 GMT (15:30 Italian time)" off the coast of Muscat, Oman, i.e. outside the Gulf, according to the maritime traffic screens of the analysis company Kpler, the source said.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Lebanon would be included in any agreement between Iran and the US aimed at ending the conflict, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Berri said he had received confirmation from the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, that Beirut would be included in any negotiation understandings between Tehran and Washington, hoping for a swift "successful conclusion" of the talks. He also emphasised the need for guarantees in any agreement with Israel, accusing Tel Aviv of violating the cessation of hostilities despite Hezbollah's commitments. Finally, Berri called the relationship between the presidency and the Lebanese government "strong and important" for the stability of the country.

Iran's mission to the United Nations rejected a resolution on the Strait of Hormuz calling for a cessation of attacks by Tehran, an indication of the number and location of mines in the sea, and the creation of a humanitarian corridor.

According to a post on X by the mission itself, for Iran "the only viable solution in the Strait of Hormuz is clear: a permanent end to the war, the lifting of the sea blockade, and the restoration of normal passage. Instead, the US is pushing a flawed and politically motivated draft resolution to the UN Security Council under the guise of 'freedom of navigation' to further its political agenda and legitimise illicit actions, not to resolve the crisis."

The US and Iran are closer to a proposal to restart talks that could begin next week in Islamabad. The Wall Street Journal reports this, based on sources close to the dossier.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the security cabinet at 7pm (6pm Italian time). This was reported by the office of one of the ministers to the Times of Israel. The meeting comes as reports circulate - from the American media - that the United States and Iran are close to an agreement on a memorandum of understanding to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that the US is using "economic pressure" to divide the population and force Tehran to "surrender". "The enemy places high hopes on economic pressure, and it is clear that once again it has received false information, and on the basis of this it has made wrong decisions," Ghalibaf was quoted as saying by the Iranian news agency Fars.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold talks today with Trump administration officials in order to better understand the latest developments in the US-Iran negotiations.

An Israeli source told CNN that Netanyahu is seeking updates on the status of the negotiations and aims to understand what proposals are currently on the table. Israel is concerned, the source added to CNN, about possible last-minute concessions by the US aimed at reaching an agreement to end the war with Iran.

The US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford has left the Mediterranean, reducing US military capabilities in the Middle East against the backdrop of the fragile truce with Iran. The Ford, the US's newest, is expected to return to Norfolk, its home port in Virginia, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. The US Navy's most advanced unit has been at sea for over ten months, the longest deployment of a US aircraft carrier since the end of the Cold War, according to the US Naval Institute.

La portaerei della Marina degli Stati Uniti USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) ormeggiata a Spalato, in Croazia, il 29 marzo 2026. EPA/STRINGER

US President Donald Trump said he was optimistic about the possibility of reaching a deal with Iran, which could include the export of highly enriched uranium to the US, during a phone call with Pbs News. Trump said he believes the US is close to a deal, "but I had that feeling in the past as well, so we'll see what happens." "It is possible that an agreement will be reached before my visit to China," scheduled for 14 and 15 May.

France has expressed its conditions to Washington and Tehran to launch a mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The Elysée Palace made this known. Paris, in particular, asks the US and Iran to "deal with the issue of Hormuz separately" from the rest of the conflict and to open negotiations. "We can offer Iran to pass through the Strait again with oil tankers, provided Tehran agrees to engage in the negotiations to which they are invited by the Americans". To the US, Paris demands that it 'lift the blockade of Hormuz and accept Iran's willingness to negotiate on the underlying issues'.

The Chief of Staff of the IDF, Eyal Zamir, speaking to troops in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam today, stated that the army is ready to launch a new offensive against Iran if necessary. The Guardian writes this. During his visit to Khiam, where Israeli attacks have continued despite the ceasefire, Zamir stated that there are 'no limitations on the use of force' and claimed that the IDF has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah militants since the beginning of the war with Iran. The IDF military chief also stressed that Israeli forces maintain a list of targets ready for an attack in Iran, in coordination with the US.

