Donald Trump has warned Tehran that the “clock is ticking” and threatened consequences if its leaders do not act quickly.
"For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!," the US president wrote in a Truth Social post.
Trump warned that if Tehran failed to reach a peace agreement with the US, it would face "a very bad time”.
"If they don’t, they’re going to have a bad time. A very bad time. They had better make a deal," Trump told French media. He also shared an AI-generated graphic of him and a US Navy admiral in front of stormy waters, and the line: "It was calm before the storm."
It comes after Trump spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran on Sunday as the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a security meeting with his cabinet, Israeli media reports.
Trump’s warning follows a drone strike sparked a fire at an electrical generator at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.
No injuries were reported, radiological safety levels were unaffected and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant's essential systems are operating normally.
Key Points
- Fire around electrical generator at nuclear plant in Abu Dhabi
- Tehran ready for conflict with US if peace talks fail: Araghchi
- US is seeking continued talks, says Tehran
- Trump says he and Xi agree to keep Iran from having nuclear arms
- Trump set to discuss military action in Situation Room meeting
Cheap missiles fitted to UK RAF fleet to protect Middle East from Iranian strikes
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerCheap new missiles designed to shoot down drones have been fitted to Britain’s fleet of RAF Typhoons and are now being used to protect the Middle East from Iranian air attacks, The Telegraph has reported.
According to reports, the fighter jets operating across the Gulf are now carrying the weapon system, which was developed in a matter of weeks through a hurried military effort.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the weapons cost a “fraction of the price” of munitions such as the £200,000 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) previously used to destroy Shahed drones, which themselves cost between £15,000 and £50,000.
Trump’s remarkable military failure shows abject fiasco of his Iran war
02:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Trump’s remarkable military failure shows abject fiasco of his Iran war
Watch: Iran accuses Trump of making ‘unreasonable’ demands after rejecting peace proposal
01:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: Soldiers, family and friends mourn Israeli army Captain who was killed in combat
00:02 , Rebecca Whittaker
UK inflation rate set to fall as lower household energy bills offset fuel surge
23:00 , Rebecca WhittakerUK inflation is set to have eased last month as a drop in household energy bills offset a jump in fuel prices but experts warned of turbulence ahead as the Iran energy price shock “catches up” with the cost of living.
Some economists think the rate of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation slowed to 3 per cent in April, from 3.3 per cent in March.
This would mean that prices were still rising year on year but at a slower rate than they were the month before.
Experts, however, point to a mixed picture for energy costs last month with motorists hit by a surge in fuel prices following the start of US-Israel’s war with Iran.
Indian government 'concerned' by UAE nuclear power plant attack
22:49 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Indian government has said it is "deeply concerned" by the attack on the UAE's only nuclear power plant.
India's ministry of external affairs said: “India is deeply concerned at the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE.
“Such actions are unacceptable and represent a dangerous escalation. We urgently call for restraint and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.”
No injuries were reported, radiological safety levels were unaffected and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant's essential systems are operating normally.
Labour leadership hopeful Wes Streeting praised Starmer over Iran decision
22:00 , Rebecca WhittakerLabour leadership hopeful Wes Streeting has praised prime minister Sir Keir Starmer over the decision for the UK not to join the US’ war with Iran in his resignation letter.
As the former health secretary stepped down to prepare to challenge Sir Keir he said: “You have shown courage and statesmanship on the world stage - not least in keeping Britain out of the war in Iran.”
However he said: “After the financial crisis, austerity, the disaster of Brexit, Liz Truss, the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine and now the war in Iran, the country needs to believe again that things can be better than this and that politics is part of the answer, not the source of the problem.
“These are big challenges that require a bold vision and bigger solutions than we are offering.”
Saudi Arabia said it destroyed three drones that entered its airspace
21:39 , Rebecca WhittakerSaudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones after they entered its territory from Iraqi airspace.
Spokesperson Major General Al-Maliki said in a post on X Saudi's defence ministry "reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place.”
It comes after the UAE's sole nuclear power plant was hit by a drone sparking a fire at an electrical generator.
