Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s passport held its spot among the world’s weakest travel documents in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, ranking 101st globally and ahead of only Syria among Arab countries.

According to the index, Iraqi passport holders can access just 29 destinations worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance or by receiving a visa on arrival. The United Arab Emirates retained its position as the Arab world’s strongest passport and ranked second globally, followed by Qatar at 46th worldwide, Kuwait at 48th, Saudi Arabia at 51st, Bahrain at 52nd, and Oman at 55th.

Morocco ranked 64th globally, Tunisia 69th, Mauritania and Algeria 79th, while Jordan and Egypt shared 85th place. Lebanon ranked 92nd, followed by Sudan, Libya, and Palestine, while Somalia was 98th and Yemen 99th.

The index, which evaluates 199 passports using International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, measures how many destinations holders can enter without requiring a pre-approved visa.

Firas Ilyas, a professor of international relations at the University of Mosul, previously told Shafaq News that passport strength reflects “a state’s standing in the international system and the level of trust it commands,” linking Iraq’s low ranking to decades of war, post-2003 instability, the conflict against ISIS, and continuing governance challenges. Foreign governments also assess border management, document security, irregular migration risks, and state control over armed groups when shaping visa policies toward Iraqi citizens.

Read more: Trust gap, wars, instability: Why Iraq’s passport ranks among weakest

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi authorities on Monday released journalist Salem al-Sheikh on bail of one million Iraqi dinars (around $770) after he was detained for criticizing services provided following the purchase of Jetour vehicles, a Chinese automobile brand.

A source familiar with the case told Shafaq News that al-Sheikh had been summoned on Sunday to a police station in Baghdad’s Al-Rusafa district over a report in which he criticized the company’s customer service and after-sales support.

The detention prompted reactions among Iraqi media circles and on social media platforms, where commentators called for respect for freedom of expression and adherence to legal procedures in cases related to publishing and opinion.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Several figures are competing for Iraq’s finance minister post in the anticipated government formation, political sources told Shafaq News on Monday, adding that current Finance Minister Taif Sami could remain in office as negotiations continue among the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) over cabinet portfolios.

The Prime Minister-designate, Ali Al-Zaidi, asked CF parties to grant him direct authority over the finance and interior ministries, allowing him to personally select what he described as qualified candidates to lead the two portfolios, the sources revealed. The request came after Al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement secured the finance ministry under ongoing political agreements.

According to the sources, Mohammed Sahib Al-Darraji is currently viewed as the leading candidate for the finance ministry, while Rafidain Bank Director General Ali Karim Hussein has also been proposed for the position.

The nomination of Hussein comes amid previous controversy surrounding allegations linked to Rafidain Bank, Iraq’s largest state-owned bank. Finance Minister Taif Sami had earlier ordered the suspension of the bank’s director and more than 20 officials and employees over suspicions related to alleged manipulation in US dollar sales at Baghdad International Airport, as well as other administrative and financial violations. Later, she reversed the suspension order and reinstated the employees under investigation, according to an official document. Information circulating at the time suggested that political pressure contributed to settling the case and closing the investigation without recommendations for penalties against those accused.

One source told Shafaq News that additional allegations linked to Rafidain Bank have circulated, including suspicions of money laundering, waste, and mismanagement.

In August 2025, US Congressman Joe Wilson accused Rafidain Bank, under Hussein’s management, of conducting financial transactions with Yemen’s Houthi movement and warned that the issue could lead to the suspension of US financial support for Iraq.

The bank’s branch in Abu Dhabi was also found to have committed financial and administrative violations, according to the sources, while indicators of mismanagement prompted the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates to impose what were described as large financial penalties on the branch.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

A joint “US-Israeli” military camp remains in western Iraq, a lawmaker told Shafaq News on Monday, claiming that Iraqi security forces were prevented from approaching the site.

According to Shaker Abu Turab al-Tamimi, a member of Iraq’s Badr parliamentary bloc, the Iraqi government was initially unaware of the matter before security agencies briefed Baghdad on the issue.

