Iran Declares Full Military Control Over the Strait of Hormuz

Lens Asia

19 May, 2026 12:16 AM

photo: Al jazeera

Iran has announced that it has established military control and authority over the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that any vessel passing through the waterway must now coordinate in advance with Iran’s military forces.

Security measures have been further tightened in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. The naval branch of the force claims that the entire strait is now under strict surveillance and operational control. Under the new rules, military vessels from rival or hostile countries will not be allowed to pass through this route.

However, Iran stated that commercial and civilian vessels from friendly countries will continue to use the waterway as before. This means restrictions are mainly being imposed on specific types of military or high-risk traffic.

In recent days, maritime traffic through the strait had increased slightly. Reports suggested that several dozen vessels linked to Chinese companies had passed through the route. However, after the new directive, no major vessel movement has been reported in the past 24 hours.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Tehran Rejects Washington’s Five-Point Proposal

Lens Asia

19 May, 2026 12:18 AM

Photo: CNN

The United States has taken a tough stance in response to Iran’s proposal aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. According to international media reports, Washington presented Tehran with a five-point set of conditions without offering any economic or military concessions.

Iranian media claimed that the US wants Iran to operate only one nuclear facility and hand over its enriched uranium stockpile. The Trump administration has also reportedly refused to release frozen Iranian assets or provide compensation for war-related damages.

Meanwhile, amid rising tensions, a drone attack targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates. Although a generator caught fire, no casualties were reported.

Iran, on the other hand, stated that lasting peace in the Middle East would require an end to all wars in the region, the lifting of naval blockades, and the removal of sanctions. Tehran also reaffirmed that control over the Strait of Hormuz would remain in its hands.

The situation has become more complicated due to escalating threats from both sides. President Donald Trump warned of serious consequences if a quick agreement is not reached, while Iran’s military also threatened a strong response.

At the same time, Pakistan is continuing mediation efforts to keep both parties engaged in dialogue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that renewed talks could pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.

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Israeli military death toll in Lebanon rises to 20

Lens Asia

17 May, 2026 11:16 PM

Collected photo

Another Israeli military officer has been killed in the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of Israeli military deaths since March 2 to 20, according to Al Jazeera.

Captain Maoz Israel Racanati, 24. He was a resident of the Itamar settlement in the West Bank and served as a platoon commander in the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade. After his death, he was posthumously promoted from lieutenant to captain.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed it carried out attacks on Israeli troop positions, tanks, and military vehicles at several locations in southern Lebanon. In response, Israeli forces have continued airstrikes and artillery shelling in areas including Tyre, Bint Jbeil, and Nabatieh.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, the conflict since March 2 has left 2,969 people dead and 9,112 injured.

Hezbollah has also rejected any renewed peace agreement, accusing the United States of pressuring Lebanese authorities into accepting unfavorable terms. The group maintains that negotiations with Israel would legitimize occupation, insisting instead on full withdrawal, an end to attacks, prisoner release, and unconditional reconstruction.

It is worth noting that in talks held in Washington on May 15, Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend the 45-day ceasefire and continue further negotiations.

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Trump warns Iran of severe situation without deal

Lens Asia

17 May, 2026 11:14 PM

Donald Trump. Photo: CNN

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a difficult situation if a quick agreement is not reached. He made the remarks in an interview with French media outlet BFMTV.

Trump said Iran must face serious consequences if it fails to reach a settlement over its nuclear program. At the same time, he noted that reaching a deal would be in the interest of both sides.

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed that the world is moving toward a new international order. Tehran has also announced plans for new regulations in the Strait of Hormuz, which may include toll collection for vessels passing through.

Iran further stated that “hostile countries” will not be allowed to transport weapons through the strait. On the other hand, the US military claims that amid rising tensions, the movement of 78 commercial vessels has been disrupted at various Iranian ports, and four ships have been disabled.

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UK deploys missile system in Middle East

Lens Asia

17 May, 2026 11:12 PM

photo: BBC

The United Kingdom has deployed a modern drone-defeating missile system in the Middle East as part of efforts to strengthen regional security. The Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fighter jets have been equipped with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS).

According to a report by TRT World, the technology was deployed directly to the region after just a few weeks of testing and evaluation. British military officials say the decision was taken quickly due to the rising use of low-cost but attack-capable drones in the Middle East. The new system is expected to destroy drones at a significantly lower cost compared to conventional air-to-air missiles.

The APKWS technology uses radar and infrared sensors to rapidly detect enemy drones and strike targets with high precision. Experts note that it effectively turns standard rockets into guided missiles, making it easier to counter multiple drone attacks simultaneously. The RAF’s 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron successfully completed its aerial trials in April.

UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, said the new technology will enhance the capabilities of the air force and help bring down more drones at a lower cost. He added that Typhoon fighter jets have long been a key part of NATO’s air defence operations and continue to play a major role in securing allied countries in the Middle East.

