Day 74 | Trump says ceasefire with Iran is on 'massive life support'

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday that the Pentagon has finalized comprehensive military contingencies for both a major escalation against Iran and a strategic de-escalation, depending on Tehran's actions.

Emphasizing that the US is prepared for "all scenarios" as the regional ceasefire wavers, Austin stated that while Washington remains open to diplomatic channels, it possesses the necessary "plan and power" to respond forcefully to any further Iranian-linked aggression against US interests or allies in the Persian Gulf.

• Jordan issued a strong condemnation of an IRGC-linked infiltration attempt on Kuwait’s Bubiyan Island.
• Amman reaffirmed its "absolute solidarity" with Kuwait, backing all security measures taken to protect its citizens and land.
  

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued a  statement on Tuesday, condemning the infiltration of an armed group affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into Kuwaiti soil.

The group reportedly targeted Bubiyan Island, a strategic location in northeastern Kuwait.

Jordan described the move as a "flagrant violation" of Kuwaiti sovereignty and a "dangerous threat" to regional security that openly defies international law and the UN Charter.

Strategic solidarity in a shaky truce

Jordan’s Ministry emphasized its total rejection of any actions that undermine the security of "brotherly Kuwait."

This diplomatic support comes at a precarious time, as the 2026 regional ceasefire remains under immense pressure from a series of "gray zone" attacks, including drone strikes on regional shipping and airspace violations.

Amman has increasingly positioned itself as a key security partner for the GCC states during the world, frequently participating in joint condemnations of Iranian-linked proxy activities.

The Ministry’s statement concluded by reaffirming Jordan’s support for all measures Kuwait takes to safeguard its national stability and the safety of its residents.

The ‘Israeli’ military said Tuesday it intercepted a drone “launched from the east” over Eilat in southern ‘Israel’, in what seems to be an attack from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthis.

Sirens were not activated, and the ‘Israeli’ military is still investigating the drone’s origin, according to the statement.

This is the first drone attack on Eilat since the ‘Israeli’-US ceasefire with Iran took place last month.

Kuwait said Tuesday it foiled an attempt by four “infiltrators” of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who attempted to enter the country by sea.

The country’s ministry of defense said the four were “tasked with infiltrating Bubiyan Island aboard a fishing boat rented specifically to carry out hostile acts against Kuwait”.

According to the statement, one member of the Kuwaiti army was injured in clashes with the group, and two of the infiltrators managed to escape.

• Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem outlined five conditions for a permanent ceasefire.
• The group officially rejected direct negotiations with 'Israel', labeling them "free concessions".

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem addressed military commanders and fighters on Tuesday, affirming that the group will continue its operations against 'Israel'.

In a statement, Qassem emphasized that the group has not been defeated and will not surrender, despite months of high-intensity conflict.

Conditions for Lebanese sovereignty

Qassem outlined five specific points that must be met to ensure Lebanese sovereignty and end the current aggression:

• Total cessation of 'Israeli' aggression by land, sea, and air.
• Full withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from all occupied Lebanese territories.
• Release of all Lebanese prisoners held by 'Israel'.
• Unconditional return of all displaced persons to their original towns and villages.
• Comprehensive reconstruction plan for areas devastated by the war.

He stated that once these five objectives are achieved, the group is prepared to discuss a "national defense strategy" with the Lebanese government.

Qassem specifically referenced the inaugural speech of President Joseph Aoun, who has called for a unified policy to remove the 'Israeli' occupation and defend the borders.

Rejection of direct negotiations

A central theme of the address was the rejection of direct diplomatic engagement with 'Israel'.

Qassem urged the Lebanese authorities to withdraw from direct talks currently being pursued in Washington, describing them as "gratuitous concessions" that benefit 'Israel' and the United States.

Instead, he advocated for indirect negotiations where "the cards of power" remain in Lebanese hands.

The Hezbollah leader also highlighted the strategic importance of the US–Iran agreement as a primary lever for stopping the war.

