(2026-05-30). Why Trump's Hormuz Blockade may Bolster the Iranian State. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — The Iranian government continues to dicker with the Trump administration about the final form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would bring an end to the current standoff at the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens the world's energy. | The US has long been banking on its counter-blockade of Iranian traffic through the Strait to bankrupt Iran and throw the country into chaos. | While the Iranian economy has certainly been badly hurt by the US blockade, it is unlikely that the government will collapse as a result. |
(2026-05-30). Pentagon chief says US ready to restart strikes on Iran if no deal. tribune.com.pk 
The US is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran worked to bridge major differences blocking an agreement. | "Our ability to recommence if necessary…we are more than capable," Hegseth said in Singapore. | "Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so we're in a very good place," he added. | Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats, said the US has not "turned its back" on the Asia-Pacific…
(2026-05-30). Trump insists on red lines as Iran deal remains elusive. geo.tv 
US President Donald Trump points his finger during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, May 27, 2026. — ReutersTrump reviewed options in two-hour Situation Room meeting.No final decision was reached after Friday's White House talks.Iran says…
(2026-05-30). Trump's remark to push US ally into Iran camp? Mojtaba aide backs Oman after 'blow them up' threat. hindustantimes.com Iran and Oman stepped up diplomatic coordination after Donald Trump's controversial remarks targeting Muscat, raising fresh questions over shifting Gulf alliances and the future of Hormuz negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Omani FM Badr Albusaidi on May 29, stressing solidarity with Oman amid regional tensions. The call came days after Trump warned that "Oman will behave," sparking backlash over threats aimed at one of Washington's oldest Arab allies. As Tehran and Muscat discuss new Hormuz security frameworks, analysts fear Trump's rhetoric could push Oman closer toward Iran at…
(2026-05-29). Trump says making final decision on proposed Iran deal. al-monitor.com US President Donald Trump said he was making his final decision on a potential deal with Iran on Friday, as Tehran insisted any agreement on ending the Middle East war hinged on Washington dropping its "excessive demands".Iran's top negotiator had said earlier Tehran would only trust Washington's actions, not its words, after US Vice President JD Vance said progress had been made on a deal to extend a ceasefire and provide a framework for peace talks.
(2026-05-29). Under cover of US-Iran negotiations, Israel steps up effort to annex Gaza. wsws.org While the US and international press are focused on the terms of negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran, Israel is massively expanding its rampage across the Middle East—moving to permanently occupy Gaza and escalating its bombardment of Lebanon.
(2026-05-29). Headlines for May 29, 2026. democracynow.org Iran Won't Confirm Trump Administration's Claim That a Peace Deal Is "Very Close", Netanyahu Orders Israel's Army to Seize 70% of Gaza Strip, Israel Bombs Beirut and Expands Assault on Southern Lebanon, U.N. Adds Israel to "Blacklist" for Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones, Protesters Target New York Real Estate Expo over Sale of Illegal Israeli Settlements, NATO "Stands Ready to Defend" Its Territory After Russian Drone Strikes Romanian Apartments, Six Arrested as Protests Continue Outside For-Profit ICE Jail in New Jersey, U.N. Warns Global Heating Is on Trac…
(2026-05-29). Chris Hedges: Gaza and Iran the rise of the Global South. asiapacificreport.nz 
COMMENTARY: By Chris Hedges The humiliating defeat of Israel and the United States in their war on Iran, along with the savagery of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, are ushering in a new world order. This order is one where voices of reason and stability emanate not from the West — which spent tens of…
(2026-05-29). Trump says meeting Friday to make final decision on deal with Iran. al-monitor.com May 29 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he would be meeting in the White House Situation Room on Friday to make a final decision on a deal with Iran.He also listed what a potential deal would need to include: Iran agreeing not to develop a nuclear weapon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the removal of any sea mines, the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iran and the removal and destruction by the U.S. of Iran's highly enriched uranium.
(2026-05-29). Possible Iran-US deal: What we know. newarab.com 
The United States and Iran are still inching towards a deal to extend the ceasefire in the With oil prices once again dipping lower on hopes of agreement, what do we know about the substance of the document? | Hormuz reopens? | US sources confirmed to AFP reporting by the news platform Axios that the two sides have agreed a memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire and launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. | Under…
(2026-05-29). After 300+ days at sea, America's Gerald R. Ford carrier gets bizarre new mission | Trump, USA, War. hindustantimes.com The U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is set for a surprising new mission after returning from an extended deployment amid rising tensions with Iran. Instead of heading back into combat, the nuclear-powered supercarrier may now serve as a floating power station, supplying electricity to Naval Station Norfolk using its twin onboard reactors.
(2026-05-29). Trump says now making on Iran deal. al-monitor.com US President Donald Trump said he was meeting in the White House Situation Room on Friday to make a final decision on whether or not to strike a peace deal with Iran.Trump said Washington would lift its naval blockade of Iran but insisted Tehran must open the Strait of Hormuz and agree never to have nuclear weapons.Iranian sources told the Fars news agency that Trump's comments on the deal were a "mixture of truth, lies."
(2026-05-29). Pakistan foreign minister set to discuss Iran with Rubio in Washington. al-monitor.com KARACHI, May 29 (Reuters) – Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Washington on Friday for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that are expected to include the latest developments in negotiations on ending the Iran war.A first round of peace talks in Pakistan concluded without a pact but Reuters cited sources as saying on Thursday that Tehran and Washington had reached an initial agreement, to extend a ceasefire announced in April and lift restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
(2026-05-29). Iranian action in Strait of Hormuz 'lawful and consistent with international law': UN envoy. tribune.com.pk 
Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said on Thursday the actions of the Islamic Republic in the Strait of Hormuz are "lawful and consistent with international law." | Iravani made the remarks on Thursday before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), high-level open debate titled "Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System." | He said that Iran "could not allow such a critical waterway to be used as a corridor for hostile actions and military aggression against its sovereignty, territo…
(2026-05-29). Trump team floats $300B Iran fund after rejecting Tehran's past business pitch. al-monitor.com Amid negotiations to end the war, an eye-catching new proposal from the Trump administration echoes past attempts to use business deals to avert new regional hostilities.
