Trump knows what goes on behind the scenes:
Pezeshkian Faces Fierce Attacks as Crises Fuel Factional Warfare in Tehran
The Iranian regime’s president Masoud Pezeshkian is under mounting fire from rival factions, with senior regime media, IRGC-linked outlets, and political figures openly questioning his competence and loyalty after recent foreign policy remarks. The unusually sharp attacks reflect a leadership consumed by internal mistrust as Tehran grapples with simultaneous domestic unrest, regional losses, and international pressure—an environment where even small deviations from the Supreme Leader’s line are treated as threats to the regime’s survival.
On May 4:
- The UAE said it intercepted 15 missiles and four drones fired from Iran, marking the first time it had been targeted since the US-Iran ceasefire on April 8.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran should “pay a price” for closing the Strait of Hormuz and that the US’s Operation Epic Fury has achieved its objectives.
- For a second day straight, the UAE says its air defence systems have been engaged in shooting down missiles and drones launched from Iran.
- A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has claimed that its armed forces have not carried out any missile or drone operations against the UAE in recent days.
- US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to “do the smart thing” and make a deal, while Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has said the ceasefire with Iran is “not over” despite the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Israeli military has launched new air attacks on southern Lebanon while issuing forced displacement orders for two more towns, as Hezbollah claims attacks in response.
Iran rejects claims it targeted UAE, says attack was aimed at US
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has denied the UAE’s allegation that it fired missiles and drones at it, saying Tehran’s actions were “exclusively” directed at the US.
The ministry said in a statement that Iran would not “spare any action in taking the necessary and appropriate measures to defend its interests and national security”.
Rubio says US aims to restore Hormuz status ‘to the way it was’
Rubio says Washington’s preference is that the Strait of Hormuz goes “back to the way it was”.
That means “anyone can use it, no mines in the water and nobody paying tolls,” he said.
Rubio says US in touch with numerous shipping liners about Hormuz movement
Here are more remarks from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio from the White House:
- The US has been in contact “with a bunch” of shipping liners about helping them move through the Strait of Hormuz.
- “We hope to continue improving the security situation, and we’ll start to see some of that movement.”
- A peace deal between the Israeli and Lebanese governments is “achievable”, but Rubio claims that Hezbollah is the “problem”.
- The US hopes that Lebanon’s armed forces will develop the capacity to challenge and disarm Hezbollah.
- As for restoring a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, “it’s not going to be easy… we’re going to do everything we can to make sure both sides continue to talk so that progress can be made”.
