10 Latest Developments in US-Iran Tensions in the Middle East: Will South Korea Join the War?
Tensions between the United States (US) and Iran continue in the Middle East. The ceasefire, which remains in effect, is increasingly uncertain due to the ongoing “war of words” between the two countries, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Here are the latest developments, from Tuesday to Wednesday (6/5/2026), compiled by CNBC Indonesia from various sources.
- US Says “Offensive” Operation Has Ended
The US has completed its offensive operation against Iran. This was stated by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio on Tuesday.
He repeated the statement to Congress nearly a month after the fragile ceasefire. To reporters, he said, “The operation is over – Epic Fury – as notified to Congress by the president.”
“We are done with that phase,” he added.
- Iran Denies Attacking UAE
Iran’s military has denied launching any attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in recent days. Abu Dhabi itself has accused Tehran of launching drone and missile strikes against it.
- US Threatens “Devastating” Response to Iran in Strait of Hormuz
US forces are prepared to resume combat operations against Iran if ordered. This was stated by Washington’s top military officer.
The Pentagon has threatened a “devastating” response to any Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning came after Iran’s influential chief negotiator stated that Tehran “hasn’t even started yet,” reigniting the Middle East war.
- Trump Urges Iran to Do the Smart Thing
US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to “do the smart thing” and make a deal to end the war. He said that even as the ceasefire wavers, he does not want to kill more Iranians.
“They need to do the smart thing, because we don’t want to go in and kill people. Really not,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about Iran.
“I don’t want to, it’s too hard.”
- Zelensky Offers Help to Arabs
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has again offered his country’s expertise in countering drones made by Russia and Iran to Middle Eastern countries. This time, he offered assistance to Bahrain during his latest visit to the region.
“Ukraine is ready to share its security expertise with Bahrain and help strengthen the protection of lives,” Zelensky said in an online statement after meeting King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
- Calls for De-escalation
French President Emmanuel Macron said he would speak with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, world leaders are pressing Iran to negotiate an end to the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pleaded with Iran to “return to the negotiating table and stop holding the region and the world hostage.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer did the same.
- Iran-FIFA Meeting
FIFA has invited Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) to its headquarters for talks regarding the country’s participation in this year’s World Cup. Iran’s presence at the tournament, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, has been uncertain since the war broke out.
- Shipping Giant Maersk Sails Through Strait of Hormuz
Danish shipping giant Maersk said one of its vessels had sailed through the Strait of Hormuz under US escort. The company added that the transit was completed “without incident.”
- India Criticises Attack on UAE
India has condemned drone strikes on energy facilities in the UAE that injured three Indian nationals and urged unimpeded access to the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE said the Iranian attacks had hit targets including the vital Fujairah energy centre, describing the strikes as a “dangerous escalation and unacceptable violation.”
- South Korea Considers Involvement in Strait of Hormuz
South Korea (South Korea) said it would “review its position” on joining US operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows President Donald Trump’s urging of Seoul to participate after what appears to be an Iranian attack on one of its ships.