Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened to halt negotiations and confront Israel if its military operations in Lebanon continue, amid heightened regional tensions.

Ghalibaf said he had phone call with Nabih Berri, speaker of Lebanon’s parliament, in which emphasised solidarity with Hezbollah and Lebanese allies. “If the Zionist regime’s crimes in Lebanon persist, we will not only stop the talks but will stand against them,” he posted on X.

He concluded with chants of “Long live the resistance! Long live the defense of the motherland! Long live the brotherhood of the Iranian and Lebanese nations!”

The statement comes against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, part of broader 2026 hostilities that have included direct Iran-Israel exchanges.

Iran has long provided support to the Hezbollah, the powerful Iran-backed militia that has long operated as a “state within a state”.

The group, listed as a terrorist organisation by the UAE, the GCC, the US, the UK and several other countries, is a key proxy in Iran’s narrative of “axis of resistance” against Israel.

Ghalibaf, a prominent hard-liner and former IRGC commander, plays a key role in Iran’s strategic messaging and past ceasefire talks. His remarks underscore Tehran’s willingness to escalate support for allies despite diplomatic pressures.

GN

Iran’s chief negotiator has warned the US cannot be trusted, saying Tehran will not accept any deal unless its rights are fully secured. The comments come amid reports of a tougher revised US proposal sent by President Donald Trump. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, both sides are still exchanging amendments to the draft, with no final agreement reached. Any changes could further delay efforts to end the Middle East conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of tense talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that “until a clear conclusion is reached… everything being said now is speculation,” according to state media. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.

07:22 AM, 1 June 2026

US responds with self-defence strikes after Iranian aggression

CENTCOM said the ‘measured and deliberate’ strikes took place on Saturday and Sunday in response to what it described as aggressive Iranian actions, including the downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters.

According to CENTCOM, US fighter aircraft responded by destroying Iranian air defence systems, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that it said posed a threat to ships transiting regional waters.

No US personnel were injured in the operation.

CENTCOM added that it will continue to protect US assets and interests in response to what it called “unwarranted Iranian aggression” during the ongoing ceasefire.

07:05 AM, 1 June 2026

Kuwait air defences currently intercepting missiles, drones

The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army says the country’s air defences are currently intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks.

Authorities said any explosion sounds being heard are the result of air defence systems engaging and intercepting incoming threats.

Officials have urged the public to strictly follow all security and safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities as the situation develops.

04:07 AM, 1 June 2026

Denied: Reports of Iranian President Pezeshkian’s resignation

In a swift rebuttal to circulating rumours, sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s office firmly denied reports of his resignation.

The denial, amplified by Iran’s official channels and state-affiliated media like Tasnim News, comes as the country navigates a fragile ceasefire with the United States following months of intense conflict.

President Pezeshkian, 71, a reformist politician and former heart surgeon, appeared in a newly released video from the official presidency website, projecting resolve.

Seated at a formal meeting with advisors, the reformist leader emphasised his commitment to advancing Iran’s “progress and prosperity” despite ongoing challenges.

03:28 AM, 1 June 2026

Iran reopens 50 access points at 18 missile sites

Amid instense US-Iran talks and renewed tensions, new satellite imagery suggests Iranian crews are already moving bulldozers and dump trucks into damaged underground missile and nuclear-linked sites, rapidly clearing debris and reopening access routes.

The images, as reported by CNN, highlight a stark reality of modern warfare: even after precision strikes and advanced bunker-buster munitions, efforts are ongoing to restore critical infrastructure hit by previous US-Israeli bombings.

03:07 AM, 1 June 2026

Crude oil rises 2% on renewed bullish sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions

Crude oil just woke up with serious attitude this Monday morning (June 1, 2026).

As Asian markets kicked off the new trading week, WTI Crude blasted higher to $89.41, jumping $2.05 (+2.35%), while benchmark Brent Crude powered up to $93.03, gaining $1.91 (+2.10%), as of 8.07 am in Tokyo trading. 

Energy traders keeping an out on the demand side while assessing signs of improving economic activity in Asia and North America, are bullish as both major contracts punched through key levels in early sessions.

02:24 AM, 1 June 2026

Iran President Pezeshkian ‘resigns’, cites growing IRGC control: Report

Reports indicate that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has formally submitted a resignation letter to the office of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iran International.

The report, which cites a source familiar with the matter, says Pezeshkian argued that Iran’s elected government has been increasingly sidelined as hardline factions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) expand their influence over key state decisions.

According to the reported contents of the letter, Pezeshkian stated that the presidency and civilian government have effectively been excluded from major decision-making processes, leaving him unable to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.

The report describes the situation as evidence of a widening power struggle between civilian institutions and military-security centers within the Islamic Republic.

The reported resignation underscores a deeper issue: even the restricted authority traditionally granted to Iran’s civilian government may be shrinking further as military-security factions consolidate influence.

