A United States fighter jet fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday after the vessel attempted to breach the American naval blockade of Iran's ports, according to the U.S. military. The incident occurred while both nations are officially observing a ceasefire and appear to be nearing a potential agreement to conclude the ongoing conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with a renewed bombing campaign if a deal is not reached that includes reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump stated that the two-month war could soon end, allowing disrupted oil and natural gas shipments to resume. However, he warned that this outcome depends on Iran accepting a reported agreement, the details of which he did not disclose. "If they don't agree, the bombing starts," Trump wrote.
The U.S. Central Command reported that American forces issued multiple warnings to the tanker before firing, informing the crew that they were violating the blockade. The attack damaged the vessel's rudder, disabling it.
Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs for First Time Since Ceasefire
In a separate development, Israel conducted an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, marking the first such attack since a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group was announced on April 17. Fighting has persisted in southern Lebanon despite the truce. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the strike targeted a commander in Hezbollah's Radwan Force, without providing advance warning. Hezbollah has not yet commented on the incident.
Trump Pressures Iran Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Trump reiterated his stance at a White House Mother's Day lunch, asserting that Iranian officials are eager to reach an agreement. "We're dealing with people that want to make a deal very much, and we'll see whether or not they can make a deal that's satisfactory to us," he said. The president added that if they do not agree, "they'll end up agreeing shortly thereafter." He described the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a "wall of steel," as both sides leverage the halt in oil and gas shipments to pressure each other.
UAE Urges UN Action Against Iran
Mohamed Abushahab, the United Arab Emirates' U.N. ambassador, called on the Security Council to compel Iran to comply with a March resolution demanding an end to attacks on Gulf neighbors and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He reported that Iran attacked the UAE on May 4 with 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones, causing a fire at critical energy infrastructure in the Fujairah oil industry zone. The U.S. and its Gulf allies have circulated a new Security Council resolution threatening sanctions or other measures against Iran. The proposed resolution is drafted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which can be enforced militarily.
French Navy Moves to Support Shipping
France's aircraft carrier strike group, led by the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle, is repositioning south of the Suez Canal into the Red Sea in preparation for a potential mission as part of a French-British plan for the Strait of Hormuz. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesman for the French armed forces chief of staff, said, "Going south of Suez is new for us." The wider Hormuz coalition, involving France, Britain, and over 50 nations, will not begin operations until the threat to shipping eases and neighboring countries agree.
Attack Damages French-Operated Cargo Ship
A cargo container ship operated by CMA CGM Group, the CMA CGM San Antonio, was damaged in an attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Multiple crew members were injured and are receiving medical treatment. The company did not provide further details.
Diplomatic Moves and Economic Impact
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing ahead of Trump's planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Araghchi stated that discussions included the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and sanctions. China's Foreign Ministry affirmed Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy while valuing its pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is costing Hamburg-based shipping company Hapag-Lloyd approximately $60 million per week due to increased fuel and insurance costs. Insurance premiums have surged because of the risk of attacks from Iranian drones and small boats. Iran has demanded vessels undergo a vetting process by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which involves passing near the Iranian coast and submitting crew and cargo information, sometimes requiring payments that risk violating U.S. and EU sanctions.
Kaho Yu, head of energy and resources at Verisk Maplecroft, noted that oil prices and shipping are unlikely to return to normal until the risk of attacks recedes. "Refiners, shippers, and commodity traders will remain cautious until there is clearer evidence that Hormuz disruptions will not re-escalate," he said.
Domestic Political Developments
In the U.S., the FBI searched the office of Virginia state Senate leader L. Louise Lucas as part of a corruption investigation. Lucas, a Democrat, helped lead the state's recent redistricting effort. The FBI confirmed a court-authorized search warrant but provided no further details.
Meanwhile, Trump's influence within the Republican Party was tested in Indiana primaries, where his endorsed challengers defeated most of the state senators who had opposed his redistricting plan. The results signal that Trump can still punish party members who defy him.
A new AP-NORC poll reveals that about two-thirds of U.S. adults support birthright citizenship for all children born in the country, though Republicans are more divided. Additionally, roughly 6 in 10 Americans believe the U.S. is no longer a great place for immigrants, a sentiment more common among Democrats and independents.
In Michigan, Democrats retained their state Senate majority by winning a special election in a bellwether district, continuing a trend of Democratic strength in off-year contests.
The White House, according to Axios, believes it is nearing a one-page memorandum agreement with Iran that includes a moratorium on uranium enrichment, lifting of U.S. sanctions, distribution of frozen Iranian funds, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, no final deal has been reached.
