Reports indicate that the United States is intensifying its review of new military options against Iran, while former President Donald Trump stated he is waiting for Iran's economic collapse due to an ongoing naval blockade.
In Karaj, an Iranian wrote on a wall: "The IRGC pigs are full and fat while our kids are starving," highlighting the economic disparity and corruption in Iran. This message reflects the struggle of ordinary families who cannot afford basic necessities, while the regime continues to allocate resources to military and terrorist activities.
The US Senate has confirmed Kevin Warsh to be a member of the Federal Reserve Governors.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is "100 percent" confident that Iran will halt uranium enrichment and hand over its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States, as reported in an interview with Sid Rosenberg's radio program. Trump referred to the enriched uranium as "dust," a term he used previously in the context of U.S. attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities during the 12-day war in June of the previous year.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a Maltese-flagged oil tanker, the "Agios Fanourios," was prevented from passing through the Strait of Hormuz due to a violation of the maritime blockade. Additionally, several other oil tankers have been intercepted for violating sanctions against Iranian ports.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council strongly condemned the infiltration of elements affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into Bubiyan Island, Kuwait, and expressed support for Kuwait's actions to maintain security and stability. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry had previously summoned Iran's Ambassador following the incident.
Kuwait has accused Iran of attempting a failed attack on Bubiyan Island, a strategic territory hosting a China-funded port project, and has summoned the Iranian ambassador to deliver a protest note. Four suspects were arrested while two escaped.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio stated that the United States prefers the Strait of Hormuz to remain open and operating normally, with uninterrupted shipping, amid increasing pressures on the Iranian regime regarding the security of energy routes.
US naval forces engaged in further naval encounters with Iranian small gun boats in the Strait of Hormuz on the same day, according to sources.
On Tuesday, May 12, a Bahraini court sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment and fined one of them 10,000 dinars for charges of collaborating with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, more than 20 others were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for supporting Iran, filming prohibited locations, and engaging in violence and sabotage.
In 2026, CENTCOM recognized thousands of service members in the Middle East with awards, promotions, and new leadership roles.
In 2026, thousands of U.S. service members serving in the Middle East were recognized for exceptional performance through awards, promotions, and new leadership roles.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is using Turkish cryptocurrency exchanges and private aircraft to evade U.S. sanctions, following the closure of currency supply routes in the United Arab Emirates.
Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Foreign Minister, emphasized during a visit to Doha and a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani that Iran should not use the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure or a "weapon," citing its critical importance for regional stability and the global economy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. inflation rose to 3.8 percent in April from 3.3 percent in March, primarily due to increased gasoline prices linked to disruptions in oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The rise in energy and fuel costs is cited as the main driver behind the 0.5 percentage point increase in inflation.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest the "infiltration" by four armed members affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who intended to carry out hostile actions in Kuwait. During a clash with security forces, one Kuwaiti security personnel was injured, and two suspects fled.
The United Arab Emirates conducted an attack on an Iranian refinery in April 2025, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The United Arab Emirates conducted airstrikes on an Iranian refinery located on Lavan Island, escalating tensions between the two nations.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Iranian regime is facing economic isolation due to port blockades, which will lead to the collapse of Iran's economy. He also mentioned that Iran had initially agreed to hand over enriched uranium but later changed its position.
Satellite imagery indicates that no Iranian oil tanker has loaded crude oil at Kharg Island in the past four days, as of the latest image captured today.
