Iran War: Day 61 Sees UAE Leaving OPEC and New Developments

US President Donald Trump said Iran is in a “state of collapse” and called for a swift end to the US blockade, as Gulf leaders met in Saudi Arabia demanding Tehran restore trust following regional attacks deemed “treacherous.”

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed three paramedics, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described as a “war crime.” Here are the key developments:

In Iran

• Iranian military spokesman praises air force role: Mohammad Akraminia said Iran's air force carried out attacks on “enemy bases” across the region and breached US-designed defenses, claiming more than 170 aircraft were hit in six weeks of war.
• “If the enemy again invades and threatens the security of this land, they will face a stronger response than before. We still have many winning cards unused,” he added.

War Diplomacy

• Trump criticizes Merz: Trump attacked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war after Merz remarked that Tehran is “humiliating” Washington at the negotiating table. Merz said “the Americans clearly have no strategy”; Trump responded that the chancellor “thinks it's okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”
• Houthis back Iran, declare 'no neutrality': Yemeni rebels condemned US “piracy,” expressed support for Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, and warned they could close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if tensions escalate.
• EU lawmaker questions Israel sanctions stance: Marc Botenga criticized the EU for considering sanctions related to alleged Ukrainian grain trade with Russia but failing to act on Gaza, questioning why measures target “stolen grain” instead of alleged war crimes.

In the Gulf

• UAE leaves OPEC after nearly 60 years: The United Arab Emirates announced it will leave OPEC on Friday, ending decades of membership in the oil-producing organization.
• Gulf states condemn Iran over Hormuz threat: Arab Gulf leaders rejected Tehran's “illegal actions” to close the Strait of Hormuz and endanger shipping, warning against any disruption or transit fees.
• Meeting under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Saudi Arabia, they called for restoring “maritime security and freedom” to pre-war levels and urged deeper military integration.

In the US

• US Treasury says blockade will force Iran to cut oil: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said US measures targeting Iran's underground banking system, cryptocurrency access, and oil networks have reduced revenues and weakened the economy, adding that the blockade is pushing Kharg Island near full capacity and may force production cuts, costing about $170 million per day.
• Trump says Charles agrees on Iran nuclear weapons: Trump, hosting King Charles III at the White House, said during a state dinner that his administration's Middle East efforts are “going very well” and declared Iran “militarily defeated,” adding that “Charles agrees” Tehran must never possess nuclear weapons.
• Trump hints at rift in Iranian leadership: Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna from Washington, DC, reported that Trump declared Iran is in a “state of collapse”; the statement appeared aimed at pressuring Tehran to return to negotiations as Washington maintains its red line on preventing nuclear weapons.
• Despite reports that Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for delaying nuclear talks, the US reportedly opposes postponing those talks, leaving the situation deadlocked even as the ceasefire holds.
• Trump approval rating hits new low over Iran war concerns: The US president's approval rating fell to 34%, from 36%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, as dissatisfaction grows over living costs and the war with Iran.

In Israel

• Ultra-Orthodox protesters storm police chief's home: Anti-conscription protesters broke into the home of Yuval Yamin in Ashkelon, barricading themselves in the garden after a court ruling targeting draft dodging.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “violent attack” and called for firm action.

In Lebanon

• Israeli 'double-tap' attack kills five in southern Lebanon: Heidi Pett reported from Tyre that five people, including three medical workers, were killed in an attack on a rescue team, with two soldiers wounded. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called it a “war crime.”
• Israeli forces continued airstrikes, shelling, and demolition, while Hezbollah stepped up drone and rocket attacks, highlighting fragile ceasefire conditions.

Global Economy

• Oil up, stocks down: Crude oil prices surged after Trump signaled he might reject Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar warned the crisis could turn into a prolonged “frozen conflict,” pressuring stock markets. Brent crude for June delivery rose about 2.8%, reaching $111.26 a barrel.