2AM ET 05/12/2026 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update — 2AM ET 05/12/2026 Newscast

Host: Debra Valentine (FOX News)
Date: May 12, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provides listeners with the latest headlines and developments from around the world. The main stories focus on rising Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, public health updates following a cruise ship hantavirus scare, U.S.-China diplomacy with a high-profile state visit, and domestic policy delays regarding beef tariffs. Additional coverage highlights a controversy over classified information related to U.S. missile stockpiles.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Middle East Tensions Escalate: Strait of Hormuz Blockade

[00:03 – 00:59]

• The U.S. continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, further straining relations with Iran and impacting global shipping and the economy.
• Iran’s foreign ministry criticized the U.S.'s diplomatic stance, calling Washington’s demands “unreasonable.”
• Iran’s parliamentary speaker issued a strong warning:

  “Our armed forces are ready to deliver a well-deserved response to any aggression. Mistaken strategy and mistaken decisions will always lead to mistaken results. The whole world has already figured this out. We are prepared for all options. They will be surprised.”
  — Iran's Parliamentary Speaker (00:30)

• Over 1,500 ships are currently stranded due to the blockade.

Memorable Moment:
"With the peace plan still in the balance, a lot of the focus right now remains on the Strait of Hormuz where more than 1500 ships remain stranded, hurting the global economy." — Ashley Webster (00:52)

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2. U.S. Public Health: Hantavirus Cruise Ship Quarantine

[00:59 – 01:53]

• 18 Americans exposed to hantavirus aboard a cruise ship have returned to the U.S. and are now under quarantine.
• Details of where and how the passengers are being treated:
  • One person, after a mixed test result, is placed in the Nebraska biocontainment unit as a precaution.
  • Another symptomatic but negative-testing individual is at Emory University's biocontainment facility.
  • Asymptomatic close contacts are also at Emory for precautionary monitoring.
  • 15 lower-risk individuals are quarantined at Nebraska Medical Center in hotel-like accommodations.
• Maryland health authorities are tracking two residents exposed via a shared flight.

Quote:
"One passenger who tested positive and later negative for hantavirus before returning to the U.S. was placed in the Nebraska biocontainment unit as a precaution." — Jonathan Serry (01:10)

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3. U.S.-China Diplomacy: State Visit and Economic Talks

[02:40 – 03:22]

• China prepares to host President Trump, anticipating discussions with President Xi Jinping.
• Iran will be a central agenda topic — China’s oil imports from Iran have plummeted 20% due to the ongoing conflict.
• The White House has invited CEOs from Tesla and Apple to join, suggesting major business deals may be signed.
• China calls for a "complete cessation of hostilities" in the region.

Quote:
"A Chinese government spokesman is promising an in-depth exchange of views when President Trump meets his counterpart, Xi Jinping." — Jonathan Savage (02:50)

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4. U.S. Policy: Delay of Action on Beef Tariffs

[03:22 – 03:51]

• President Trump delays signing executive orders that would have suspended tariffs on imported beef and reduced regulations for American cattle producers.
• Delay attributed to the administration needing to finalize policy details.

Note:
No direct quotes or memorable moments for this segment.

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5. Political Controversy: Classified Information & Senator Kelly

[03:51 – 04:30]

• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth accuses Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) of potentially disclosing classified information about missile stockpiles during a Sunday news appearance.
• Hegseth says the matter will be reviewed by Pentagon lawyers.
• Sen. Kelly defends his comments, saying they mirrored information Hegseth himself revealed in Congress.
• Hegseth has previously attempted to have Kelly demoted for unrelated actions.

Quote:
"Senator Kelly potentially violated his oath when he discussed the status of missile stockpile that Kelly claims could take years to replace." — Pete Hegseth (03:56)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Middle East Tensions & Strait of Hormuz: 00:03 – 00:59
• Hantavirus Outbreak & Quarantine Info: 00:59 – 01:53
• China Prepares for Trump State Visit: 02:40 – 03:22
• Delay on Beef Tariffs Policy: 03:22 – 03:51
• Senator Kelly & Classified Briefing Dispute: 03:51 – 04:30

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Notable Quotes

• Iranian Parliamentary Speaker:
  “Our armed forces are ready to deliver a well-deserved response to any aggression. Mistaken strategy and mistaken decisions will always lead to mistaken results. The whole world has already figured this out. We are prepared for all options. They will be surprised.” (00:30)

