Rubio says US should get Iran response today

'The hope is it’s something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation,' US state secretary says

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the country should get a response on Friday from Iran to its proposal to end the war.

“We’ll see what the response entails. The hope is it’s something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation,” Rubio told reporters in Rome on Friday.

BREAKING: Secretary Rubio sounds the alarm about reports that Iran could move to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz as he announces the U.S. is expecting a response on peace negotiations today:

"We've seen the reporting overnight that Iran has established or trying to… pic.twitter.com/5xX2Dcq7tW

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 8, 2026

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran, according to the country’s defence ministry.

The ministry said the latest attacks caused three moderate injuries.

It added that the overall toll since the start of what it described as “the blatant Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates” has risen to 230 injuries and 10 civilian deaths involving multiple nationalities.

The UAE air defence systems engaged 2 ballistic missiles and 3 UAV’s.

The Ministry of Defence announced that on May 8, 2026, the UAE air defence systems engaged 2 ballistic missiles and 3 UAV’s launched from Iran, resulting in 3 moderate injuries.

Since the beginning of the… pic.twitter.com/wuEKN00SHg

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 8, 2026

“Since the beginning of the blatant Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates, the air defences have engaged a total of 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 UAVs,” the ministry said.

The ministry also stated that it “remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats” and would “firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country”.

Ocean Koi tanker seized

Iran said it redirected the US-sanctioned oil tanker Ocean Koi that was earlier seized by Iranian authorities over an alleged attempt to disrupt Iran's oil exports, carrying Iranian oil back to its shores, though it was unclear from its statement why it had been targeted.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran's navy, through a specially planned operation in the Sea of Oman, seized the offending tanker Ocean Koi," the army said in a statement carried by state television, adding that the oil belonged to the "Islamic Republic".

It said the ship was redirected to Iran's southern shores after it sought "to damage and disrupt Iran's oil exports," without elaborating. In February, the US Treasury Department placed sanctions on the Barbados-flagged tanker, which it said has since 2020 been part of Iran's so-called "shadow fleet" -- a network of vessels used to transport oil while evading sanctions.

🎥 توقیف نفتکش متخلف اوشن کوی توسط نیروی دریایی ارتش

🔹تکاوران دریایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران در یک عملیات ویژه، نفتکش متخلف اوشن کوی (OCEAN KOI) را که در صدد ایجاد اخلال در صادرات نفت و منافع ملت ایران بود، توقیف کردند. pic.twitter.com/7mPStdcEkx

— خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) May 8, 2026

The tanker "has transported millions of barrels of Iranian high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and condensate since May 2025," it added. Iranian state television released a video of what it called a "seizure" of the tanker, showing Iranian forces following the vessel at night in small boats and boarding it using a ladder, before it was redirected back to Iranian shores.

The army said the tanker was handed "to judicial authorities" upon its return to the country's shores.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of choosing military escalation whenever diplomacy appears possible. In a post on X, Araghchi said: “Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure.” He also questioned whether the move was “a crude pressure tactic” or “the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire”.

Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure. Is it a crude pressure tactic? Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?

Whatever the causes, outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure. pic.twitter.com/ev7dMIebNB

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 8, 2026

“Whatever the causes, outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure,” he added.

US and Iranian forces clashed in the Gulf, and the UAE came under renewed attack, endangering a month-old ceasefire and ‌shaking hopes for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. The flare-up in fighting came as Washington awaited a response from Tehran to its proposal to end the conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli airstrikes across Iran on February 28.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that three US Navy destroyers were attacked as they moved through the strait, a conduit for around a fifth of the world's oil ​and liquefied natural gas flows that Iran has all but closed since the conflict started.

"Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of ​the Strait of Hormuz, under fire. There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian ⁠attackers," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump later told reporters the ceasefire was still in effect and sought to play down the exchange. "They trifled with us today. We ​blew them away," Trump said in Washington.

Iran's top joint military command accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another ship, and of ​carrying out air attacks on civilian areas on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby coastal areas. The military said it responded by attacking US military vessels east of the strait and south of the port of Chabahar.

Read More: World awaits Iran response to peace deal

A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the Iranian strikes inflicted "significant damage," but US Central Command said none of its assets were hit.

Iran's ​Press TV later reported that, following several hours of fire, "the situation on Iranian islands and coastal cities by the Strait of Hormuz is back to normal now". The two ​sides have occasionally exchanged gunfire since the ceasefire took effect on April 7, with Iran hitting targets in Gulf countries, including the UAE.

There were a few details immediately available about the latest ‌attack on the ⁠Emirates. Since the war began, Iran has often targeted the UAE and other Gulf countries, which host US bases.

Oil prices rose in early trade in Asia on Friday, with Brent crude jumping above $100 a barrel after the latest clashes, while stock prices retreated after strong gains this week on hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict.