He also blamed the Interior Ministry, the Joint Operations Command, and border forces, pointing out that the area falls within the jurisdiction of Iraq’s border guards.

Israeli newspaper Maariv previously reported that Israel operated a secret military base in Iraq’s western desert during the 2026 conflict with Iran, deploying commando teams, emergency medical units, and Special Forces to the area. Iraqi security forces dismissed the reports, maintaining that no evidence of foreign troops or military equipment had been found.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Germany is gradually restoring normal diplomatic operations in Iraq, with its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil beginning a phased return of staff, the embassy noted on Monday.

No fixed date has been set for the full resumption of consular and visa services.

Several foreign missions in Iraq have reduced or temporarily suspended parts of their activities amid security concerns, particularly after the beginning of the joint US-Israeli war on Iran earlier this year.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

Gold prices fell Monday in Baghdad and Erbil markets, hovering around the million-dinar mark, according to a Shafaq News market survey.

On Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street, wholesale markets recorded a selling price of 1.010 million IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat Gulf, Turkish, and European gold, with a buying price of 1.060 million IQD, down from 1.017 million IQD the previous session.

Iraqi 21-carat gold sold at 980,000 IQD per mithqal, with a buying price of 976,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 1.010 million and 1.020 million IQD per mithqal, while Iraqi gold sold between 980,000 and 990,000 IQD.

In Erbil, prices also declined, with 22-carat gold selling at 1.045 million IQD per mithqal, 21-carat at 997,000 IQD, and 18-carat at 854,000 IQD.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran insisted on Monday that its proposal to the United States is “not exaggerated,” while accusing Washington of maintaining “unreasonable demands.”

During a press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei argued that Tehran is “acting responsibly” to safeguard its rights and has presented “generous proposals” to Washington. He also characterized regional security and stability, including in Lebanon, as “not an excessive demand,” adding that China fully understands Iran’s position and recognizes that “the war imposed on us is not temporary.”

US President Donald Trump, however, had described Iran’s response to the latest American proposal aimed at ending the regional conflict as “totally unacceptable.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran submitted a multi-page reply containing several counterproposals but stopped short of accepting key US conditions tied to its nuclear program and stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Read more: Force without a finish line: Iran losing war, US losing endgame

Shafaq News- Beirut

Israel on Monday ordered residents of nine towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate, linking the move to imminent air and artillery operations targeting Hezbollah positions in the area.

According to Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli Army, the evacuation warning covered al-Rihan (Jezzine), Jarjouh, Kfar Roummane, al-Nemiriyeh, Arabsalim, Jemjim, Mashghara, Qaliya in Western Bekaa, and Harouf.

#عاجل ‼️انذار عاجل الى سكان لبنان المتواجدين في البلدات والقرى التالية: الريحان (جزين), جرجوع, کفر رمان, النميرية, عربصاليم, جميجمة, مشغرة, قلايا (البقاع الغربي), حاروف🔸في ضوء قيام حزب الله الارهابي بخرق اتفاق وقف اطلاق النار يضطر جيش الدفاع على العمل ضده بقوة. جيش الدفاع لا… pic.twitter.com/ySj1xymiiD

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) May 11, 2026

Lebanese media outlets counted nine strikes on Yuhmor al-Shaqif, Toul, and Choukine. Additional raids hit Aaba in the Nabatieh district, along with 13 separate attacks recorded since the morning across several parts of the same district. No casualties were reported, though extensive material damage was documented.

📌غارة على كفرمان قضاء النبطية pic.twitter.com/wjuQQee8Ep

— Al Jadeed News (@ALJADEEDNEWS) May 11, 2026

An Israeli drone attack on Serbin was followed by another assault on Yater, resulting in the death of one person. Operations were still ongoing at the time of writing.

