US-Iran tensions rise after Strait of Hormuz incident; UAE says Iranian attack injures three people

US-Iran clashes in Hormuz raise stakes as UAE reports missile, drone injuries

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Missiles, drones and oil blockades in Hormuz fuel regional war and market turmoil
Missiles, drones and oil blockades in Hormuz fuel regional war and market turmoil
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US President Donald Trump says the ceasefire with Iran remains in place despite a fresh confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz. The US accused Iran of launching missiles, drones and small boats at three warships in an “unprovoked attack”, with Trump saying Iran had “trifled with us today”. Iran denied the claim, alleging US strikes on an oil tanker and another vessel near the Strait and aerial attacks on coastal areas. In the UAE, air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones, leaving three injured, while Fujairah authorities said sounds heard were linked to successful interceptions amid ongoing threats. Follow our live coverage for the latest developments on the ground and diplomatic reactions:

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Jordan and Bahrain condemn Iranian attacks on UAE

Jordan and Bahrain have strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates, which left three people injured, reaffirming their full solidarity with the UAE and rejecting what they described as violations of international law and the UN Charter.

Jordan denounced the attacks as a “clear violation” of international law and a threat to the UAE’s security, stability and territorial integrity. In a statement carried by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs reiterated Amman’s unwavering support for all measures taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty, citizens and residents.

Bahrain also issued a strong condemnation of the strikes, which involved ballistic missiles and drones, calling them a “flagrant violation” of international law and principles of good neighbourliness.

In a statement reported by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Bahrain urged Iran to respect regional sovereignty, refrain from interference in internal affairs, and halt threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The kingdom reaffirmed its full solidarity with the UAE, citing GCC defence commitments that state any attack on a member country is considered an attack on all.

Israeli raid near southern Lebanon kills four

An Israeli attack targeted a car near the entrance of the southern Lebanese town of Houmin Tahta, killing all three passengers, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Lebanese authorities are monitoring the situation amid rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

US to host Lebanon-Israel talks on May 14-15

The US Department of State will hold a new round of Lebanon-Israel talks on May 14-15 to advance a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

The discussions, following April 23 talks led by President Trump, will focus on border demarcation, restoring Lebanese sovereignty, and enabling humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

US officials said both sides will pursue national interests while Washington works to ensure Israel’s security, Lebanon’s sovereignty, and progress toward peace. Disarmament of Hezbollah remains a key US condition.

The talks mark a step toward resolving decades of conflict, with Washington reaffirming support for decisive progress between the two nations.

Hezbollah claims new attack targeting military base in Israel

Hezbollah said it launched a swarm of drones at an airbase in northern Israel on Friday, after having claimed another attack targeting an Israeli base earlier in the day.

The Iran-backed group said the launches were in response to an Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, as well as ongoing strikes in Lebanon's south.

'Europe to share Iran burden'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Europeans to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

"The world has to start asking itself, what is it willing to do if Iran tries to normalise a control of an international waterway? I think that's unacceptable," he said after meeting Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

"If one of the main reasons why

Qatar strongly condemns Iranian attacks on UAE

Qatar has strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on UAE, involving two ballistic missiles and three drones, which resulted in injuries to three people.

Qatar considered the attacks a blatant violation of the UAE's sovereignty and a serious threat to the security and stability of the region.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Qatar's full solidarity with the UAE and its support for all measures taken by the UAE to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The Ministry also expressed Qatar's wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured

US forces redirect 57 commercial vessels in Iranian blockade

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that US forces have “redirected” 57 commercial vessels and “disabled” three ships since the start of the blockade on Iranian ports.

CENTCOM said three US destroyers are currently deployed in the Arabian Sea to enforce the blockade: USS Truxton, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason.

The move forms part of ongoing operations aimed at controlling maritime activity in the region amid heightened tensions.

Iran vows friendly international relations, rejects exploitation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated the country’s commitment to “friendly relations” with other nations based on mutual respect and shared interests, while rejecting any form of colonialism.

“The policy of colonialism and exploitation will have no place in the future world,” Pezeshkian said. “Just as tolerance is rooted in our people’s culture, the struggle against oppression shines throughout the history of this land.”

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Trump announces 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, set to take place from May 9 to May 11.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the ceasefire will coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations and acknowledged Ukraine’s role in World War II. He said the truce will involve a suspension of all military activity and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals from each country.

