House of Representatives leaders abruptly cancelled a vote on a resolution to limit President Donald Trump's war powers in Iran just as Republicans were on the verge of losing the vote due to absences.
War Powers Vote Cancelled Amid GOP Absences
A vote to limit President Donald Trump's war powers in Iran has been abruptly cancelled just as the Republicans were on the verge of losing due to absences.
"Republicans cowardly pulled a scheduled vote on a War Powers Resolution - legislation that would have passed with bipartisan support and required the President to end the conflict in the Middle East," House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said in a statement.
Diplomatic Developments
The development comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed "good signs" emerging from peace talks between Washington and Tehran. Mr Rubio told reporters: "I don't want to be overly optimistic... So, let's see what happens over the next few days."
Yesterday it was revealed Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had risked Trump's fury by saying the country's near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad - one of the President's key demands.
Key Events in the Iran Conflict
- Iran and Oman in talks over payment system for ships crossing Strait of Hormuz
- Iran's Supreme Leader risks Trump's fury with nuclear demand
- 20 Iranian sailors on board vessel seized by US return to Tehran
- Trump says talks are in 'final stages' as he warns US will get a 'little bit nasty' if deal isn't reached
- Trump threatens to hit Iran 'even harder'
- Revolutionary Guard threatens 'war beyond the region' if US attacks Iran
- Return to war will feature 'many more surprises,' Iran warns US
- Trump tells legislators Washington will 'end that war very quickly'
- Petrol prices at highest since Iran war began, says RAC
- Trump's war could push world into recession within weeks, experts fear
Pakistan Mediates
Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The pair reportedly reviewed the latest proposals to end the US-Iran conflict.
Strait of Hormuz Tolls
The New York Times reported that Iran and Oman are in talks over a payment system for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. This comes despite warnings from the Trump administration.
NATO Concern Over Russian Nuclear Missiles
NATO intelligence officials believe Russia is developing underwater nuclear missile systems which could be concealed on the Arctic seabed, according to reports.
Israeli Forces in Syria
Israeli forces have reportedly targeted an area between villages in the western countryside of Syria's Deraa province, according to Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). No information has been reported regarding casualties.
NATO Allies Criticised
The White House is "very upset" with Nato members for "going into hiding" during the Iran war, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said. America's top diplomat levelled his latest criticism as he headed to a meeting of counterparts from the military alliance in Sweden. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is among those expected to attend.
While Mr Rubio did not specifically name the UK, Donald Trump has been scathing over Britain's reluctance to be drawn into the conflict, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of being weak and deriding the Royal Navy. It sparked reports the US could review its position on Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands as punishment.
US Troops to Poland
The United States will be sending an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, Donald Trump said on Thursday. Trump, in a Truth Social post, cited his relationship with Poland's conservative nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki, as the reason behind his decision to send additional troops.
Iran Ambassador Ceremony
The Iranian ambassador has been presented with credentials, four months after the ceremony was postponed because of the suppression of protests in Iran. Eshagh Alhabib presented his Letters of Credence to President Catherine Connolly at Aras an Uachtarain on Thursday.
Economic Impact
The FTSE 100 ended a see-saw session in the green, as rising mining stocks offset disappointing earnings and a higher oil price. The FTSE 100 closed up 11.13 points, 0.1%, at 10,443.47. Oil prices were back on the rise as International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol warned oil supplies could be "entering the red zone" if there is no progress towards resolving the Middle East war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude for July delivery traded higher at 107.98 US dollars a barrel on Thursday.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has targeted oil and gas profits with plans to close a tax loophole on overseas activities and raise hundreds of millions of pounds. In a speech outlining cost-of-living support measures for households and businesses, Reeves said she would stop firms – including oil and gas giants such as BP and Shell – from reducing their tax liabilities by using corporate structures involving foreign branches.
Conflict Casualties
Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,089 people in Lebanon and injured at least 9,397 in the country since March 2, Lebanon's Health Ministry has said. Iran's near-total internet blackout has entered its 83rd day, according to global internet monitor NetBlocks.
Nuclear Standoff
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a directive that the country's near-weapons-grade uranium should remain in the country, two senior Iranian sources told Reuters. Khamenei's alleged order is expected to further anger US President Donald Trump and complicate talks on ending the war in the Middle East.
