In a rare bipartisan rebuke, the US Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution calling on President Donald Trump to stop further military action against Iran, marking the first such congressional intervention under the 1973 War Powers Act.

The measure cleared the Senate by a narrow 50-48 vote, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in support. It had already received approval in the House of Representatives earlier. The resolution seeks to require congressional approval for any additional military operations against Iran.

This development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts following the recent US-Iran agreement. The White House, however, quickly dismissed the resolution's impact, stating it has no legal binding and that major military operations related to the conflict have already concluded. Administration officials asserted that the President retains broad authority on national security matters.

The vote highlighted deepening divisions within the Republican Party during Trump's second term, with the support from four GOP lawmakers seen as the first major internal break on a key foreign policy issue.

Rubio in Gulf for Damage Control

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in the United Arab Emirates as part of a regional tour that also includes Bahrain and Kuwait. The visit aims to reassure Gulf allies worried about the implications of the US-Iran deal, particularly its potential to boost Iran's regional influence around the Strait of Hormuz.

Gulf partners have expressed concerns over the absence of firm restrictions on Iran's missile programme and reports of a possible $300 billion reconstruction package for Tehran. Rubio, received by the US Ambassador to the UAE in Abu Dhabi, is expected to address these issues directly and seek broader backing for the agreement.

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has shown signs of recovery, with vessel crossings nearly tripling week-on-week. Several Indian-linked ships have successfully transited the waterway since the June 17 agreement, while crude oil prices eased slightly on hopes of normalised energy flows.

Trump's Mixed Signals

President Trump, meanwhile, continued to strike a tough tone. He warned Iran against violating the agreement and claimed Tehran has agreed to international inspections of its nuclear sites. "If they back down, I will cancel the conversation now," Trump said during remarks in Pennsylvania. He also suggested the US could "finish the job" in less than a week if Iran is not "reasonable."

On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ruled out including the missile programme in any future talks, calling it a key pillar of national security. He made the remarks during a visit to Pakistan, where Russian President Vladimir Putin was also present for discussions on regional security.

Broader Regional Ripples

The Senate vote comes as other developments continue to unfold. A UN commission of inquiry released a report alleging that Israeli actions against Palestinian children in Gaza may amount to genocide and war crimes, prompting strong reactions from Palestinian authorities. Separately, Syrians pushed back against suggestions of involving their country in confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In the energy sector, Qatar said LNG production would resume within weeks after earlier disruptions.

The Senate resolution, though largely symbolic according to the White House, is being watched closely for its political message. It reflects growing congressional unease over potential escalation in West Asia even as diplomacy takes centre stage.

As trading and diplomatic engagements continue, further clarity is expected on how the US administration balances domestic political pushback with its strategic goals in the region. Market participants and regional players will be tracking the next steps closely.

A renewed diplomatic dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) came to the forefront during the 16th Meeting of Heads of Security Agencies and National Security Advisers of BRICS countries in New Delhi. Iranian officials accused the UAE of facilitating US military operations against Iran, reviving tensions that had previously emerged during a BRICS foreign ministers' gathering earlier this year.

The allegations were made by Dr. Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, during the high-level security meeting. According to statements later shared by the Iranian Embassy in India, Nezamipour rejected accusations made by the UAE delegation and instead blamed the United States and Israel for escalating regional instability.

The remarks come despite recent efforts to ease tensions in West Asia following a ceasefire agreement. Analysts view the exchange as evidence that underlying disputes between Tehran and Abu Dhabi remain unresolved and continue to influence diplomatic interactions in international forums.

According to Iranian officials, the Strait of Hormuz crisis and recent military confrontations were triggered by actions undertaken by the United States and Israel. Nezamipour claimed that some attacks targeting Iran had been launched from facilities located within the UAE, a charge that Abu Dhabi has consistently denied.

Allegations Over Military Facilities

Addressing the gathering, the Iranian official alleged that UAE territory had been used as a platform for operations targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure. He claimed that schools, hospitals and other non-military facilities were among the locations affected by the attacks.