The French Ministry of Defence has announced that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle 'and its escort ships are crossing the Suez Canal today' and are en route to the southern Red Sea. This was reported by the French media. This deployment could take place in view of the future multinational mission, led by France and Great Britain, to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which 'brings together more than forty nations'. "The movement of the aeronaval group is distinct from the military operations launched in the region and complements the security arrangements," the ministry points out.

The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported, citing a 'well-informed source', that 'the American proposal contains several unacceptable clauses'. Ynet reports. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, called the points in the memorandum, unveiled by Axios, a 'US wish list [and] not a reality'.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi represented that he had had 'a constructive meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing' in which 'Iran's right to maintain national sovereignty and national dignity' was reaffirmed by both sides.

"The Iranian side appreciated the Chinese four-point proposal for maintaining and promoting regional peace and stability," the Iranian diplomat pointed out.

The Israeli judiciary confirmed on appeal the extension of the detention, until Sunday, of the two activists of the "Flotilla for Gaza", arrested off the coast of Greece. Hadeel Abu Salih, lawyer for the Spaniard Saif Abu Keshek and the Brazilian Thiago Avila, told Afp.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla organisation, Avila's 63-year-old mother recently passed away, but her son has not yet been informed of her death.

Iranian air strikes have ddestroyed or destroyed at least 228 structures or equipment on US military bases in the Middle East since the beginning of the war, hitting hangars, barracks, fuel depots, aircraft, radar and air defence systems.

This is what emerges from an analysis by the Washington Post based on satellite images, according to which the extent of the damage is 'much more extensive' than Washington has so far publicly acknowledged.

This morning during an audience with the nuncio in Beirut, Monsignor Paolo Borgia, the Pope video-called a dozen priests from the southern areas of the country to give his encouragement and assure prayers. This was reported by Vatican news.

"The US proposal is still under consideration by Iran and once it is finalised, Iran will communicate its views to the Pakistani side." This was stated to Isna by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. According to US media reports, the White House believes it is close to an agreement with Iran on a memorandum of understanding to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations.

Dutch airline KLM announced its decision to extend the suspension of flights to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Riyadh and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) until 28 June.

'KLM airline has decided not to fly to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam, entrame in Arabia, until 28 June,' reads the statement on the company's website.

US President Donald Trump told the Washington Post that it is 'too early' to start thinking about face-to-face peace talks between the US and Iran.

Soaring fertiliser prices are weighing on rice farmers in South Asia and South-East Asia on the eve of the farming season, possibly threatening food supplies. Nikkei Asia reports this today, warning of the danger that the situation could lead to a global food crisis.

Prices of urea, a nitrogen fertiliser derived from natural gas, rose 18 per cent month-on-month in April, after a 54 per cent jump in March, as the war with Iran disrupted production and transport in the Middle East.

While waiting for a possible breakthrough in the negotiation process between the United States and Iran, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani held a number of meetings at the Farnesina to strengthen negotiation prospects in the region. With regard to the situation in Lebanon, in parallel with the negotiations mediated by the United States between Jerusalem and Beirut, Italia - reports a note from the Farnesina - is verifying with the United Nations and the partners taking part in Unifil (the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) a new path to stabilising the country.

In thepost-Unifil phase (the UN mission will end at the end of 2026), Italia is studying forms of support for peace initiatives also through the strengthening of the capacities of the Lebanese state and armed forces.

A clash that has no precedent in contemporary history, and one must (perhaps) go back to the Slap of Anagni in 1303 - at that time there was Boniface VIII, and the outrage came from a nobleman on a mission for the king of France - to find something worse.

Donald Trump then returns to the charge, against Leo XIV: "I think he is endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people, it is perfectly fine for him that Iran has a nuclear weapon," the president said during an interview on the Salem News Channel. A somewhat unexpected move at this time, given that on Thursday 7 May the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is scheduled to be received by the Pope.

"Assuming Iran accepts what has been agreed, which is perhaps a long shot, the already legendary Epic Fury will come to an end and the effective blockade will allow the Strait of Hormuz to be open to all, including Iran. If they do not accept, the bombing will begin, which unfortunately will be at a much greater level and intensity than before'. US President Donald Trump writes this on Truth.

