Tehran points to global diplomatic shift and naval blockade deadline in latest remarks
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified that the Americans are and remain the important partner for Germany in the North Atlantic (Nato) alliance. "We have a common goal: Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons."
German media also quoted the chancellor as saying there was "no connection" between disagreements over the Iran war and the pullout of US troops from Germany while insisting he shared Trump's goal of ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
A senior Iranian official warned on Monday (May 4, 2026) that Tehran would consider any US attempt to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz a breach of the ceasefire.
"Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire," Ebrahim Azizi, head of the national security commission in Iran's parliament, posted on X.
As the Strait of Hormuz turns into a volatile chokepoint, Iraq is urgently pivoting its energy strategy. By rerouting fuel exports through Syria, Baghdad is attempting to bypass the increasingly dangerous waterway that long served as its primary artery to global markets. This shift to land-based logistics signals a major tactical move that could permanently reshape regional energy supply chains and reduce dependence on the vulnerable Strait.
The US military will start escorting hundreds of ships stranded in the Arabian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz as a humanitarian gesture in what US President Donald Trump calls "Project Freedom".
Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, choking off major flows of oil, gas and fertilizer to the world economy, while the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Trump said "countries from all over the world" had requested American aid in navigating through the key waterway and out of the Gulf. "For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business," Trump said.
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that "very positive discussions" were underway with Iran on finding a solution to the crisis, but nevertheless added that the US will soon start escorting ships through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, told state television that Tehran had submitted a 14-point plan "focused on ending the war," and that Washington had responded to it in a message to Pakistani mediators.
"I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), received a delegation from the European Parliament, headed by Reinhold Lopatka, today at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the partnership and cooperation between the GCC and the European Parliament, aimed at serving mutual interests and benefiting their peoples, while contributing to the further support of Gulf-European relations.
They also exchanged views on optimal ways and proposals to enhance bilateral relations. In response to questions from the parliamentary delegation, Albudaiwi emphasised that the GCC states seek to strengthen ties with their regional and international partners to promote development, prosperity, security, and stability. He pointed out that the delegation's visit to the General Secretariat today strengthens Gulf-European relations and opens broader horizons for cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest regional developments. The members of the European Parliament delegation underlined their support for the GCC states in the face of recent Iranian attacks against them."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday he would not give up on working with US President Donald Trump, despite a spat between the leaders over the war in Iran.
"I am not giving up on working on the transatlantic relationship. Nor am I giving up on working with Donald Trump," Merz told public broadcaster ARD in an interview set to air Sunday night.
Iran has received the US response to its 14-point plan to end the war, according to the foreign affairs ministry.
Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the response received through Pakistan and is being reviewed.
He added that Iran’s plan was exclusively tied to ending the war, with no nuclear negotiations at this stage.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the United States was "suffocating" Iran's leadership through an "economic blockade" launched alongside the US military offensive.
"This began with the order last March from President Trump on max pressure, and three weeks ago the President gave the order to Treasury myself to begin Economic Fury," Bessent said in a Fox News interview, referring to his department's initiative to supplement the Pentagon's "Operation Epic Fury."
"We are suffocating the regime, and they are not able to pay their soldiers. This is a real economic blockade, and it is in all parts of government - all hands on deck," he told the Sunday Morning Futures programme.
Both Iran and the United States have imposed restrictions on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway for the energy industry exporting hydrocarbons from the Gulf.
While Iran has blocked most shipping in the passageway, the US Navy says it is blocking all ships heading to or from Iranian ports. Both sides are said to be negotiating as a fragile ceasefire holds.
