Tasnim News Agency

IRGC-linked media in Iran are advocating for the imposition of transit fees on submarine fiber-optic cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Proponents argue that asserting sovereignty over this critical digital infrastructure could generate billions in revenue and provide Tehran with a new strategic pressure point against Western nations. Tasnim News Agency suggested charging international consortia, including tech giants like Google and Meta, while also monitoring data traffic carrying financial and cloud services. Parliamentary officials estimate potential revenues could reach $15 billion annually. However, legal experts note that such moves violate the transit passage principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which Iran has signed but not ratified. The proposal emerges amidst ongoing regional tensions, following a fragile ceasefire after a conflict with the US and Israel. Critics view the initiative as an extension of state control over digital access, mirroring domestic internet restrictions that have already caused significant economic damage and surveillance concerns. The move faces likely strong international legal and political resistance given the global reliance on these communication arteries.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi strongly criticized the United Arab Emirates during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, asserting that its strategic alliance with Israel failed to provide security. Responding to earlier remarks by a UAE representative, Araqchi accused Emirati authorities of direct involvement in recent aggression against Iran, allegedly allowing their territory to be used for launching artillery and equipment attacks. He highlighted reports of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Abu Dhabi during the conflict as evidence of this collaboration. Araqchi stated that while he initially omitted the UAE's name to preserve unity, the country’s refusal to condemn the attacks and its alleged active participation necessitated a public rebuke. He urged the UAE to reconsider its foreign policy towards Iran, labeling it an active partner in the aggression. The statements, reported by Tasnim News Agency, underscore heightened diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Abu Dhabi amidst broader regional conflicts involving Israel and the United States.

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Iran has permitted select Chinese vessels to navigate the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic discussions with Beijing, just prior to a scheduled summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Semi-official Iranian news agencies reported that Tehran utilized a new management system to clear these ships, some of which had been active before recent American blockades took effect. This development occurs amidst heightened tensions, as Iran recently sank an Indian cargo ship and continues to deploy drones against other vessels attempting passage. While China was historically Iran's largest oil buyer, current transit volumes remain low due to ongoing conflict. The reopening of the strait emerged as a key discussion point during the Trump-Xi meeting, with Trump claiming Xi offered assistance in securing the waterway. Iranian officials framed the allowance of Chinese ships as evidence of Tehran's value as a strategic partner to Beijing. Uncertainty remains regarding whether these vessels paid tolls under Iran's new system or how they will bypass US prohibitions on shipping to and from Iranian ports.

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Iran has permitted select Chinese vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic interventions by Beijing, according to semiofficial Iranian news agencies. This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension and disrupted global energy markets caused by competing Iranian and U.S. efforts to control traffic in the strategic waterway. The allowance coincides with President Trump’s visit to Beijing for talks with President Xi Jinping, where the crisis was a primary agenda item. The Trump administration had previously urged China to leverage its strategic partnership with Iran to reopen the shipping route. Iranian media reported that the crossings began after outreach from China’s foreign minister and ambassador, citing the strong bilateral relationship as the basis for the exception. However, maritime risk analysts caution that this limited access does not signify a broader easing of restrictions. The core issue remains Iran’s ability to unilaterally dictate passage, meaning the strait is not genuinely open to international commerce. This event highlights the complex interplay of diplomacy, energy security, and great power competition in the Middle East.

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Amidst ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has reportedly granted special transit rights to Chinese vessels, allowing over thirty ships to pass under Iranian-administered protocols. This development coincides with diplomatic efforts between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, who agreed on the necessity of keeping the strategic waterway open for energy transport. However, security conditions remain volatile. An Indian-flagged freighter, the Haji Ali, was attacked, caught fire, and sank off the coast of Oman, though all fourteen crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. Additionally, a ship was seized by unauthorized persons near Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, and directed toward Iranian waters. Iranian officials have justified such actions by accusing the US of piracy and violating international maritime law. The Strait, crucial for global oil and gas shipments, has been largely closed by Tehran since late February due to conflict with the US and Israel, causing significant disruption to global markets and prompting a US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

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Iranian media reported that Tehran has permitted a group of Chinese vessels to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz under special, Iranian-managed protocols. This development marks a significant exception to Iran's broader blockade of shipping through the waterway, which was imposed following the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on February 28. The passage, requested by Beijing, began on Wednesday evening after both sides reached an understanding regarding transit management. While Tasnim and Fars news agencies confirmed the event, Iranian state television noted that over 30 ships were allowed through, though it remains unclear if all were Chinese. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, typically handling approximately twenty percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iran's control over this route has significantly impacted global markets and provided Tehran with substantial geopolitical leverage. Concurrently, the United States has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The timing of this transit coincides with high-level diplomatic engagements, as US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China to discuss various issues, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

