Iran sends response on US proposal via Pakistan; UAE intercepts 2 drones

Day 71: Iran keeps US waiting on response to peace plan

Day 70: US fires on Iran tankers as talks hang in balance

Day 69: Iran creates agency to control shipping at the Strait of Hormuz

Day 68: Trump threatens 'higher level' bombing of Iran if deal not agreed

Day 67: 'Project Freedom' paused 'for a short period': Trump

Day 66: UAE intercepts 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, 4 drones

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss regional developments and efforts to maintain stability.

According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed the latest situation in the region, particularly the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, along with ongoing efforts aimed at de-escalation and strengthening regional security.

In a post on X, the ministry said Qatar stressed the importance of all parties engaging with mediation efforts, warning that a lasting solution depends on dialogue and addressing the “root causes of the crisis.”

Israel carried out strikes across Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least nine people in the south according to authorities, with raids also targeting a highway not far from Beirut outside of Hezbollah's traditional strongholds.

The fresh attacks were some of the most intense since the start of a three-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah that has done little to halt daily exchanges of fire, mostly in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah said Saturday that it had targeted troops in northern Israel with drones on at least two occasions in response to the continued strikes.

The Israeli military said "several" explosive drones were launched into Israeli territory, with one army reservist severely wounded and two others moderately injured in one of the attacks.

Top US diplomat Marco Rubio met Saturday with the leader of Mideast ally Qatar, the State Department said, highlighting the Gulf state's role as a key intermediary for Washington as it awaited Tehran's response on a peace proposal.

"The Secretary expressed appreciation for Qatar's partnership on a range of issues," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement on the meeting between Rubio and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also Qatar's foreign minister.

"The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed US support for Qatar's defense, and the importance of continued close coordination to deter threats and promote stability and security across the Middle East."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards threatened to target US sites in the Middle East if its tankers come under fire, Iranian media reported, as Washington was left waiting for Tehran's response to its latest negotiating position.

"Any attack on Iranian tankers and commercial vessels will result in a heavy attack on one of the American centres in the region and enemy ships," the Guards said, a day after US strikes on two Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman.

US President Donald Trump had said on Friday he was expecting Iran's answer to Washington's latest proposal for a peace deal "supposedly tonight".

But if Tehran sent Pakistani mediators a response, there was no public sign of it, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly questioned the reliability of US leadership.

"The recent escalation of tensions by American forces in the Persian Gulf and their numerous actions in violating the ceasefire have added to suspicions about the motivation and seriousness of the American side in the path of diplomacy," he said in a call with his Turkish counterpart, according to Iran's ISNA news agency.

US President Donald Trump told Italian media that he is "still considering" relocating troops from bases in Italy, adding that "Italy was not there when we needed it," local media reported.

Trump made the remarks in a phone interview, during which he refused to comment on Iran's response to a US peace proposal, which had been expected on Friday, according to the report by local newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"If everybody agrees to it, Iran can be fully confident that it will export these materials to a friendly country that has cooperated and will continue to cooperate on the peaceful atom, and it doesn't strive to weaponise it. We have never once said that there is any evidence about Iran's striving for nuclear weapons. And all other participants, in my view, also could be interested," he added.

Putin recalled previous initiatives to manage Iran's uranium program, including proposals to process uranium in joint ventures under international supervision, emphasising that all operations would be overseen by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He added that Russia's offers remain on the table to ensure Iran's nuclear materials are handled safely and peacefully.

"Our offers are still on the table," Putin said.

The US military said its forces disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman after a confrontation with Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was part of ongoing American blockade measures targeting Iran. The tankers, identified as M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, were reportedly prevented from entering Iranian ports.

Satellite images have shown an apparent oil slick spreading off the coast of Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export terminal for the Islamic republic.

It was not immediately clear what caused the apparent spill, which was off the island's west coast and appeared to cover more than 20 square miles (52 square kilometres), according to global monitor Orbital EOS.