Il presidente Donald Trump interviene prima di firmare un proclama nello Studio Ovale della Casa Bianca, martedì 5 maggio 2026, a Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

The Iranian authorities have launched a new website in which they claim sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The site - which has ".ir" as its domain, i.e. the official Iranian domain - is currently devoid of content, except for the welcoming sentence "Welcome to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Islamic Republic of Iran', a regulatory body that was officially set up yesterday.

Two out of three Americans view positively the fact that Leo XIV has urged them to contact Congress to call for a rejection of war and to work for peace, and an even greater percentage reject the messages in which religion has been instrumentalised for political, and warlike, purposes by Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth. This is what emerges from a poll published today by the Washington Post and Abcnews, just hours before the departure to Rome of the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who will be visiting the Vatican tomorrow to mend fences after Trump's attacks on the Pope for his criticism of the war with Iran and immigration policies. Attacks that the tycoon actually renewed yesterday by repeating what he said in a past post, namely that he "doesn't want a pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon", a statement that is viewed negatively by 57% of respondents, while it is supported by only 38%. The poll also confirms how Trump's unprecedented attack on Leo XIV, America's first Pontiff, is eroding electoral support among Catholics who voted en masse, by a 20-point margin, for him in 2024. Now among Catholics who voted for him his popularity rate has fallen to 49%, down from 63% in February 2025, while among Catholics in general it is at 38%.

Further reading

Trump attacks Leo XIV: 'The Pope is wrong, I have nothing to apologise for'

13 April 2026

(The Revolutionary Guard Navy stated that safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz will be guaranteed with the end of US threats and the introduction of new procedures. This was reported by state media, quoted by Reuters, in Iran's first reaction to the suspension of US operations to help stranded ships cross the strait.

The words of the President of the United States, yesterday, in the Oval Office, in front of the children.

"It was in no way France that was targeted". This was stated in the Council of Ministers by French President Emmanuel Macron, referring to the San Antonio, the container ship chartered by the French shipping company Cma Cgm that was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Macron's comment was reported by government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon, explaining the contents of the Council of Ministers meeting. The vessel "was flying the Maltese flag and had a Filipino crew, to whom we obviously express our full solidarity," Bregeon added.

The words of the President of the United States.

US President Donald Trump's announcement to suspend 'Project Freedom' raises two questions. Namely, what has changed in just two days? And does this turnabout reflect a move towards a decisive moment in the negotiations to end the war, or is it merely a tactical pause in a still open confrontation? These are the questions asked by al Jazeera TV in an analysis published on its website. Trump has indeed spoken of "important progress" towards an overall agreement, the Qatar broadcaster points out, recalling, however, that the halt to 'Project Freedom' is a temporary measure that does not affect the essence of the naval blockade imposed on Tehran, which is destined to remain in force. Trump linked this turn of events to the military successes achieved and the progress towards an agreement, adding that the decision also came in response to a request from Pakistan and other countries without naming them, as part of international mediation efforts to reduce tensions and end the conflict. The US announcement, notes al Jazeera, thus represents a temporary de-escalation of the ''militarisation of the Strait of Hormuz'', potentially paving the way for a second round of negotiations in Islamabad with higher hopes of a political breakthrough. The tone used by Trump suggests that the change does not alter the substance of the American strategic position, but rather reflects a reorganisation of priorities.

Washington, says al-Jazeera, sees calibrated military pressure as a tool to improve conditions at the negotiating table, without giving up the diplomatic route. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's words at yesterday's press conference indicate that Washington intends to consolidate a de facto truce from direct attacks, while keeping the ability to retaliate intact. This reinforces the hypothesis that the military breakthrough is linked to an active negotiating path, although the results are still uncertain. The public call for Iran to return to the negotiating table suggests that the US administration sees a diplomatic window open, but not yet reached the tipping point. For its part, Iran has announced the creation of a new mechanism to manage the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a sign of its willingness to impose a new obstacle on the ground in this vital passage. The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that Tehran has not yet started a full escalation, accusing the US and allies of endangering international shipping. The Iranian moves and the warnings of the Revolutionary Guards indicate that Tehran is using the Strait both as political leverage and as an instrument of military pressure, while avoiding a head-on clash. An attitude that reveals willingness to negotiate, but from a position of strength and not surrender.

