Day 69: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

This live blog follows updates for Day 69 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 68, go here.

• US stocks reach record highs as oil prices sharply decline
• Trump says a potential Iran agreement remains highly achievable now
• Iran and United States continue indirect communication through Pakistani mediation
• Washington and Tehran review proposals concerning Strait of Hormuz tensions
• Regional leaders welcome diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing Middle East conflict

Trump threatens more Iran strikes if deal not signed 'fast!'

Published: May 7, 2026 | 23:09 GMT | by AFP

President Donald Trump said on Thursday US forces dealt "great damage" to Iranian targets after three American naval destroyers came under fire, but was nonetheless still open to a deal with Tehran.

"There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers," he said on his Truth Social platform, colourfully describing drones falling "like a butterfly dropping to its grave!"

"We'll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don't get their Deal signed, FAST!" he added.

Iran military says US violated truce after targeting ships

Published: May 7, 2026 | 21:11 GMT | by AFP

Iran's central military command says the United States violated the ceasefire in the Middle East war with attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, saying they attacked US forces in retaliation.

The US "targeted an Iranian oil tanker moving from the coastal waters of Iran in the Jask region towards the Strait of Hormuz, as well as another ship entering the Strait of Hormuz opposite the port of Fujairah, UAE", the Khatam Al Anbiya said in a statement quoted by state TV, saying the US also carried out strikes elsewhere in the south "in cooperation with some countries in the region".

Iranian forces "immediately and in retaliation attacked American military vessels", it added.

US says it struck Iran after attack on American warships

Published: May 7, 2026 | 21:03 GMT | by AFP

The United States struck Iranian military targets on Thursday after Tehran's forces attacked three American destroyers that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said.

"Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats" at the three warships, but none were hit, the US military's Central Command said in a post on X.

US forces "eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible" for the attack, it added.

Iran state TV says military opened fire after US 'attack' on Iranian tanker

Published: May 7, 2026 | 20:40 GMT | by AFP

Iranian state TV said the country's military fired missiles at US forces on Thursday after what it described as an attack on an Iranian tanker.

"Following the attack by the US military on an Iranian tanker, the enemy units in the Strait of Hormuz came under Iranian missile fire and were forced to flee after suffering damage," the broadcaster IRIB reported, citing a military officer.

Iran state TV reports explosions on island in Hormuz strait

Published: May 7, 2026 | 20:20 GMT | by AFP

Iranian state TV reported explosions on an island in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, saying they occurred during an "exchange of fire".

"The explosions at the Bahman pier on Qeshm Island occurred during an exchange of fire between Iranian armed forces and the enemy," the broadcaster IRIB reported.

Other Iranian news outlets also reported the blasts, while the Israeli military told AFP it was "not aware of such" a strike.

US sanctions individuals and actors undermining Iraq’s sovereignty: State Department

Published: May 7, 2026 | 16:30 GMT | by Web Desk

US State Department on Thursday sanctioned individuals and entities that are exploiting Iraq’s oil wealth to fund the Iran, as per a press statement.

As per the statement, among those sanctioned is Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Oil.

“The Trump Administration is taking decisive action against individuals and entities that are exploiting Iraq’s oil wealth to fund the Iranian regime,” as per the statement.

It added that the action also targets senior officials from the “Iran aligned” militias Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq, as well as oil-sector companies that support such militias.

“These groups continue to exploit Iraq’s economy to fund their terrorist activities,” it added. 

Pakistan PM, Qatar FM discuss regional peace in phone call

Published: May 7, 2026 | 15:17 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a call Thursday from Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The leaders reviewed the regional situation, reaffirming their commitment to lasting peace efforts. Sharif recalled his April 16 Doha visit, which forged consensus on peace initiatives.

Pakistan anticipates Qatar's Amir visit to deepen ties, Sharif said. Qatar's PM praised Pakistan's role and pledged support for its diplomatic push in the Middle East.

Both agreed to stay in close contact.

Pakistan FM discusses regional developments, peace efforts with Iranian counterpart

Published: May 7, 2026 | 14:32 GMT | by AFP

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday discussed the latest regional developments and Washington-Tehran negotiations with his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi during a telephonic conversation, Iran’s Press TV said.

Both sides emphasized continuing dialogue and diplomacy, while expanding regional cooperation to safeguard stability and curb tensions.

The conversation comes as the US awaits Iran’s response to its latest proposed deal to end the war in the Middle East and to reopen the key shipping lane out of the Gulf.

US awaits Iran response to latest deal offer

Published: May 7, 2026 | 13:52 GMT | by Web Desk

The United States was waiting on Thursday for Iran to respond to its latest proposed deal to end the war in the Middle East and to reopen the key shipping lane out of the Gulf.