“This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Trump wrote.

He expressed hope that the ceasefire marks the “beginning of the end” of the war, describing the ongoing conflict as “the biggest since World War II” and saying negotiations to end it are progressing.

Suspected oil spill detected near Iran’s Kharg Island export hub

Satellite imagery has revealed a suspected oil spill covering dozens of square kilometres of sea near Iran’s main oil hub, Kharg Island, Reuters reported.

Images from Copernicus’s Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-3 satellites, taken between 6-8 May, show a grey and white slick to the west of the 8-kilometre (5-mile) long island.

“The slick appears visually consistent with oil,” said Leon Moreland, a researcher at the Conflict and Environment Observatory, estimating the spill covers roughly 45 square kilometres.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause or impact of the spill, and further monitoring is ongoing.

Dubai Indian consulate expresses grief over crew member death

The Indian Consulate in Dubai has expressed sorrow over an incident at sea that resulted in the death of an Indian crew member aboard a ship.

In a statement, the consulate said it is in contact with the vessel’s owner and is seeking further details regarding the incident.

Officials added that all possible assistance will be provided on priority in coordination with relevant authorities.

The consulate also extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

Dubai to announce private school learning model on May 10

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority will on the evening of Sunday, 10 May 2026, whether private schools will continue with distance learning or return to in-person classes.

The decision will follow an assessment of the current situation in coordination with relevant authorities.

Officials said the update is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff while maintaining continuity of the education process.

Examinations will continue to be conducted in person in line with approved plans. Authorities also expressed confidence in the readiness of educational institutions to shift between different learning modes whenever required.

Strait of Hormuz control like 'atomic bomb

An adviser to Iran's supreme leader compared control over the Strait of Hormuz to having an "atomic bomb" and vowed not to relinquish it.

Adviser Mohammad Mokhber said Iran had long "neglected" its privileged position along the strait, a vital conduit for oil and gas shipments that Tehran shut early in the Middle East war, throwing markets into turmoil and stranding hundreds of vessels.

"The Strait of Hormuz represents an opportunity as precious as an atomic bomb," he said in a video published by the Mehr news agency.

"Indeed, having in one's hands a position that allows you to influence the global economy with a single decision is a major opportunity."

Pledging not to "forfeit the gains of this war", he went on to say Iran would "change the (legal) regime of this strait", through international law if possible, and unilaterally if not.

Mokhber did not specifically mention charging vessels to use the waterway, but the shipping journal Lloyd's List reported on Friday that Iran had created an authority to approve transit through the strait and to collect tolls.

UAE to announce learning model for schools on Ma10

The Ministry of Education has said the approved learning model for the upcoming period—whether in-person or remote—will be announced on the evening of Sunday, 10 May 2026.

The decision will follow an assessment of the current situation in coordination with relevant authorities, the ministry said.

Officials noted that the move is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff while maintaining the continuity of the education process.

Qatar PM in Washington to meet Vance on Iran

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has arrived in Washington, DC for meetings with US officials, as discussions on a potential peace proposal involving Iran are expected to be on the agenda.

The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation between Washington and Tehran.

Dubai officials: Smoke footage not linked to regional events

Dubai authorities have confirmed that the dark smoke seen in widely circulated videos this morning was caused by a warehouse fire in the Al Khabaisi area and is not linked to any ongoing developments or wider situation.

Officials also dismissed false social media claims suggesting the incident was connected to an Iranian drone attack, confirming to Gulf News that the reports are rumours.

The Dubai Operations Room received the alert at 06:12 on Friday (08-05-2026), with fire crews arriving within seven minutes. Teams from Port Saeed and Al Hamriyah stations quickly brought the blaze under control.

The warehouse stored cooking oil, plastics and toy-related materials. The fire was contained, with cooling operations underway by 08:13. No injuries were reported.

Authorities said circulating footage presents a misleading view of the incident and confirmed the situation is now fully under control.

Israeli airstrikes kill 5 in southern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least five people Friday, while the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group fired rockets on northern Israel without inflicting any casualties.

The Health Ministry in Lebanon said that an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Toura near the port city of Tyre killed four people and wounded eight. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported another airstrike near the southeastern village of Kfar Chouba, saying it killed a paramedic with the Lebanese Civil Defense.