غارات وقصف لبلدات في قضاءي بنت جبيل ومرجعيون وسقوط شهيد في ياطر https://t.co/PNNHwY4qnh

— National News Agency (@NNALeb) May 11, 2026

Lebanese authorities have logged more than 8,500 Israeli raids since March 2, which, according to Health Ministry figures, have killed 2,846 people and injured 8,693 others, including women and children.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, stated it has responded to “repeated Israeli ceasefire violations” with a swarm drone assault on Israeli forces positioned inside a house in the village of al-Taybeh, claiming “direct hits.” In separate statements, the group detailed a second drone attack against the same force, which led to evacuations of casualties under fire. A third operation targeted a supporting Israeli unit in the same area, after which Israeli helicopters reportedly intervened to evacuate wounded personnel under heavy smoke cover.

The group also noted launching rockets at a gathering of Israeli vehicles and soldiers between Wadi al-Ayoun and the village of Serbin.

On the Israeli side, the Army confirmed the death of a soldier in a drone explosion targeting forces in the Manara area along the Lebanese border, raising the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since March 2 to 18.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

The US dollar opened Monday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 154,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 154,200 dinars per 100 dollars, up from the previous session’s 153,500 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 154,750 dinars and bought it at 153,750 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 153,650 dinars and buying prices at 153,500 dinars.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

A consortium including Egypt’s Nasr General Contracting Company, a subsidiary of Hassan Allam Holding, and China’s EBS has launched a $71 million residential and logistics complex project for Iraq’s Midland Oil Company aimed at strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure.

During a foundation stone-laying ceremony, Ahmed Al-Mahmoudy, CEO and managing director of Nasr General Contracting, indicated that the company’s operations in Iraq reached around $123 million over the past year, including bridge rehabilitation projects in Mosul and road and intersection development works in Baghdad. Discussions continue over additional infrastructure and transport projects linked to the oil sector, he added.

The project comes as Iraq seeks to expand oil production capacity amid intensifying competition in global energy markets. Data published by S&P Global Energy in January 2026 indicated that Iraq is expected to bring one of the world’s largest new oil field developments online this year, adding substantial crude supplies to markets increasingly shaped by production growth outside the OPEC+ alliance.

Oil remains the backbone of Iraq’s economy, generating more than 90% of government revenue. As the second-largest producer in OPEC+, Iraq pumps around 4.4 million barrels per day.

Earlier this year, the Iraqi Drilling Company announced the drilling and rehabilitation of 237 oil wells nationwide in 2025, stressing Baghdad’s focus on expanding upstream capacity despite repeated calls for broader economic diversification.

Read more: Iraq’s oil bottleneck: Abundance trapped by dependency

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran on Monday executed a man convicted of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, the judiciary-affiliated Mizan News reported.

Judicial documents cited by the outlet indicated that Erfan Shakourzadeh, also known as the “satellite spy,” cooperated with the two intelligence services in exchange for money and a US passport. He was found guilty of transmitting sensitive information, including lists of employees and details of ongoing projects. The cooperation unfolded in three stages, with two involving Mossad and one involving the CIA.

عرفان شکورزاده متخصصی که تلاش داشت اطلاعات حوزه ماهواره‌ای ایران را در اختیار موساد و سیا تبدیل قرار دهد.پخش مستند کامل اعترافات و اقدامات گسترده شکورزاده علیه امینت ملی مردم ایران امشب از خبر ۲۰:۳۰ رسانه ملیhttps://t.co/Exeqq95bdw pic.twitter.com/lHqOS997wR

— خبرگزاری میزان (@MizanNewsAgency) May 11, 2026

Iran frequently discloses arrests and executions of individuals accused of spying, particularly in cases linked to foreign intelligence services. On May 2, authorities executed two men after convicting them of working with Israel’s Mossad and plotting an attack on key military sites in Tehran.

Shafaq News

Gold prices fell ​on Monday, as a lack of progress in U.S.–Iran peace negotiations pushed oil ‌prices higher, fuelling concerns that elevated inflation could keep interest rates higher for longer.

Spot gold fell 1.2% at $4,657.89 per ounce, as of 0607 GMT. U.S. gold futures for June delivery lost 1.4% at $4,665.70.

The dollar rose, making greenback-priced bullion more ​expensive for holders of other currencies.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran's response to a ​U.S. proposal for peace talks, dashing hopes for an imminent end to ⁠the 10-week-old conflict that has caused widespread damage in Iran and Lebanon, paralyzed maritime traffic in the ​Strait of Hormuz, and driven up global energy prices.

