Latest live updates — key developments, sorted roughly newest to oldest.
0m ago — Hezbollah drone wounds 3 civilians
Israeli authorities and hospitals say a Hezbollah-launched explosive drone detonated inside Israel, injuring three civilians, two severely. The strike occurred ahead of U.S.-brokered Israel‑Lebanon talks in Washington. Israeli rescue services report this is the first time civilians were hurt by Hezbollah projectiles since the ceasefire. Israel says it continues to face frequent Hezbollah drone attacks and has struck positions across southern Lebanon in response.
29m ago — Retail sales slow amid higher gas prices
U.S. retail sales rose 0.5% in April, down from a revised 1.6% in March, the Commerce Department reported. Excluding gas, April retail sales increased 0.3% (versus 0.7% in March). Higher fuel costs tied to the conflict have constrained spending on discretionary items; department store and furniture sales declined while online and electronics retailers saw gains.
55m ago — Iran says Strait open for commercial vessels, with conditions
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told BRICS foreign ministers the Strait of Hormuz is “open for commercial vessels, as far as we are concerned,” but said ships must cooperate with Iran’s navy. He framed U.S. actions as a blockade and urged its removal.
8:37 AM — South Korea sends team to investigate ship attack
Seoul dispatched a technical analysis team to Dubai to probe a May 4 missile strike on the cargo ship Namu (operated by HMM), which left a large gash in the stern. The 10-person team includes researchers from a state defense institute; South Korea and the UAE condemned the attack.
8:11 AM — Treasury secretary: China has strong interest in reopening Hormuz
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking from Beijing, told CNBC he believes China is “very much” interested in getting the Strait of Hormuz reopened and will work behind the scenes to influence Iranian leaders where possible. He said leadership disruptions inside Iran complicate communication and de-escalation.
7:40 AM — Tehran allows some Chinese vessels after talks, Iranian outlets say
Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that, following talks between Iranian and Chinese officials, some Chinese ships were allowed to transit the Strait. State media said more than 30 ships passed since Wednesday night “in coordination” with Iran’s maritime authorities; IRIB quoted a correspondent saying coordination with the IRGC Navy is now the quickest route through the strait. The UK maritime center separately reported a ship was boarded off Fujairah and directed toward Iran.
7:28 AM — Iran accuses UAE of partnering in U.S.-Israeli actions
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi publicly accused the UAE of being an “active partner” in aggression against Iran and suggested the UAE was involved in attacks. The UAE has denied such claims; Gulf states have repeatedly rejected allegations they allow their territory to be used for strikes on Iran.
6:55 AM — Trump and Xi agree Strait “must remain open,” White House says
The White House issued a readout of President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing saying both leaders agreed the Strait of Hormuz “must remain open to support the free flow of energy.” The readout says Xi opposed militarization of the strait or charging a toll for its use and expressed interest in buying more American oil to reduce dependence on the waterway. Both leaders also agreed that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.
6:55 AM — Indian vessel crew rescued after attack off Oman
India’s foreign ministry called an attack on an Indian-flagged ship off Oman “unacceptable” and said Omani authorities rescued all crew members. The ministry condemned targeting of commercial shipping and mariners; it did not name the attacker.
6:55 AM — Israel reports strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces said it launched strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon and issued evacuation warnings for nearby villages. The moves came hours before U.S.-brokered Israel‑Lebanon talks in Washington.
6:55 AM — Vessel seized off UAE coast reported bound for Iran
The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations center reported a ship at anchor off Fujairah was taken by “unauthorized personnel” and is now headed toward Iranian waters. The incident is one of several attacks and boardings near the strategic waterway since the conflict began; both Iran and U.S. forces have imposed naval restrictions in the area.
6:55 AM — New Washington talks between Israel and Lebanon as ceasefire nears end
Lebanon and Israel are meeting in Washington for another round of talks as a ceasefire extension approaches its end. Previous talks produced a three‑week extension; Lebanon’s priorities reportedly include a full ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, prisoner releases, and stronger Lebanese army deployment along the border.
6:55 AM — U.S. military says 15 humanitarian ships allowed through since blockade
U.S. Central Command said it has allowed 15 merchant vessels “supporting humanitarian aid” to transit since the blockade of Iranian ports began. CENTCOM also said U.S. forces have redirected 67 commercial vessels and disabled four “to ensure compliance” with restrictions.
Context and ongoing concerns
– Shipping and energy security: The Strait of Hormuz normally carries a large share of global oil and LNG shipments. The war-driven disruptions, rival blockades, and repeated attacks on merchant ships have raised global energy and supply-chain concerns. U.S. and Chinese leaders have emphasized the strait’s importance; Iran insists on coordination with its navy and denounces U.S. actions as a blockade.
– Regional escalations: Cross‑border strikes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite a fragile ceasefire; Lebanon’s government is engaged in talks with Israel but Hezbollah is not a negotiation participant. Multiple incidents at sea — missile or drone strikes, boardings, and seizures — have prompted international investigations and condemnations.
– Diplomacy: Washington is pressing China to play a more active role in de‑escalation because of Beijing’s economic ties to the region; Chinese officials have voiced both opposition to militarization of the strait and interest in securing energy supplies.
What to watch next
– Progress or breakdown in U.S.-brokered Israel‑Lebanon talks in Washington.
– Further developments from the Trump‑Xi meeting on energy and security cooperation, and any follow-up steps from Beijing.
– Investigations into recent ship attacks (including the Namu) and reports of vessels taken or boarded near the UAE.
– Any changes in commercial traffic patterns through the Strait of Hormuz and statements from Iran, the U.S., and maritime security agencies.
This feed will be updated as new information becomes available.