politics
May 6, 2026
US fires on Iranian-flagged oil tanker as Trump gives Tehran fresh ultimatum
President tells Iran to accept deal to end war or face new wave of bombing at ‘much higher level and intensity’
TL;DR
- US military fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker, disabling its rudder as it tried to breach a blockade.
- President Trump issued an ultimatum: Iran must accept a deal to end the war or face much higher levels of bombing.
- Reports suggest the US and Iran are close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding, with Pakistan and China involved in talks.
- A key sticking point is control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran threatening to deploy mines and drones.
- The news of a potential deal caused oil prices to fall, while markets rallied on hopes of resumed crude oil deliveries from the Gulf.