Iran War Live: Trump Vows Nuclear Ban as New Peace Plan Expected
The eyes of the world are on Pakistan as Iranian diplomats are expected to return with a revised proposal to end the war after Donald Trump rejected a previous version. Trump has stated that his response will depend on how far Iran goes on its nuclear program, insisting, "There will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons."
Yesterday, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself holding a gun, captioning it: "They don't know how to sign a non-nuclear deal. They better get smart soon!"
Key Developments
- Brent crude hits highest price since 2022 on Wednesday
- Iran war has cost the US almost $25 billion, according to new estimates
- Trump administration considering reducing troops in Germany
- Putin warns Trump of 'dire consequences' if ground invasion of Iran occurs
- Trump says Iran is 'choking like a stuffed pig' after rejecting its Hormuz offer
- Trump shares AI image of himself holding a gun in new Iran threat
- Trump instructs aides to prepare for extended Iran blockade
- Trump tries to drag monarch into Iran war, claiming 'Charles agrees with me'
- Iranian UK ambassador summoned by Foreign Office
- Trump claims Iran has informed US it is in a 'State of Collapse'
- Reminder of death toll in Middle East conflict
- Day 60 of Middle East conflict: latest developments
- $500m superyacht linked to Russian oligarch sails through Strait of Hormuz
- 'Don't panic' about economic impact of Iran war, says Starmer
Iran 'Will Not Tolerate' Extension of US Blockade
The senior military adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Mohsen Rezaei, has said Iran "will not tolerate" an extension of the US naval blockade, as reported by state broadcaster IRIB. Rezaei added: "Such a blockade has essentially achieved nothing and they have not been able to enforce it. The Indian Ocean is extremely vast, and we can easily pass through it; we have already done so." Trump is due to be briefed by US military chiefs on possible further strikes on Iran.
Iran Mocks Trump's 'Junk Advice' as Oil Prices Soar
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for offering "junk advice" that "cranked oil up to $120+". He wrote on social media: "Next stop: 140." He also laughed off Trump's claims that Iranian oil infrastructure could "explode" after three days.
Oil Soars to Highest Price Since 2022
Brent crude rose by almost 7% to more than $126 a barrel, the highest price since Russia invaded Ukraine. This comes amid reports that US Central Command has prepared a briefing for Trump on new plans for potential strikes on Iran, suggesting a wave of "short and powerful" strikes. Meanwhile, BP announced profits for the first three months of the year have more than doubled to £2.4 billion.
Putin Issues 'Extreme Consequences' Warning
Vladimir Putin reportedly warned Trump that there will be "extremely harmful consequences" if the US attacks Iran again, during a 90-minute call discussing a potential Ukraine ceasefire. Putin also renewed an offer for Russia to serve as a third country to handle Iran's 970 pounds of enriched uranium.
Trump to Be Briefed by CENTCOM
US President Donald Trump will be briefed by the leader of US Central Command, Brad Cooper, regarding the conflict with Iran, as reported by Axios.
Cost of War: $25 Billion
The Pentagon's chief financial official told lawmakers that the estimated cost of the war with Iran is $25 billion, most of which has been spent on munitions. The Pentagon is requesting a new budget of $1.45 trillion, up 40% from the previous year.
Israel Surrounds Gaza-Bound Flotilla
Reports indicate that Israeli military ships have been surrounding a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters off Crete, with drones flying overhead. Attacking humanitarian vessels in international waters is illegal under international law, according to Al Jazeera. The Mirror could not confirm the report.
Trump Considering Reducing Troops in Germany
Trump posted on Truth Social that the US is "studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany."
Hegseth Says $400 Million of Ukraine Aid to Be Spent
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon is allowing $400 million of Ukraine aid to be spent after months of delay. The funds can now be spent, but when the aid will reach Ukraine depends on what is purchased.
Trump Hails UAE Plan to Exit OPEC
Trump said the UAE's decision to leave OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1 could help calm the volatile oil market. "I think ultimately it's a good thing for getting the price of gas down," he said.
Trump: Iran 'Choking Like a Stuffed Pig'
Trump claimed Iran is "choking like a stuffed pig" after rejecting its offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He told Axios: "They want to settle. They don't want me to keep the blockade. I don't want to, because I don't want them to have a nuclear weapon." Iran's rial hit a record low of 1.8 million to the dollar.
'Trump is Dangerous Loose Cannon'
Royal editor Russell Myers commented on Trump's claim that King Charles "agrees with me" on Iran, calling the president a "dangerous loose cannon." Buckingham Palace responded that the King is mindful of the government's position on nuclear proliferation.
Existential Threat to European Airports
Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI Europe, warned that smaller airports face an "existential threat" due to jet fuel shortages from the Strait of Hormuz closure. The price of jet fuel has doubled, leading to widespread route cancellations.
Defense Secretary Hegseth to Face Questioning
Pete Hegseth will face lawmakers for the first time since the war began, discussing the 2027 military budget proposal of $1.5 trillion. Democrats are likely to question the ballooning costs and the bombing of a school that killed children.
Talks Between Iran and US 'Stall'
Talks seemed stalled despite Trump's claim that Iran is in a "State of Collapse." Pakistan's weekly oil import bill surged 167%, and the EU is losing almost 500 million euros a day due to the conflict.
US Negotiators Still Communicating with Iran
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said negotiators are engaging with Iranians who are "struggling to sort out their leadership situation." Trump would only sign an agreement that "puts US national security first."
Flights Resume at Tehran's Main Airport
Flights have resumed at Imam Khomeini International Airport after Iranian airspace reopened, though operations are at about one-tenth of pre-war levels.
Japan-Linked Oil Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz
A crude oil tanker linked to Japan, the Idemitsu Maru, passed through the Strait of Hormuz carrying two million barrels of Saudi Arabian oil, heading for Nagoya.
Government Gives Petrol and Diesel Price Update
The UK government issued an update on measures to tackle soaring fuel prices, cancelling an increase amid the crisis.
Trump's Latest Post Branded 'Bluster'
Social media users criticised Trump's AI image post as "ridiculous" and "reckless warmongering."
Buckingham Palace Responds to Trump's Claim on King
Buckingham Palace stated that the King is "naturally mindful of his Government's long-standing position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation."
Oil Prices Soar as Trump Prepares to Extend Blockade
Brent crude futures increased for the eighth consecutive day, reaching $111.78 a barrel, as Trump reportedly decided to continue preventing shipping to and from Iranian ports.
Clock Ticks for Both Sides
As the war enters day 61, Iran faces a storage crisis with 12-24 days of oil storage left before wells back up, potentially causing critical damage to oil infrastructure.
Israel Launches Air Attacks on Lebanese Town
Israeli forces launched air strikes on the town of Hanine, destroying several houses, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
