First, links to THREE-plus reports (4): from the Associated Press and National Public Radio, and to an analysis from Indian Punchline; other published material is accessible by clicking on their names or initials. (Scroll down for IRAN 5-3-26.) — MCM

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FROM MAY 3. Trump says the U.S. will ‘guide’ stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz, starting on Monday, by Adam Schreck, Melanie Lidman and Cara Anna | AP  DUBAI — The United States will launch an effort on Monday to “guide” stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said, giving few details about what could be a sweeping attempt to help hundreds of vessels and some 20,000 seafarers. Iran quickly denounced it as a ceasefire violation. READ MORE . . .  Click HERE for same AP report in Spanish; and HERE for others.

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FROM MAY 3  How does diplomacy work during a military deadlock? Reported by Henry Larson, Emily Feng and Tinbete Ermyas | NPR  Suzanne DiMaggio, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, explains the nuances of diplomatic moves at a time of military stalemate. Click HERE to listen and, later, read; and HERE for links to both Iran war-related reports Sunday on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

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FROM MAY 3  Gas prices went up more than 30 cents a gallon last week. How high could they go? by Chandelis Duster | NPR  The Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid the Iran war. The cost for regular gas in the United States as of Sunday is an average $4.446 — a week ago it was $4.099, according to AAA’s fuel site. READ MORE . . .

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FROM MAY 3  Ceasefire served U.S.’s purpose in Iran war, by M.K. Bhadrakumar | Indian Punchline  The timing and regional act of the UAE’s exit from OPEC and the wider OPEC+ framework lends itself to various interpretations — a move to buttress its strategic autonomy; a challenge to the authority of Saudi Arabia; a masterly display of business savviness, etc. But in reality . . . READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED