US Senate Democrats push eighth vote to limit Iran conflict US Senate Democrats will force an eighth vote this week on a War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to wage war on Iran, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday. Posting on X, Schumer said Democrats were seeking to withdraw US troops from hostilities involving Iran. Schumer called on Senate Republicans to support the measure, saying lawmakers should “end the war” and “get our troops out of harm’s way”.
Qatar condemns Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla Qatar condemned the Israeli army’s interception of the Global Freedom Flotilla and the detention of activists aboard aid boats bound for Gaza, describing the operation as a “flagrant violation of international law, humanitarian values, and maritime security”. In a statement published on X, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the action further entrenched what it called the “unjust siege” on the Gaza Strip. The ministry said ongoing Israeli actions against Palestinians, including what it described as intimidation of solidarity activists, were worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel bombs Tyre in Lebanon following displacement threat Israeli warplanes launched a violent air strike targeting a building in the al-Mushaqqa area of the Tyre district in southern Lebanon, according to the Palestinian Information Centre. The bombardment came amid continuing Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon. The strike took place less than an hour after the Israeli military issued a forced displacement warning for residents of al-Mushaqqa in Tyre.
Official says Iran will force US to 'retreat and surrender' Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Expediency Council, issued a response after US President Donald Trump said he had delayed a planned military strike on Iran. In a post on X, Rezaei appeared to mock Trump for setting “a deadline for a military strike” before postponing it. “With this vain hope of making the Iranian nation and officials surrender!
Croatia blocks Israeli ambassador nomination amid diplomatic dispute Croatian President Zoran Milanovic has rejected approval for Israel’s proposed ambassador, citing “policies pursued by the current Israeli authorities,” according to a statement issued by the presidential office on Monday. The office said the nominee “has not received, nor will he receive” the president’s consent. The presidency said it had broken with its usual practice of not publicly commenting on ambassadorial nominations after Israel announced the nominee’s name before formal approval had been granted.
Lebanese ministry says death toll from Israeli attacks crosses 3,000 The death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 has surpassed 3,000, Lebanon’s health ministry said on Monday, as cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli army continued to escalate. Hezbollah later said it had carried out a drone attack targeting Israeli soldiers in the southern Lebanese town of Rachaf, describing the strike as retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks on villages in southern Lebanon.
Organisers say Israeli forces seize more Gaza-bound flotilla ships Israeli forces have continued intercepting Gaza-bound flotilla vessels in international waters, organisers said on Monday, accusing the Israeli military of seizing additional ships and detaining their crews. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the Perseverance, carrying volunteers from Australia, Belgium, Canada and France, was attacked and its crew abducted. The Global Sumud Flotilla said around 30 vessels were still sailing towards Gaza after Israeli forces seized at least 47 ships.
Israeli forces raid villages near Ramallah, clashes erupt Israeli forces raided several areas in the Ramallah and el-Bireh governorate of the occupied West Bank on Monday evening, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The report said troops entered the northern villages of al-Mughayyir and Abu Falah, triggering confrontations with residents in al-Mughayyir. During the clashes, Israeli forces fired toxic gas canisters at residents, the report said.
Analyst says Trump’s Iran demand blocks path to deal A US foreign policy analyst has said Washington’s stance on Iran is undermining prospects for a diplomatic agreement. Matt Duss, executive vice president at the Center for International Policy, argued that the demand for zero uranium enrichment has hardened positions and stalled negotiations. In a post on X, he said the condition was “a poison pill pushed on him” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “warmongers” in Washington who “wanted a war”.
Trump says US may accept Iran deal if Gulf allies back terms The US president has indicated Washington could accept a diplomatic settlement with Iran if key Gulf allies support the outcome. Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump said US approval would likely follow if regional partners were satisfied with the terms. “If they’re satisfied, we will be probably satisfied also,” he said, reiterating that any agreement must include a total ban on Iranian nuclear weapons.
Iran commander warns US against ‘strategic mistake’ amid tensions A senior Iranian military commander has issued a stark warning to the United States and its allies, cautioning against any renewed escalation. Major General Ali Abdollahi, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Iran’s armed forces stand on high alert and are ready to respond to any aggression. According to Tasnim news agency, he warned Washington not to make another “strategic mistake or miscalculation”.
