Iran Deploys Fast-Boats in Strait of Hormuz Amid Sensitive Negotiations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern on Wednesday regarding Iran’s rapidly expanding drone and missile arsenal, suggesting it could soon surpass regional defensive capabilities and poses an “intolerable risk.”

“Iran is developing a conventional military capacity that could overwhelm any defensive measures,” Rubio stated during an interview aboard Air Force One, headed to a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

He added, “Once they achieve this capability, they could threaten their neighbors, stating that ‘if you attack our nuclear program, we will retaliate by targeting six countries in the Gulf region, and you will be powerless to stop it.’”

Rubio elaborated on Iran’s military advancements, stating, “They are assembling swarms of drones and rockets. In just a year, they could possess such capabilities that no one would be able to strike Iran.”

He pointed out that many observers are “struggling to connect the dots” but insisted the risk is real.

“The sheer volume of drones and missiles they are developing would create a situation where an attack on Iran would be perilous,” Rubio noted.

“The consequences would be catastrophic for the region; if they secure their defensive capabilities, then their path toward weaponization would be unfettered.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized on Wednesday that Washington intends to persuade Beijing of the necessity to assist in resolving the conflict involving Iran.

“We have articulated our position to the Chinese, and I trust it resonates with them, especially at the upcoming United Nations meeting where a resolution condemning Iran’s actions in the straits will be discussed,” he said during the Air Force One journey to China.

Rubio warned that the ongoing conflict poses significant instability for China.

“It threatens to destabilize Asia more than any other region, given its dependency on the straits for energy supplies,” he added.

“Countries worldwide are experiencing economic distress due to this crisis, and it could affect Chinese exports as buyers seek alternatives,” he cautioned.

“It is in their interest to resolve this situation quickly. We hope to persuade them to encourage Iran to change its course of action in the Persian Gulf,” he concluded.

On Thursday, oil prices saw a rise as investors anticipated a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, while also keeping watch on escalating circumstances in the Iranian conflict.

Reuters reported that Brent crude futures increased by 13 cents, or 0.12%, reaching $105.76 per barrel as of 12:15 a.m. GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also rose by 12 cents, or 0.12%, settling at $101.14 per barrel.

Previously, Brent crude had decreased by over $2 per barrel on Wednesday, while WTI fell more than $1.

Yemen’s Houthi movement cautioned on Wednesday that any U.S. military strike against Iran could ignite a wider conflict throughout the Middle East, affecting all parties involved, according to reports.

Abdulwahid Abu Ras, the acting foreign minister of the group, communicated this message to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi via the Houthi-operated SABA news agency.

Abu Ras asserted that attacks on Iran could destabilize not only the Middle East but also global economic and energy systems, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences.

He warned that further aggression against Iran could drag both the region and the international community into a conflict with widespread ramifications.

In March, the Houthis began supporting Iran by launching missile and drone strikes on Israel.

The United Arab Emirates has refuted claims regarding a supposed visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The United Arab Emirates denies any reports about an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or receiving any Israeli military delegation,” the UAE Foreign Ministry stated in a post shared on X.

The ministry asserted that such claims regarding unannounced visits are ‘baseless.’

Despite these denials, Netanyahu’s office has claimed he met secretly with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, labeling the encounter as a “historic breakthrough” in relations.

U.S. Navy personnel conducted maintenance on helicopters aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, as reported by Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday.

“U.S. sailors perform routine maintenance on MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters in the hangar bay of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on May 9,” CENTCOM shared in a post on X.

This strike group has been deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a warning on Wednesday regarding nations that collaborate with Israel against Tehran, stating those actions will lead to consequences.

This statement appeared to respond to news of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Emirates.

“Netanyahu has publicly disclosed what Iran’s security agency has long warned our leadership about,” Araghchi stated in a post on X.

He added, “Seeking enmity with the great Iranian nation is a foolish gamble. Collusion with Israel is unforgivable.”

Araghchi reiterated that “nations that scheme with Israel to create discord will be held accountable.”

Netanyahu’s office has claimed that he met in secret with Al Nahyan during the hostilities.

“This visit has resulted in a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE,” the office stated.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz criticized Iran on Wednesday, pointing to increasing support for a U.N. Security Council resolution that demands Iran cease its activities of mining the waterway and imposing tolls on passing vessels.

“Iran is isolated in its illegal endeavors to mine international waters and charge tolls,” Waltz wrote in a post shared on X.

Two drones targeted an Iranian opposition camp located north of Iraq’s Erbil on Wednesday, as per reports.

Citing security sources, Reuters reported that an arms and ammunition depot within the camp was impacted. There were no reports of injuries.

Two Hamas operatives, including a commander linked to the October 7 attack on Israel, were reportedly eliminated on Wednesday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

“ELIMINATED: Hamza Sharabasi, a commander in Hamas’ Shejaiya Battalion in northern Gaza,” the IDF stated in a post shared on X.

According to the military, Sharabasi previously infiltrated Israeli territory and took part in the attack on the Nahal Oz outpost, leading to the deaths of Israeli soldiers.

“Recently, he was involved in planning attacks against IDF forces operating near the Yellow Line,” the IDF confirmed.

The IDF also announced the killing of Azzam al-Hayya, a prominent figure in the organization.

Vice President JD Vance indicated on Wednesday that Washington is making cautious strides in diplomatic efforts concerning the conflict with Iran, stressing a collaborative approach with regional allies.

“These negotiations are indeed very delicate,” Vance remarked during a meeting of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

He noted that discussions are ongoing with significant figures in the Arab world and that he had participated in a call with Jared Kushner and Steve Wycoff.

Vance reiterated the objective to prevent a “dangerous regime from obtaining the world’s most destructive weapons.”