The strikes came hours after the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson issued an evacuation warning to the residents of six villages in Tyre province, including Toura.

US says opened fire to disable two Iran-flagged ships

US forces fired on and disabled two Iranian-flagged tanker that attempted to violate the American blockade of Iran's ports, the US military said on Friday.

A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet "disabled both tankers after firing precision munitions into their smokestacks, preventing the non-compliant ships from entering Iran," US Central Command said in a post on X that included footage of the strikes on the two vessels.

New sporadic US-Iran clashes reported in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian media reported fresh "sporadic clashes" with US naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, following a flare-up the night before, despite the ceasefire in the Gulf.

"For the last hour, sporadic clashes have taken place between the Iranian armed forces and American vessels in the Strait of Hormuz," the Fars news agency said.

US stocks rise after solid April jobs data

Wall Street stocks bounced early Friday following better-than- expected US jobs data as markets awaited further signs on the prospects of peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

US job growth came in at 115,000 in April, more than double the level projected by analysts. Analysts welcomed the figures, but warned of rising pressures on consumers due to inflation from spiking oil prices.

About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1 percent to 49,664.74.

The broad-based S&P 500 gained 0.6 percent to 7,380.25, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.1 percent to 26,088.71.

The jobs data is "telling you that the vast majority of people who want a job are able to find some," said Interactive Brokers' Steve Sosnick.

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One sailor found dead after US strike on Iranian vessel

Iranian officials say one of the sailors missing after a reported US attack on an Iranian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz has been found dead.

Mohammad Radmehr, governor of Minab county in southern Iran, said search teams recovered the body of one of five sailors who went missing during the overnight incident.

Efforts are continuing to locate the remaining four sailors, he added, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.

Iran accuses US of 'blatant violation' of truce after overnight clash

Iran accused the United States of breaching their truce, as both sides blamed the other for triggering an overnight clash in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The action carried out last night was both a blatant violation of international law and a breach of the ceasefire," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, according to the ISNA news agency.

"At the same time, the country's defenders delivered a 'major slap' to the enemy and repelled the enemies' aggression with full force," he continued.

Trump has not decided on allies blocking US bases: Rubio

US President Donald Trump has not yet decided how to respond after some allies reportedly denied the US military access to bases linked to operations involving Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Speaking in Rome, Rubio said the issue raises concerns for NATO operations, as US forces rely on European bases for rapid global deployment. However, he stressed that no decision has been made.

“Ultimately that’s a decision for the president,” Rubio said, adding that the matter is under review.

Trump has previously threatened troop reductions in countries including Italy, Spain and Germany over disputes tied to defence cooperation and Middle East operations. A planned drawdown of 5,000 troops in Germany was described as pre-scheduled.

Reports suggest some European allies have restricted US military access for Middle East operations, including limits on combat-related use of bases in Italy and Spain.

Rubio said US military deployments are regularly adjusted based on national interest and global commitments, noting that resources are limited and must be prioritised. No formal announcements on troop withdrawals or NATO policy changes have been made.

US adds 115,000 jobs in April, beating expectations

US employment rose more than expected in April, while the unemployment rate remained steady, government data showed, with the world's largest economy firming recent labor market gains but analysts warning of underlying weakness.

"Total nonfarm payroll employment edged up by 115,000 in April, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.3 percent," the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said.

The gains mainly came in the health care, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade sectors.

Iran says 10 sailors wounded, five missing after overnight clash

An Iranian official said on Friday that US attacks overnight in and near the Strait of Hormuz struck an Iranian cargo vessel, wounding 10 sailors and leaving five others missing.

Iran and the United States exchanged fire overnight Thursday-Friday despite a truce in place since April 8 that paused a weeks-long war.

"During the Americans' aggressive actions last night in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz and the Makran Sea (Gulf of Oman), a cargo vessel near the waters of Minab was struck and caught fire," said Mohammad Radmehr an official in the southern Hormozgan province, according to Mehr news agency.

"Ten injured sailors have been transferred to hospital, and local groups and search teams are trying to learn the fate of the other (five) sailors," he added.

It was not immediately clear whether the cargo vessel was directly targeted.