The US and Iran are close to a one-page memorandum to end the war, a Pakistani source involved in the peace efforts told Reuters. "We will close the issue very soon. We are almost there," the source told the British agency as quoted on the site.

Strong acceleration of declines in oil prices, with signs that markets are raising hopes about the US-Iran truce at the Strait of Hormuz. By late morning the barrel of Brent, the benchmark North Sea crude dropped 6.75 percent to $102.45. In afterhours trading the West Texas Intermediate fell 7.50 percent to $94.60.

The White House believes it is close to an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. Axios writes. The US expects answers from Iran on several key points in the next 48 hours. The agreement would include Iran's commitment to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, US agreement to lift sanctions and release billions of dollars of frozen Iranian funds, and the lifting by both sides of restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

 The one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding is being negotiated between Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and several Iranian officials, either directly or through mediators. In its current form, the MoU would declare an end to the war in the region and the start of a 30-day period of negotiations for a detailed agreement on opening the strait, limiting Iran's nuclear programme and lifting US sanctions. According to two sources, the negotiations could take place in Islamabad or Geneva. According to one US official, Iranian restrictions on maritime traffic through the strait and the US naval blockade would be gradually lifted during that 30-day period. If negotiations failed, US forces would be able to reinstate the blockade or resume military actions, the US official said. The duration of the moratorium on uranium enrichment is the subject of intense negotiations.

"China appreciates Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and reaffirms its legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during talks with Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing today, according to a Chinese media note.

Israel has started paraffin deliveries to Germany at the request of the German Energy Ministry, in the context of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. This was announced by the Israeli Foreign and Energy Ministries, explaining that the decision is related to the tensions in the region and the repercussions on the global energy market. Der Spiegel reports. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reportedly informed German Minister of Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche of the initiative during a visit to Berlin. However, no official confirmation has yet come from Germany. In recent days, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder had stated that a paraffin shortage 'is not an issue for Germany', pointing out that there are sufficient refineries to cover the needs. The National Security Council, which met in April to assess the effects of the energy crisis linked to the conflict with Iran, had also indicated that stocks were 'adequate for a foreseeable period', while acknowledging a 'tense situation' and the need to monitor developments.

Further reading

Energy shock, EU considers joint use of paraffin reserves

18 April 2026

The short-term impact of the war in Iran and the Middle East on global oil supply is greater than that recorded in previous energy crises (1973, 1979 and 2022). This was said by ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone, speaking at the Festival of Sustainable Development 2026 in Milan. "Even taking into account the mitigation measures adopted, such as the redirection of oil flows via pipelines and the release of strategic reserves onto the market, the net contraction in supply is estimated to be around 12 million barrels per day, or around 11% of supply in the pre-conflict period. The re-establishment of supplies after the end of hostilities will take time, in view of the damage suffered by important oil facilities. As a result, crude oil prices soared. Gas prices have also risen, but so far much less than observed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This is important in the European context, given the close correlation between electricity and gas prices'.

Further reading

Georgieva (IMF): 'War in the Middle East holds back world growth'

09 April 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke on the phone with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. During the conversation, the parties, reviewing recent regional developments, stressed the need to continue on the path of diplomacy and cooperation between the countries in the region to prevent the emergence and escalation of tensions.

"Israel must immediately and unconditionally release Saif Abukeshek and Thiago de Avila, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla," demands the spokesperson of the UN Human Rights Office, Thameen Al-Kheetan. "It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population of Gaza, who desperately need it," the spokesperson stressed in a comment released in Geneva. The two activists "continue to be held without charge". The spokesperson cites the "disturbing" reports of serious mistreatment of Abukeshek and de Avila, abuses that "must be investigated".

A Cma Cgm container ship was the 'target of an attack' in the Strait of Hormuz, the French shipping company confirmed. This was reported by the international media. According to Al-Jazeera and other media it was the ship 'San Antonio'. The company added that the attack resulted in injuries among crew members and damage to the ship. The injured crew members have been evacuated and are receiving medical assistance: according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency, they are allegedly Filipino citizens.