A UK-based non-governmental organisation, the Conflict and Environment Observatory, told AFP that by Saturday the slick was "much reduced", and may have been caused by leaking oil infrastructure.

Kharg Island is at the heart of Iran's oil export industry, a lynchpin of its battered economy, and lies in the Gulf far north of the narrow Strait of Hormuz.

Sri Lanka will increase electricity rates by up to 18 percent from Monday to offset the additional costs of generating power using thermal plants due to the Middle East war, the Public Utilities Commission said.

Consumers using more than 180 units (kilowatt hours) of electricity a month will have to pay an additional 18 percent from Monday, while those using less than that will not see their bills affected.

"The increase will apply to industries, hotels, businesses and government institutions and religious places of worship consuming more than 180 units a month," the commission said in a statement Sunday.

The measure is the latest in a series of steps taken by the island nation following the war in the Middle East.

The latest hike comes on top of a 40 percent tariff increase introduced last month.

Sri Lanka has also raised fuel prices by more than 35 percent and rationed the same following energy supply disruptions.

Higher energy prices have pushed inflation to more than double, reaching 5.4 percent in April, according to official data.

A bulk carrier was reportedly hit by an unidentified projectile while transiting around 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, Qatar, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Sunday.

The strike caused a minor fire on board, which was quickly brought under control. UKMTO added that the ship’s master reported no injuries and no signs of environmental damage.

Iranian military spokesperson Mohammad Akrami Nia warned that any regional country cooperating with US military operations or facilitating them would 'definitely face difficulties passing through the Strait of Hormuz', according to Tasnim News Agency.

Pakistan’s Army chief said Islamabad will continue efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, thanking both sides for trusting Pakistan to help ease tensions.

Speaking publicly at a ceremony at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Munir said Pakistan would make 'every possible attempt' to uphold that trust through continued diplomatic engagement.

 'Through our continuous and sincere efforts, we will continue making every possible attempt to live up to this trust,' Munir said. 

Saudi oil giant Aramco said Sunday its net profit rose by more than 25 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2025, driven by greater crude oil sales and higher prices.

The result comes after the Middle East war sent oil and gas prices soaring and uncertainty plagues global markets over the conflict's trajectory.

The group, majority-owned by the state, said in a statement published on the Saudi stock exchange website that its "increase in revenue was mainly due to higher prices and volumes sold of refined and chemical products as well as higher crude oil volumes sold and higher crude oil prices".

Crude prices jumped during the first quarter from the mid $60s in early February to more than $100 a barrel in March as Iran's shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz sparked a global energy crisis.

Aramco, the world's biggest oil exporter, said in its statement that net income in the first quarter of 2026 reached 120.13 billion Saudi riyals ($32.04 billion), compared to 95.68 billion riyals ($25.51 billion) for the same quarter in 2025.

"The increase was mainly driven by higher revenue and other income related to sales, partially offset by higher operating costs and an increase in income taxes and zakat driven by higher taxable income compared to the same quarter of the previous year," it said.

Internet monitor NetBlocks said Iran’s nationwide internet blackout has entered its 72nd consecutive day, with connectivity remaining near zero after more than 1,700 hours of disruption.

The group said the shutdown, now well into its third month, continues to block most Iranians from accessing the global internet, with no signs of a broader restoration by authorities

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said the global market has lost around one billion barrels of oil over the past two months due to disruptions linked to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict with the US and Israel, Reuters reported.

Nasser said restoring normal energy flows would take time even if shipments resume, adding that Aramco’s priority is to 'keep energy flowing, even when the system is under strain.'

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami on Sunday to discuss regional tensions and ongoing mediation efforts.

According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, the talks focused on bilateral cooperation in defence and energy, as well as the latest developments linked to the US-Iran conflict. The meeting also addressed Pakistan’s mediation efforts aimed at reducing escalation in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of all parties engaging with diplomatic initiatives to help resolve the crisis through dialogue and reach a broader agreement that supports long-term regional stability.