Rubio says 'unacceptable' for Iran to control Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday slammed Iranian efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz, following a report that Tehran has created an authority to approve transit through the vital waterway.

"Iran now claims that they own, that they have a right to control, an international waterway... That's an unacceptable thing that they're trying to normalise," Rubio told reporters during a visit to Rome.

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Rubio says had 'very good meeting' with Pope Leo

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday he had a "very good meeting" with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican after President Donald Trump's criticism of the pontiff's anti-war stance.

Rubio told reporters they had discussed areas of joint interest, including religious freedom and the threat posed by Iran, adding: "It's important to share our points of view and an explanation and an understanding of where we're coming from. And I thought it was very positive."

Rubio says expecting Iran response to US proposal on Friday

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington is expecting a response from Iran on ending the ongoing conflict “today”, expressing hope that it will include “a serious offer” to move towards negotiations.

Speaking to reporters in Rome, Rubio said: “We should know something today,” while adding that no formal response had been received yet.

“As of the last hour, we have not received that yet,” he said. “Their system is still highly fractured, and it’s dysfunctional as well, so that may be serving as an impediment.”

Rubio stressed that the US hopes any Iranian reply would open the door to “a serious process of negotiation”.

He also referred to reports suggesting Iran may be attempting to set up an entity to control traffic through the Strait, warning that such a move would be “very problematic” and “unacceptable”.

US blockade strands 70+ oil tankers near Iranian ports

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) says more than 70 commercial oil tankers are currently unable to enter or leave Iranian ports as part of an ongoing US-led blockade.

According to CENTCOM, the stranded vessels carry over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil worth an estimated $13 billion. The US said at least 50 ships have already been redirected to enforce compliance.

The operation involves more than 15,000 troops, 200 aircraft and over 20 warships deployed across the Gulf region.

Military assets include aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, surveillance aircraft, fighter jets and unmanned drones.

CENTCOM said the blockade is intended to prevent oil revenues from reaching Iran’s leadership amid escalating regional tensions.

Iran says redirects US-sanctioned oil tanker to its shores

Iran said it redirected a US-sanctioned oil tanker carrying Iranian oil back to its shores, though it was unclear from its statement why it had been targeted.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran's navy, through a specially planned operation in the Sea of Oman, seized the offending tanker Ocean Koi," the army said in a statement carried by state television, adding that the oil belonged to the "Islamic republic".

It said the ship was redirected to Iran's southern shores after it sought "to damage and disrupt Iran's oil exports," without elaborating.

In February the US Treasury Department placed sanctions on the Barbados-flagged tanker, which it said has since 2020 been part of Iran's so-called "shadow fleet" - a network of vessels used to transport oil while evading sanctions.

The tanker "has transported millions of barrels of Iranian high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and condensate since May 2025," it added.

Iranian state television released a video of what it called a "seizure" of the tanker, showing Iranian forces following the vessel at night in small boats and boarding it using a ladder, before it was redirected back to Iranian shores.

The army said the tanker was handed "to judicial authorities" upon its return to the country's shores.

Iran creates agency to collect Strait of Hormuz tolls

Iran has created an authority to approve transit through the Strait of Hormuz and to collect tolls from vessels, a shipping journal said Friday, even as Washington pushed for a deal to reopen the strategic waterway that Tehran has closed.

"The Persian Gulf Strait Authority has already introduced a new framework requiring ships to obtain transit authorisation and pay tolls before sailing," said Lloyd's List, the industry journal which provides news and intelligence on shipping and maritime trade.

It added that "ships are required to submit detailed records of ownership, insurance, crew details and intended transit route", citing a form sent by the authority.

On Tuesday, Iranian English-speaking broadcaster Press TV said Iran had built a "system to exercise sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz" and that ships passing through the strait were sent "regulations" from the email info@PGSA.ir.

UAE engage 2 ballistic missiles and 3 UAV’s from Iran today

The Ministry of Defence announced that, on May 8, UAE air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran, resulting in three moderate injuries.

Since the beginning of Iran’s attacks on the UAE, the country’s air defenses have intercepted a total of 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 drones.

The total number of injuries has now reached 230, involving multiple nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepali, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, Swedish, Tunisian, Moroccan, and Russian nationals.

The Ministry also confirmed that the total number of martyrs has risen to three, including a Moroccan civilian contracted with the armed forces. Civilian fatalities have reached 10, including nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, India, and Egypt.