Why Trump’s Pentagon wants to rebrand the Iran war
21:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Pentagon is considering renaming the U.S.’s war with Iran to “Operation Sledgehammer” if hostilities resume, according to a report.
The war began on February 28 under the name “Operation Epic Fury”, but efforts to bring an end to the conflict with a peace deal have stalled as neither side can agree on terms.
Trump is said to be considering further military action if Iran does not agree to a deal and reopen the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Read more here by Owen Scott:
Israel has stepped up its attacks in Gaza as it halts strikes in Iran
20:07 , Rebecca WhittakerIsraeli strikes killed at least eight Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, health officials said.
In the weeks since halting its joint bombing with the US in Iran, Israel has stepped up its attacks in Gaza, where Hamas has been tightening its grip, even as Israeli troops remain in control of more than half the territory.
Watch: US military is not investigating reports they bombed schools and hospitals in Iran
20:00 , Rebecca WhittakerTrump takes call with Netanyahu as they consider resuming military action
19:56 , Rebecca WhittakerDonald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken in a phone call today, amid reports that the US and Israel are considering resuming military action in Iran.
It comes on the same day Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a security meeting with his cabinet, according to Israeli media reports.
Trump set to discuss military action in Situation Room meeting
19:37 , Rebecca WhittakerDonald Trump is set to hold a Situation Room meeting with his national security team on Tuesday, according to US officials.
They will discuss the options for military action, according to Axios.
While Trump wants to end the war, Iran’s refusal to accept his demands has resulted in him considering military action.
Qatar issues statement strongly condemning the drone attack
19:32 , Rebecca WhittakerThe State of Qatar has issued a statement strongly condemning the drone attack on the United Arab Emirates.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement shared to X: “The attacks marked a dangerous escalation through the targeting of vital facilities and civilian infrastructure.
“The Ministry stresses the need to spare the region the consequences of such unjustified attacks and to intensify efforts aimed at de-escalation in order to restore regional and international security and stability.
“It also reiterates Qatar's full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for all measures taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its facilities.”
It comes after a drone strike sparked a fire at an electrical generator at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.
No injuries were reported, radiological safety levels were unaffected and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant's essential systems are operating normally.
Statement | Qatar Strongly Condemns Drone Attack on UAE Targeting Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) May 17, 2026
Doha | May 17, 2026
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the drone attack on the sisterly United Arab Emirates, including one drone that targeted Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al… pic.twitter.com/SgV3pIOcCt
Watch: 'Hurt them more': Lindsey Graham calls on Trump to strike energy infrastructure in Iran
19:30 , Rebecca WhittakerWatch: 'Hurt them more': Lindsey Graham calls on Trump to strike energy infrastructure in Iran
19:30 , Rebecca WhittakerTrump lambasts reporter inches from his face on flight from China and calls him ‘treasonous’ over Iran question
19:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPresident Donald Trump labeled a reporter “treasonous” and “fake” for his coverage of the ongoing Iran war during a tense exchange aboard Air Force One.
While en route to Washington after a three-day summit in Beijing, Trump was pressed about the situation in Iran — where the conflict is currently paused under a fragile ceasefire — after he indicated the military campaign could soon continue.
“What would be the use in repeating the bombing?” New York Times White House and National Security Correspondent David Sanger asked, standing just a few feet from the GOP president. “You did it for 38 days and you did not get the political changes in Iran.”
Read more here:
Trump lambasts reporter on flight from China and calls him ‘treasonous’ over question
UAE radiation levels normal after drone strike near Barakah plant
18:30 , Rebecca WhittakerRadiological safety levels are reportedly unaffected by a drone strike on an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, Abu Dhabi authorities have said.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant's essential systems were operating normally and reported no injuries.
However, it is not known how the drone strike happened.
"The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed," the UN nuclear watchdog said.
The UAE has faced repeated missile and drone attacks during the Israel-US-Iran conflict.
Trump warns Iran that the 'clock is ticking' and they should act 'fast'
18:00 , Rebecca WhittakerUS president Donald Trump threatened that the “clock is ticking” for Iran and threatened consequences for Iran if its leaders do not act quickly.