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Iranian media reported that Tehran has permitted a group of Chinese vessels to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz under special management protocols. This development marks a significant shift, as Iran had largely blocked shipping through the vital waterway since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on February 28. The Tasnim news agency stated that the passage, requested by Beijing, began on Wednesday evening following an understanding on Iranian transit procedures. While state television mentioned that over 30 ships were allowed through, it remained unclear if all were Chinese. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global energy supplies, handling approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iran's control over the strait has previously rattled global markets and provided Tehran with substantial leverage, while the US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. This diplomatic and logistical breakthrough coincides with US President Donald Trump's visit to China, where he held talks with President Xi Jinping that included discussions on the ongoing Iran war, suggesting high-level geopolitical negotiations influenced the decision to reopen the route for specific allies.

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Iranian authorities have permitted Chinese-linked vessels to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with high-level diplomatic engagements between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to Iranian media outlets, including Tasnim and Fars news agencies, the decision followed a specific request from Beijing and an agreement on Iranian-managed transit protocols. State television reported that over thirty ships were granted passage, although it remains unclear if all were of Chinese origin. This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension, as the United States and Israel are engaged in a conflict with Iran that began on February 28. China continues to serve as Iran's primary oil buyer despite these hostilities. During their meeting, which Trump characterized as extremely positive, discussions reportedly included the ongoing war with Iran. Furthermore, President Trump extended an invitation to President Xi to visit the White House on September 24, signaling potential diplomatic shifts amidst the regional crisis. The coordination suggests complex interplay between economic interests, maritime security, and great power diplomacy in the Middle East.

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With only one month remaining until the World Cup, Iran's national football team is grappling with significant logistical and political hurdles. Due to the country's political isolation, several planned preparatory matches against teams from Macedonia, Angola, Spain, and Puerto Rico were cancelled, forcing the squad to play intra-team scrimmages in Tehran. Currently, only a friendly against Gambia has been confirmed. A major concern for the technical staff is securing US visas for players and staff, some of whom face potential rejection due to alleged ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The team is traveling to Türkiye to process these visa applications. Compounding these issues is a financial crisis; the Football Federation requires immediate funds to support preparation programs in Türkiye. Manaf Hashemi, the Deputy Minister of Sports, stated that necessary funds are expected to be released by Saturday. These combined challenges threaten to disrupt the team's readiness for the upcoming global tournament.

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US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s counterproposal to end the ongoing ten-week conflict, labeling it "unacceptable" and declaring the ceasefire on "life support." Tehran demanded sanctions relief, war reparations, and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, while refusing to dismantle nuclear facilities. The diplomatic deadlock has paralyzed critical shipping lanes, causing global oil prices to surge above $104 per barrel and threatening a severe energy crisis. With NATO allies refusing military intervention, Trump plans to leverage Chinese influence during an upcoming summit, as regional tensions escalate with continued drone attacks and naval posturing.

148 reports · 63 sources · Updated May 18, 09:05 AM UTC

News agencies affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) have proposed that Tehran impose fees on global technology firms operating undersea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz. This suggestion extends Iran's recent claims of sovereignty over the strategic waterway, where it has also sought to charge international shipping vessels. The proposal cites the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, arguing that cable installation without authorization constitutes occupation of Iranian seabed territory. However, legal experts dismiss these arguments, noting that UNCLOS explicitly protects the right to lay and maintain submarine cables. Analysts view the move less as a viable economic plan and more as a geopolitical threat or 'protection' fee attempt. If implemented or if sabotage occurs, severing these cables could severely disrupt internet connectivity, banking, and cloud services across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The situation remains tense amid ongoing conflict, with the strait effectively closed following military actions. Experts warn that while the legal basis is weak, the risk of adversarial cable cuts by state actors adds significant urgency to global digital infrastructure security concerns.

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Media outlets affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), specifically the news agency Tasnim, have outlined a controversial plan to impose taxes and exert control over undersea internet cables traversing the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal aims to generate revenue by charging fees on the digital infrastructure that facilitates approximately $10 trillion in daily financial transactions. This development marks a potential escalation in regional tensions, transforming the Strait of Hormuz from a traditional oil and shipping choke point into a significant digital pressure point. If Iranian leadership adopts this strategy, it could severely impact global connectivity and international finance, adding a new layer of complexity to existing geopolitical conflicts in the Gulf. The report highlights the strategic vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure in contested maritime zones, raising concerns among international observers about the security and stability of global data flows. This move is interpreted as an attempt by Iran to leverage its geographic position for economic gain amidst ongoing sanctions and regional instability.