Iran also criticized what it described as the UAE’s failure to condemn military actions against Iran. Nezamipour urged the Emirati leadership to focus on regional stability and cooperation rather than what he termed “adventurism” and “propaganda.”

To reinforce Iran’s position, the delegation reportedly displayed photographs of students from Minab who, according to Tehran, were killed during the initial phase of the conflict.

Dispute Continues

The latest exchange follows a similar confrontation during a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi in May. At that event, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UAE of being directly involved in military activities against Iran and questioned whether close security ties with the United States and Israel could guarantee regional stability.

Those remarks intensified diplomatic friction between the two countries, particularly after reports surfaced alleging Emirati involvement in operations targeting Iranian interests.

The UAE has repeatedly rejected accusations that it played any role in attacks against Iran. Emirati officials have maintained that their country supports regional dialogue and de-escalation efforts.

Officials familiar with regional developments say the dispute reflects broader geopolitical rivalries in West Asia, where security concerns, maritime routes and strategic alliances continue to shape diplomatic relations.

The latest developments at the BRICS security meeting highlight how regional conflicts are increasingly influencing discussions within multilateral organizations. While BRICS members have often emphasized cooperation and dialogue, disagreements among participating countries continue to emerge on issues related to security and foreign policy.

Observers believe that unless direct diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Abu Dhabi resumes, such confrontations may continue to surface at international forums. For now, the accusations exchanged in New Delhi underscore the persistent mistrust between the two regional powers and the challenges facing efforts to achieve long-term stability in West Asia.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a long-term strategy aimed at ending its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that handles a significant share of the world's oil and gas exports.

The announcement comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen following a recent agreement between the United States and Iran. However, concerns over future disruptions and potential transit restrictions have prompted the UAE to accelerate efforts to establish alternative trade and energy corridors.

Speaking about the country's plans, UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi said the objective is to reduce dependence on the Strait to zero through major investments in infrastructure.

Eastern Ports at the Core

Unlike several Gulf nations whose exports must pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE possesses strategically located ports on its eastern coastline outside the strait. These include Fujairah, Dibba and Khor Fakkan, which continued to facilitate energy exports during periods of regional conflict.

The UAE now plans to significantly expand these facilities and transform them into major hubs for international trade and energy shipments. Officials believe these ports can provide a secure alternative route for exports while reducing exposure to geopolitical risks in the Gulf.

New Pipelines and Rail Links

A key component of the strategy involves the construction of at least two additional oil and gas pipelines connecting production facilities to eastern ports.

The UAE already operates a pipeline that transports crude oil directly to Fujairah, allowing exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed expansion would increase capacity and strengthen the country's energy security.

Authorities are also studying the development of railway infrastructure to support the transportation of energy products and commercial cargo between inland production centers and eastern ports.

Lessons from Regional Conflict

Recent tensions in West Asia highlighted vulnerabilities in regional energy supply chains. Although the UAE managed to maintain exports through its eastern facilities, attacks on infrastructure and growing uncertainty over maritime security accelerated discussions about long-term alternatives.

Officials say the experience exposed logistical gaps and reinforced the need for diversified transport routes. As a result, infrastructure planning has become a strategic priority for the country.

Challenges Remain

Despite progress on the export side, challenges remain for imports. The UAE continues to rely heavily on Jebel Ali Port, one of the world's largest commercial ports located inside the Persian Gulf.

Shifting a substantial portion of import traffic to eastern ports would require major investments and extensive logistical restructuring. Experts note that while the strategy is achievable, it will likely take several years to implement fully.

Strategic Economic Shift

The UAE's plan reflects a broader effort to strengthen economic resilience and safeguard its role as a global trade and energy hub. By expanding alternative transportation corridors and reducing reliance on a single maritime chokepoint, the country aims to protect supply chains, attract investment and maintain stable export operations regardless of future regional developments.

The initiative is expected to play a significant role in shaping the UAE's energy and trade strategy over the coming decade.

Amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East, reports have emerged claiming that Pakistan has deployed nearly 8,000 troops along with fighter jets and advanced air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a long-standing defence cooperation agreement. The development comes at a time when the region is witnessing heightened military activity due to the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

According to international media reports, Pakistan has reportedly sent around 16 JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, drone squadrons and Chinese-origin HQ-9 air defence missile systems to Saudi Arabia. The report further stated that Pakistani military personnel are currently operating these systems, while the Saudi government is bearing the deployment expenses.

Though neither Pakistan nor Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the deployment, the reports have triggered fresh debate over Islamabad’s strategic role in the evolving Gulf crisis. The alleged deployment is being viewed as a significant move considering the fragile geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Iran’s growing tensions with the United States and Israel have already pushed Gulf nations to strengthen their military preparedness. Saudi Arabia, which has historically maintained close defence ties with Pakistan, is reportedly taking precautionary steps amid fears of wider regional instability.

Military analysts believe the presence of Pakistani troops and fighter jets could be aimed at protecting key Saudi installations, including oil facilities, strategic ports and airbases. Saudi Arabia has previously relied on Pakistani military support during periods of regional uncertainty. Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to intensify. Iran has reportedly warned the United States against interfering in the region and demanded an end to pressure tactics related to maritime routes. Iranian officials also issued strong statements threatening retaliation if military pressure increases further.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, handling a significant portion of global oil and gas transportation. Any disruption in the area could severely impact international energy markets, including India’s fuel imports. In another major development, reports claimed that a drone attack took place near the Barakah nuclear power facility in the United Arab Emirates. A fire reportedly broke out outside the plant premises after the incident. Though no official confirmation has been issued regarding responsibility for the attack, preliminary suspicions reportedly point toward Iran-backed elements.

The incident has added to fears that Gulf countries could increasingly become targets as regional hostilities grow sharper. At the same time, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure. Despite security concerns, multiple LPG tankers have continued to reach India through the route. Reports suggest that at least 15 LPG ships have arrived safely in Indian ports since the recent escalation began.

One of the vessels, identified as “Simi,” reportedly carried nearly 20,000 tonnes of LPG to Kandla Port. Indian authorities are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region due to concerns that any prolonged disruption could lead to sharp increases in fuel prices and supply chain instability. India has also expressed concern at the international level regarding the security of maritime trade routes. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations reportedly stated that halting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable and could create serious consequences for global trade and energy security.

The United States has also continued diplomatic and military consultations regarding Iran. Former US President Donald Trump reportedly proposed a new arrangement under which Iran would suspend its nuclear programme for 20 years instead of permanently dismantling it. Trump also warned Tehran that time for negotiations was running out. His remarks came amid reports that Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, requested Washington to delay any direct military action against Iran in order to give diplomacy another chance.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon have reportedly continued despite ongoing ceasefire discussions. Reports indicate that dozens of strikes were carried out in border areas, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The continued violence has raised fears that the conflict may spread further across the region. Security experts believe Pakistan’s reported military deployment reflects the broader anxiety among Gulf allies over the possibility of a wider regional war. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained deep military cooperation for decades, including training programmes, intelligence sharing and joint security arrangements.

In the past, Pakistan has also deployed troops in Saudi Arabia for defensive purposes, particularly during periods of heightened tension involving Iran or regional militant threats. However, Islamabad has traditionally tried to maintain balanced relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran due to geographical, political and sectarian considerations. The latest developments are expected to have global economic and diplomatic implications, especially for countries dependent on Middle East energy supplies. Rising tensions have already affected crude oil prices in international markets, creating concerns about inflation and fuel costs worldwide.

As diplomatic efforts continue alongside military preparations, the situation in the Gulf remains highly volatile. Global powers are closely watching the developments, while countries across Asia and Europe remain concerned about the possibility of disruptions in energy supplies and international trade routes. With military deployments increasing and diplomatic tensions deepening, the coming days are likely to play a crucial role in determining whether the region moves toward de-escalation or a broader conflict.

