US, Gulf states draft UN resolution to ensure safe passage of vessels through Hormuz
The US and Gulf states have drafted a UN resolution to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with a Security Council vote expected soon.
The resolution calls on Iran to stop attacking ships, laying sea mines, and charging transit fees.
Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, were involved in the preparation of the draft.
It also urges Iran to disclose the locations of sea mines and help remove them. The draft also proposes setting up a humanitarian corridor in the strait.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to hold the world’s economy hostage.”
The resolution has been revised to avoid vetoes by Russia and China.
Maroosha Muzaffar6 May 2026 04:40
Cargo vessel struck by projectile at Strait of Hormuz, British maritime authority says
A cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile within the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Tuesday.
The British maritime authority said the environmental impact from the incident was unknown.
A statement said: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident within the Strait of Hormuz.
“A verified source reported a cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile. Environmental impact is unknown at time of report.
“Vessels are advised to report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, whilst authorities investigate.”
Maroosha Muzaffar6 May 2026 04:35
Iranian foreign minister arrives in Beijing on first visit to China since US attacks on Iran began
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting China for the first time since the US-Israel attacks on Iran began.
The main focus of the trip is maintaining the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
China has criticised the US blockade of Iranian ports but is also increasingly critical of Iran’s role in closing the Strait of Hormuz.
(AFP/Getty)
Iran is seeking clarity on what support China will offer if Tehran agrees to reopen the waterway. A key concern is whether China will continue backing Iran at the UN, especially if new sanctions are proposed.
Maroosha Muzaffar6 May 2026 04:26
UAE comes under missile and drone attacks for second consecutive day, defence ministry says
The UAE came under missile and drone attacks for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, according to its defence ministry.
Iran has denied responsibility, with the IRGC saying its forces saying late on Tuesday that they “have not carried out any missile or drone operations against the UAE in recent days”.
“If any action had been taken, we would have announced it firmly and clearly. Therefore, the report of that country’s ministry of defence is absolutely denied and is devoid of any truth,” the IRGC statement carried by the Fars news agency said.
The attacks follow earlier strikes that injured at least three people and caused a fire at a key oil facility in Fujairah.
Maroosha Muzaffar6 May 2026 04:16
‘Project Freedom’ to be paused, Trump says
Donald Trump has said “Project Freedom” – the US effort to safely escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz – “will be paused for a short period of time”.
The US president said the move was taken “to see whether or not” an agreement with Iran “can be finalised”.
He added that the decision followed “a request of Pakistan and other countries”.
Maroosha Muzaffar6 May 2026 04:11
Briefing: What we know on the 68th day of the US-Israel war on IranDonald Trump has paused “Project Freedom”, the US operation aimed at guiding stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, to allow space for negotiations with Iran. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect, according to Trump. Marco Rubio said the US had made some adjustments to a draft UN resolution on the Strait of Hormuz to try and avoid vetoes by China and Russia. A cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile within the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Tuesday. Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has “no chance” and “never did” as he boasted about wiping out the country’s military capabilities.
Maroosha Muzaffar6 May 2026 03:52