Iran’s parliamentary foreign policy and national security committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said in a post on X that 'restraint is over,' warning that any attack on Iranian vessels would be met with what he described as a 'heavy and decisive' response against US ships and bases.

The clock is ticking against the Americans' interests; it is to their benefit not to act foolishly and sink themselves deeper into the quagmire they have fallen into, Rezaei added.

Iran's army warned on Sunday that countries complying with US sanctions against the Islamic republic would face difficulties crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Early this month the US government imposed new sanctions on Iranian interests and warned ships against paying authorities in Tehran to pass through the strait.

The United States and Bahrain have drafted a UN resolution, seen by AFP, calling on Iran to halt restrictions on shipping through the waterway, which has become a major flashpoint since the outbreak of war on February 28.

"Countries that comply with the United States by imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran will certainly face difficulties crossing the strait," army official Mohammad Akraminia told Iran's official IRNA news agency on Sunday.

"We have established a new legal and security system in the Strait of Hormuz. From now on, any vessel wishing to pass through it must coordinate with us," he added.

He said the system was "now in force" and would bring "economic, security and political gains".

The official spokesperson for Ministry of Defense Kuwait, Colonel Staff Saud Al Otaibi, said the armed forces detected a number of hostile drones inside Kuwaiti airspace early this morning and dealt with them in accordance with approved procedures. He added that the armed forces are fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security and ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Kuwait Airways said it is gradually increasing the number of flights operating from Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4 under a phased operational plan that takes into account security requirements and ongoing coordination with relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

In a statement, the airline said operations remain partial for now, with flights from Terminal 4 currently running between eight and 10 hours daily due to security-related considerations and operational safety requirements. The company added that foreign transit flights stopping in Kuwait remain suspended during this stage.

A liquefied natural gas tanker carrying cargo from Qatar has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the country’s first export shipment from the region since the outbreak of the Iran war, Bloomberg reported.

A commercial cargo vessel in Qatari territorial waters northeast of Mesaieed Port, coming from Abu Dhabi, was targeted by a drone on Sunday morning, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said. The incident caused a limited fire onboard, with no injuries reported. Authorities said the fire was quickly brought under control and the vessel continued its journey toward Mesaieed Port.

A large explosion has been heard in Iran’s southeastern city of Chabahar, Mehr news reports, adding that the explosion was related to the destruction of unexploded ordnance.

Mojtaba Khamenei has given the head of Iran’s unified armed forces command “new directives to continue operations and confront adversaries firmly”, according to Iran media.

The commander of Iran’s Khatam Al Anbiya Central Headquarters assured the Supreme Leader that plans are in place to confront hostile actions by the Americans and Israelis.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will arrive in Moscow “soon enough,” and Russia will continue dialogue with them, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov says.

The Ministry of Defence announced that UAE air defence systems intercepted two drones originating from Iran on May 10, 2026.

The ministry said that since the beginning of the “blatant Iranian attacks”, UAE air defences have intercepted 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles and 2,265 drones.

Qatar has strongly condemned the targeting of a commercial cargo vessel in its territorial waters northeast of Mesaieed Port, saying the ship, arriving from Abu Dhabi, was struck by a drone on Sunday morning, causing a limited fire with no injuries reported.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident represents a “flagrant violation” of freedom of navigation and international law, describing it as a dangerous escalation that threatens the safety of maritime routes and vital regional supplies.

It added that attacks on commercial and civilian vessels, regardless of the perpetrator, constitute a serious breach of international law and a direct threat to regional and global stability.

The Ministry of Education has announced the resumption of in-person learning for all students, teachers and administrative staff in public and private schools, as well as nurseries across the UAE, effective Monday, May 11, 2026.

In a statement, the ministry said the decision followed continuous monitoring of developments and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the continuity of the educational process and academic assessments.