"For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!," he wrote in a Truth Social post.
Watch: Trump claims ‘most’ Iranians have same first name
18:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
17:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
FIFA positive Iran will play 2026 world cup
17:00 , Rebecca WhittakerFIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom expressed confidence about Iran's participation in the 2026 football World Cup after a meeting with Iranian president Mehdi Taj yesterday.
All three of Iran's group matches are scheduled to take place in the US, but the team's participation in the 11 June to 19 July tournament has been in question amid the ongoing war.
"We've had an excellent and constructive meeting together with the Iranian football association. We're working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the FIFA World Cup," Grafstrom said.
Who is Ali al-Zaidi Iraq's new prime minister?
16:31 , Rebecca WhittakerIraq’s parliament on Thursday voted to approve the government program and part of the Cabinet lineup of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi but hit an impasse over some of the ministerial appointments.
Al-Zaidi, a businessman with no political background, emerged as a consensus candidate for prime minister after weeks of internal debate among the Coordination Framework’s member parties aimed at selecting a compromise candidate to lead the next government.
Al-Zaidi is Iraq’s youngest prime minister at the age of 40. Born in the capital, Baghdad, to a prominent family originating in the southern province of Dhi Qar, he built his career in the private and academic sectors.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in law and finance, as well as a master’s degree in banking and finance, and is a member of the Iraqi Bar Association.
The new Iraqi PM received the blessing of officials in both the U.S. and Iran. Iraq has close ties with the two rival countries and has long performed a delicate balancing act between them.
His new government will have to deal with the political and economic fallout of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which spilled over into Iraq while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted the oil exports on which Iraq’s economy depends.
Basim Mohammed was appointed as the country’s new oil minister while Fuad Hussein was kept on as the foreign minister in the new government, lawmakers told the Reuters news agency.
How Iran could fight a shadow war with US for months after Operation Epic Fury failed to destroy missiles
16:00 , Rebecca WhittakerIran has enough missile capability to continue fighting should Donald Trump choose to resume the war, US and Nato intelligence has assessed – and experts say it has several more cards up its sleeve.
The US president has repeatedly claimed that American forces have comprehensively destroyed Iran’s military, including its missile capabilities and navy, during six weeks of conflict before a ceasefire was agreed.
Intelligence agencies have warned that Iran still has access to most of its missiles and underground facilities, sources told The Independent, casting doubt over President Trump’s dubious claims that Iran has been “decimated” by the war.
Read more here by Alex Croft:
UAE investigate source of a droke attack near nuclear power plant
15:30 , Rebecca WhittakerThe UAE's defense ministry has launched an investigation to find the source of a drone attack that hit a generator outside the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi.
The defense ministry said it dealt "successfully" with two drones, while a third one hit a generator near the plant.
It said the drones were launched from the "western border", without providing further details.
Israeli cabinet approves defence compound in East Jerusalem
14:59 , Rebecca ThomasIsrael's cabinet has approved a plan to build a defence compound on the site of the recently demolished premises of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem.
Israel in January demolished structures inside the UN Palestinian refugee agency's East Jerusalem compound after seizing the site last year, in an act condemned by the agency as a violation of international law.
In a joint statement, the Defence Ministry and Jerusalem Municipality said the new compound would include the establishment of a military museum, a recruitment office and a defence minister's office.
Defence Minister Israel Katz called the decision one of "sovereignty, Zionism, and security." UNRWA, which Israeli authorities accuse of bias, had not used the building since the start of last year after Israel ordered it to vacate all its premises and cease its operations.
A UNRWA spokesperson declined to comment on the Israeli plan. The agency operates in East Jerusalem, which the UN and most countries consider territory occupied by Israel as it was captured from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war. Israel considers all Jerusalem to be its indivisible capital.
Cuba 'acquires 300 military drones'
14:42 , Rebecca ThomasCuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and recently began discussing plans to use them to attack the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, US military vessels and possibly Key West, Fla., 90 miles north of Havana, according to classified intelligence shared with Axios.