"Despite ongoing hostilities and still-elevated oil prices, markets are pricing a limited duration," said Marija Veitmane, head of equity research at State Street Markets.

Trump urges negotiated end to war

Trump suggested ongoing talks with ​Tehran remained on track despite Thursday's hostilities, ​telling reporters, "We're negotiating with the Iranians."

Before ⁠the latest strikes, the US had floated a proposal that would formally end the conflict but did not address key US demands that Iran suspend its nuclear work and reopen the strait.

Tehran said it had not yet reached a decision on the emerging ​plan.

Even so, Trump said Tehran had acknowledged his demand that Iran could never get a nuclear weapon, a prohibition he said ​was spelled out in ⁠the US proposal.

Also Read: Oil prices rise as investors weigh Middle East peace prospects

"There's zero chance. And they know that, and they've agreed to that. Let's see if they are willing to sign it," Trump said. Asked when any deal might be reached, Trump said, "It might not happen, but it could happen any day. I believe they want to deal more than I do".

The war has tested Trump's relationship with his ⁠US base of ​supporters, after he had campaigned against involving the United States in foreign wars and promised to ​bring down fuel prices.

Average US gasoline prices have climbed more than 40% since late February, rising by about $1.20 a gallon to more than $4, according to data from the American Automobile Association, as disruptions to oil ​shipments through the Strait of Hormuz pushed crude oil prices higher.

Iran creates agency to collect Strait of Hormuz tolls

Iran has created an authority to approve transit through the Strait of Hormuz and to collect tolls from vessels, a shipping journal said Friday, even as Washington pushed for a deal to reopen the strategic waterway that Tehran has closed.

"The Persian Gulf Strait Authority has already introduced a new framework requiring ships to obtain transit authorisation and pay tolls before sailing," said Lloyd's List, the industry journal which provides news and intelligence on shipping and maritime trade.

It added that "ships are required to submit detailed records of ownership, insurance, crew details and intended transit route", citing a form sent by the authority. On Tuesday, Iranian English-speaking broadcaster Press TV said Iran had built a "system to exercise sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz" and that ships passing through the strait were sent "regulations" from the email

Four accused of spying for Iran arrested in Israel

Israel’s Ynet News site reported that three soldiers and one civilian were arrested on suspicion of working for Iranian intelligence while they were minors, according to Al Jazeera.

They have been accused by Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet and the police of photographing sensitive sites, including an Israeli Air Force training facility where some of them had studied. Israeli authorities say that several of the suspects made contact with Iranian agents voluntarily.

According to Ynet, they were arrested in March, and indictments were filed against them by the Attorney General’s Office on Friday.

UAE activates air defence systems

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reportedly activated air defence systems across the country on Friday morning, while explosions were heard off the coast of Abu Dhabi, where US assets are stationed, Dubai-based journalist Natasha Turak told Al Jazeera.

“As these skirmishes in the Strait of Hormuz continue along these coastal waters, the UAE remains on high alert, as these attacks sort of restarted as we saw on Monday,” she said.

“UAE authorities are encouraging vigilance, but across the country so far today, we have not heard the missile alerts themselves go off, suggesting that at this point, the mainland itself is not coming under attack,” she added.

China confirms attack on oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

China’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that an oil products tanker carrying Chinese crew was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, and expressed deep concern about vessels affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Reuters reported.

There are Chinese nationals aboard the vessel, but no reported crew casualties so far, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular news conference. A Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, China's Caixin reported on Thursday.

South Korea begins probe into ship fire in Strait of Hormuz

South Korea has launched an investigation into an explosion and fire aboard a Korean-operated vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, amid uncertainty over whether the incident was the result of an attack, Reuters reported.

The country’s Oceans Ministry said on Friday that government investigators have begun examining the cause of the incident. The vessel, operated by HMM, was towed to a port in Dubai before investigators boarded it at around 0600 GMT.

The ship’s operator confirmed that the vessel, HMM Namu, completed berthing in Dubai by 2300 GMT on Thursday. Officials said it was too early to determine when the investigation would conclude.

The fire reportedly broke out in the engine room on Monday while the ship was anchored near the United Arab Emirates. All 24 crew members on board, including six South Koreans, were safely evacuated without injury.

The cause of the incident remains unclear. While US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had fired on the vessel and called for South Korea to support US-led maritime security efforts in the Strait, Tehran has strongly denied any involvement.

Iran’s embassy in South Korea rejected the allegations, saying it “firmly rejects and categorically denies” any role in damaging the ship. However, Iranian state media later carried commentary suggesting the vessel may have been targeted, while stressing it did not reflect an official government position.

South Korea has said it is considering all possibilities, including both external attack and internal technical failure, and is prioritising a fact-based investigation before deciding on any response.