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that all educational institutions in Dubai will resume on-site learning from Monday, May 11, 2026, following the latest updates from relevant authorities.

The decision comes in line with comprehensive safety protocols and measures aimed at ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

KHDA said the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and families remains the highest priority for the education sector.

The authority also urged the public to rely only on official sources for information and avoid sharing unverified content.

KHDA confirmed that examinations will continue to be conducted in person, in line with approved academic plans.

It added that educational institutions remain well-prepared to transition between different learning modes whenever required, ensuring continuity of education under all circumstances.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced that all public and private universities and higher education institutions across the UAE will resume in-person learning from Monday, May 11, 2026.

The decision applies to students, academic staff and administrative employees nationwide following a temporary period of remote learning introduced as a precautionary measure amid heightened regional tensions.

Authorities said the move follows continuous monitoring of developments and coordination with relevant entities to ensure the continuity of education and academic assessments.

The ministry confirmed that universities will continue implementing approved safety and security protocols while remaining prepared to activate alternative learning models if required.

Officials also said coordination with higher education institutions across the country would continue to ensure a smooth return to on-campus learning, with any further updates to be announced through official channels.

Unidentified aircraft have struck a South Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz this week, the foreign ministry said Sunday, days after the fire-damaged HMM Namu arrived at port in Dubai.

On Monday, "two unidentified aircraft struck the outer plate of the port-side ballast tank at the stern of the HMM Namu at roughly one-minute intervals, causing flames and smoke", Seoul's foreign ministry spokesman Park Il told a news briefing.

He did not specify what kind of aircraft had been involved in the attack, saying they "were captured on CCTV footage, but there are limitations in identifying the exact type, launch origin and physical size of the objects".

Further analysis will be conducted on "engine debris and other fragments", he added.

The damage to the cargo ship, which had 24 crew members on board, spanned about "five metres (16.5 feet) wide and extended roughly seven metres (23 feet) into the hull" on the port-side stern, Park said.

"The engine room fire is believed to have been ignited by the first strike, with the second strike appearing to have caused the blaze to spread rapidly."

Qatar's prime minister told Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi in a phone call that using the Strait of Hormuz as a "pressure card" will only deepen the Middle East crisis, the Qatari foreign ministry said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani "stressed that freedom of navigation is a firmly established principle that is not open to compromise, and that closing the Strait of Hormuz or using it as a pressure card only serves to deepen the crisis", the ministry said in a statement.

Iran has sent its response to a US proposal to end the war in the region via Pakistan, Iranian state media reported on Sunday.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran sent today through Pakistani mediators its response to the latest text proposed by the United States to end the war," the official IRNA news agency said, without offering details.

Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, focusing on ongoing peace efforts and bilateral ties.

Both sides stressed the importance of constructive engagement by all parties to support the success of peace initiatives.

Prime Minister Sharif also conveyed his regards to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and expressed anticipation for his upcoming visit to Pakistan, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Iran has formally presented its response to the latest US proposal aimed at ending the war of aggression against the country to Pakistani mediators, a source familiar with the matter told IRNA.

According to the proposed plan, the current phase of negotiations is focused exclusively on the cessation of hostilities in the region, the source said.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson had earlier stated that Tehran’s views on the US proposals would be conveyed after internal reviews and final decisions were completed.

Pakistan had previously facilitated a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington on April 8, which reportedly halted nearly 40 days of hostilities involving the US and Israel against Iran.

Follow-up talks held in Islamabad in the days after the ceasefire did not result in any breakthrough.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced the resumption of in-person learning for all students, teaching staff and administrative personnel across educational institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah, including private schools and nurseries, effective Monday, May 11, 2026.

The authority said the decision applies to all institutions in the emirate as part of efforts to ensure the continuity of the educational process.

Safety protocols to remain in place

SPEA affirmed that educational institutions will continue implementing approved safety and security protocols and procedures to support the smooth delivery of education.

