LIVEWashington denies escorting ships as Iran warns of retaliation after strikes.Last updated: May 27, 2026 | 06:59UAEiran nuclear programmeAmericaLebanonUS-Israel-Iran warus-iranSmoke rises from the site of an Israeli strike that targeted the southern Lebanese village Mansoura on May 23, 2026.AFPMiddle East tensions escalated again as the United States denied resuming naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz following fresh strikes inside Iran that Tehran condemned as a ceasefire violation. As diplomatic efforts continued, US President Donald Trump shifted high-level talks to Washington, while conflict widened across Lebanon and Gaza, and regional leaders renewed de-escalation efforts. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.Highlights06:59 AM, 27 May 2026Israel and Hezbollah clash along a strategic Lebanese riverIsrael's military clashed with the Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group Tuesday along a strategic river in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops pushed farther north, days ahead of talks in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli delegations.A U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict appeared more nominal by the day, complicating efforts at a broader peace in the Iran war as Tehran wants an agreement to include an end to the fighting in Lebanon.The Litani River has been a de facto boundary in Lebanon, with large areas to the south under Israeli military control despite the ceasefire that's been in place for over a month.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after meeting with his defense minister and senior military officials that Israel will expand its operations in Lebanon.06:53 AM, 27 May 2026Strait of Hormuz closure chokes trade and aid for AfghanistanThe closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted Afghanistan’s fragile trade lifelines, worsening shortages and raising costs after conflict with Pakistan had already shut key border routes. Aid agencies, including the World Food Programme, say food and nutrition supplies have been severely affected, while Afghan businesses face stranded shipments, soaring transport costs and growing fears of economic collapse despite increased reliance on Central Asian trade routes.05:10 AM, 27 May 2026US CentCom denies escorting ships transiting Hormuz StraitThe military has denied resuming escorts of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statementm the Central Command, which overseas US military operations in the Middle East said "Project Freedom has not resumed, and US forces are not currently escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz."02:32 AM, 27 May 2026Trump calls off rare Camp David meeting due to weather01:52 AM, 27 May 2026Iran threatens to retaliate after US strikes on launch sites and boatsTensions between the US and Iran surged again after Tehran warned of retaliation over fresh military strikes targeting Iranian missile launch sites and mine-laying boats near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Iran condemned the US attacks as a "gross violation" of the ceasefire.The overnight attacks marked the first direct US strikes inside Iran since a fragile ceasefire framework began taking shape earlier this month. According to US Central Command, American forces launched what officials described as “self-defence strikes” against missile batteries and vessels allegedly threatening US aircraft and commercial shipping routes in southern Iran. Iran condemned the operation as a violation of ongoing ceasefire negotiations and warned Washington that any further attacks would trigger a response.01:45 AM, 27 May 2026Trump's lashes out at media on social mediaUS President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social: "If Iran surrenders, admits their Navy is gone and resting at the bottom of the sea, and their Air Force is no longer with us, and if their entire Military walks out of Tehran, weapons dropped and hands held high, each shouting “I surrender, I surrender” while wildly waving the representative White Flag, and if their entire remaining Leadership signs all necessary “Documents of Surrender,” and admit their defeat to the great power and force of the magnificent U.S.A., The Failing New York Times, The China Street Journal (WSJ!), Corrupt and now Irrelevant CNN, and all other members of the Fake News Media, will headline that Iran had a Masterful and Brilliant Victory over The United States of America, it wasn’t even close. The Dumacrats and Media have totally lost their way. They have gone absolutely CRAZY!!! President DJT"01:16 AM, 27 May 2026Israeli military issues evacuation warning for 19 south Lebanon villages