Whether the resignation is accepted — or whether the report is officially confirmed — remains unclear.

On May 7, 2026 President Pezeshkian he had met Mojtaba Khamenei in person and spoken with him for two and a half hours, in the first public confirmation that the Islamic Republic’s new ayatollah has been seen by a senior official since his appointment more than two months ago, Iranian and European media sources reported then.

Gulf News

US President Donald Trump said Washington is getting closer to reaching an agreement with Iran, while warning that military options remain on the table if negotiations fail. In a Fox News interview, Trump also accused the ‘fake news media’ of undermining US successes, calling it Iran’s ‘biggest asset’ for downplaying American gains. Meanwhile, CENTCOM said American forces remain ‘present and vigilant’ across the region as tensions persist. IRGC said it shot down a US drone further heightening regional friction. In related developments, UAE motorists are set to face higher fuel prices for a fourth consecutive month in June. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.

11:20 AM, 31 May 2026

Israel army says Hezbollah drone kills soldier

The Israeli army announced Sunday that one of its soldiers had been killed the previous day by a Hezbollah explosive drone in southern Lebanon, bringing to 25 the number of Israeli military deaths since early March.

Staff Sergeant Michael Tyukin, 21, “fell in combat in southern Lebanon,” the army said in a brief statement. An army spokesman told AFP he was killed by a Hezbollah drone strike.

In total, 25 Israelis have been killed – 24 soldiers and one civilian contractor – since hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah resumed on March 2, when the Shiite militant group reopened thr front in support of Tehran, following Israeli-US strikes.

10:30 AM, 31 May 2026

Israeli army captures strategic castle in Lebanon

Israeli troops have captured a strategic mountain topped with a Crusader-built castle in southern Lebanon in their deepest incursion into the country in more than a quarter century, the military said Sunday.

The capture of Beaufort castle near the city of Nabatiyeh came after days of intense fighting and airstrikes in nearby villages where Israeli troops fought Hezbollah members in the rugged area.

It marks a major gain for Israel in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war, which began in early March. Israel and Lebanon have been at war since Israel was created in 1948 hold direct talks in Washington.

10:20 AM, 31 May 2026

Sri Lanka raise fuel prices after IMF loan instalment

Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by up to six percent on Sunday, in line with IMF plans to recover energy costs and phase out subsidies to stabilise the economy.

Petrol was raised to 434 rupees ($1.33), up from 410, while diesel increased to 407 rupees a litre from 392, the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation said.

The price hike came days after the International Monetary Fund released a $695 million instalment of a $2.9 billion bailout loan, agreed in early 2023 to stabilise the cash-strapped South Asian nation.

The IMF wants Sri Lanka to ensure cost recovery for both fuel and electricity tariffs, which have been subsidised by the government since the start of the conflict in the Middle East in February.

09:49 AM, 31 May 2026

Trump says Iran has agreed to no nuclear weapons

US President Donald Trump said he had secured guarantees from Iran that it would not develop nuclear weapons, as reports emerged he had sent a tougher peace proposal back to Tehran.

Any tweaks to the proposal could prolong even further an agreement to formally end the Middle East war and open the Strait of Hormuz maritime route after weeks of efforts to secure a deal despite fractious rhetoric and the occasional flare up of armed conflict.

Read more here.

08:03 AM, 31 May 2026

Israeli military says ground operations in Lebanon ‘expanding to additional areas’

Israel’s military said on Sunday its forces were advancing in Lebanon as part of expanded ground operations to strengthen its military position in the south of the country where it is fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

“A significant number of IDF ground soldiers commenced offensive operations aimed at expanding the Forward Defense Line…the operation is currently expanding to additional areas,” the Israeli military statement said, adding its forces had crossed the Litani river.

06:49 AM, 31 May 2026

Trump asked for tougher terms in proposed Iran war deal

President Donald Trump has sought to change several terms of a proposal to end the Middle East war, US media reported Saturday, as a finalized deal remains elusive among the parties.

The New York Times reported Trump’s changes involved toughening the terms of the deal, and has sent the new framework back to be considered by Iran, according to officials familiar with the proceedings.

The report said it was not immediately clear what the changes entailed, but news site Axios reported Trump wanted to reinforce multiple points of the deal that he personally felt were important, such as what is done to Iran’s nuclear material.

The new tweaks could prolong negotiations between the parties for days before a decision is reached on whether the deal would end the war which began after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28.

06:41 AM, 31 May 2026

Trump: Iran’s ‘biggest asset’ is the Fake News Media

Donald Trump’s Fox News interview shows the US president saying Iran’s “biggest asset” is the “fake news media,” which he claims repeatedly downplays American successes.

“You have a big win in a battle, and they say you lost… it’s just a terrible thing for our country,” Trump said, arguing that negative media coverage undermines US achievements.