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Media outlets affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have outlined a controversial plan to impose taxes and exert control over undersea internet cables traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Tasnim News Agency, regarded as an official mouthpiece for the IRGC, suggested generating revenue by charging fees on the digital infrastructure that facilitates approximately $10 trillion in daily global transactions. This proposal marks a significant escalation in geopolitical tensions, transforming the Strait of Hormuz from a traditional oil and shipping choke point into a potential digital pressure point. The move threatens to disrupt critical global data flows and supply chains, compounding existing concerns about regional stability. If Iranian leadership adopts this strategy, it could lead to severe interruptions in international communications and financial systems, leveraging digital connectivity as a tool for economic coercion. The situation highlights the growing vulnerability of physical internet infrastructure to state-level geopolitical maneuvers, raising alarms among global tech and security analysts about the future reliability of transoceanic data transmission routes in conflict-prone regions.

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Iran has agreed to discuss its nuclear programme within 30 days as part of a 14-point response to a US proposal aimed at ending ongoing conflicts. Delivered through Pakistani mediators, Tehran's response demonstrates significant flexibility by addressing the nuclear file earlier than previously insisted. The proposal prioritizes an immediate end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, and calls for the lifting of US sanctions and the naval blockade on Iran. In exchange, Iran offered a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and proposed reducing uranium enrichment levels while transferring some stockpiles abroad, contingent on guarantees for their return if negotiations fail. However, Tehran rejected Washington's demand for upfront nuclear commitments and the dismantling of nuclear facilities. US President Donald Trump labeled the response 'totally unacceptable' on social media. While the proposal seeks a mutual cessation of war between Iran and its allies against the US and Israel, reports indicate that significant gaps remain between the two sides regarding the timeline for enrichment suspension and security guarantees.

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US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to a peace proposal as "totally unacceptable," causing the fragile ceasefire to crumble and global oil prices to surge. The diplomatic stalemate centers on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insisting nuclear facilities must be dismantled. Amidst renewed drone attacks in the Gulf and threats from Tehran against Western naval deployments, the risk of resumed military conflict has intensified, disrupting global energy supplies and financial markets.

214 reports · 85 sources · Updated Jun 8, 11:09 AM UTC

On May 10, 2026, Iran officially submitted its response to the latest United States proposal aimed at securing a permanent end to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. A source familiar with the negotiations confirmed the development to Tasnim News Agency, although specific details of Tehran's reply remain undisclosed. Current diplomatic efforts are strictly focused on the cessation of hostilities, as emphasized by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, who highlighted the urgent need to address regional and international security concerns. This diplomatic move follows a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8, which halted nearly 40 days of joint US-Israeli military actions against Iran. Despite subsequent follow-up talks in Islamabad, previous negotiations failed to achieve a lasting breakthrough. The submission of this official response marks a critical step in the ongoing peace process, aiming to transform the temporary ceasefire into a permanent resolution. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, given the high stakes for stability in the Middle East region.

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Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia warned that Iran will expand combat operations to unforeseen battlefields if the United States and Israel renew military aggression. Speaking on May 10, 2026, Akraminia stated that any future attacks would be met with advanced equipment and unexpected warfare methods, bringing conflict to locations outside enemy planning scenarios. This statement follows a period of heightened tension after US-Israeli strikes under Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, 2026, targeting Iran's alleged nuclear program. Although a two-week ceasefire was announced on April 7, subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting resolution, and the US has since imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. During the ceasefire, Iran reportedly strengthened its military capabilities, updated target lists, and repaired weapons systems. Concurrently, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy Command issued separate warnings regarding retaliatory strikes against US ships and regional military centers. Mediators are currently attempting to organize new rounds of negotiations to prevent further escalation in the region.

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NetBlocks reports that Iran's internet outage has persisted for 72 days, with connection indicators remaining at critically low levels. This unprecedented restriction severely limits citizens' access to the global internet, causing widespread disruption across economic, educational, and social sectors. The Taekwondo Federation confirmed that Iranian athletes missed international competitions due to inability to register online. Economically, the shutdown has forced many virtual stores to close, leading to a surge in street vending in Tehran, while fixed internet tariffs have reportedly increased without official notice. The Iranian Internet Business Association warned that the startup ecosystem is collapsing, criticizing the restrictive 'Internet Pro' project. Meanwhile, the Iranian diaspora in countries like Japan, Canada, and Australia held protests against the regime's actions. The ongoing blackout continues to impose heavy costs on daily life, hindering communication and information access for ordinary Iranians.

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