US-Iran War & Israel Conflict Live Updates: US Declares Operation Epic Fury Over; Trump Pauses Hormuz Mission
Published on: May 6, 2026, 11:36 a.m. | Source: Times Now
Iran War Live Updates: Follow real-time developments as the United States and Iran navigate a fragile and uncertain pause in direct confrontation, even as military tensions continue across the Gulf and the wider Middle East. Track the latest naval operations, diplomatic negotiations, regional attacks and global economic impact linked to the crisis centred around the Strait of Hormuz.Trump Pauses ‘Project Freedom’ Amid Diplomacy Push: US President Donald Trump has temporarily paused the military’s “Project Freedom” operation, which was launched to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Trump said the pause comes because of “great progress” towards a “complete and final agreement” with Iran and described the suspension as a short-term step to test whether negotiations can succeed.Iran Rejects US Pressure Campaign: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Washington of continuing a policy of “maximum pressure” while expecting Tehran to surrender to unilateral demands. He said such expectations were “impossible” for Iran to accept, highlighting the continued mistrust between both sides despite ongoing mediation efforts.Fresh Attacks Reported In UAE: The United Arab Emirates reported a second consecutive day of missile and drone attacks allegedly linked to Iran, including incidents affecting infrastructure and maritime activity. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has denied responsibility for the strikes.Disputed Incident In Strait Of Hormuz: Iran has accused US forces of killing five civilians after passenger boats were reportedly attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran claims the vessels were civilian boats, while the US has maintained that operations in the area are focused on countering security threats and protecting maritime routes.Hormuz Crisis Remains Central To Conflict: The Strait of Hormuz continues to be the main flashpoint in the crisis, with both Iran and the United States seeking to shape control and access around one of the world’s most strategically important oil transit corridors. Shipping companies remain cautious, while insurance costs and energy market volatility continue to rise.US-Iran Naval Standoff Intensifies: The escalation follows the launch of “Project Freedom”, under which US forces sought to escort commercial vessels and counter perceived threats in the Gulf. Washington claims to have neutralised multiple Iranian boats, while Tehran has warned against any foreign military presence near its waters.Diplomatic Channels Still Active: Despite continued hostilities, diplomatic engagement remains underway through intermediaries including Pakistan. Iranian officials have reiterated that there is no viable military solution to the crisis and signalled willingness to continue indirect talks.Israel Continues Operations In Lebanon: Israeli forces have continued strikes in southern Lebanon and issued new evacuation warnings to residents ahead of further military action. The expanding Lebanon front remains one of the most volatile dimensions of the wider regional conflict.Global Energy Markets Under Pressure: Continued uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf shipping lanes has pushed oil prices higher and increased pressure on global energy markets. Disruptions in the region continue to raise concerns over inflation, supply chains and broader economic stability.Ceasefire Faces Growing Strain: Although direct confrontation between the US and Iran has slowed compared to previous weeks, repeated regional attacks, conflicting narratives and military posturing indicate that the ceasefire remains highly fragile and vulnerable to collapse.Conflict Enters Complex Strategic Phase: With diplomacy, naval pressure, regional proxy conflicts and economic warfare now unfolding simultaneously, the crisis has evolved into a prolonged geopolitical confrontation with implications far beyond the Middle East., Middle East News, Times Now
