Deutsche WelleIslamist militia, far-right politicians
Straits Times
Al-Monitorfar-right ministers, escalation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on May 25 that operations against Hezbollah would accelerate, including increased firepower. A ceasefire took effect on April 17, yet both sides have conducted strikes since then. Hezbollah launched drone attacks on Monday while Israeli forces struck southern Lebanon, killing three people and ordering evacuations from ten villages.
On May 27, 2026, President Donald Trump stated during a Cabinet meeting that Iran seeks a deal with the United States but that current negotiations remain unsatisfactory. He described Iran's military position as severely weakened and indicated the U.S. would either reach an agreement or take further action. The remarks were reported by Yonhap News and Al-Monitor.
South Korean authorities reported that two airborne objects struck the bulk carrier HMM Namu on May 4 in the Strait of Hormuz, with debris analysis indicating characteristics consistent with Iranian Noor or Qader missiles. The Foreign Ministry assessed the objects as likely Iranian anti-ship missiles on May 27 but stated it has not identified the responsible actor or confirmed intent. Seoul plans to summon the Iranian ambassador to present findings and issue a protest.
Iran partially restored international internet connectivity on Tuesday following an extended nationwide blackout that began after the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the measure on Monday, with approval from the Special Headquarters for Organizing and Governing the Country’s Cyberspace chaired by First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref. NetBlocks data indicated the reconnection reached pre-January levels in the initial phase.
Mark Carney, identified as Canadian Prime Minister by Al Jazeera and Al-Monitor, spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday regarding the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists. Carney described the treatment as unacceptable, called for an independent investigation, and reaffirmed Canada's positions on West Bank settlements and settler violence without announcing new measures. Itamar Ben-Gvir released video footage last week showing activists, including Canadians, in restraints.
US and Iranian forces exchanged attacks in the Strait of Hormuz region while negotiators agreed on a draft Memorandum of Understanding. The draft extends an April ceasefire and opens a 60-day window on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for economic relief, pending final approval by President Donald Trump. Multiple sources confirm the attacks and draft agreement, though details of the timeline originate from a single outlet.
The United States reimposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese on May 27 after a federal appeals court issued an administrative stay of a district court injunction. Albanese, the UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, had been sanctioned in July 2025, removed from the list earlier in May, and faces renewed restrictions on financial access. The designation was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and centers on her statements regarding Israel and the International Criminal Court.
Washington Examinermaritime extortion, strangle Iran’s economy
On May 28 the United States warned Oman against involvement in any toll system for the Strait of Hormuz and sanctioned the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), an entity formed earlier that month by Iran. The Treasury Department stated it would target actors facilitating toll collection and placed the PGSA under sanctions as part of Operation Economic Fury. The PGSA was tasked with vetting vessels and collecting passage fees through the strait.
Israel carried out an airstrike on a residential building in the southern Beirut suburb of Choueifat on Thursday afternoon. The Israeli military described the operation as a targeted strike. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in effect since April 17.
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari stated that the Fed could implement a series of rate hikes if Middle East turmoil drives inflation. Reports indicate US military strikes near Bandar Abbas and exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside ongoing negotiations in Qatar. US officials denied escorting commercial shipping and a specific WSJ report on naval assistance.
Iranian state television broadcast details of a proposed US framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, after which oil prices fell. Verified reporting confirms the broadcast and price movement but provides no US confirmation of any agreement. Multiple elements of the reported 14-point framework remain unverified.
US-imposed 50% tariffs on aluminium and reduced Middle East smelting output have driven duty-paid premiums higher in Europe and the US Midwest. European premiums reached $621 per metric ton after a 73% increase, while the US Midwest premium hit $1.16 per pound. Canadian producers are directing supply toward Europe rather than the US market.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday and described the treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists as appalling while calling for an independent investigation. Foreign Minister Anita Anand also spoke with her Israeli counterpart. Al-Monitor reports that at least 15 activists alleged sexual assault and several required hospitalization, claims denied by Israel's prison service.
US and Iranian forces traded strikes following an exchange of fire, with each side accusing the other of breaking an April ceasefire. Both Al-Monitor and The Hill confirm a US strike on a ground control station in Bandar Abbas and an Iranian response targeting a US base in Kuwait. Multiple operational details remain disputed between the two outlets.
A joint report by the World Meteorological Organization and UK Met Office, issued May 28, forecasts annual global mean near-surface temperatures between 1.3°C and 1.9°C above the 1850-1900 average through 2030. The report assigns a 75% probability that the 2026-2030 five-year mean will exceed 1.5°C and an 86% probability that at least one year in the period will surpass 2024 levels. It distinguishes single-year exceedances from the Paris Agreement's 20-year averaging metric and notes the prior El Niño's contribution to recent records.
The Guardian and Al-Monitor report that a draft agreement has been circulated proposing a 60-day nuclear negotiation period, release of up to $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, and restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days. The reports also describe recent U.S. and Iranian military actions near the Strait of Hormuz and in Kuwait, alongside Pakistan's foreign minister planning meetings in Washington. Final approval by President Trump remains pending according to Al-Monitor.
A shipping agency reported drone strikes on three tankers in the Black Sea on May 28 near Turkey's northern coast. The vessels, identified as James II, Altura, and Velora, were empty at the time, with crews reported unharmed and no immediate claims of responsibility from Russia or Ukraine. Turkish authorities were unavailable for comment due to the Eid holiday.
Iranian state television reported obtaining a draft unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding with the United States that includes restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within one month, US withdrawal of forces from the area, and lifting of a naval blockade. CNBC reported oil price declines following the disclosure along with recent US strikes in southern Iran described by the Pentagon as defensive. The claims originate solely from Iranian state sources with no US confirmation.
Democracy NowExpands War on Lebanon, forced evacuation orders
An Israeli airstrike on Thursday damaged a residential building in Choueifat near Beirut and killed at least 14 people, including children, according to reports from Al-Monitor and Democracy Now. The strike followed Hezbollah claims of rocket and drone attacks and occurred after an April 17 ceasefire that was intended to halt fighting that began March 2. Israel issued evacuation orders covering 14 percent of Lebanese territory south of the Zahrani River, displacing over one million people.