UAE carried out covert strikes on Iran's Lavan Island refinery in April: Report

New findings suggest Emirati forces targeted Iranian energy infrastructure during a sensitive ceasefire window, even as the US ramps up sanctions on Tehran’s oil network.

A startling report has emerged alleging that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) conducted covert military operations against Iranian soil earlier this spring. The disclosure, first highlighted by the Wall Street Journal, suggests that Emirati forces targeted the strategic oil refinery on Lavan Island in early April, a period when a ceasefire was reportedly being brokered by Washington.

The strike on Lavan Island, located in the Persian Gulf, reportedly triggered a massive blaze that severely crippled Iran’s domestic energy production. While the UAE has officially maintained a diplomatic stance regarding the broader regional conflict, these allegations indicate a significant escalation in the "shadow war" currently gripping West Asia.

Regional energy security under fire

The timing of the alleged strike is particularly sensitive. It reportedly occurred just as US President Donald Trump was publicly discussing a cessation of hostilities. Ground reports from the time noted a "major industrial accident" at the Lavan facility, but the involvement of a third-party regional power like the UAE remained a matter of speculation until now.

Local energy analysts suggest the damage to Lavan has had a cascading effect on Iran’s ability to refine fuel for domestic use, adding internal pressure to a regime already battling an 74-day-long internet blackout and mounting unemployment.

Sanctions and the shipping squeeze

Simultaneously, the US Treasury Department has intensified its economic campaign. On Tuesday, fresh sanctions were slapped on 12 entities—including three individuals and nine companies—accused of facilitating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) illicit oil shipments.

The web of sanctions stretches from Hong Kong to Oman and includes four UAE-based firms. According to the US State Department, these entities are the "financial lungs" of the IRGC, enabling the movement of Iranian crude to Chinese markets despite the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Global oil markets react

The ripples of the conflict are being felt far beyond the Gulf. In early Asian trade on Tuesday, Brent crude oil rose to $104.51 a barrel, as traders remain spooked by the fragility of the current ceasefire. The prospect of the US military campaign restarting has become a central talking point in Washington.

HR McMaster, former National Security Adviser, told CNN that the military campaign against Tehran is likely to resume as negotiations deteriorate. "Tehran is driving past another off-ramp," McMaster noted, suggesting that the rejection of US demands makes renewed kinetic action almost inevitable.

The Hormuz bottleneck

The Strait of Hormuz remains the primary flashpoint. The IRGC Navy has reportedly redefined the waterway as a "500-km operational zone," effectively extending its reach from the coasts of Jask to beyond Greater Tunb Island. This expansion has drawn sharp rebukes from Gulf neighbors.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, speaking at a press conference with Turkish officials, lamented that the waterway is being used as a "weapon in this war." The closure has disrupted not just oil, but one-third of the world’s fertilizer supply, prompting UN warnings of a "massive humanitarian crisis" if global agricultural chains remain severed.

Domestic turmoil in Tehran

Inside Iran, the economic toll is becoming harder to mask. Iranian lawmaker Meysam Zohourian confirmed on Tuesday that over 205,000 citizens have filed for unemployment benefits since the conflict began in late February.

Despite the internal strain, Tehran remains defiant. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Parliament’s National Security Committee, warned that if Iran faces another direct strike, the leadership may authorize uranium enrichment to 90%—a threshold that would put the country on the verge of weapons-grade capability.

Diplomatic efforts on life support

While Qatar and Turkiye have publicly backed Pakistan’s mediation efforts, the rhetoric from Washington remains split. While the Trump administration releases 53 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to stabilize prices, Democratic leaders like Senator Chuck Schumer have slammed the conflict as an "illegal, costly war without an endgame."

As the May 17 ceasefire extension deadline approaches, the reported UAE strike on Lavan Island serves as a grim reminder that the regional peace is far more fragile than the diplomatic statements suggest. For now, the "fingers remain on the trigger," as both sides wait to see if the next move comes from a diplomat’s pen or a drone’s payload.