Monday

May 18, 2026

Armed conflicts and attacks

Middle Eastern crisis

2026 Iran war

U.S. president Donald Trump announces that he has called off planned military strikes against Iran for tomorrow at the request of Middle East allies including Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Emirati president Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, citing "serious negotiations" taking place. (PBS) (Middle East Eye)

2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations

2026 Iran war ceasefire

Pakistan reportedly shares a revised proposal with the United States from Iran aimed at ending the war. (Reuters)

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says that talks between Iran and the U.S. are still ongoing via Pakistani mediation. (AA)

2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority announces that any passage through the Strait of Hormuz that is not coordinated with it and the Iranian armed forces is "illegal". (Al Jazeera)

2026 Lebanon war

The Lebanese health ministry announces that the death toll has surpassed 3,000 people, with at least 3,020 people killed and 9,273 wounded since the war began on March 2. (Al Jazeera)

Sudanese civil war

Kordofan campaign

War crimes during the Sudanese civil war

It is reported that Rapid Support Forces has released commander Abu Lulu after previously being arrested last year after videos were seen of him executing and massacring civilians in El Fasher, Sudan. He is back in combat following his release. (Reuters)

Business and economy

Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war

2026 Iran war fuel crisis

Oil prices rise amid fears of a prolonged war and the draining of world oil reserves, including West Texas Intermediate to US$102.76 per barrel and Brent Crude to US$112.89 per barrel. (The Wall Street Journal)

Australia–China relations

Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers orders several China-linked shareholders to divest their stakes in Northern Minerals under foreign investment laws aimed at protecting the country's rare earths sector. (AFP via HKFP)