The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed that the UAE Armed Forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any threats and firmly confront any attempts to undermine the nation’s security. It emphasised its commitment to safeguarding the UAE’s sovereignty, security, stability, national interests, and strategic capabilities.

Iran seizes tanker Ocean Koi

Iran’s navy has seized a tanker identified as Ocean Koi, accusing the vessel of attempting to disrupt the country’s oil exports and harm national interests, according to Iran’s IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency on Friday.

Tasnim reported that Iranian naval commandos carried out the seizure during a “special operation”, though it did not specify where the incident took place. The report also did not provide details regarding the tanker’s flag, ownership or cargo.

Trump mulls US troop cuts in Italy, Spain over Iran row

President Donald Trump said Thursday he may pull US troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the Iran war, a day after proposing a similar reduction in Germany.

"Yeah, probably, I probably will. Why shouldn't I?" Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he would consider reducing American troop numbers in Spain and Italy too.

"Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible."

Trump said on Wednesday that Washington was "studying and reviewing the possible reduction" of US troops in Germany, saying he would decide in a "short period of time."

As of December 31, 2025, there were 12,662 active-duty US troops in Italy and 3,814 in Spain. In Germany there were 36,436.

The US leader has been bitterly critical of NATO allies for failing to help with the US-Israeli operation against Iran or with keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for oil tanker traffic.

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Mideast war to hit profits

IAG, parent group of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, said Friday that the Middle East war will lower its annual profits despite a strong start to 2026. 

"Whilst the first quarter was relatively unaffected by the Middle East conflict we expect it to have a more substantial impact throughout the rest of the year as the increase in the fuel cost starts to manifest itself," IAG said in an earnings statement.

"As a result we expect our profit to be lower than originally anticipated at the beginning of the year."

UAE rejects transit fees in Strait of Hormuz

The UAE has rejected any attempt to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as Arab states and the United States intensified diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to safeguard freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.

Speaking during a media briefing in New York on a joint Gulf-US draft resolution at the UN concerning the Strait of Hormuz, Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations, said the UAE opposed the imposition of any charges on ships transiting the strait.

ASEAN leaders discuss crisis plan

Southeast Asian leaders met in an annual summit Friday under intense pressure to mitigate the impact on their people and economies from the Iran war, which one top minister said, “should not have occurred in the first place.”

The alarm by the heads of state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is underscored by their decision to focus discussions on a contingency plan to ensure their fast-growing region, which imports most of its oil and gas from the Middle East, will have stable fuel and food supplies.

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Gargash highlights national readiness and unity

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said the UAE had demonstrated a high level of readiness and strong national cohesion despite regional and global challenges, stressing that the country is determined to continue its path towards further progress and prosperity with confidence.

US likely added 65,000 jobs despite Iran war

The Iran war has caused the biggest disruption of global oil supplies in history and sent average US gasoline prices surging past $4.50 a gallon this week. But the conflict hasn't done much damage to the American job market – at least not yet.

When the Labor Department's report on April hiring and unemployment comes out Friday, it's expected to show that US companies, nonprofits and government agencies together added 65,000 jobs last month, according to a survey of forecasters by the data firm FactSet. That would be down from a surprisingly strong 178,000 in March.

Ordinarily, 65,000 net new jobs a month would be unimpressive. But these are not ordinary times. Baby Boomer retirements and President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown mean that fewer people are competing for work and that the economy doesn't need to generate as many jobs as it used to.

Iran military sites hit after Hormuz attacks

The US military says it struck Iranian military targets after Tehran launched missiles, drones and fast attack craft at three US Navy vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The event confirms the latest Iran-US flare-up around one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

The targeted ships were the USS TruxtunUSS Rafael Peralta and USS Mason. The US Central Command (CentCom) said none of the incoming munitions hit any US assets.

Oil prices jump

Oil prices, which fell around 10 percent over the past three days, rose more than one percent on Friday as US-Iran clashes in the Strait of Hormuz jolted hopes that the conflict will end soon.

At around 0230 GMT, the benchmark US oil contract West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 1.2 percent to $95.93 per barrel. International oil benchmark Brent North Sea crude rose 1.5 percent to $101.56.