"We're essentially seeing an unwinding of hopes for an ​imminent (peace) deal, and gold is feeling the pinch from the renewed rise in crude prices," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

Oil prices jumped as the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping ​global energy supplies tight.

Rising crude oil prices risk pushing inflation higher, increasing the prospects of ​elevated interest rates. While gold is traditionally seen as a hedge against inflation, high interest rates tend to ‌weigh ⁠on the non-yielding asset.

The ongoing war with Iran and its shock to oil prices and supplies have rocketed to the top of the list of concerns for financial stability, according to a semi-annual Federal Reserve report released on Friday.

Goldman Sachs pushed back its forecast of Fed rate cuts to ​December 2026 and March ​2027 from its previous ⁠outlook of cuts in September and December this year, saying high energy prices would likely keep inflation elevated.

Investors are now looking out for ​April's U.S. Consumer Price Index data, due later this week, for ​further clues ⁠on the Fed's monetary policy direction.

Meanwhile, China's gold production fell in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, the China Gold Association said on Saturday, as safety inspections led some smelters to ⁠suspend ​production for maintenance.

"In the near-to-medium term, the $4,400 to $4,800 range still ​looks firmly in play while we remain in this ceasefire-without-a-peace-deal stalemate," Waterer added.

Spot silver fell 0.2% at $80.13 per ounce, platinum ​slid 1.2% to $2,029.95, and palladium was down 0.7% at $1,481.09.

(Reuters)

Only the headline is edited by Shafaq News Agency.

Shafaq News- Tehran

A supertanker carrying Iraqi crude oil crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 10, Iranian media reported on Monday, amid continued disruption to regional shipping routes.

Semi-official Tasnim News Agency indicated that the very large crude carrier (VLCC) AGOIS FANOURIOS I transited the waterway through a route designated by Iran and is currently sailing through the Sea of Oman toward Vietnam’s Nghi Son port.

The Strait has remained largely shut since February 28 following the US–Israel war on Iran, disrupting energy flows and forcing Gulf producers, including Iraq, which routes roughly 95% of its oil exports through the waterway, to scale back shipments.

Vinayak Kharmale, head of operations at Sea Crown Marine Services, estimated that Iraq’s marine fuel sales fell to around 7,000 metric tons in April from 15,000 metric tons in March, marking a decline of roughly 53%. He attributed the slowdown to difficulties in vessel movement and voyage planning amid persistent security concerns in regional waters rather than weak demand.

Read more: Iraq's oil lifeline blocked: Why the crisis runs deeper than Hormuz

Shafaq News- Diyala

About 90 people were killed and more than 2,000 others were injured in traffic accidents across eastern Iraq’s Diyala province during the first four months of 2026, an official from the province’s Health Directorate told Shafaq News.

Faris Al-Azzawi, the directorate’s media chief, described the number of incidents as “high,” attributing many of the accidents to excessive speeding, unsafe motorcycle and tuk-tuk driving, and failure to comply with traffic regulations.

Interior Ministry figures showed authorities collected 161.9 billion Iraqi dinars (about $124.5 million) in traffic fines during 2025 after registering 3.88 million violations nationwide, including around 1.1 million detected through electronic surveillance cameras.

Under Iraq’s 2019 Traffic Law, fines range from 50,000 dinars ($38.50) to 200,000 dinars ($153.80). Penalties are reduced by half if paid within 72 hours, while unpaid fines double after 30 days.

Members of Parliament’s Transport and Communications Committee have indicated that proposed amendments to the law have remained under review for more than 18 months. The changes include removing the automatic doubling of unpaid fines and adjusting penalties based on road conditions.

Read more: $1.2B traffic fix fails: Iraq seeks radical solution

Shafaq News

Oil prices rallied on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said Iran's response to a U.S. proposal was "unacceptable," raising supply fears as the Strait of Hormuz stayed largely closed, which kept the global market ​tight.