Indian firm to pay $275m to settle US Iran sanctions probe A company owned by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani will pay $275m to resolve a US investigation into alleged breaches of sanctions on Iran, the Treasury Department said. The Office of Foreign Assets Control confirmed it reached a settlement with Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), part of the conglomerate’s global network. “AEL agreed to settle its potential civil liability for 32 apparent violations of OFAC's Iran sanctions,” the Treasury said, citing purchases of liquefied petroleum gas between November 2023 and June 2025.
Analyst says Trump giving false impression of control in Iran talks A foreign policy analyst has challenged Donald Trump’s portrayal of control over the Iran crisis, warning that escalation risks backfiring on the United States. Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said Trump’s messaging seeks to shape perceptions rather than reflect reality. In a post on X, he said the president is attempting “to give the impression that he is in control and that only he dictates the direction of the situation”.
Pakistan deployed 8,000 troops, Chinese air defence system and warplanes to Saudi Arabia: Report Submitted by MEE staff on Mon, 05/18/2026 - 21:40 The US-Israeli war on Iran has put a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s defence pact with Pakistan Pakistani fighter jets fly during a multinational naval exercise in the Arabian Sea near Pakistan's port city of Karachi, on 10 February 2025 (Asif Hassan/AFP) Off Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a fighter jet squadron and a Chinese air defence system to Saudi Arabia as part of its mutual defence pact with the kingdom, Reuters reported on Monday. The deployments, which enhance the number of Pakistani troops and military assets in the kingdom, began in early April, Reuters reported. Pakistan has deployed a squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 warplanes, which it produces jointly with China.
US senator blames Trump’s Iran war for surge in fuel prices A Democratic lawmaker has condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran, linking the conflict to rising fuel costs across the United States. Senator Chris Murphy said prices in his home state of Connecticut have surged, placing pressure on households already facing economic strain. In a video posted on X, he said petrol is nearing $5 per gallon, while diesel is close to $6.
US: At least one dead in attack at San Diego mosque Submitted by MEE staff on Mon, 05/18/2026 - 21:22 Shooting comes amid a spike in Islamophobic attacks, following the war on Iran An emergency worker stands at the scene of a reported active shooter situation at the Islamic Center in San Diego, California, on 18 May 2026 (Mike Blake/Reuters) Off One individual was killed after police responded on Monday to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California, with a large number of emergency vehicles rushing to the mosque complex. "I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego," the city's mayor, Todd Gloria, said on X. "Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.
Trump says Gulf leaders urged delay to planned US strike on Iran The US president has said Gulf leaders urged Washington to delay a planned military strike on Iran, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts. In a post, he said Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had intervened ahead of the operation. Trump said they asked him “to hold off on our planned Military attack” on Iran, “which was scheduled for tomorrow”.
Trump says Gulf leaders asked him to 'hold off' on resuming Iran war Submitted by MEE staff on Mon, 05/18/2026 - 20:11 A 'large scale assault' was 'scheduled' for Tuesday, the US president said US President Donald Trump returns to the White House in Washington, DC, after his trip to China, on 15 May 2026 (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Off The US will no longer resume its "full, large scale" war on Iran on Tuesday, because Gulf leaders have requested Washington to hold off, President Donald Trump has said . "I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made," the US president wrote on his TruthSocial account on Monday. That prospective deal "will be very acceptable to the United States of America", and "will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!
Iranian vice president says 70 percent oppose internet curbs amid blackout A senior Iranian official has acknowledged widespread public dissatisfaction to internet restrictions, as a prolonged blackout continues across the country. Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, vice president for executive affairs under President Masoud Pezeshkian, said a survey by the Presidential Center found that 70 percent of Iranians are dissatisfied with the curbs. Speaking in comments carried by Mehr news agency, he signalled the need for a policy shift, warning against reliance on restrictions.
Irish president says sister abducted by Israel on Gaza aid flotilla Ireland’s president has condemned the seizure of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla by Israeli forces, saying her sister was among those taken. Dr Margaret Connolly is one of six Irish citizens abducted from the Global Sumud Flotilla, according to organisers. Speaking in London, President Catherine Connolly said: “It’s quite upsetting, and I’m very worried about her, and I’m also very concerned about her colleagues on board.
