Updated May 12, 2026 / 9:06 AM EDT
Summary — What to know now
– Iran’s parliament speaker warned that Iranian armed forces stand ready to “teach a lesson” to any attacker after U.S. criticism of Tehran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal.
– President Trump called Iran’s reply “garbage” and said the ceasefire is “on life support,” and accused Iran of reneging on an offer to allow the U.S. to remove highly enriched uranium.
– Tensions across the region remain high: Israel has sent defensive systems and personnel to the UAE, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least six people, and Hezbollah leaders vowed continued resistance.
Live updates
1 minute ago — Pentagon plan
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a House panel the Pentagon has contingency plans for multiple scenarios, including escalation or the withdrawal (retrograde) of U.S. forces, if required. Asked about next steps in public, he declined to detail operations, stressing the sensitivity of efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Hegseth framed the department’s $1.5 trillion budget request as responding to immediate threats and positioning forces for future conflicts.
41 minutes ago — Iran to restore internet when “normal conditions” return
An Iranian government spokeswoman said severe internet restrictions imposed amid recent unrest will be lifted once officials judge that “normal conditions” have returned. The statement acknowledged frequent disruptions during a turbulent period last year and suggested restorations would follow a return to stability.
8:05 AM — Trump: Iran backed away from uranium deal
President Trump said Iran initially told U.S. officials it would allow help removing highly enriched uranium but removed that pledge from its formal ceasefire response. He said the U.S. also seeks long-term guarantees against a nuclear weapon and rejected an Iranian proposal to send uranium to Russia, preferring it moved to a third country — a proposal Tehran reportedly declined.
7:44 AM — Hezbollah and Lebanon-Israel developments
Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem said the group’s weapons are not part of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and vowed fighters would make the battlefield “hell” for Israeli forces. A third round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives is scheduled in Washington later this week. Meanwhile, state media in Lebanon reported Israeli strikes killed six people in Kfar Dounine and wounded others as fighting continues despite a ceasefire arrangement.
7:44 AM — Israel aids UAE defense
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Israel dispatched Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the United Arab Emirates to help protect the country amid the conflict, underscoring closer security ties among regional partners concerned about Iran.
7:44 AM — Iran parliament speaker issues warning
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, posted that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to respond and “teach a lesson” to any aggression, framing the comment as a reaction to what Tehran sees as hostile moves and rhetoric.
7:44 AM — Pakistan report and asset protection
U.S. officials told CBS News that Pakistan, while acting as a diplomatic intermediary between Tehran and Washington, permitted Iranian military aircraft to park on Pakistani airfields — a step that could shelter some Iranian assets from U.S. strikes. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry called the reporting “misleading and sensationalized.” Iranian civilian aircraft also were reported to have been positioned in neighboring Afghanistan.
7:44 AM — Ceasefire status
President Trump described Iran’s written response to the U.S. ceasefire offer as weak and said he viewed the ceasefire as shaky. Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has denied publicly agreeing to give up enriched uranium.
Context
The exchanges come as the broader Middle East war continues to spread instability: fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border has produced significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon, Iranian-backed militias remain active, and diplomatic efforts involve multiple regional and international actors attempting to prevent wider escalation. Negotiations and shuttle diplomacy are ongoing, but public statements from leaders on both sides suggest a fragile truce that could deteriorate if confrontations intensify.
What to watch next
– Outcome of the scheduled Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington.
– Any U.S. or allied military movements or public changes to force posture.
– Further Iranian statements or actions regarding its enriched uranium and military deployments.
– Developments in regional security assistance, including defensive systems sent to Gulf states.
Coverage note: This is a live situation. Details may change as new information becomes available.