Live Updates: Iran threatens to “teach a lesson” if U.S. attacks, Trump says ceasefire is “on life support” – CBS News

President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s response to the latest U.S. Peace proposal, stating that the existing ceasefire is "on life support," an announcement that has triggered fresh threats from Tehran and intensified military movements across the Middle East. On May 12, 2026, the speaker of Iran’s parliament responded to the U.S. Position by declaring that the Islamic Republic’s military is prepared to "teach a lesson" to any aggressor.

The escalating tension follows a period of relative instability since a tenuous ceasefire between Washington and Tehran took effect on April 8, 2026. This ceasefire had followed a joint war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026, which saw Persian Gulf nations endure repeated missile and drone attacks.

Regional Defense and Military Deployments

The breakdown in diplomatic progress has coincided with increased security cooperation between Israel and other regional partners. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed on May 12, 2026, that Israel has deployed anti-missile batteries and military personnel to the United Arab Emirates. These deployments are intended to protect the UAE from potential Iranian attacks.

According to CBS News, this move highlights a growing defense relationship between Israel and the UAE, a partnership that has been bolstered by the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Conflict in Lebanon

Violence has also intensified in southern Lebanon, where Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of six people. The attacks have drawn a sharp response from the leader of the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah, who vowed to turn the battlefield "into hell for Israel."

These military developments occur as Israel and Lebanon prepare for a third round of diplomatic talks. Those discussions are scheduled to take place in Washington during the week of May 12, 2026.

Iranian Infiltration Attempts in Kuwait

Simultaneously, Kuwaiti authorities reported a security breach involving Iranian-linked operatives. The Kuwaiti ministry of defense announced the arrest of four individuals who attempted to enter the country by sea. The infiltrators reportedly targeted Bubiyan Island, using a fishing boat that was rented specifically to facilitate "hostile acts."

During interrogation, the four detained individuals confessed to their affiliation with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Kuwaiti security forces engaged in clashes with the group, and while four were captured, two other suspects managed to escape.

Economic and Political Implications

The prolonged conflict and the threat of renewed hostilities have had significant domestic economic effects in the United States. Due to high fuel prices attributed to the war with Iran, President Trump has indicated a desire to suspend the gas tax to provide relief to consumers.

The current instability marks a critical juncture in the regional conflict that began in February 2026. The shift from the April 8 ceasefire toward a potential renewal of war is driven by the failure of the latest peace proposal and the resulting rhetoric from both the White House and the Iranian parliament.

The situation remains volatile as the U.S. And its allies strengthen defensive postures in the Gulf while diplomatic efforts in Washington attempt to address the crisis in Lebanon.