USS Truxtun, a destroyer deployed in the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Israel War on Iran (File)
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American and Pakistani officials say Iran and the US are close to agreeing a one-page memorandum to advance negotiations for an end to the US-Israel War.
The memorandum is based on a 14-point Iranian proposal passed to the Trump camp via Pakistan last week. The first stage of talks would be covered by a 30-day ceasefire.
Key points are unclear, however. The Iranian proposal focuses in the first stage on an arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz and a lasting ceasefire. Only then would a second stage consider Tehran’s nuclear program.
The Trump camp has insisted that the nuclear issue be part of the initial stage, before confirmation of a long-term ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is conferring with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing.
Araghchi hailed China as a close ally and said bilateral cooperation “will become stronger under current circumstances”.
We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations….We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement.
Wang said China, a reliable strategic partner for Iran, is “deeply distressed” over the US-Israel war.
He continued, “We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed, that a resumption of hostilities is not acceptable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations.”
Iranian FM Araghchi holds talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing.
The visit comes ahead of Donald Trump’s expected trip to China. pic.twitter.com/xyqRllfpmd
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) May 6, 2026
Araghchi also spoke by phone with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. A statement summarized:
The parties in this conversation, whilst reviewing the latest regional developments, stressed the continuation of the path of diplomacy and cooperation between regional countries to prevent the emergence and escalation of tension.
A French-owned vessel, the San Antonio, was attacked on Tuesday as it tried to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The owner, the shipping and logistics company CMA CGM confirmed that crew had been injured and the vessel damaged.
The wounded have been evacuated and are being treated.
The Israel Defense Forces have issued evacuation warnings for 12 villages in southern Lebanon ahead of airstrikes.
Israel is continuing attacks across the south despite a ceasefire, claiming that it is targeting Hezbollah.
Residents of Kaouthariyet al-Saiyad, Ghassaniyeh, Mazraat al-Daoudiyeh, Bedias, Rihan, Zellaya, Bazouriye, Harouf, Habboush, Ansariyeh, Qalaouiyeh, and Deir ez-Zahrani were instructed this morning to evacuate at least a kilometer away.
Most of the villages are located north of the Litani River, 30 km (19 miles) inside Lebanon.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported Israeli airstrikes on the towns of Reshknanay and Safad al-Battikh. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Israel said Hezbollah launched several rockets, mortars, and explosive drones at Israeli troops. The projectiles struck near the forces, but did not cause any injuries.
The US price of regular unleaded gasoline passed $4.50 a gallon for the first time since July 2022.
The price is up more than 50% from its level of $2.98 when the US-Israel War on Iran started on February 28.
The cost of premium unleaded $5.34 a gallon.
In a social media post, Trump abruptly paused the operation, which would guide vessels out of the waterway, for “a short period…on the request of Pakistan and other Countries”. He claimed, without evidence, “Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran.”
Hours earlier, both Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Project Freedom was rapidly developing.
Hegseth claimed hundreds of commercial ships were lining up for passage. Rubio said the US was carrying out the operation as a “favor to the world … because we’re the only ones that can”.
In fact, only two American-flagged vessels was confirmed to have transited the Strait under US guidance. Iran struck several, including a cargo ship as Rubio was speaking.
More than 800 vessels have been bottled up in the Strait and Persian Gulf since the US-Israel War started February 28. Iran declared its closure of the waterway, through which around 20% of the world’s maritime oil and gas passes, four days later.
The Secretary of State turned to China for assistance, asking it to press Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his visit to Beijing on Wednesday.
“It is in China’s interest that Iran stop closing the strait,” Rubio said.