It added that schools and nurseries will remain prepared to activate alternative learning models when necessary, in line with ongoing developments and assessments.

Ajman Ministry of Education has announced the resumption of in-person learning for all students, teachers and administrative staff in public and private schools and nurseries across the UAE, including Ajman, effective Monday, May 11, 2026.

The decision follows ongoing monitoring of developments and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the smooth continuation of the educational process and academic assessments.

 The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist drone attacks targeting the State of Kuwait.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that these terrorist attacks constitute a violation of the sovereignty of Kuwait and a threat to its security and stability.

The UAE expressed its full solidarity with Kuwait and its support for all measures aimed at safeguarding its security and stability.

The Ministry of Interior in Bahrain has said a group linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was involved in organised terrorist activity targeting members of the Shia community in the country.

In a statement, the ministry alleged that the main organisation is connected to elements associated with the so-called Guardianship of the Jurist ideology and includes individuals linked to a dissolved clerical council and its affiliates.

Authorities further claimed that elements of the group established a terrorist organisation and were involved in espionage activities in favour of Iran.

The ministry said investigations indicated the network was operating through structured cells and carrying out activities it described as a threat to national security.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that dialogue does not mean surrender, as Tehran responds to a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

In a post on X, he stressed that Iran would “never bow” to pressure, adding that any talks or negotiations are intended to protect national interests and uphold the country’s rights.

Separately, Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaie said time is “moving against the Americans,” warning against further escalation. He also suggested that adapting to a new regional order would be the “best option,” reflecting contrasting views within Iranian political circles over the path forward.

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium must be "taken out" before the US-Israeli war against Iran can be considered over, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview Sunday.

"It's not over, because there's still nuclear material - enriched uranium - that has to be taken out of Iran. There's still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled," Netanyahu said in an excerpt of an interview due to air later Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes" program.

"You go in and you take it out," the Israeli leader said when asked how the uranium could be removed.

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has condemned in the strongest terms the egregious Iranian attacks on the UAE and Kuwait, affirming that Iran's treacherous approach seeks to destabilise regional security.

He affirmed in a statement today that Iran's treacherous approach seeks systematically to undermine the stability and security of the region and weaken regional security, in blatant violation of the principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the principles of good neighbourliness.

He also reaffirmed the GCC countries' full support for the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait in all measures they take to preserve their security and stability, and to ensure the safety of citizens and residents on their territories.

Iran warned Britain and France that its armed forces would launch "a decisive and immediate response" to any warships being sent to the Strait of Hormuz, after Paris and London dispatched vessels to the region.

"We remind them that both in times of war and in times of peace, only the Islamic Republic of Iran can establish security in this strait and it will not allow any country to interfere in such matters," Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X.

Britain and France are leading efforts to create an international coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but only after a peace deal between the US and Iran is secured.

The Israeli army has ordered residents to leave three towns in southern Lebanon, warning of possible military action in the area.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X that people in Deir al-Zahrani, Jarjouh and Sajjad in the Jezzine district should evacuate immediately.

The warning stated that remaining in the areas could put civilians at risk amid ongoing military operations.

Israel has continued carrying out strikes in Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement, with reports indicating hundreds have been killed in recent months.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said its forces have “redirected” 61 commercial vessels as part of ongoing maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement shared on social media, CENTCOM also confirmed that four vessels were disabled, while operations continue in what it described as sustained enforcement activity in the strategic waterway.

The command added that more than 20 warships are currently deployed as part of the broader naval presence in the region.

Lebanon's health ministry said two paramedics from the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee were killed and five others wounded on Sunday in two Israeli strikes on the country's south despite a ceasefire.

As the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling on a variety of other south Lebanon areas, Israel's army warned residents of three villages to evacuate, saying it would act forcefully against the Iran-backed group there.

A Lebanese health ministry statement said that Israel "directly targeted, with two strikes, two Health Committee sites", killing one paramedic and wounding three others in Qalaway, and killing another paramedic and wounding two others in Tibnin.