Equity markets retreated, with Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Shanghai, Singapore, Wellington, Taipei, Manila and Jakarta also down.

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Oil tanker reaches South Korea after passing Hormuz blockade

An oil tanker that passed through the Strait of Hormuz arrived in South Korea on Friday, the first such vessel to reach the Asian nation by that route since Iran declared the critical waterway closed.

South Korea relies heavily on Middle Eastern fuel imports, most of which transited through Hormuz until US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February prompted Tehran to effectively shut the strait.

The arrival of the Malta-flagged Odessa, carrying one million barrels of crude oil, will likely ease Seoul's concerns over energy security as the war in the Middle East drags on.

Fujairah confirms sounds heard were air interceptions

The Media Office of the Government of Fujairah has confirmed that sounds heard across parts of the emirate were the result of successful air interceptions. Authorities stressed the importance of obtaining information only from official sources and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified reports.

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Some 1,500 ships trapped in Gulf due to Iran-US conflict: IMO

Around 1,500 ships and their crews are trapped in the Gulf due to the Iranian blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) chief said in Panama Thursday.

The war in the Middle East, unleashed February 28 by Israel and the United States against Iran, provoked reprisals from Tehran across the region and a shipping blockade in Hormuz, a crucial global trade route. 

UAE's air defence systems responding to incoming missile, drone threats from Iran

At 6.36am UAE time on Friday (May 8, 2026), UAE authorities alerted residents about the activation of air defence systems to respond to missile and drone threats.

"Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates,” the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority warned.

US slaps sanctions on Iran-linked oil smugglers funding Iraq attacks

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent likened the Iranian regime to "a rogue gang", accusing it of pillaging Iraqi oil resources by smuggling millions of barrels across borders to finance proxy militias and terrorism.

"The US Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran's military exploits Iraqi oil revenues to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners, including deadly attacks on our forces and allies in the region," Bessent said in a statement announcing fresh sanctions on Iran-linked oil networks.

The sanctions target entities tied to Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, including Kata'ib Hezbollah, which the Treasury accuses of siphoning oil from fields like those in Basra and Maysan provinces.

US officials estimate these operations have generated over $100 million annually for Iran-backed groups, fuelling drone and rocket strikes on US troops in Syria and Iraq amid escalating Middle East tensions. This marks the latest US move to disrupt Iran's shadow economy, following similar actions in 2025 against ghost fleets shipping Iranian crude.

7 Filipino seafares injured in Iran-linked attack in Hormuz

Seven Filipino seafarers were injured after the Maltese-flagged container ship CMA CGM San Antonio was hit in a reported Iranian drone attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday (May 5), the Department of Migrant Workers said late on Thursday (May 7). Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said all seven were taken to hospitals for treatment, with four sustaining relatively minor injuries and three in more serious condition, as per the Manila Bulletin. The injured Filipino seafarers were evacuated from the ship and being monitored in hospitals.

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Blasts, drone engagements reported near Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas

State and semi-official Iranian outlets said explosions were heard near Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, both strategically close to the Strait of Hormuz. Local coverage indicated exchanges of fire near the Bahman pier on Qeshm, and Iran claimed to have shot down "several drones" in connection with the clashes, as per Euro News, quoting Iranian media. Independent confirmation is limited.

Iran state TV reports explosions on island in Hormuz strait

Iran’s state broadcaster reported that the Iranian military launched missiles at “enemy units” in the Strait of Hormuz late Thursday, following what state media described as an attack by the US military on an Iranian oil tanker. The report said the forces targeted were “forced to flee after suffering damage.” It did not specify whether any foreign vessels were struck or detail casualties. These claims were attributed to an unnamed Iranian military officer quoted by state media. There has been no immediate confirmation from the US military of Iranian claims that its units were hit or forced to retreat. In past similar incidents, US officials have acknowledged defensive engagements — such as shooting down Iranian missiles, drones and small boats — without reporting damage to US vessels while enforcing naval operations in the Gulf.

Recent clashes underscore how volatile the situation is, as both sides accuse the other of breaching cease-fire terms and seek to assert dominance over maritime routes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint: control of the chokepoint directly affects energy markets and global shipping.

Surabhi Vasundharadevi, Social Media Reporter ; Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor ; Huda Ata, Special to Gulf News and Lekshmy Pavithran, Assistant Online Editor

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