Oil prices tumbled five percent after US President Donald Trump said once again that an agreement could be near after positive talks and Iran said it would pass on its latest position to mediator Pakistan.

Any agreement to prolong the ceasefire between the United States and Iran could also lower tensions in Lebanon, where an already fragile truce was under renewed strain after an Israeli strike on southern Beirut killed a Hezbollah commander.

Oil prices drop awaiting Mideast peace progress

Published: May 7, 2026 | 12:21 GMT | by AFP

Oil prices fell and global stock markets traded mixed Thursday awaiting an update on a US plan to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

After having plunged more than 10 percent at one point Wednesday on peace hopes, crude futures fell nearly another four percent.

The benchmark international oil contract Brent Crude was back under $100 per barrel.

European stock markets declined after big gains the previous session, while leading Asian markets climbed.

Netanyahu says 'no terrorist immune' after Israel kills Hezbollah commander

Published: May 7, 2026 | 11:46 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday claimed responsibility for the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut the previous day, saying "no terrorist is immune" from Israeli strikes.

"Last night, we eliminated, in the heart of Beirut, the commander of Hezbollah's Radwan force," Netanyahu said, in a video released by his office, referring to an elite Hezbollah unit.

"I say to our enemies in the clearest possible terms: no terrorist is immune. Anyone who threatens the State of Israel will die because of his actions."

Pezeshkian tells Macron, Hormuz negotiations depend on ending US blockade

Published: May 7, 2026 | 09:15 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, said any negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz must be preceded by lifting the US naval blockade, according to state-run Press TV.

Islamabad hopeful about agreement between US and Iran: FO

Published: May 7, 2026 | 08:29 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Ambassador Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Islamabad was hopeful about an agreement between the US and Iran and was expecting it to happen soon.

He said this at a weekly press briefing of the FO. Ambassador Andrabi said Pakistan would welcome a settlement between Iran and the US wherever it may be reached.

“If an agreement is reached in Pakistan, it would be an honor for us,” he said. Ambassador Andrabi said he could not say whether the draft of the agreement would be one page or longer.

Norway central bank hikes rate, first in Europe since Mideast war

Published: May 7, 2026 | 08:29 GMT | by AFP

Norway's central bank on Thursday hiked its guiding rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25%, becoming the first European central bank to do so since the start of the Middle East war.

"Inflation is too high and has run above target for several years," Norges Bank governor Ida Wolden Bache said in a statement.

The central bank meanwhile noted that "there is substantial uncertainty about future economic developments."

Maersk maintains year forecast despite Hormuz uncertainty

Published: May 7, 2026 | 07:23 GMT | by AFP

Danish global shipping giant Maersk said Thursday it was maintaining its 2026 forecasts despite the Middle East war and the uncertainty the conflict has generated.

"The conflict in the Middle East, which began on 28 February 2026, has introduced an additional layer of uncertainty," said Maersk in a statement as first quarter net profit dived.

The firm noted that "traffic at the Strait of Hormuz remains at a near-standstill" and that "the conflict has already weighed on sentiment," denting consumer confidence.

Global demand for container shipping nonetheless rose between three and five percent year-on-year in the first quarter.

Between January and March, Maersk’s net profit came in at $100 million, 12 times lower than the same period last year when its return was boosted by demand for maritime transport.

Revenue totaled $12.97 billion, down 2.6% for a company widely considered a bellwether for global trade.

Emirates Group annual profits up 3.0% despite Mideast war

Published: May 7, 2026 | 07:07 GMT | by AFP

Emirates Group announced a 3.0% rise in annual profits to $5.7 billion on Thursday despite severe disruption from the Middle East war, when Dubai airport was repeatedly targeted.

"For the first 11 months of 2025-26, the picture across the Group was very positive," chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said.

Shell quarterly net profit jumps 19% as war fuels oil prices

Published: May 7, 2026 | 07:05 GMT | by AFP

British energy giant Shell announced Thursday a 19% increase in net profits for the first quarter as the Middle East war sent oil and gas prices soaring in volatile trading.

Profit after tax increased to $5.69 billion in the January-March period from $4.78 billion in the first quarter of 2025, Shell said in an earnings statement.

"Shell delivered strong results enabled by our relentless focus on operational performance in a quarter marked by unprecedented disruption in global energy markets," said chief executive Wael Sawan.

Philippines says Mideast war sends economic growth to five-year low

Published: May 7, 2026 | 04:45 GMT | by AFP

The Middle East war and a major corruption scandal drove Philippine economic growth to a five-year low, officials said Thursday, adding that future targets would be lowered.

