The Middle East war has sparked intense diplomatic friction, sharp rises in oil prices and serious human-rights concerns. Putin warned Trump against restarting strikes on Iran while Trump tied Russian cooperation to an end to the war in Ukraine. US officials estimate conflict costs under $25 billion so far, and reports say the White House is preparing for a potential long blockade of Iranian ports that has pushed Brent above $119/b. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies reported strong Q1 profits and the UN documented executions and mass arrests in Iran.
Middle East War: Putin Warns Trump, Blockade Plans Fuel Oil Spike and Rights Concerns
Commuters make their way past a picture of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L) and a sculpture of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran (ATTA KENARE)(ATTA KENARE/AFP/AFP)
Below are the latest verified developments from the widening conflict in the Middle East, covering diplomatic exchanges, military moves, economic impacts and human-rights concerns.
Putin Calls Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned US President Donald Trump to warn against renewed strikes on Iran, saying the recent extension of the ceasefire was "the right one," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters, including AFP. Putin cautioned that resuming military action would have "inevitable and extremely damaging consequences" across the region and the wider world. Mr. Trump described the call as "very good" and said Russian cooperation to help end the US‑Israeli campaign against Iran would be linked to Putin ending Russia's war in Ukraine.
Cost Of The Conflict
In a tense congressional exchange, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the financial toll of roughly 60 days of fighting at under $25 billion so far. He rejected claims that the United States had depleted critical munitions, calling such criticism "handing propaganda to our enemies."
Possible Long Blockade Of Iran
The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump has instructed national security officials to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into abandoning its nuclear programme. The plan reportedly aims to force a lengthy suspension of uranium enrichment and impose strict controls thereafter. A White House official also told oil executives that the blockade could be extended for months.
Oil Prices Jump
Global crude prices rose sharply on reports of a potential extended blockade: Brent climbed above $119 a barrel — its highest level since 2022 — and the US benchmark WTI rose above $105.
President's Social Post
On Truth Social Mr. Trump posted: "Iran can't get their act together. They don't know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!" The post included an illustration of him holding an assault rifle with the caption "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!"
Iranian Football Officials Leave Canada
Top Iranian football officials left FIFA co-host Canada before the start of the FIFA Congress after alleging "inappropriate behaviour" by immigration officers at Toronto airport, Iranian media reported. The federation president and deputy secretary-general reportedly flew to Turkey on the first available flight; details remain limited.
TotalEnergies Reports Strong Quarter; Restarts Refinery
French energy group TotalEnergies said first-quarter net profit rose 51% to $5.8 billion, aided by higher oil prices linked to the Middle East war. The company cited growth in Brazil and Libya production that helped offset losses in the Gulf. TotalEnergies also said it restarted undamaged units at the Satorp refinery in Saudi Arabia after airstrike damage; the site has operated at about 230,000 barrels per day since mid-April.
Lebanon Seeks Clear Ceasefire
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun urged Israel to fully implement a ceasefire before direct talks begin, after Israeli strikes killed more than 20 people over two days. Israel and Hezbollah have been in sustained combat since early March despite a fragile truce reached on April 17. Israeli military chief General Eyal Zamir warned of strikes against Hezbollah positions north of the Litani River if threatened.
UN: Executions And Mass Arrests In Iran
The United Nations reported that Iran has executed at least 21 people and arrested more than 4,000 since the conflict began. The UN rights office described Tehran's crackdown as "harsh and brutal," noting executions linked to January 2026 protests, alleged membership in opposition groups, and espionage charges.
Sources: Kremlin statements, Wall Street Journal, TotalEnergies, United Nations, AFP.
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