Brent crude futures climbed $4.16 or 4.11% to $105.45 a barrel at 0340 GMT. U.S. West ​Texas Intermediate was at $99.80 a barrel, up $4.38, or 4.59%.

Last week, both contracts recorded ⁠6% weekly losses on hopes for an imminent end to the 10-week-old conflict that would allow ​oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

"The oil market continues to trade like a geopolitical headline ​machine, with prices swinging sharply based on every comment, rejection, or warning coming from Washington and Tehran," said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday and is expected to discuss ​Iran among other topics with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to U.S. officials.

"Market attention now shifts ​squarely to President Trump’s visit to China this week," IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note.

"There is ‌hope ⁠he can persuade Beijing to leverage its influence over Iran to push for a comprehensive ceasefire and a resolution to the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz."

The world has lost about 1 billion barrels of oil over the past two months and energy markets will take time to stabilise even ​if flows resume, Saudi ​Aramco CEO Amin Nasser ⁠said on Sunday.

Another two tankers carrying crude exited the Strait of Hormuz last week with trackers switched off to avoid Iranian attacks, Kpler shipping data ​showed, underscoring a rising trend to sustain Middle East oil exports.

"Even if ​the acute oil ⁠shock fades by late 2026, the ongoing risk of renewed disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, depleted inventories and weaker policy coordination is expected to keep a geopolitical risk premium embedded in prices," ING ⁠analysts wrote ​in a note on Monday.

They expected Brent to remain above $90 ​per barrel through 2026 and around $80 to $85 per barrel into 2027 as demand growth resumes and inventories are gradually rebuilt.

(Reuters)

Only the headline is edited by Shafaq News Agency.

Shafaq News- London

Gold accounted for around 25% of Iraq’s total foreign reserves in 2026, with the country maintaining its holdings at 174.6 tons without recording any new purchases since the start of the year, World Gold Council said on Sunday.

The data for May 2026 showed that Iraq maintained its position at 28th globally and third among Arab countries during the first months of this year.

Globally, the United States ranked first with reserves of 8,133.5 tons, followed by Germany with 3,350.3 tons, Italy with 2,451.3 tons, France with 2,437 tons, and China with 2,313 tons.

Last month, the council said that Iraq’s gold reserves stood at 174.6 tons, placing the country 28th globally and third among Arab states.

Shafaq News- Bangkok/ Baghdad

Thai rice exports to Iraq have completely stopped since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, The Nation Thailand media outlet said on Sunday.

Citing Thai Rice Exporters Association honorary president Chookiat Ophaswongse, the report said Iraq had imported between 80,000 and 90,000 tons of Thai rice monthly, or nearly one million tons annually, before the war disrupted shipments, including one vessel forced to unload its cargo after being unable to continue sailing.

Ophaswongse added that Thailand lost more than 200,000 tons of rice exports to the Middle East over the past three months amid a roughly 20% rise in shipping and insurance costs alongside higher global oil prices.

Thai rice exports reached only 2.2 million tons during the first four months of 2026, “raising concerns over Bangkok’s ability to meet its annual export target of seven million tons.”

Earlier this year, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade reported that Iraq purchased 95,000 metric tons of Thai rice during the first 11 months of 2025, while overall Thai rice exports were projected to reach between 7.8 million and 8 million tons for the year.

Shafaq News- Erbil

Far from tourist routes and untouched by commercial development, the Zewa waterfall flows quietly through the mountainous landscape of the Adhra area near Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

Shafaq News visited the site on Sunday, documenting the first published photos of the waterfall cutting through the mountain slope alongside green vegetation and horses roaming the surrounding area.

Located in the Khoshnaw Valley on the outskirts of Erbil province, the cascade lies around an hour and a half from the center of the Kurdish capital, overlooking the valley below.

Erbil province hosts several waterfalls and mountain resorts, including the well-known Gali Ali Beg waterfall, one of the area’s most visited natural landmarks, located along the historic Hamilton Road.

Read more: Visit Kurdistan: Where rivers roar at Gali Ali Beg

Shafaq News

Below is a summary of key security and public safety incidents reported across Iraq on May 10.

