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The UAE is accelerating construction of a second pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, doubling export capacity through Fujairah by 2027. The move follows the blockade of the waterway amid the US-Israel-Iran war, which has disrupted global energy supplies and prompted Japan to secure alternative supply routes.
At the KazanForum, Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov highlighted the 20th anniversary of the Russia–Islamic World Strategic Vision Group and Kazan's role as cultural capital of the Islamic world. A Russian diplomat said the West's hybrid war has accelerated closer ties with Muslim countries. ICESCO's head was re-elected and praised Kazan's Islamic heritage.
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper told lawmakers that US-led strikes severely degraded Iran's military, setting back its defense industry by 90%. Lawmakers questioned the effectiveness of the campaign amid reports Iran retained significant missile and drone capabilities.
Container shipping costs from South Korea to the Middle East rose 22.8% in April, marking a second consecutive monthly increase amid geopolitical tensions. In response, Seoul has announced tariff exemptions on additional shipping costs for imports rerouted due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Russian officials at the KazanForum highlighted Oman's growing role in regional logistics amid the Strait of Hormuz closure, proposing expanded trade, transport corridor development, and tourism between the two countries.
US federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, ending a case that accused him of bribing Indian officials and misleading investors. The decision follows a pledge by Adani to invest $10 billion in the US and comes alongside civil settlements with the SEC and OFAC.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel while anchored northeast of Fujairah, UAE, and is heading toward Iranian territorial waters. The vessel is believed to be the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan fishery research vessel, and communication with it has been lost.
At the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, Iran's foreign minister called on the bloc to condemn US and Israeli attacks, and accused the UAE of direct involvement in military operations against Iran. The meeting highlighted divisions within the expanded BRICS group over the ongoing conflict.
A ship was boarded by unauthorized personnel off the UAE coast and is heading toward Iranian territorial waters, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported. Media reports identify the vessel as the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan, a suspected floating armoury, though details remain unconfirmed.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping began a two-day summit in Beijing, covering trade, the war on Iran and Taiwan. The White House said the two leaders agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, while China opposed its militarisation and any tolls, and expressed interest in buying more American oil.
Conflicting reports from OPEC and the IEA indicate OPEC+ oil production fell significantly short of targets in April 2026, with Russia and several Middle Eastern producers lagging while Kazakhstan exceeded its quota. The shortfall is attributed to regional conflict and ongoing voluntary cuts.
In Q1 2026, Russian tourist trips abroad increased by 15.4% year-on-year, with Thailand, China, and Turkey as top destinations, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia. Serbia also reported growth in Russian arrivals, with 174,000 visitors in 2025 and continued increases in early 2026, according to Serbian officials.
President Donald Trump has described the ceasefire with Iran as being on "massive life support," according to multiple news outlets, after rejecting Tehran's latest counter-proposals. The comments come amid reports of ongoing Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and U.S. forces, and as retired military officials and experts are split on whether Washington should resume military operations. The U.S. has sent Iran a set of conditions for easing the conflict, but Iran's demands—including sanctions relief and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz—have been dismissed by the White House.
Pakistan's ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, told TASS that US-Iran talks are ongoing via Islamabad's mediation, with no deadlock. He expressed hope for a positive outcome, while also discussing Pakistan's wider regional role and the potential for Islamabad to host future negotiations.
The United States has imposed sanctions on individuals and companies accused of aiding Iran's military and facilitating its oil shipments to China. The measures, announced by the Treasury and State Departments, target entities in China, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Oman, and come ahead of President Trump's planned meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia refused to allow the US to use its bases and airspace for 'Project Freedom,' a military escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Trump to pause the initiative. The decision followed a call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that failed to resolve the dispute.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi discussed the Persian Gulf situation, emphasizing the need to prevent violence and protect civilian infrastructure. The call follows a visit by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko to Oman, where similar topics were addressed.
Iran is increasingly relying on aging tankers and improvised containers to store crude oil it cannot export due to the US naval blockade, with analysts warning storage capacity could run out within weeks. The situation has raised concerns about potential production cuts and environmental risks, while Tehran explores overland export routes to bypass the blockade.
US President Donald Trump has paused the American operation to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as negotiations with Iran continue. The move comes amid a fragile ceasefire and a US blockade of Iranian ports, with thousands of mariners still trapped in the Gulf.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, days before US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit. Discussions centered on the Strait of Hormuz, with China calling for its swift reopening and a comprehensive ceasefire.