Trump says that Iran is in a ‘state of collapse’ after the meeting of leaders of Gulf countries in Saudi Arabia.
Published on 29 April 2026
US President Donald Trump says Iran is in a “state of collapse” and urged a swift lifting of the US blockade, as Gulf leaders meeting in Saudi Arabia call on Tehran to rebuild trust after “treacherous” regional attacks.
Meanwhile, three emergency workers were killed in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described as “war crimes”.
Here’s what we know:
in Iran
- Iran military spokesman praised the role of the air force: Mohammad Akraminiya said Iran’s air force carried out strikes on “enemy targets” throughout the region and penetrated American-designed defenses, adding that more than 170 aircraft were hit during the six weeks of combat.
- He said, “If the enemy commits aggression again and threatens the security of this land, they will face a more crushing response than before. We have many winning cards that we have not yet used.”
war diplomacy
- Trump criticized Merz: Trump attacked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war, after Merz commented that Tehran was “humiliating” Washington at the negotiating table. Merz said that “the Americans clearly have no strategy”, to which Trump said the chancellor “thinks it’s OK for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”
- Houthi rebels support Iran, saying they are ‘not neutral’: Yemen’s rebels condemned American “piracy”, expressed support for Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, and warned they could close the Bab al-Mandeb strait if tensions escalate.
- EU MP questions Israel’s sanctions stance: Mark Bottenga criticized the EU for considering sanctions over alleged trade in Ukrainian grain linked to Russia, but not over actions in Gaza, asking why the measures targeted “stolen grain” rather than alleged war crimes.
in the bay
- UAE will leave OPEC after almost 60 years: The United Arab Emirates says it will quit OPEC on Friday, ending decades of membership in the oil producer cartel.
- Gulf countries condemn Iran over Hormuz threat: Leaders of Gulf Arab states rejected Tehran’s “illegal actions” to close the Strait of Hormuz and endanger shipping, warning against any disruption or transit fees.
- At a meeting under the Gulf Cooperation Council in Saudi Arabia, he called for restoring “safety and freedom of navigation” to pre-war levels and stressed deeper military integration.
in America
- US Treasury says blockade will force Iran to cut oil: Treasury Secretary Scott Besant says US measures targeting Iran’s shadow banking, crypto access and oil networks have hit revenues and weakened its economy, adding that the blockade is pushing Kharg Island closer to capacity and could force production cuts costing about $170m.
- Trump says Charles agrees on Iran nuclear weapons: Trump, who is 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 claimed that Iran has been “defeated militarily,” adding that “Charles agrees” that Tehran should never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
- Trump hints at division in Iran leadership: Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna said Trump claimed Iran was in a “state of collapse”; The rhetoric appears to be aimed at pressuring Tehran back to talks as Washington maintains its red line on curbing nuclear weapons.
- Despite reports that Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a delay in nuclear talks, the US is said to be opposed to postponing those talks, leaving the situation in limbo even though the ceasefire remains in place.
- Trump’s approval hits new low amid Iran war concerns: The US president’s approval rating has fallen from 36 to 34 percent, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, as dissatisfaction grows over the cost of living and the war with Iran.
in israel
- Ultra-Orthodox protesters storm police chief’s house: Following a court ruling targeting draft evasion, anti-conscription protesters vandalized Yuval Yamin’s house in Ashkelon and barricaded themselves in his garden.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “violent attack” and called for stronger action.
in Lebanon
- Five killed in Israeli ‘double-tap’ attack in southern Lebanon: Heidi Pett, reporting from Tyre, said five people, including three doctors, were killed in the attack on rescue workers, while two soldiers were wounded. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called it a “war crime”.
- Israeli forces have continued airstrikes, shelling and demolitions, while Hezbollah has increased drone attacks and rocket fire, exposing the fragile state of the ceasefire.
global economy
- Oil rises, stocks fall: Crude oil prices jumped after Trump hinted he may reject Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar warned the crisis could escalate into a “frozen conflict” in the long run, which would weigh on equities. Brent crude for June delivery rose about 2.8 percent to $ 111.26 per barrel.