- Wanted Terror Suspect Dies in Clash (Basra)

A suspect accused of terrorism died during an armed clash with security forces carrying out an arrest operation in Basra.

- Missiles Strike Iranian Kurdish Opposition Camp (Erbil)

Between three and four missiles hit a camp hosting Iranian Kurdish opposition group in the Alana Valley northeast of Erbil.

- Police Arrest Child Rape Suspect (Babil)

Anti-crime forces arrested a suspect accused of assaulting and raping a child after tracking him to Baghdad less than 24 hours after the incident.

- Court Sentences Man to Death for Murder (Wasit)

A criminal court sentenced a young man to death after he confessed to killing and burying his friend over personal disputes.

- Search Teams Recover Teen’s Body from Tigris (Nineveh)

Authorities recovered the body of a teenager born in 2008 from the Tigris River two weeks after he drowned southeast of Mosul.

- Horse Riding Accident Kills Child (Kirkuk)

A fifth-grade pupil died after falling from a horse inside an orchard southeast of Kirkuk during a summer outing.

- Security Forces Shut Down Gambling Hall (Baghdad)

Baghdad Operations Command closed a gambling hall in Karrada, arrested four suspects, and seized 90 gambling devices.

- Crash Near Checkpoint Leaves One Dead (Baghdad)

A collision between two vehicles near an armored checkpoint killed one person and injured two others.

- Car Overturn Kills Woman, Injures Husband (Dhi Qar)

A vehicle overturned on Al-Gatiya road near Al-Shatra, killing a woman and critically injuring her husband.

- Tribal Clash Over Water Shares Injures Four (Dhi Qar)

A tribal dispute over water shares wounded four people, and security forces arrested more than 20 participants after surrounding the area.

- Security Forces Bust Extortion Network (Nineveh)

Iraqi police dismantled an extortion gang that falsely claimed ties to armed factions to threaten government employees and private companies for money.

- Authorities Seize Marijuana Shipment (Kirkuk)

Anti-drug forces seized three kilograms of marijuana and arrested a suspected trafficker during a joint operation between Kirkuk and Al-Sulaymaniyah units.

- Police Arrest Foreign Theft Suspect (Diyala)

Security units tracked and arrested a foreign suspect in Baghdad after he confessed to stealing money from a resident in Diyala’s Kanaan district.

- Ira’s river police Rescue Woman from Drowning (Najaf)

River police rescued a woman after she jumped into the Kufa River basin in an apparent suicide attempt.

- Police Arrest Fraud Suspect in Ambush (Babil)

Police arrested a woman wanted on fraud and forgery charges after luring her into Babil, where she admitted using forged checks purchased in Baghdad to buy modern vehicles.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Sunday described Iran’s response to the US proposal aimed at ending the war as “totally unacceptable”.

Earlier today, the Wall Street Journal reported that Iran’s response to the US proposal included several counteroffers but failed to meet key US demands regarding Tehran’s nuclear program and stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of using “delay, delay, delay” tactics with Washington and the international community for nearly five decades.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran has linked any broader understanding with Washington to ending hostilities in Lebanon*, treating it as a non-negotiable “red line,” and easing restrictions on its oil exports, according to Tasnim News Agency.

The response also calls for guarantees ensuring an end to military operations before advancing toward wider arrangements. Economically, Iran demanded the removal of restrictions imposed by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on its oil sector, alongside the release of frozen Iranian assets abroad.

The proposal additionally includes recognition of Iran’s role in managing the Strait of Hormuz within future maritime and security understandings.

According to the agency, Tehran proposed an immediate halt to the war once an agreement is announced, followed by a 30-day phase of technical and legal negotiations. Iran also suggested a “reciprocal steps” mechanism designed to test Washington’s willingness to implement commitments before moving to a final agreement.

Indirect communication between Tehran and Washington continues through written exchanges carried via Pakistani channels despite ongoing regional tensions.