The intelligence shows the degree to which the Trump administration sees Cuba as a threat because of developments in drone warfare and the presence of Iranian military advisers in Havana, a senior told the outlet.
ICC denies issuing warrants
14:21 , Rebecca ThomasThe International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied a report in Israeli media on Sunday that it had issued new arrest warrants for five Israeli political and military officials for alleged crimes against Palestinians.
ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet said that the report, in Israel's Haaretz newspaper, was not accurate, and the court "denies the issuance of new arrest warrants in the situation in the state of Palestine".
Israel has repeatedly denied that its actions in the war in Gaza constitute a breach of international law
Trump advisors fear China could invade Taiwan 'within 5 years'
14:09 , Chris StevensonSome close advisers to President Trump fear the most significant result of the China summit with Xi Jinping is heightened danger that Beijing will invade Taiwan in the next five years, potentially choking off the chips used to power AI to US companies, Axios reports.
One Trump adviser said President Xi is "trying to move China to a new position where he's saying: 'We're not a rising power. We're your equal. And Taiwan is mine.'"
"This trip signalled a much higher likelihood that Taiwan will be on the table in the next five years," the adviser added.
Radiation levels 'normal'
13:50 , Rebecca ThomasThe International Atomic Energy Agency has said it has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike caused a fire in an external electrical generator.
“The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed," the nuclear watchdog added.
Protestors in Pakistan hold anti US-Israel march
13:32 , Rebecca ThomasProtestors hold placards during an anti US-Israel protest in Karachi on May 16, 2026.
Labour leadership hopeful Wes Streeting praised Starmer over Iran decision
13:17 , Rebecca ThomasLabour leadership hopeful Wes Streeting has praised prime minister Sir Keir Starmer over the decision for the UK not to join the US’ war with Iran in his resignation letter.
As the former health secretary stepped down to prepare to challenge Sir Keir he said: “You have shown courage and statesmanship on the world stage - not least in keeping Britain out of the war in Iran.”
However he said: “After the financial crisis, austerity, the disaster of Brexit, Liz Truss, the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine and now the war in Iran, the country needs to believe again that things can be better than this and that politics is part of the answer, not the source of the problem.
“These are big challenges that require a bold vision and bigger solutions than we are offering.”
Netanyahu to speak to Trump
13:00 , Chris StevensonIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was scheduled to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Netanyahu said that in he expected to hear about Trump's trip to China, while suggesting they would also discuss Iran.
Trump warns Iran will have "a very bad time" if no deal agreed
12:46 , Rebecca Thomas
Fire at nuclear plant in Abu Dhabi
12:33 , Rebecca ThomasAuthorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire caused by a drone strike on an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Media Office have said.
No injuries were reported, radiological safety levels were unaffected and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant's `essential systems are operating normally.
The statement did not say who was to blame for the suspected drone attack.
The UAE has faced repeated missile and drone attacks during the Israel-US-Iran conflict, including incidents authorities said originated from Iran and targeted energy and maritime infrastructure.
US Treasury allows sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil to lapse
12:15 , Rebecca ThomasThe Trump administration on Saturday allowed a sanctions waiver to lapse that had previously allowed countries including India to buy Russian seaborne oil after a month-long extension aimed at easing oil supply shortages and high prices due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously said he would not renew the general license allowing the purchase of Russian oil stored on tankers.
As of early afternoon Washington time on Saturday, no renewal notice had been posted on the Treasury website. A Treasury spokesperson declined further comment.
Trump: Xi Jinping is ‘right’ to call America ‘nation in decline’
12:00 , Rebecca ThomasUS president Donald Trump said Xi Jinping was “right” to call America “a nation in decline” during an interview with Fox News on Friday (15 May).
Speaking with Fox News anchor Bret Baier following his return from China, Trump revealed that he agreed with Xi Jinping's assessment of the US.
Recalling his conversation with the Chinese president, Trump said, “He said that America is a nation in decline," and noted that he had responded, "You're right."
Trump later clarified that he was referring specifically to the Biden administration, and went on to praise his own administration.
More than one million displaced in Lebanon since conflict began
11:45 , Rebecca ThomasFirst responders gather at the site of an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon.