He thanked Iran for its support and noted that while internal Lebanese affairs -including the group’s weaponry- are not subject to negotiation with foreign powers.

Hezbollah remains ready to cooperate with the Lebanese state to secure the nation's independence.

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that the government will crack down on those using the current regional conflict to manipulate markets or pressure the livelihood of citizens.
• Iran's core strategy focuses on "controlling consumption" and preventing "artificial demand" to maintain social stability.

During a high-level meeting on Sunday centered on market regulation and the role of trade unions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a warning to those attempting to exploit the national crisis for financial gain.

"We will not allow anyone to target the livelihoods of the people by taking advantage of war conditions," Pezeshkian stated, referring to the economic fallout of the war.

He emphasized that while the state encourages healthy economic activity, it will act decisively against hoarding and price gouging.

Combatting "artificial demand"

Pezeshkian identified "controlling consumption and preventing the formation of induced or false demand" as one of the government’s most essential current policies.

He warned that the creation of unrealistic demand -without a corresponding supply of goods- leads directly to public dissatisfaction and social unrest.

Regulatory focus: The government is working with domestic guilds and unions to ensure that essential goods are distributed fairly.

Psychological stability: By managing market expectations, the administration hopes to prevent the panic-buying that has occasionally gripped major cities since the conflict escalated in early 2026.

Balancing economic freedom, security

Despite the wartime footing, Pezeshkian clarified that the state does not intend to impose stifling restrictions on "healthy economic activities."

The goal, he explained, is to create a supportive environment for legitimate producers and traders while isolating those who engage in "economic sabotage."

Pezeshkian invited the private sector to participate actively in market regulation, suggesting that if manufacturers provide discounts and support for damaged households, the government will reciprocate by facilitating the import of raw materials and providing logistical backing.

Domestic front of conflict

Pezeshkian's remarks highlight that the Iranian leadership views the economic front as just as critical as the military one.

As the nation navigates a complex ceasefire and begins the arduous task of rebuilding infrastructure damaged by 'Israeli' and US strikes, maintaining the affordability of basic necessities remains the government's primary tool for ensuring internal loyalty and preventing domestic protests.

The IRGC Navy announced via Fars News Agency on Tuesday that its maritime forces detected and intercepted a US military speed boat attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the statement, the American boat was forced to alter its course and retreat from the strategic waterway after Iranian units issued alerts followed by "direct warning shots," as Tehran continues to enforce its blockade against US-led naval operations in the Persian Gulf.

• Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed CBS News report regarding the presence of Iranian aircraft as "misleading."
• Islamabad clarified that Iranian and US aircraft arrived in Pakistan solely to facilitate the Islamabad Talks.
• The government reaffirmed its role as an "impartial facilitator".

In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected reports suggesting that Iranian military aircraft were being covertly stationed or preserved at Nur Khan Airbase.

The Ministry characterized a recent report by CBS News as "sensationalized," arguing that such narratives are designed to undermine regional stability and the ongoing peace process.

Logistical context

Clarifying the presence of foreign aviation on its soil, the MFA explained that following the April 7 ceasefire, Pakistan served as the host for the initial round of the "Islamabad Talks."

During this period, aircraft from both Iran and the United States were granted permission to land to transport:

• High-level diplomatic personnel.
• Security details and administrative staff.
• Technical teams associated with the mediation process.

The Ministry noted that while formal negotiations have hit a temporary impasse, some aircraft remained in Pakistan to support continued senior-level diplomatic exchanges, including recent visits by the Iranian Foreign Minister.

No military link to parked aircraft

Addressing concerns that Pakistan might be helping Iran "hide" or preserve its fleet from US or 'Israeli' strikes, the statement said that "The Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and bear no linkage whatsoever to any military contingency or preservation arrangement."

Islamabad emphasized that the presence of these vessels is entirely detached from the tactical military landscape of the "Third Imposed War," serving only the administrative needs of the mediation track.

