US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that negotiations to end the war between the United States and Iran have seen 'a little bit of movement,' describing it as positive. Speaking in Helsingborg, Sweden, after a meeting with NATO foreign ministers, Rubio emphasized that a 'Plan B' may be necessary if Iran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 'If Iran decides they're going to own the straits and charge tolls, something has to be done,' he said, noting that NATO countries could contribute but it might not be a formal NATO mission.
The war, which began with US-Israeli strikes in late February, was halted by a ceasefire in April as talks continue. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened a large-scale military operation if negotiations fail. Rubio's comments came amid growing international pressure to resolve the conflict.
The leaders of Germany, Britain, Italy, and France called on Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank, stating that 'international law is clear: Israeli settlements are illegal.' Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee revealed that ten European countries have proposed a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, with the Netherlands already implementing such a measure.
Iran reported that 35 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, though data provider Kpler confirmed only 10 transits on Wednesday. Iran charges high fees for passage, drawing criticism from Rubio, who said 'no country in the world should accept this.' UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash estimated a 50-50 chance of a US-Iran deal, warning that Iran tends to 'over-negotiate.'
The Lebanese military affirmed its loyalty to the state after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on an army officer accused of sharing intelligence with Hezbollah. This marks the first time US sanctions have targeted Lebanese officers. Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure stated that G7 ministers did not discuss a second release of strategic oil reserves due to uncertainty over the conflict's duration.
Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced a temporary pause in arms sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for operations against Iran. However, Taiwan's Presidential Office said it had received no indication of changes to the proposed $14 billion arms package. Iran condemned US sanctions on its ambassador-designate to Beirut and Hezbollah-linked officials.
Republican leaders in the US House delayed a vote on legislation requiring President Trump to end the Iran war without congressional approval, citing insufficient support. Democrats claimed they had the votes to pass the measure, which is now expected in June. The White House defends the military campaign as legal under Trump's commander-in-chief authority.
The Israeli military reported an airstrike in southern Lebanon that killed two armed individuals moving suspiciously near the border. Lebanon's National News Agency reported separate strikes in the Tyre district that killed four people and wounded two medics at an Islamic Health Committee site, despite an extended ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Source: www.dw.com