(2026-05-02). Mini-crises sparked by the Iran war may add up to a big collapse. scmp.com Not a sudden, major crash but a series of mini-crises. That, according to some, is the prospect facing the global economy and financial system in the wake of conflict in the Middle East. But what if these mini-crises cascade into a collective collapse? | And what if the Trump administration emerges as the only winner in the conflict by virtue of the fact that it has, in engineering the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, locked Europe and Asia into a desperate dependence on US oil and gas, especially…
(2026-05-02). Iran issues dark warning to Arab monarchies as fear of new war with US & Israel grows | Middle East. hindustantimes.com Iran issues a sharp warning to Gulf Arab states amid fears of renewed regional war escalation. Iranian lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian threatens that Arab monarchies hosting U.S. bases could face direct retaliation if conflict intensifies under Donald Trump's military strategy. As tensions rise between Tehran, Washington, and its allies, the fragile truce risks collapse, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict involving Gulf nations and U.S. forces.
(2026-05-02). Guilty by Association Agreement. newarab.com 
As global attention is held by the US, Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz, in the West Bank, Israeli settlers are running wild and spreading terror. | Settler violence has been a problem for years, but recently it has ramped up, with attacks happening daily. On top of this the Netanyahu government is approving more settlements in West Bank and implementing more legal writs to force Palestinians from their land. | In April, a handful of EU states decided to speak out and called for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, on the grounds that Israel was not upholding human rights. | This week, we look at…
(2026-05-02). Iran executes two men convicted of spying for Israel: judiciary. newarab.com 
"Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bekrzadeh were hanged for the crime of intelligence cooperation and espionage in favour of the Zionist regime," the judiciary's Mizan Online website said. | It was not immediately clear when the two men were arrested. | Mizan said Karimpour was convicted of the capital offence of "moharebeh,"
(2026-05-02). Hormuz Crisis: France declares Energy Sovereignty. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — The Israeli-US war on Iran launched on February 28 has created the biggest energy crisis in modern history, causing gasoline, diesel, fertilizer and fossil gas prices to spike worldwide. Because Asian refineries were attuned to the exact sort of petroleum exported from the Persian Gulf, on which they depended heavily, they have been hit the hardest, though some countries had built up reserves that they are now releasing. | But global petroleum is one big market. It is slightly segmented because there are different types of petroleum and therefore different types of refineries.
(2026-05-02). UN to assess Iranian attacks on Middle East telecoms. newarab.com 
The United Nations' telecoms agency decided on Friday to condemn, monitor and report on the impact of Since the The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, plus Jordan, demanded action at t…
(2026-05-02). Iran signals readiness for Pakistan-hosted US talks under revised proposal: report. geo.tv 
Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is welcomed by DPM Ishaq Dar, CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad, April 24, 2026. — X/@MIshaqDar50
(2026-05-02). Olive branch or trap? Iran sends deal proposal to US via Pak after Trump received 'final blow' plan. hindustantimes.com Amid rising tensions, Iran appears to be reopening a diplomatic window, sending a fresh proposal to Washington via Pakistan. The move signals a potential breakthrough even as Tehran publicly questions the intent of Donald Trump, citing "deep suspicion" and lack of trust in U.S. negotiations. While backchannel diplomacy gains momentum, sharp rhetoric on both sides highlights a fragile path forward—where talks, threats, and tactical posturing continue to unfold simultaneously.
(2026-05-02). Iran will not accept 'imposed' peace, Trump not satisfied with negotiations. scmp.com A senior Iranian military officer said on Saturday that renewed fighting with the US was "likely", hours after President Donald Trump said he was not satisfied with an Iranian negotiating proposal. | Iran delivered the new draft to mediator Pakistan on Thursday evening, state media reported, without detailing its contents.
(2026-05-02). War with Iran 'terminated', says White House, as Trump admin sidesteps War Powers deadline. geo.tv 
US President Donald Trump takes questions as he speaks during a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, US, April 6, 2026. — ReutersDeadline arrives as Iran sends new peace proposal.War has…
(2026-05-02). Germany urges stronger European defence after US reduces troops. geo.tv 
Servicemen attend the annual multinational crisis response training SABER GUARDIAN 23 HOSPEX with a medical focus, at the US Air Force Base in Ramstein, Germany, June 6, 2023. — Reuters Pentagon announced withdrawal of 5,000 troops.Transatlantic tensions simmer over Iran,…
(2026-05-02). Saudi liquor store runs short because of Iran war bottleneck. newarab.com 
Situated in Riyadh's diplomatic district, the shop, which has no name and no sign,
(2026-05-02). Saturday 5/2: Free Palestine/No War with Iran and Lebanon. indybay.org Ocean at Water Street, Santa Cruz…
(2026-05-02). Stop the war against Iran! wsws.org The editor of the WSWS German site explained the social, political and historical basis of the struggle against imperialist war.