Currently, the UK has deployed its Sky Sabre air defence system in Saudi Arabia and Lightweight Multirole Missiles in Bahrain. The British government has also announced an $860 million investment plan to upgrade the Typhoon fleet. Once completed, the upgrades are expected to keep the aircraft operational into the 2040s.

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UAE Building Alternative Oil Route Beyond Hormuz

Lens Asia

17 May, 2026 12:33 AM

Photo: CNN

The United Arab Emirates is planning to launch a new oil pipeline by 2027 as part of efforts to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. According to international media reports, the new infrastructure will significantly increase the country’s ability to export oil through alternative routes.

On Friday (May 15), the state-owned energy company ADNOC announced that construction of the new pipeline toward the Port of Fujairah along the Gulf of Oman is progressing rapidly. The project was officially unveiled in the presence of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, and work has already begun.

At present, the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline can transport around 1.8 million barrels of oil per day. UAE officials say the addition of the new pipeline will nearly double export capacity without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.

Before regional tensions involving Iran escalated, the UAE exported roughly 3.4 million barrels of oil daily. However, instability around the Strait of Hormuz severely affected exports. Abu Dhabi expects the new project to help restore much of that lost capacity. The country has also set a target of exporting 5 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

Recently, the UAE announced its withdrawal from the Saudi-led OPEC alliance, saying the move would allow it greater independence in production and export policies. Analysts, however, warn that the country’s energy facilities remain vulnerable due to their proximity to Iran. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is also working to strengthen alternative export routes by expanding its East-West pipeline system linked to the Port of Yanbu.

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Israeli Strike on Lebanon Health Center Kills Six

Lens Asia

17 May, 2026 12:29 AM

Photo: AL JAZEERA

At least six people were killed and 22 others injured in an Israeli strike targeting a healthcare center and ambulance unit in the southern Lebanese town of Harouf. Among the dead were three paramedics, according to local reports.

Initial casualty figures were lower, but Lebanese sources later confirmed that the death toll had risen. Panic spread across the area following the attack as rescue teams rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals.

According to Al Jazeera Arabic, the airstrike caused extensive damage to the health facility. Several of the injured remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase further.

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Israel Claims Hamas Senior Military Leader Killed in Gaza Strike

Lens Asia

17 May, 2026 12:27 AM

photo: BBC

Israel has claimed that Hamas senior military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City. In a joint statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and security agencies said the operation targeted him through a “precision strike.”

The attack, carried out on Friday (May 15), reportedly struck a residential building before later targeting a nearby vehicle.

According to Gaza emergency services, at least seven people were killed, including women and children, while more than 50 others were injured.

Al-Shifa Hospital said the dead included three women and one child. The Palestine Red Crescent Society stated that around 30 injured people were transferred to field hospitals after being rescued from the scene.

Israel alleges that al-Haddad played a key role in planning the October 7, 2023 attacks and was later involved in managing hostages. The commander of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, had become one of the group’s top decision-makers following the reported deaths of Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif.

Hamas has not officially confirmed his death. However, international media reports say local sources and mosque announcements in Gaza have circulated news of his killing.

Despite a ceasefire that has been in effect since October last year, sporadic attacks continue across Gaza Strip. Palestinian authorities say hundreds of people have been killed in incidents since the truce began, while analysts warn the situation remains highly unstable.

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Suicide attack in Pakistan kills 8 soldiers

Lens Asia

16 May, 2026 12:11 AM

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At least eight soldiers were killed in a deadly suicide bombing in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Several others were also injured in the attack. The banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility.

According to reports from international media, the attack targeted a military gathering in Bajaur district, near the Afghanistan border. The area has long been considered a security risk due to ongoing militant activity.

Eyewitnesses said the attacker entered among the gathered soldiers and detonated explosives, killing at least eight soldiers on the spot and spreading panic in the surrounding area.

Following the attack, the TTP issued a statement claiming responsibility. However, the Pakistani government has not yet issued an immediate response. It also remains unclear whether a security operation has been launched in the area after the incident.

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France increases naval presence near Strait of Hormuz

Lens Asia

16 May, 2026 12:10 AM

Collected photo

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, France is deploying its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle near the Strait of Hormuz. Alice Rufo, a representative of the French Ministry of Armed Forces, said the warship is moving toward the Arabian Sea and has already taken position in the region.

Speaking to French media, she said naval presence is being strengthened in response to the evolving regional situation.

Tensions in the Gulf escalated after military actions involving the United States and Israel around Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran took measures targeting Israel and its allies. The situation disrupted maritime traffic in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was later implemented on April 8 through Pakistan’s mediation, but it did not lead to a lasting resolution. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire period.

Meanwhile, since April 13, the United States has been monitoring Iranian maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The area continues to experience intermittent tensions.

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