Recent developments in the Middle East include statements from US officials regarding military actions and diplomatic demands concerning Iran, alongside reports of cross-border military activity between Israel and Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that major US military operations against Iran, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” have concluded their offensive phase. Rubio emphasized that Iran must comply with US demands regarding its nuclear program and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, describing previous clashes related to this strait as “defensive in nature.”
Separately, Trump affirmed the continuation of a US blockade on Iranian ports; Iran has not yet commented on this statement. Concurrently, Israel’s military reported that Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon launched multiple rockets toward Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/may/05/iran-us-israel-lebanon-strait-of-hormuz-ships-oil-uae-latest-news-updates