“This is the primary goal we’re focused on, and there are various ways to achieve it,” he added.

“The president has currently set us on a diplomatic course, and that’s my priority,” Vance concluded.

The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See clarified on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV did not grant any exclusive honor to Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican.

This statement followed claims that Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari had been awarded the title of Knight of the Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of Pius IX.

“Contrary to reports, Pope Leo did not confer a special honor upon the Iranian ambassador,” the embassy mentioned in a post shared on X.

“This honor is generally awarded to accredited ambassadors who have served over two years, according to longstanding practice.”

Additionally, the embassy stated this recognition is a personal accolade and does not indicate alignment or opposition to any policy or nation.

It was further noted that 13 ambassadors recently received similar honors, including previous U.S. ambassadors.

“Finally, it should be emphasized that the decoration was not personally presented by the pope,” the statement concluded.

Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref declared on Wednesday that Tehran’s claim regarding the Strait of Hormuz is no longer subject to discussion.

“Our right to the Strait of Hormuz is established, and the matter is closed,” Aref asserted, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.

Aref added that Iran’s prior strategies centered around sanctions and external pressures, but there is now a necessity to shift focus to ensuring the “security and welfare of our country and the region.”

This declaration coincided with stalled diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution. President Donald Trump remarked on May 11 that Iran’s latest peace offer was “unacceptable.”

The U.S. blockade on Iranian ports is still in effect as of Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly conducted a covert visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, resulting in what officials deem a historic improvement in their bilateral relations.

Netanyahu’s visit was described as occurring during the critical phase of Israel’s Operation Roaring Lion, according to his office.

“This visit led to a landmark breakthrough in the relationship between Israel and the United Arab Emirates,” his office stated.

Details regarding the meeting remain scant.

The strengthening of this relationship was notably highlighted earlier this week when U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel had dispatched Iron Dome air-defense systems and personnel to operate them for the UAE.

The UAE officially recognized Israel in 2020, a move that sparked criticism from Iran, which has historically positioned itself as Israel’s main adversary. Although Iran has not directly responded to Huckabee’s comments, it has frequently suggested that Israel retains a military and intelligence presence in the Emirates.

Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

U.S. forces fired warning shots earlier this week to enforce the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, successfully directing two commercial vessels attempting to exit the waterway to turn back, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The command provided updates regarding the enforcement of the naval blockade against vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports, which has been in place since April 13, in a post on X.

“As of today, U.S. forces have redirected 67 commercial vessels, allowed 15 humanitarian aid shipments to pass, and disabled 4 vessels to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM reported.

CENTCOM highlighted the enforcement of the blockade when two commercial vessels attempted to leave Iran earlier this week.

U.S. forces “ensured that two commercial vessels turned around to comply with the blockade after communicating via radio and firing warning shots from small arms, underscoring that U.S. enforcement remains robust,” it stated.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jet was seen patrolling the waters near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, as reported by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Described as a 5th-generation stealth aircraft, the F-35A has the capability to carry up to 18,000 pounds of ordnance while flying at supersonic speeds.

CENTCOM shared this information in a post on X, indicating that Iran’s grip on the Strait is affecting global energy supplies and causing economic pressures worldwide.

An American naval blockade of the strait commenced on April 13, hindering oil tankers from exiting the waterway.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump indicated that the ceasefire with Iran is “on massive life support” as retired U.S. commanders and national security experts are increasingly divided on whether military actions against Tehran should resume.

“I would describe the ceasefire as being on massive life support,” Trump remarked to reporters, adding that its chance of survival was negligible.

Trump dismissed Iran’s latest response to a proposed agreement as “nonsense,” amid ongoing discussions regarding military options should negotiations falter.

Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, former national security adviser during Trump’s administration, stated that he doubts Tehran’s leadership will make the necessary concessions for a deal as envisioned by Trump.

“I believe the Iranian leadership and the IRGC are unlikely to make the kind of compromises the President expects,” McMaster shared with Fox News Digital.

“Trump consistently seeks an agreement, but he will not agree to anything unfavorable,” he concluded.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital’s Efrat Lachter.

Iran reported on Tuesday that a suspected oil spill near its key export location at Kharg Island was likely caused by a foreign tanker discharging contaminated ballast water, rather than a leak from its own facilities.

Satellite imagery taken between May 6 and 8 displayed a sizable oil slick extending across numerous square kilometers west of Kharg Island, a critical oil terminal in the Gulf.

The Vice President for environmental matters, Shina Ansari, stated, “Our monitoring found no oil leaks from pipelines or oil facilities,” attributing the discharge to a “non-Iranian tanker,” according to state media.

Iran’s Oil Terminals Company reported that inspections indicated no signs of leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, or surrounding tankers.

Analysts reviewing the satellite imagery indicated that the slick appears to be oil and may be one of the most significant spills recorded since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, as reported by Reuters.

Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst reported to Congress on Tuesday that the ongoing conflict with Iran is now estimated to have incurred costs of approximately $29 billion.

“The joint staff team of the comptroller is constantly reassessing this estimate, which now stands at around 29 billion,” Hurst stated, indicating an increase from a previous estimate of $25 billion disclosed in late April.

Pentagon officials informed Congress that roughly $24 billion pertains to replacing munitions and repairing equipment in addition to operational expenses for maintaining deployed forces.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced pressing questions during the hearing from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers concerning the administration’s end strategy for the conflict, the escalating costs, and its implications for U.S. arms inventories.

Hegseth remarked that President Donald Trump’s 2027 budget request for the Department of War reflects the urgency of the situation, addressing long-standing issues while preparing U.S. forces for ongoing and future engagements.

Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.