The statement decried what it called Israel's continued "violation of international laws".

President Emmanuel Macron said that France had "never envisaged" a naval deployment in the Strait of Hormuz but rather a security mission that would be "coordinated with Iran".

At a news conference in Nairobi, Macron said he was sticking to his position opposing a blockade from either side, and to "reject any toll" to ensure ships are able to pass through the strategic waterway.

Iran on Sunday warned of a "decisive and immediate response" to any French or British deployments in the strait, after both announced they would send military vessels to the region.

"There was never any question of a deployment but we are ready," said Macron.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people of India to cut down on petrol and diesel consumption amid supply disruptions due to the Middle East war.

India is one of few countries in the region that has not increased prices of petrol and diesel for domestic consumers or rationed supplies. But it has increased prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) - a primary cooking fuel in this country - after disruptions following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which led to Iran's near-total blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"We have to reduce our use of petrol and diesel. In cities with metro lines, we should try to travel by metro...If we must use a car, then we should try to car pool," he said, addressing a gathering in southern Telangana state.

He added that restrictions on use were also necessary to save foreign currency spent on fuel imports.

"We must also place a strong emphasis on saving foreign exchange, as petrol and diesel have become so expensive globally."

Modi also urged people to resume energy-saving schemes that were in place during the Covid pandemic.

"We should prioritise work from home, online conferences, and virtual meetings again," he said.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of "playing games" and laughing at America for decades, but said it soon would be made to stop - without commenting directly on reports of Tehran's response to Washington's latest peace proposal.

"Iran has been playing games with the United States, and the rest of the World, for 47 years (DELAY, DELAY, DELAY!)," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

He also accused Tehran of "laughing at our now GREAT AGAIN Country" but added: "They will be laughing no longer!"

Donald Trump is expected to press Chinese President Xi Jinping on Iran when he visits Beijing next week, a senior administration official said Sunday, as the US president seeks a deal to end the Middle East war.

"I would expect the president to apply pressure," the official said in a call with reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that Trump has done so in previous calls with the Chinese leader.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday evening, according to Israeli officials and a source familiar with the conversation, as Iran submitted its response to a US ceasefire proposal, CNN reported.

The conversation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Washington to advance negotiations with Tehran.

Video footage showed Netanyahu briefly leaving a meeting with community leaders to take the call.

In a recent interview, Netanyahu said there is still “work to be done” on Iran, and highlighted agreement with Trump on addressing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, a key issue in the talks.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom's condemnation, in the strongest terms, of the treacherous targeting of the territorial lands and waters of each of the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait, reaffirming the Kingdom's solidarity with all measures taken by the sisterly Gulf states to protect their security and stability.

The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned and denounced the continued blatant and unjustified Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, which include the recent launch of two UAVs that were successfully engaged by UAE air defences.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, strongly condemned the hostile drone attack within Kuwait’s airspace, stressing that such acts constitute a flagrant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region.

In a statement, Al Yamahi expressed the Arab Parliament’s full solidarity with Kuwait in all measures it takes to safeguard its security and preserve the safety of its territory and airspace, underscoring that Kuwait’s security is an integral part of Arab national security.

Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran appeared to stall again even as a fragile ceasefire holds across a region still rattled by weeks of strikes, naval incidents and mounting economic pressure.

Overnight on Sunday and into early Monday (may 11, 2026), US President Donald Trump stated in a socmed post that Iran's proposal is "totally unacceptable" after Tehran responded to Washington’s latest proposal for ending the war.

Trump sharply criticised Tehran’s latest reply to a proposed framework for de-escalation, calling it “totally unacceptable” and accusing Iranian negotiators of “playing games.”

His remarks underscored how far apart the two sides remain on the terms of any longer-term settlement, despite backchannel talks meant to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a broader war.

We are closing this coverage now. For latest updates, click here.