(2026-05-02). Australian inflation soars as economic effects of Iran war bite. wsws.org The official cost-of-living index rose 4.6 percent in the 12 months to March, up sharply from 3.7 percent in February.
(2026-05-02). World Bank details Iran war global commodity shock. wsws.org The bank's chief economist has warned that the war is hitting the global economy in a series of cumulative waves.
(2026-05-02). US threatens shipping firms with sanctions over Iran Hormuz toll. newarab.com 
The The US Treasury has cautioned that payments for safe passage, including cash, digital assets, or even charitable donations, could expose companies to penalties, warning that "these risks exist regardless of payme…
(2026-05-02). Iran War Redraws the Gulf: Old Rivalries, New Rifts. juancole.com The Conversation) — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on April 28 that it will leave the global oil producers' cartel Opec. Its decision is the latest sign that the war in the Middle East has not only deepened animosities between Iran and its Gulf neighbours, but among the Gulf states too. | Founded in 1960,
(2026-05-02). Trump-EU rift spurs Germany to boost military, add 75,000 soldiers. scmp.com A planned drawdown of US troops from Germany should spur Europeans to strengthen its own defences further, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday, following the latest salvo from Washington against transatlantic ties. | The Pentagon announced on Friday that ‚Äåthe United States would withdraw 5,000 soldiers from Germany, its largest European base, as a rift over the Iran war and tariff tensions place further strain on relations between the US and Europe.
(2026-05-02). US to pull 5,000 troops from Germany amid Trump—Merz clash over Iran war rhetoric. geo.tv 
US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US, March 3, 2026. — Reuters Trump and Germany's Merz in diplomatic spat over Iran war.US president reacting to Merz remarks, Pentagon official…
(2026-05-02). China rejects US sanctions on refineries over Iran oil links. newarab.com China is a key customer for Iranian oil, mainly through independent "teapot" refineries that rely on discounted crude from the Islamic republic. | The United States, seeking to choke off revenue to Tehran, has ramped up sanctions on such refineries. | The commerce m…
(2026-05-02). Iranian strikes damage 16 US military sites across Middle East. newarab.com 
(2026-05-02). Iran: ICRC president says a return to war would be ruinous for civilians. icrc.org
(2026-05-02). ICRC president arrives in Iran to discuss urgent humanitarian concerns. icrc.org
(2026-05-02). Iran: ICRC delivers the first batch of emergency relief items to Iranian Red Crescent Society. icrc.org
(2026-05-01). Anti-genocide activist denounces imperialist violence in the Middle East in statement supporting International May Day Online Rally. wsws.org Dr. Abeer Omar, an assistant nursing professor at Trent University, in Peterborough, Ontario, denounced the systematic slaughter of healthcare workers by Israel in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, and the US and Israel's targeting of civilians in their war of extermination against Iran.
(2026-05-01). Headlines for May 1, 2026. democracynow.org Senate Republicans Block Iran War Powers Resolution for Sixth Time Ahead of 60-Day Deadline, Israel Continues Deadly Strikes on Southern Lebanon in Latest Ceasefire Violations, Israeli Military Claims Control of Two-Thirds of Gaza in New Maps, Israeli Ceasefire Violations Kill Three and Wound 10 in Gaza, Including Aunt of Poet Mosab Abu Toha, Physicians for Human Rights Petitions Israel to Release Gaza Doctors Jailed Without Charges, Palestinian Journalist Ali al-Samoudi Freed from Israeli Jail Showing Signs of Torture, Starvation, Columbia University Students Rally on Second Anniversary of "Hind's Ha…
(2026-05-01). Two months in, the Iran war has changed the global energy system forever. grist.org 
For almost half a century, the vast majority of climate experts have agreed on a solution to global warming: stop burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. But despite the political efforts of governments across the world to promote replacing these fuels, fossil sources have remained a stubbornly large share of global energy — around 80 percent at last count. | But the war in Iran, which the United States and Israel launched two months ago this week, may turn out to be the push that dislodges fossil fuels' place atop the world's energy system. The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway near Ir…
(2026-05-01). Iran surprises Trump with deadly 'Arash' drone as US blockade pressure faces new military reality. hindustantimes.com Tensions in West Asia are escalating as Iran stages a major military showcase featuring its latest drone technology amid stalled peace talks and rising regional friction. During a large rally in Tehran, Iran unveiled its new Arash suicide drone alongside the Shahed-136, signaling what officials describe as a strengthened deterrence posture. The display comes as Washington's blockade strategy and broader geopolitical standoff continue to fuel uncertainty across the region. The Arash drone, designed for long-range deep-strike missions, was presented as part of a broader demonstration of Iran's evolving unmanned war…
(2026-05-01). Alexander Zevin: Trump's Gulf War. newleftreview.org Asymmetries of the US-Israeli assault on Iran, as an uneasy balance holds between Tehran's tourniquet on the Strait of Hormuz—and the world economy—and the enormous firepower of the aggressors, at the end of the first round.