• Ashley Webster, Fox Business Network:
  "With the peace plan still in the balance, a lot of the focus right now remains on the Strait of Hormuz where more than 1500 ships remain stranded, hurting the global economy." (00:52)

• Jonathan Serry, Fox News:
  "One passenger who tested positive and later negative for hantavirus before returning to the U.S. was placed in the Nebraska biocontainment unit as a precaution." (01:10)

• Jonathan Savage, Fox News:
  "A Chinese government spokesman is promising an in-depth exchange of views when President Trump meets his counterpart, Xi Jinping." (02:50)

• Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War:
  "Senator Kelly potentially violated his oath when he discussed the status of missile stockpile that Kelly claims could take years to replace." (03:56)

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains Fox News’ brisk, fact-driven style with reporter updates and direct quotes from key figures, offering clarity on both developing international situations and urgent U.S. policy debates. The language remains assertive and direct to suit the nature of ongoing and sometimes contentious news topics.

Transcript

[A]

Tensions escalate. I'm Debra Valentine, Fox News. Middle east tensions escalate as the US Continues its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Fox Business Network's Ashley Webster is in Tel Aviv with more.

[B]

Iran's foreign ministry claims its proposal, though they claim it was generous and responsible and accused Washington of continuing to put forward what it calls unreasonable demands. Meantime, Iran's parliamentary speaker offered his own warning today saying, quote, our armed forces are ready to deliver a well deserved response to any aggression. Mistaken strategy and mistaken decisions will always lead to mistaken results. The whole world has already figured this out. We are prepared for all options. They will be surprised. With the peace plan still in the balance, a lot of the focus right now remains on the straight of Hormuz where more than 1500 ships remain stranded, hurting the global economy.

[A]

Ships attempting to skirt the blockade continue to be turned away. The 18Americans on the hantavirus exposed cruise ship have returned to the US to quarantine.

[C]

One passenger who tested positive and later negative for hantavirus before returning to the US Was placed in the Nebraska biocontainment unit as a precaution. Another individual experiencing symptoms despite testing negative was transferred to a biocontainment facility at Emory University in Atlanta. A close travel companion with no symptoms also went to Emory for monitoring. While 15 lower risk passengers quarantine at Nebraska Medical center in more hotel like accommodations separate from the biocontainment unit. And today, health authorities in Maryland announced that they're monitoring two residents who were not on the cruise ship but may have had exposure to one of the cruise ship passengers who got off earlier and was on a flight with them abroad.

[A]

Fox's Jonathan Serry, America's listening to Fox News.

[D]

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[A]

China's preparing to welcome President Trump for a meeting between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies. Fox's Jonathan Savage looks ahead.

[E]

A Chinese government spokesman is promising an in depth exchange of views when President Trump meets his counterpart, Xi Jinping. There's no doubt that one of the topics will be Iran. China, a major purchaser of Iranian oil, has seen crude oil imports fall 20% year on year year as a result of the conflict. It's called for a complete cessation of hostilities, but the multi day visit will have room for other issues too. The White House is inviting the CEOs of Tesla and Apple on the trip, which it's hoped will see multiple business deals signed. Jonathan Savage, Fox News.

[A]

The Trump administration says it will delay a plan to address high beef prices, which would have suspended tariffs on imported beef. President Trump had planned to sign a pair of executive orders to lower tariffs on beef and reduce regulations on American cattle producers today. White House officials said this evening the actions have been delayed as the administration finalizes details. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth suggesting a senator's comments on classified matters will be reviewed by Pentagon lawyers.

[F]

Secretary Hegseth said Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly may have shared information on a Sunday news show that was part of a classified briefing. In a post on X, Hegseth said Senator Kelly potentially violated his oath when he discussed the status of missile stockpile that Kelly claims could take years to replace. Senator Kelly in response said that information is similar to what Secretary Hegseth revealed during a recent congressional hearing. Hegseth has previously tried to demote Kelly, who retired from the Air Force as a captain, for taking part in a video warning service members against obeying illegal orders.

[A]

Gernall Scott, FOX News I'm Debra Valentine. This is FOX News.

[G]

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