(2026-05-29). Trump's Iran deal tease puts world on edge. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would soon decide on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, though the two countries still appeared to differ on significant issues that have been central to the conflict. | Trump said on Friday morning that he would meet in a secure White House room to make a "final determination" on the proposal, which would extend an early-April truce for another 60 days, giving negotiators time to forge a permanent end to the war. | Several hours later, the White House said the meeting had concluded but did not provide any more information. | Trump attended a two-hour…
(2026-05-29). China leaders skip Asia defence summit headlined by US. tribune.com.pk 
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is the headline speaker at Asia's premier defence summit opening Friday, but China's top officials aren't expected, despite weighty questions like Taiwan and the war in Iran. | Beijing's defence minister is to skip the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore for the second year running, which analysts viewed as a sign of China's rising power. | Yet, the forum that brings together top officials from around 45 nations has historically provided a setting for debate as well as quiet and high-profile diplomacy. | Defence Minister Dong Jun's absence means no meeting there with Hegseth…
(2026-05-29). Muslim faithful begin leaving Makkah after Haj. tribune.com.pk 
Thousands of Muslims began to leave the holy city of Makkah on Friday after having completed the Haj in scorching heat and despite the shadow of war across the Middle East. | This year, more than 1.7 million people from 165 countries took part in one of the world's largest religious gatherings, against the backdrop of the conflict sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. | Since war erupted in February, Tehran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes, hitting infrastructure and energy installations across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia. | Muslim pilgrims touch the Kaaba's wall at the Grand Mos…
(2026-05-29). Container rates climb as logistic firms scale up Hormuz alternatives. al-monitor.com The Drewry World Container Index measuring container shipping prices has soared by more than 40% since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war.
(2026-05-29). After Trump 'taps' Iran again, Mojtaba Khamenei fires back at America with 'great satan' warning. hindustantimes.com Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a sharp new warning to the U.S. and Israel as tensions flare again following fresh American strikes. In a strongly worded message, Khamenei accused Washington of trying to divide Iran through war, sanctions and political pressure, while urging Iranians to stay united against what he called the "Great Satan."
(2026-05-29). Trump the circle faults US president for failed Iran regime change, looming deal. al-monitor.com With regime in Iran still standing and a possible US-Iran agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands to pay the ultimate political price as elections near in Israel.
(2026-05-29). PSX jumps 2,238 points on Eid cheer, US-Iran hopes. tribune.com.pk 
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed strong bullish momentum on Friday, after the break of Eidul Azha holidays, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index surging 2,238 points (+1.30% DoD) to close at a fresh high of 173,963. | The market opened on a strong footing as investor sentiment improved amid encouraging progress in ongoing United States-Iran negotiations and declining international oil prices. | According to Deputy Head of Trading of Arif Habib Ltd Ali Najib, broad-based buying emerged following positive developments over the Eidul Azha holidays, with expectations of a potential diplomatic breakthrough c…
(2026-05-29). Dar quashes rumours of Pakistan joining Abraham Accords. tribune.com.pk 
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Pakistani counterpart at the State Department in Washington on Friday, as negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran drag on. | The meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar ówhose country is acting as mediator between the United States and Iran ócame days after Rubio's visit to India. | The two officials did not address the press. | Meanwhile, Rubio acknowledged Pakistan's "sincere diplomatic and mediatory efforts" for peace and stability in the region during the meeting. | According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Dar held a bilatera…
(2026-05-29). Madison: Thursdays 2026 Weekly Vigil Against War Militarism. wibailoutpeople.org Weekly Vigil Against War and Militarism at Willy and Blair 4: 30 — 5: 30 pm Palestine. Venezuela. ICE in Minnesota. Iran. Cuba. Lebanon. All the aggression and harm the U.S. is inflicting and supporting around the world. Bring your sorrow and solidarity and stand with all who are suffering from U.S. unhinged warring and militarism, both …
(2026-05-29). War on Iran could trigger a financial crisis, European Central Bank warns. wsws.org The shock generated by the Iran war is now testing the so-called "resilience" of the banking system, threatening to expose credit, liquidity and funding vulnerabilities.
(2026-05-29). Warmongers Keep Generating AI Atrocity Propaganda About Iran. thealtworld.com Another AI atrocity propaganda project about Iran has been unleashed, this time in the form of a movie titled "Dreams of Violets" at the Tribeca film festival. | Variety "The film, which will premiere June 10 during the festival's 25th anniversary, is a 75-minute docudrama inspired by the protests that swept Tehran in January, highlighting five Iran…
(2026-05-29). From Mutual Suspicion to Political Embrace: How the US Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Pakistan. orinocotribune.com 
By Waqas Ahmed, Murtaza Hussain, and Ryan Grim — May 17, 2026 | Yesterday, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Sunday Times that Pakistan serving as a mediator in the U.S.-Iran war is "one of the shining moments in our history." | "We are in seventh heaven and on cloud nine and it's intoxicating," the former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. Masood Khan "When I went…
(2026-05-29). West Bengal's BJP government seeks to stamp Hindu-supremacist rule on India's fourth largest state. wsws.org The new BJP government in West Bengal is using communalism, repression and anti-poor demolition drives to divide workers and impose the burden of economic crisis, now aggravated by the Iran war, on the working class.