Seized Vessel Crew Returns
Twenty Iranian sailors on board a vessel seized by US forces have returned to Tehran from Islamabad, according to Iran's IRNA. "The release was achieved after intensive consultations between Iranian Foreign Minister and his Pakistani and Singaporean counterparts," the report said.
US Aircraft Losses
Forty-two US aircraft have been lost or damaged in the Iran war - including three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets worth a total of $300 million downed by friendly fire - according to a report filed by the Congressional Research Service.
Pakistan Army Chief to Visit Tehran
Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is heading to Tehran amid its efforts to mediate talks between Iran and the US to end the war in the Middle East, according to Iran's ISNA news agency. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqv arrived in Tehran yesterday. It was his second visit in less than a week.
White House Warning
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller says Iran will "face punishment from our military" if Tehran fails to agree to a deal as negotiations appear to stall. "This new team in Iran has a choice to make," Miller told Fox News. "They can either agree to a piece of paper that is satisfactory to the United States, or they can face a punishment from our military, the likes of which has not been seen in modern history. That's the choice that they face."
Trump's Final Stages Claim
Donald Trump insisted that negotiations with Iran were in the "final stages", but reiterated his familiar threats, saying the US would do things that are a "little bit nasty" if a deal is not reached. "We're in the final stages of Iran. We'll see what happens. Either have a deal or we're going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won't happen," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday.
Threats of Further Strikes
Donald Trump said the US may have to attack Iran "even harder" if Tehran does not make a deal soon. "We'll see what happens," the US president said during an address at the US Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday. "We hit them very hard. We may have to hit them even harder - but maybe not."
Iran Executions
It is being reported that Iran has executed two people. Tasnim news agency reported that Iran's charges against the men were: creating a group to disrupt the country's security and belonging to a terrorist organisation. They were also accused of "armed uprising through the formation of criminal groups, shooting and attempted assassination in line with the goals of the terrorist group".
Iranian Military Preparedness
Russian media has reported that Iran has advanced weapons that have not yet been deployed. Al Jazeera news agency reported that an Iranian military official told the RIA Novosti news agency: "We have produced modern weapons domestically, which have not yet been used on the battlefield and have not actually been tested." "This time, we do not intend to act with restraint."
Ceasefire Document Discussions
Washington and Tehran are in discussions over the wording of a proposed ceasefire document, Iran's Nour News Agency reported. "Based on the original text of Iran's 14 points, the exchange of messages has been carried out on several occasions," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said. "We have received the views of the American side and are reviewing them."
Trump-Netanyahu Clash
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly had an explosive phone call as the allies clashed over the war in Iran. Trump told the Israeli leader on Tuesday, May 19, that mediators were working on a "letter of intent" which both Washington and Tehran would sign, while Netanyahu urged the US to continue to put military pressure on Iran, according to reports by Israel's Channel 12.
Hezbollah Attacks
Hezbollah has claimed that it launched more than 20 attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, May 20. Lebanon's official National News Agency has reported that Israeli forces carried out a series of attacks across the southern part of the country. The National News Agency reported that eight towns were targeted with air strikes and heavy gunfire.
Gaza Flotilla Detainees
Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel must "be returned swiftly to their own countries, and it is imperative that they be treated well", says UN chief Antonio Guterres's spokesperson. Greece has joined the countries demanding the release of Gaza flotilla activists by Israel after they were captured in international waters.
Iranian President's Statement
The Iranian President says that the country has "explored every avenue to avert war" but would not "surrender through coercion". Writing on X, Masoud Pezeshkian said: "Iran has consistently honored its commitments and explored every avenue to avert war; all paths remain open from our side. Forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion. Mutual respect in diplomacy is far wiser, safer, and more sustainable than war."
US Blockade Statistics
The US military has issued an image of patrol during the blockade of Iranian ports as it says that 90 ships had been redirected and a further four were disabled. A post on X from US Central Command: "A US Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter patrols near a commercial vessel transiting regional waters as American forces enforce the maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 20, U.S. forces have redirected 90 ships and disabled 4 to ensure compliance."
