LIVEStrikes on Iran coincide with Doha push for US‑Iran deal and Hormuz reopeningLast updated: May 26, 2026 | 07:18Gulf News ReportUAEiran nuclear programmeAmericaLebanonUS-Israel-Iran warus-iranA thick plume of smoke rises from an oil storage facility hit by a US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran.APUS forces have struck missile sites in southern Iran as top Iranian negotiators arrive in Doha for talks, with both sides inching toward a possible deal. Oil prices tumbled more than 6% on hopes of a breakthrough, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the reopening of international internet access after an 87-day blackout. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an escalation of operations in Lebanon to crush Hezbollah. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.04:34 AM, 26 May 2026US military strikes missile sites in southern in Iran03:13 AM, 26 May 2026'Proceeding nicely': US-Iran talks intensify in Qatar, as Trump pushes Abraham AccordsThe United States and Iran are inching toward a possible breakthrough agreement aimed at ending months of conflict, with negotiators working on what US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as a “memorandum of understanding” (MOA).But major disagreements over the wording surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and the removal of sanctions continue to delay a final deal, CNN reported, citing US "officials".Iranian officials are currently in Qatar for what a diplomatic source described as “intense talks,” with discussions reportedly continuing behind closed doors as both sides attempt to narrow remaining gaps.US President Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone, telling reporters negotiations are “proceeding nicely,” while also pressing Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords once a broader regional agreement is secured.The Abraham Accords, brokered during Trump’s first term, normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Trump has repeatedly argued that expanding the accords is key to reshaping regional alliances and isolating Iran diplomatically.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.03:00 AM, 26 May 2026Oil prices plunge more than 6% on hopes for US-Iran deal, Hormuz reopeningCrude oil prices tumbled sharply in Asian trading early Tuesday, with US benchmarks falling more than 6% as optimism grew over progress in negotiations to end the US-Iran conflict and restore flows through the critical Strait of Hormuz.West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US benchmark crude for near-term delivery, was at $90.55 per barrel, down $6.061 or about 6.27%.Brent crude, the global benchmark, stood at $96.14, off $6.84 or roughly 6.61%, as per Trading Economics.Murban crude dropped even more sharply to $92.82, down over 9.19%, while Louisiana Light crashed 11.96% to $102.20, down by $13.89 as of 7.47am Tokyo, on Tuesday (May 26, 2026).01:00 AM, 26 May 2026Netanyahu orders escalation of Lebanon offensive to 'crush' HezbollahIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he had ordered the military to intensify its offensive in Lebanon in an effort to "crush" Hezbollah, accusing the group of targeting Israeli forces with drone attacks."I have ordered an even greater acceleration of our operations," Netanyahu said in a video statement posted on his Telegram channel."It is true that they are attacking us with drones, including fibre-optic drones, but we have teams working on countermeasures and we will solve this issue... We will intensify our blows, increase our firepower, and we will crush them."12:15 AM, 26 May 2026Iran’s president orders the reopening of international internet accessIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the reopening of international internet access, state media reported on Monday, following a near-90-day blackout imposed in the aftermath of the war involving the United States and Israel. The report, citing the head of public relations at Iran’s Communications Ministry, said the directive has been issued but did not clarify how or when connectivity to the global web would be restored.According to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, the blackout has now lasted 87 consecutive days, amounting to more than 2,000 hours of restricted access. The organisation said the shutdown has significantly reduced transparency and deepened uncertainty for detainees, dissidents and other affected groups inside the country.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.12:08 AM, 26 May 2026Qatar, Oman leaders highlight importance of regional stabilitySheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, received a phone call on Monday from Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, according to QNA.During the call, the two leaders exchanged Eid Al Adha greetings and discussed bilateral relations as well as key regional and international developments.The discussion also touched on ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions, with the Omani Sultan praising the Emir’s role in promoting dialogue and supporting peaceful solutions amid the current crisis.Both leaders stressed the importance of reaching a swift resolution to help safeguard regional security and stability.12:00 AM, 26 May 2026US‑Israel war on Iran: Recent developmentsGet Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next