(2026-05-01). History will not forget the blow to human morality, Islamic philosopher says of the Minab tragedy. tehrantimes.com TEHRAN – The chief of the Islamic Studies at the Academy of Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran has criticized countries' silence about the massacre of 167 students and staff in a school in the city of Minab in southern Iran in the early hours of the U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran on Feb. 28.
(2026-05-01). US approves military sales of over $8.6 billion to Middle East allies. al-monitor.com WASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) – The U.S. State Department said on Friday it was approving military sales worth a total of over $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern allies Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.The announcement comes as the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran marked nine weeks since its start and more than three weeks since a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war came into effect. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Ryan Patrick Jones and Christian Martinez)…
(2026-05-01). Iranian-linked drones target opposition camp in Iraqi Kurdistan. newarab.com 
A camp hosting Iranian Kurdish The Azadi camp in the Koysinjaq district of Erbil province was targeted late on Thursday into Friday by five drones, according to Kurdish media reports. The drones are believed to have been launched from Iranian territory. | Opposition figures said the attack caused damage to property but no casualties. | Kawa Bahrami, a represen…
(2026-05-01). US offers rewards for 3 Iraqi militia leaders. longwarjournal.org The United States has intensified pressure on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, offering multimillion-dollar rewards for information on additional key leaders linked to attacks on US personnel and facilities. The latest rewards target figures from three groups: Kataib Hezbollah, Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada, and Harakat Ansar Allah al Awfiya.
(2026-05-01). Was LIV Golf an expensive failure for Saudis? Not everyone thinks so. al-monitor.com Throwing more than $5 billion at a divisive new tour and walking away after five seasons does not look like good business, but LIV Golf wasn't all bad news for Saudi Arabia.Oil-funded LIV, which poached top stars and sent golf's establishment into a tailspin, helped push the conservative kingdom into global view ⚪ one of its key aims, experts say. They said the exit, confirmed on Thursday after weeks of speculation, does not signal a flight of Saudi money from sport, even after the Middle East war that sparked Iranian attacks around the Gulf.
(2026-05-01). Bunker Talk: Let's Talk About All The Things We Did And Didn't Cover This Week. twz.com Welcome to Bunker Talk. This is a weekend open discussion post for the best commenting crew on the net, in which we can chat about all the stuff that went on this week that we didn't cover. We can also talk about the stuff we did or whatever else grabs your interest. In other words, it's an off-topic thread. | TIRANA, ALBANIA — SEPTEMBER 16: View inside the Bunk'Art Museum, a vast underground bunker built for the former Albanian dictator and high-ranking dignitaries, featuring five floors, 106 rooms, and a cinema hall for government meetings, covering an impressive area of 2,685 m2, seen on September 16,…
(2026-05-01). Trump says hostilities in Iran 'terminated' ahead of war powers deadline. scmp.com US President Donald Trump told Congress on Friday that the hostilities in Iran "have terminated" following the ceasefire starting April 7, with the deadline for a congressional authorisation of the war looming. | "There has been no exchange of fire between the United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated," Trump wrote in letters sent to the House and the Senate.
(2026-05-01). Iran official reveals how Mojtaba Khamenei escaped US strike. newarab.com 
Mohsen Qomi, head of the international affairs office at the Iranian supreme leader's office, said Khamenei "remains in full health and continues to run the country", adding that he is "managing both negotiations and the field". | Rumours had previous…
(2026-05-01). Analysis-Iran standoff could leave Trump worse off than before he went to war. al-monitor.com By Matt SpetalnickWASHINGTON, May 2 (Reuters) – More than two months into a conflict that has failed to deliver a decisive military or diplomatic win, President Donald Trump faces the risk that a standoff with Iran will drag on indefinitely and leave an even bigger problem for the U.S. and the world than before he launched the war.With both sides outwardly confident they hold the upper hand and their positions far apart, there is no obvious off-ramp in sight, even as Iran submitted a fresh proposal to restart negotiations.Trump quickly rejected it on Friday.
