Wall Street hits new closing highs on Iran deal hopes US stocks have closed higher as investors cheered signs of a peace deal between the United States and Iran. AAP · May 31
Iran and US trade strikes as Kuwait comes under fire The US military says it has struck Iranian air defences, a ground control station and two drones that were threatening ships. AAP · May 31
EU May Freeze Price Cap On Russian Oil Purchases As Iran Turmoil Continues The hopes of an end to the conflict are also not concrete, given the back-and-forth negotiations between the Trump administration and the Iranian regime. International Business Times · May 31
Iran's IRGC says 28 ships passed through Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours Iran's IRGC reports 28 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz under its security. The IRGC states the Persian Gulf's insecurity stems from US actions. Iran recently launched a new body to manage maritime traffic in the strait. The US has imposed sanctions on this body, accusing Iran of extortion. The Economic Times · May 31
Iran says does not trust US as Trump toughens terms TEHRAN - Iran's chief negotiator warned on Sunday the United States was not to be trusted, saying Tehran would not agree to any deal with Washington unless it fully secured Iranian rights. Bangkok Post · May 31
Any deal with Iran that restricts Israel's ability...would be unwise: US Senator Graham draws red line Senator Lindsey Graham issued a stern warning against any Middle East diplomatic deal that would impede Israel's military actions against Hamas and Hezbollah. He emphasized that Israel must be allowed to neutralize threats from Hezbollah, stating that any ceasefire would enable rearmament. Graham also expressed confidence that President Trump would… The Economic Times · May 31
France's Macron says 'nothing justifies' south Lebanon escalation France's President Emmanuel Macron condemns the escalating conflict in south Lebanon. He stresses the urgent need for a US-Iran agreement to ensure regional stability. Macron also calls for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. France will support Lebanon's territorial integrity and calls for all weapons to fall silent. The Economic Times · May 31
What to know as Israeli forces' historic push inside Lebanon complicates an Iran deal Israeli forces are engaged in their deepest incursion into Lebanon in over two decades. This is happening despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and initial direct talks between Israel and Lebanon. Israel is targeting Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. Lebanon accuses Israel of widespread destruction. Over 3,300 people have been killed in… The Economic Times · May 31
The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following Editorial: Authoritarian states are increasingly shutting off or throttling access to the internet, creating separate spheres in a realm built on connection The Guardian - UK · May 31
Trump's messy makeover reveals golden age of chaos TOI correspondent from Washington: US President Donald Trump is facing growing questions about the coherence of his middle-east policy after claiming he has deliberately "spared" Iran's military, despite repeatedly declaring that US forces had already "decimated," and "obliterated," Iran's military capabilities. The Times of India · May 31
The Times of India · May 31 Trump sends back revised Iran deal text; seeks 'tougher language' on nuclear terms, Strait of Hormuz reopening Just a week after declaring a proposed agreement with Iran "largely finalised", US President Donald Trump has reportedly sent the Iran deal back for revisions, prolonging negotiations and casting fresh uncertainty over efforts to end the conflict.
The Independent UK · May 31 Trump appears to contradict earlier claims about impact of US strikes on Iran IN FULL
The Economic Times · May 31 "Will not approve any agreement until we have taken rights of our people": Iranian Parliament Speaker on peace deal with US According to a statement issued by the Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Ghalibaf's remarks, the Speaker emphasised the importance of translating military achievements into political and legal gains, referring to Tehran's military resilience against the US-Israel coalition force during the period of the continued conflict.
The Independent UK · May 31 Trump now says US left Iran’s military ‘alone’ after weeks of boasting that he destroyed its forces With a ceasefire deal awaiting Trump’s approval, the president contradicts himself over the scale of U.S. military successes
The Independent UK · May 31 Israeli forces make historic push inside Lebanon and complicate an Iran deal Israeli forces are now deeper inside Lebanon than they have been in over 25 years, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire
International Business Times · May 31 US Warns Of Sanctions Risk If Deals On Strait Of Hormuz Passage Are Struck The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world though which a fifth of the world's energy transit was routed. After the US-Israeli strikes began on February 28, the passage of vessels through the Strait has been hit, severely disrupting…