LIVE: Iran army says countries siding with US to 'face difficulties' in Hormuz

This live blog follows updates for Day 72 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 71, go here.

• Lebanon says Israel kills 8 in south, strikes reported outside Beirut
• Global oil stockpiles plunge 4.8 million barrels daily, lowest since 2018
• UK sending warship to Middle East ahead of Hormuz mission
• Iran questions US diplomacy, delays response to proposal

Drone hit cargo vessel in Qatari waters, sparking fire: Qatar defence ministry

Published: May 10, 2026 | 10:22 GMT | By AFP

Qatar's defence ministry said a drone targeted a commercial vessel arriving in the country's waters from Abu Dhabi on Sunday, sparking a small fire but causing no injuries.

"A commercial cargo vessel in the country's territorial waters -- northeast of Mesaieed Port -- coming from Abu Dhabi, was targeted by a drone on Sunday morning. The incident resulted in a limited fire on board the vessel, with no reported injuries," the ministry said on X.

A UK maritime agency had earlier said a bulk carrier reported being hit northeast of Doha by an "unknown projectile".

Kuwait says came under drone attack at dawn

Published: May 10, 2026 | 09:42 GMT | By Web Desk

Kuwait's Defence Ministry reported detecting several hostile drones in the country's airspace early this morning. 

A spokesperson stated on X that the drones were handled according to established procedures.

Iran army says countries siding with US to 'face difficulties' in Hormuz

Published: May 10, 2026 | 09:17 GMT | By AFP

Iran's army warned on Sunday that countries complying with US sanctions against the Islamic republic would face difficulties crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Early this month the US government imposed new sanctions on Iranian interests and warned ships against paying authorities in Tehran to pass through the strait.

The United States and Bahrain have drafted a UN resolution, seen by AFP, calling on Iran to halt restrictions on shipping through the waterway, which has become a major flashpoint since the outbreak of war on February 28.

"Countries that comply with the United States by imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran will certainly face difficulties crossing the strait," army official Mohammad Akraminia told Iran's official IRNA news agency on Sunday.

Iran army says countries siding with US to 'face difficulties' in Hormuz

Published: May 10, 2026 | 09:12 GMT | By AFP

Iran's army warned on Sunday that countries complying with US sanctions against the Islamic republic would face difficulties crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Early this month the US government imposed new sanctions on Iranian interests and warned ships against paying authorities in Tehran to pass through the strait.

The United States and Bahrain have drafted a UN resolution, seen by AFP, calling on Iran to halt restrictions on shipping through the waterway, which has become a major flashpoint since the outbreak of war on February 28.

"Countries that comply with the United States by imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran will certainly face difficulties crossing the strait," army official Mohammad Akraminia told Iran's official IRNA news agency on Sunday.

All parties must respond to mediation efforts, says Qatar’s PM

Published: May 10, 2026 | 08:50 GMT | By Web Desk

In a meeting with the US Secretary of State, Qatar’s Prime Minister Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani on Sunday discussed relations between the two countries, the situation in the region and Pakistan’s mediation efforts to end the war.

“His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed, during the meeting, the necessity for all parties to respond to the ongoing mediation efforts in a way that opens the door to addressing the roots of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, and leads to reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region,” a statement from Qatar said.

Iran dismisses Strait of Hormuz blockade claims as propaganda

Published: May 10, 2026 | 06:57 GMT | By Web Desk

Iran's Army spokesperson has rejected allegations of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling them a propaganda campaign aimed at undermining Tehran's control over the vital waterway.

The statement comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions, where recent reports indicate Iran reimposed strict management of the strait following alleged US violations of a truce, including continued restrictions on Iranian shipping.

Saudi Aramco says net profit up more than 25% in first quarter

Published: May 10, 2026 | 06:27 GMT | By AFP

Saudi oil giant Aramco said Sunday that its net profit rose by more than 25% in the first quarter of the year compared with the same period in 2025, driven by higher crude oil volumes and higher prices.

The group, majority-owned by the state, said in a statement published on the Saudi stock exchange website that "total revenue for the first quarter of 2026 was 433.10 billion Saudi riyals ($115.49 billion), compared to 405.65 billion riyals ($108.17 billion) for the same quarter in 2025".

"The increase in revenue was mainly due to higher prices and volumes sold of refined and chemical products as well as higher crude oil volumes sold and higher crude oil prices," it said.

Ship struck by projectile off coast of Qatar: maritime agency

Published: May 10, 2026 | 06:17 GMT | By AFP

An unknown projectile struck a ship off the coast of Qatar early Sunday morning, a UK maritime agency reported, after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards threatened to target US vessels in the region.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said a bulk carrier had reported being hit 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha by an "unknown projectile".

"There was a small fire that has been extinguished, there are no casualties. There is no reported environmental impact," the agency said.

Israeli drone attack kills 2 Syrians in Lebanon

Published: May 10, 2026 | 06:11 GMT | By Web Desk

The National News Agency (NNA) is reporting that Israeli forces have launched a drone attack on a motorcycle on the main road between Qlailah and Deir Qanoun, killing two Syrian nationals.

“Civil Defense teams are working to recover the bodies in coordination with the Lebanese Army,” it reported.

The attacks follow air raids on the towns of Chaqra and Safad al-Battikh and demolitions of homes in front-line villages and towns, particularly in the city of Bint Jbeil and the town of Tayri.

Israelis protest against Netanyahu government in Tel Aviv

Published: May 10, 2026 | 04:44 GMT | By Web Desk

Dozens of Israelis took to streets in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, condemning the ongoing attacks on southern Lebanon, Al Jazeera reported.

General elections are expected later this year, amid both the war on Iran and Lebanon, and internal tensions, some involving members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community who refuse to enroll in the army.

Rubio meets Qatari PM as US awaits Iranian response

Published: May 10, 2026 | 00:28 GMT | By AFP

Top US diplomat Marco Rubio met Saturday with the leader of Mideast ally Qatar, the State Department said, highlighting the Gulf state's role as a key intermediary for Washington as it awaited Tehran's response on a peace proposal.

"The Secretary expressed appreciation for Qatar's partnership on a range of issues," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement on the meeting between Rubio and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also Qatar's foreign minister.

"The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed US support for Qatar's defense, and the importance of continued close coordination to deter threats and promote stability and security across the Middle East."