An Israeli settler was caught on video repeatedly spitting on St. James Cathedral in Jerusalem, an Armenian church built in the 12th century. The settler also used the middle finger of both hands to form the symbol of the cross. The news and video are reported by Al-Jazeera.

A cargo ship was probably hit by a cruise missile in the Persian Gulf region, causing several injuries among Filipino crew members. This was reported by two American officials to Cbs News, pointing out that the ship CGM San Antonio was hit late last night.

The British Maritime Traffic Agency (Ukmto) also reported receiving a report of 'a merchant ship struck by an unidentified projectile'. According to CBS, the ship was near Dubai yesterday morning, but it is unclear whether it has since moved, according to public tracking data.

"The current closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing a shortage of paraffin supplies and thus a significant price increase. This represents a significant burden on the cost structure of the Lufthansa Group companies. Although fuel requirements for the current year are already covered to the tune of around 80 per cent through hedging transactions on petroleum product derivatives, the increase in paraffin prices currently leads to additional costs of EUR 1.7 billion in 2026." This was announced in the group's first-quarter results release, which explained that the group 'intends to offset this impact in the coming quarters through higher ticket revenues, network optimisation and further cost containment measures'. Although no restrictions on fuel supplies at the Group's hubs are expected at the moment, 'a possible reduction in availability in the second half of the year is a further risk factor'.

'The loud noises heard on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz were caused by the activation of the Iranian air defence system to counter reconnaissance drones and projectiles'. This was stated by the governor-general of Hormozgan province, quoted by Mehr news agency. "No attacks, explosions or damage have occurred," he added. The statement came after some local sources had reported sounds of explosions in Qeshm. The same sources added that explosions were also heard in the ports of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, both in Hormozgan province, at 1:30am local time. Iran's air defence system has been repeatedly activated in recent weeks to counter drones in other cities, including Tehran, as part of the ceasefire with the US.

Project Freedom, the major new American naval operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lasted only a day or so. The president, in the latest surprise turnaround on the war with Iran, decreed last night a 'pause' in the mission, which envisaged escort and protection of commercial vessels by the American fleet in crossing the strategic maritime corridor.

The decision opened a new yellow light on the next moves in the crisis. Trump said the pause would be for a "short period of time" and evoked "great progress" towards an agreement with Iran, without giving further details. He made it known that he wants to see if it can be finalised. However, the blockade of Iranian ports will continue unchanged, he added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beijing for talks. This was reported by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, without giving further details. According to an earlier report by the Iranian news agency Fars, Araghchi would "discuss bilateral relations and regional and international developments" with Wang. This is the first face-to-face meeting between the foreign ministers of the two allies since the beginning of the war. Araghchi's trip precedes US President Donald Trump's visit to China, scheduled for 14 and 15 May, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump postponed his trip after the US and Israel launched the military operation against Iran on 28 February.

"Operation Epic Fury is over. Trump has notified Congress." Marco Rubio said this in a briefing without giving any other details. "Now there is Operation Project Freedom," he added.

- Italia has trained the police and security forces of Lebanon 'we will certainly consult it, it can be very useful for that country'. Marco Rubio said this at a White House briefing on the eve of his trip to Italia.

On the instructions of President Trump, the US, with Bahrain and Gulf partners - Saudi Arabia, Eau, Kuwait and Qatar - drafted a draft UN Security Council resolution to 'defend freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz', with a stop to 'attacks, mine laying and tolls'. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the need for "Iran to disclose the number and location of laid sea mines" and cooperate in their removal, supporting a humanitarian corridor, a note said. The hope is for a vote 'in the coming days' with the support of the Security Council and 'a broad base of co-sponsors'.

US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of 'Project Freedom' to facilitate an agreement with Iran. The decision, which Trump announced on his Truth Social, was made at the request of Pakistan, the main mediator between Washington and Tehran, the US president explained. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, Trump ''backtracked''. As reported by the Isna news agency, Trump reportedly cancelled the operation ''following the firm positions and warnings received from Iran''. And he denounces the ''failure of the United States to achieve its goals with Project Freedom''.