Gross domestic product expanded 2.8% for the three months to March, sharply down from the 5.4% in the same period last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority said.

It was also a dip from the 3% growth registered in the final quarter of 2025, the agency said.

"Our growth performance trails Vietnam, Indonesia and China, among others in the region," Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told a news conference.

"We definitely will move our growth targets lower ... given the situation, especially the global uncertainty remaining highly elevated," he said.

Australia to force gas giants to reserve fuel for domestic use

Published: May 7, 2026 | 04:45 GMT | by AFP

Australia will look to stave off energy shortages by forcing major gas companies to reserve 20% of their exports for domestic use, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Thursday.

The country is one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, a key fuel source in high demand as war in the Middle East upends global energy markets.

In a bid to shield the nation from "global price volatility," Australia's largest gas firms will be forced to ring-fence fuel for the domestic market -- equivalent to 20% of their exports.

"We've been acting to shield Australians from global energy shocks by investing in reliable, sovereign renewables and keeping more of the gas we need onshore," Bowen told reporters.

Trump says Iran war will be over quickly

Published: May 7, 2026 | 04:10 GMT | by Reuters

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday night that the war in Iran will be over quickly, as he seeks a deal to end the stalemate over the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran's nuclear program.

"When you look at the kind of things that are happening, we are doing that for one very important reason: We cannot allow them to have a nuclear weapon. So I think most people understand that. They understand that what we are doing is right, and it'll be over quickly," Trump told a tele-rally for Georgia Republican governor candidate Burt Jones.

Iran said on Wednesday it was reviewing a US peace proposal.

Senior Hezbollah commander killed by Israel in Beirut suburbs: Source close to group

Published: May 7, 2026 | 04:10 GMT | by AFP

A senior commander from Hezbollah's elite force was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, the first in the area in nearly a month, a source close to the group said.

At least 11 other people were killed in strikes across the south and east, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military had targeted "the commander of Hezbollah's Radwan force".

The source close to Hezbollah told AFP on condition of anonymity that "Malek Ballout, the operations commander in the Radwan force" was killed.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency had reported that "Israeli warplanes launched an attack, targeting Ghobeiri" in the southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.

An AFP correspondent saw a building covered in rubble following the strike, as people left the area with their belongings.

Iranian embassy denies armed forces struck South Korean ship in Hormuz

Published: May 7, 2026 | 03:28 GMT | by AFP

Iran denied that its armed forces had been involved in an explosion that struck a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz this week.

Tehran "firmly rejects and categorically denies any allegations regarding the involvement of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the incident involving damage to a Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz", its embassy in Seoul said in a statement.

Araghchi says ‘possible to achieve peace and stability’ on China’s four-point proposal

Published: May 7, 2026 | 02:43 GMT | by AFP

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said China has always stood on the right side of history in its relations with Iran and expressed appreciation for the role played by Beijing. 

We are aware of the four-point proposal put forward by the honorable President Xi,” he said, adding that the principles were “entirely correct.” 

“Based on these principles, it is possible to achieve peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region,” Araghchi said.  

“We have always believed, and even more now, that China can play a constructive role in this regard,” he added.

Ghalibaf mocks US military strategy against Tehran 

Published: May 7, 2026 | 01:57 GMT | by AFP

Tehran’s influential Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has taken to social media to satirize recent military maneuvers against Iran.

In a brief post on the social media platform X, Ghalibaf reworked the announced names of US military operations against Iran to “Operation Trust Me Bro” and “Operation Fauxios”.

“Operation Trust Me Bro failed,” Ghalibaf wrote, adding: “Now back to routine with Operation Fauxios.”

US stocks break records, oil tumbles

Published: May 6, 2026 | 22:25 GMT | by AFP

World oil prices dove and US stock markets rallied on fresh hopes for an end to the war in the Middle East, as Trump said a deal with Iran was "very possible."

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq, two of the major US stock indices, finished at record levels for the second consecutive day, while the international oil benchmark Brent finished down 7.8% at $101.27 a barrel.

Trump says Iran deal 'very possible' following latest talks

Published: May 6, 2026 | 20:39 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump has said it was "very possible" that they would make a deal with Iran, adding that countries had "very good talks over the last 24 hours."

"With that being said, they want to make a deal. We've had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it's very possible that we'll make a deal."

Iran says messages with US still exchanged via Pakistan

Published: May 6, 2026 | 15:55 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said diplomatic contacts with the United States remain active through Pakistani mediation, but Tehran has not yet issued a formal response to Washington’s latest proposal.

“Messages are being exchanged through the Pakistani mediator, and reviews regarding the exchanged texts are ongoing,” Iran Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, according to Tehran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.