Read more: Force without a finish line: Iran is losing the war, the US is losing the endgame

*Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the cumulative toll from Israeli attacks since March 2 has reached 2,846 killed and 8,693 wounded. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said authorities documented 818 airstrikes and 270 demolition operations between April 17 and May 8.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

Iran’s formal response to the latest US proposal for ending the regional war failed to satisfy key American demands over Tehran’s nuclear program and stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to a report published Sunday by The Wall Street Journal.

Citing informed sources, the newspaper indicated that Tehran submitted a multi-page response that included several counterproposals but stopped short of accepting core US conditions tied to long-term nuclear guarantees.

According to the report, Iran proposed diluting part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile while transferring the remaining material to a third country other than the United States.

Tehran also suggested linking a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the lifting of the US maritime blockade on Iranian ports, alongside a broader ceasefire arrangement.

The report added that Iran requested guarantees ensuring the return of transferred uranium if negotiations collapse in the future.

Iran also expressed willingness to suspend uranium enrichment for a period shorter than the 20-year freeze reportedly sought by Washington, while firmly rejecting any dismantling of its nuclear facilities.

Read more: Iran is losing the war, the US is losing the endgame

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Sunday accused Iran of “playing games” with the United States and the international community for nearly five decades, as Washington reviews Tehran’s latest ceasefire response delivered through Pakistani mediation.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran had relied on “delay, delay, delay” tactics for 47 years, while sharply criticizing former President Barack Obama over the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Trump alleged that Obama provided Iran with “hundreds of billions of dollars” and accused his administration of transferring $1.7 billion in cash to Tehran, describing the move as giving Iran “a major and very powerful new lease on life.”

He further claimed Iran used the period to strengthen itself while continuing regional activities hostile to US interests, adding that “they will be laughing no longer.”

The remarks came hours after US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that Iran “cannot hold the world economy hostage” through restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

Waltz confirmed that the US administration is currently reviewing Iran’s latest response, while indicating that Trump continues to give diplomacy “every opportunity” before considering renewed military action.

Earlier today, Iran sent its response to the latest US proposal aimed at ending the war in the region through a Pakistani mediator. The proposed plan currently focuses on “ending the war in the region,” without providing further details about the contents of Tehran’s response.

Shafaq News- Al-Sulaymaniyah

Representatives of civil society organizations, writers, academics, political and religious figures in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq signed a political memorandum on Sunday calling for an urgent resolution to the Kurdish Parliament crisis or the formal termination of the current legislative term.

Spokesperson for the initiative Sarwar Abdulrahman said at a press conference that more than 18 months had passed since the sixth parliamentary elections without any effective sessions being held apart from lawmakers taking the constitutional oath and securing salaries and privileges.

“The memorandum reflects growing public frustration over political tensions and disputes that have led to the suspension of an important institution such as the parliament,” he noted, calling on political blocs to clearly state their positions and take serious steps to resolve the crisis. “What is happening in the Kurdistan Region reflects a high level of irresponsibility toward constitutional and political obligations.”

The Kurdistan Parliament elections were held on October 20, 2024, after being postponed four times since 2022 due to political disputes. About 1,091 candidates competed for 100 seats, including five quota seats for minority communities and 30 seats reserved for women.

Read more: Kurdistan Region's parliamentary elections: A new political landscape emerges

Shafaq News- Middle East

An explosive-laden drone crashed in the Margaliot area of northern Israel on Sunday, sparking a fire near the Lebanese border, according to Israeli authorities and the military.

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority said the blaze erupted in the Upper Galilee settlement after the drone impact. At the same time, Israel’s Home Front Command reported that sirens sounded in the towns of Zar’it and Shomera following the detection of a drone infiltration from Lebanon.

The Israeli military stated that interceptor missiles were launched toward drones operating in areas where Israeli forces are active in southern Lebanon.

Israeli media also reported that two interceptor missiles exploded over the western sector of southern Lebanon amid the ongoing security developments along the border.

The escalation comes as Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the cumulative toll from Israeli attacks since March 2 has reached 2,846 killed and 8,693 wounded. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said authorities documented 818 airstrikes and 270 demolition operations between April 17 and May 8, adding that the Lebanese delegation intends to use the figures during upcoming talks to press for an end to Israeli attacks.