(2026-05-01). Iran has damaged majority of US military sites in Mideast, CNN reveals. tehrantimes.com At least 16 American military sites have been damaged in Iranian strikes, making up the majority of U.S. positions in the Middle East, a new CNN investigation can reveal.
(2026-05-01). Is the Iran War breaking NATO forever? strategic-culture.su By Anatol LIEVEN | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | Trump is lashing out at allies as European partners increasingly turn away from…
(2026-05-01). Iran Ceasefire Means Trump Needs No Congressional Approval To Continue War: White House. twz.com 
The
(2026-05-01). US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, fulfilling Trump threat. scmp.com The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany in the next six to 12 months, the Pentagon said on Friday, fulfilling President Donald Trump's threat as he clashes with the German leader over the US war with Iran. | Trump had threatened to withdraw some troops from the Nato ally earlier this week after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being "humiliated" by the Iranian leadership and criticised Washington's lack of strategy in the war.
(2026-05-01). US sanctions Iran's shadow banking channels moving oil proceeds from China. al-monitor.com The latest sanctions come as the Trump administration weighs Iran's latest proposal to end the war.
(2026-05-01). Poll Shows Most See Iran War as "Mistake," Earlier Than With Iraq, Vietnam. truthout.org More than 6 in 10 Americans now say President Donald Trump's war in Iran was a "mistake," according to a poll out Friday from the Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos. Within two months, the war — which has inflicted thousands of civilian deaths and caused gas prices to spike worldwide with little tangible gain — has reached levels of unpopularity that previous wars now seen as historic boondoggles… |
(2026-05-01). White House says Iran war as war powers deadline arrives. al-monitor.com By Patricia Zengerle and Bo EricksonWASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump's administration argued that a ceasefire with Tehran had "terminated" hostilities as a legal deadline arrived on Friday for coming to Congress about the two-month Iran war.Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president can wage military action for only 60 days before ending it, asking Congress for authorization or seeking a 30-day extension due to "unavoidable military necessity regarding the safety of United States Armed Forces" while withdrawing forces.
(2026-05-01). Pakistan's successful US-Iran mediation reflects South Asia rise. newarab.com 
The extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, reached on 8 April 2026 through Pakistani This is unfolding against a growing overlap between the two regions, particularly in the security and defence spheres and underscores ongoing reconfiguration of regional roles. At the s…
(2026-05-01). King Charles' gift amuses Chinese, anti-spy agency makes allegation: SCMP's 7 highlights. scmp.com We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. | 1. US economic gap over China to widen, but Iran might bring them closer: former UN official…
(2026-05-01). Trump's 'Strait of Trump' idea returns with cryptic 'storm is coming' post for Mojtaba | Hormuz, War. hindustantimes.com What happens when a global oil lifeline turns into a battlefield of narratives, power plays, and personal branding? As tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, the world isn't just watching ships being blocked, it's watching signals being sent. From Donald Trump's provocative suggestion to rename one of the world's most strategic waterways, to his cryptic "storm is coming" warning, the messaging is as intense as the military posturing on the ground. But beneath the headlines lies a deeper question: who actually controls the Strait right now? The U.S. claims a "foolproof" blockade, backed by numbers: 42 ships redire…
(2026-05-02). Inside Amir: Tehran, before US and Israeli bombs rained down… wsws.org One can't help but wondering after two months of war and countless waves of bombing, and thousands of civilian deaths: Does that neighborhood still look like this?
(2026-05-01). Crowds gather at Persepolis to mark anniversary of Leader's visit to Fars province. tehrantimes.com TEHRAN — Large crowds gathered on Friday at the ancient sites of Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam to commemorate the anniversary of a visit by the martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, to Fars province.
(2026-05-01). Behind scenes of UAE's exit from OPEC: From disputes with Saudi Arabia to eyeing free market. tehrantimes.com TEHRAN- Energy market analysts and observers believe that the UAE's exit from OPEC and the OPEC+ group will weaken the influence of the organization's member countries and their allies in the oil market and free up Abu Dhabi to increase its oil sales. However, they say it will not disrupt the cohesion of OPEC and OPEC+.