Israel strikes kill 16 in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon have killed at least 16 people despite an active ceasefire, raising serious questions about the agreement’s enforcement and the region’s stability.
Middle East
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei: Americans Have No Place in the Persian Gulf, 'New Phase' Taking Shape
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a hardline statement declaring that Americans have no place in the Persian Gulf and that a ’new phase’ is emerging in the Gulf region, signaling Iran’s refusal to concede on the Strait of Hormuz navigation issue.
Israeli Military Orders Evacuation of Eight Lebanese Towns Ahead of New Strikes
The Israeli military has ordered residents of eight Lebanese towns outside the ‘buffer zone’ to evacuate immediately, preparing for a new wave of strikes, further testing the fragile ceasefire agreement.
USS Gerald R. Ford to Depart Middle East as Iran War Costs Reach $25 Billion
The U.S. Navy announced that the world’s largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, will return to Norfolk, Virginia in the coming days after a record-breaking deployment to the Middle East. The estimated cost of the Iran conflict has now reached $25 billion.
Trump Says Iran Wants Naval Blockade Lifted as Talks Remain Stalled
US President Trump says Iran has reached out asking Washington to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, but experts warn negotiations remain stalled as oil prices continue to climb.
UBS Profits Surge 80% to $3 Billion in Q1, Driven by Geopolitical Volatility
UBS Group reported Q1 2026 net profits of $3 billion, an 80% year-over-year increase, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove trading volumes higher. Shares jumped 5% following the announcement.
Iran Proposes Strait of Hormuz Deal, Defers Nuclear Talks to Later Stage
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi conducts a 72-hour diplomatic sprint across three countries, proposing a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear negotiations with the US to a later stage.
Trump Considers Iran Peace Proposal as Europe's Patience Wanes; Hormuz Strait Blockade Escalates
Trump is considering an Iran peace proposal as US-Iran talks hit an impasse. German Chancellor Merz says the US is ‘being humiliated by Iran’ as European patience wears thin. Meanwhile, a Russia-linked superyacht sails through the Hormuz blockade.
Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz in Exchange for US Lifting Blockade; Trump 'Not Satisfied'
Iran proposes reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade, while deferring nuclear negotiations. Trump and his national security team are skeptical of the offer.
Rubio Dismisses Iran's Strait of Hormuz Proposal, Nuclear Deadlock Persists
US Secretary of State Rubio formally rejects Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, insisting nuclear issues must be resolved first, leaving negotiations at a standstill.