South Korea asks for Iran's position on ship attack near Strait of Hormuz
11:31 , Rebecca ThomasSouth Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun has asked for Iran's position on a recent attack on a South Korean cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart on Sunday, Seoul's foreign ministry said.
A South Korean official has previously said the possibility that an entity other than Iran was responsible for the attack is low.
US and Isreal 'do not learn lessons' says Russian Envoy
11:30 , Rebecca ThomasA Russian Envoy has criticised the US and Israel over reports suggesting the countries are preparing for new attacks.
Posting on social media site X, Mikhail Ulyanov, said: Western experts believe that the #US and #Israel can resume military strikes against #Iran in the coming days, if not hours. If that is true, it means that the US and Israel do not learn lessons from their past strategic mistakes.”
Western experts believe that the #US and #Israel can resume military strikes against #Iran in the coming days, if not hours. If that is true, it means that the US and Israel do not learn lessons from their past strategic mistakes.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 16, 2026
UK inflation rate set to fall as lower household energy bills offset fuel surge
11:15 , Rebecca ThomasUK inflation is set to have eased last month as a drop in household energy bills offset a jump in fuel prices but experts warned of turbulence ahead as the Iran energy price shock “catches up” with the cost of living.
Some economists think the rate of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation slowed to 3 per cent in April, from 3.3 per cent in March.
This would mean that prices were still rising year on year but at a slower rate than they were the month before.
Experts, however, point to a mixed picture for energy costs last month with motorists hit by a surge in fuel prices following the start of US-Israel’s war with Iran.
Iranian Oscar winner describes 'deeply painful' deaths of thousands
10:45 , Rebecca ThomasAsghar Farhadi, director of the first Iranian film to win the Oscar for best foreign language movie, on Friday described as deeply painful the deaths of thousands of people in a January crackdown on protesters and the ongoing war affecting Iran.
"I was actually in Tehran last week, and I am still carrying the impact of these events with me," the two-time Oscar-winning director told journalists at the Cannes Film Festival, where his film "Parallel Tales" premiered the night before.
Factbox-All you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest final
Aftermath of Isreali strikes on Lebanon following truce
10:30 , Rebecca ThomasIsrael launched a massive series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon on May 16, 2026, despite an extension of the truce between the two countries.
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The strikes hit the southern Lebanon coastal city of Tyre on May 16, 2026.
Cheap missiles fitted to UK RAF fleet to protect Middle East from Iranian strikes
10:15 , Rebecca ThomasCheap new missiles designed to shoot down drones have been fitted to Britain’s fleet of RAF Typhoons and are now being used to protect the Middle East from Iranian air attacks, The Telegraph has reported.
According to reports, the fighter jets operating across the Gulf are now carrying the weapon system, which was developed in a matter of weeks through a hurried military effort.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the weapons cost a “fraction of the price” of munitions such as the £200,000 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) previously used to destroy Shahed drones, which themselves cost between £15,000 and £50,000.
Trump would accept 20 year suspension of nuclear programme from Iran
10:00 , Rebecca ThomasUS President Donald Trump said he would accept a 20-year suspension by Iran of its nuclear programme.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One after talks in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said the two sides had agreed Tehran could not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which it is currently blocking, prompting a rise in world oil prices.
When a reporter suggested that a 20-year suspension of Iran's nuclear programme was not enough, he replied: "Twenty years is enough, but the level of guarantee from them, in other words it's got to be a real 20 years." He did no elaborate.
Israeli attacks cost Lebanon an estimated $2bn, reports
09:45 , Rebecca ThomasLebanese Economy Minister Amer Bisat told news outlet Al Jazeera that Lebanon is estimated to have lost up to $2bn due to Israel’s escalation of its war on the country since March 2.
“The impact has been fairly major. We think of them in terms of multiple challenges. One challenge is the economic impact itself, people losing their jobs, farms not producing, manufacturing companies closing [and] tourists not showing up,” he said.
“That impact is very large. We are estimating during the war we lost probably $2bn. That’s roughly 7 percent of the GDP.”