06:30 AM, 31 May 2026

Trump says US nearing ‘very good deal’ with Iran

US President Donald Trump said Washington is getting closer to reaching an agreement with Iran, while warning that military options remain on the table if negotiations fail.

“We’re close to a very good deal,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.

“We’re close to a very good deal,” says @POTUS on Iran.

06:25 AM, 31 May 2026

CENTCOM highlights carrier readiness operations

US Central Command (CENTCOM) shared new images and details highlighting sustained flight operations aboard US aircraft carriers and warships, emphasizing the role of maintenance crews in keeping aircraft mission-ready.

‘Sustained flight operations aboard US aircraft carriers and warships is no easy task,’ CENTCOM said in a post on X, adding that skilled maintainers work around the clock to ensure aircraft remain at peak readiness to support any mission.

The post comes as the US military maintains a heightened presence across the region, with CENTCOM previously stating that American forces remain ‘present and vigilant’ amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

06:03 AM, 31 May 2026

UAE petrol prices: How much will you pay more in June?

UAE motorists will see fuel prices rise for a fourth consecutive month in June, although the increase was smaller than the sharp jump recorded a month into the Iran war.

The reason is simple: oil prices remain elevated despite recent declines from peak levels. Brent crude averaged around $103 per barrel through much of May, higher than April’s average of roughly $99.

That increase alone keeps upward pressure on UAE fuel prices, which are revised monthly based on global oil averages. At the same time, crude has started cooling from recent highs. Brent fell below the $100 mark last week to around $91 per barrel as of Friday on signs of progress in US-Iran talks.

That leaves June fuel pricing in an in-between phase. Oil is no longer surging the way it did in March and April, but prices are still high enough to prevent a meaningful drop at the pump.

05:45 AM, 31 May 2026

Iran’s IRGC says it shot down a US MQ-1 drone

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement on Sunday that it had shot down a US MQ-1 drone, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

The drone entered Iranian territorial waters with the intention of conducting hostile operations, but was promptly detected and brought down by air defence missiles, the report said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the IRGC said that it reserved the “legitimate and definite” right to retaliate against any ceasefire violations by the United States, adding that its air defence units had shot down a US MQ-9 drone.

According to local media reports, the IRGC also claimed to have fired at a fighter jet that had entered Iranian airspace. This comes after the US said it conducted fresh “self-defence strikes” on Iran.

05:26 AM, 31 May 2026

Iran says Strait of Hormuz restrictions remain despite Trump claim of lifted blockade

Despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that he had lifted a naval blockade on Iran, Iranian ships are still being barred from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

Citing Iranian sailors, the report said the restrictions remain in place and vessels continue to receive warnings from US Central Command not to enter the area.

05:15 AM, 31 May 2026

US military disables non-compliant vessel over blockade violation

The US military has disabled a Gambian-flagged vessel that was heading to Iran by firing a missile into its engine room, US Central Command said.

CENTCOM said the M/V Lian Star was en route to an Iranian port when the US military issued “more than 20 warnings” that it was violating the US blockade of Iranian ports.

“A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room after Lian Star’s crew failed to comply,” CENTCOM said on X. “The ship is no longer transiting to Iran.”

04:35 AM, 31 May 2026

Trump calls for replacing US 250th concerts with MAGA rally

US President Donald Trump called Saturday for the cancellation of upcoming concerts celebrating America’s 250th anniversary after several musical acts backed out, saying they should be replaced by a political rally headlined by himself.

“We should have a giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY, for 250, instead of having overpriced singers, who nobody wants to hear, whose music is boring, and yet who do nothing but complain,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, adding: “Cancel it.”

Shortly after they were announced as performers in a Washington concert series around the July 4 holiday, multiple musical acts backed out, with some citing the event’s politicization.

The concerts were scheduled to kick off on June 25 as part of a major event on the National Mall organized by Freedom 250, a Trump-backed public-private entity.

01:35 AM, 31 May 2026

US says capable of resuming war with Iran

he United States warned on Saturday it was “more than capable” of resuming its war with Iran after President Donald Trump said any peace deal must adhere to his red lines, including Tehran never being able to develop nuclear weapons.

The White House had signaled Trump was close to a decision on a potential deal, though Tehran denied there was a final agreement on ending the conflict.

12:05 AM, 31 May 2026

UAE announces petrol and diesel prices for June 2026

The UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced the retail prices for petrol and diesel for June 2026.

Under the new rates, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, compared to Dh3.66 in May, while Special 95 petrol will be set at Dh3.83 per litre, against Dh3.55 last month.

E-Plus petrol will be available at Dh 3.76 per litre, up from Dh3.48 in May.

Diesel prices have dropped to Dh4.33 per litre, down from Dh4.69 the previous month.

Gulf News