Maintaining "impartiality"

The timing of the statement is critical, as Pakistan faces increasing pressure to declare its stance in the escalating conflict between Washington and Tehran.

By maintaining "full transparency and regular communication with all relevant parties," Islamabad is attempting to protect its status as a neutral ground for de-escalation.

"Pakistan remains committed to supporting all sincere efforts aimed at promoting dialogue," the MFA concluded, positioning itself as a responsible facilitator.

• 'Israeli' military has issued urgent evacuation orders for four villages in southern Lebanon.
• Residents are instructed to move at least 1,000 meters away from their homes into open areas to avoid imminent strikes.

In a series of emergency alerts issued on Tuesday,the 'Israeli' military warned residents in the southern Lebanese districts near Tyre to flee their homes immediately.

The towns of Arzun, Tayr Debba, Al-Bazouriyeh, and Al-Hawsh are the primary targets of the new directive.

"For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move away from the villages and towns by a distance of at least 1,000 meters to open areas," stated the 'Israeli' military Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

Humanitarian impact

With over 1.6 million people already displaced across Lebanon, these new orders are expected to trigger a fresh wave of panic and movement.

Many residents in these villages had only recently returned to check on their properties during the lull in fighting.

• US President Trump rejected Tehran’s counter-proposal for a permanent peace deal, describing it as "garbage".
• Trump gave the current ceasefire a "1% chance" of survival.
•  Iran’s demands include full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, and an end to US naval blockade.
• The diplomatic breakdown occurs as Trump prepares for Beijing summit

Hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the Iran conflict reached a new low on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump told reporters that the month-long ceasefire, which began on April 8, is now on "massive life support" after he formally rejected Iran’s latest written response.

"I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn't even finish reading it," Trump said, accusing Tehran of "playing games" rather than negotiating in good faith.

Tehran’s "surrender" vs. "sovereignty"

The Iranian proposal, delivered via Pakistani mediators, reportedly demanded a comprehensive end to the war on all fronts, including a cessation of 'Israeli' operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Key Iranian conditions included:

Maritime control: Full recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Reparations: Financial compensation for damages sustained during the war.

Economic relief: An immediate end to the U.S. naval blockade and all oil-related sanctions.

Washington, conversely, has insisted on a "complete victory," which includes the total removal of Iran’s 10-tonne stockpile of enriched uranium, a condition Trump claims Iranian negotiators initially agreed to before backing away.

"They think I'll get tired of this," Trump remarked. "But there’s no pressure at all."

Beijing summit

As the truce wavers, the US moved on Monday to tighten the economic noose, imposing fresh sanctions on a network of companies and individuals accused of facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China.

The timing is strategic, as President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, for a three-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US officials signaled that the "rebalancing" of the US-China relationship will hinge heavily on Beijing’s willingness to isolate Tehran.

Trump is expected to demand that China cease its engagement with the Iranian intelligence-linked firms and satellite companies that have allegedly supported Tehran’s military efforts during the conflict.

If the "1% chance" of the ceasefire’s survival evaporates, analysts warn of a return to high-intensity naval warfare and a potential total closure of the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.

An 'Israeli' air strike on a residential house in Kafr Dunin in southern Lebanon killed six people and wounded seven others overnight, while 'Israeli' artillery also shelled the outskirts of al-Mansouri and Majdal Zun, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

According to CNN, citing informed sources, US President Donald J. Trump is now giving more serious consideration to resuming military operations against Iran compared with previous weeks, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

The sources said Trump has grown increasingly frustrated over the continued disruption and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes. Any prolonged closure of the waterway, they warned, could intensify global economic pressure and deepen fears of a broader regional crisis.

The report also noted that a recent Iranian response to US-backed proposals has raised doubts among American officials about whether Tehran is genuinely prepared to engage in meaningful negotiations, as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

In parallel, sources said advisers close to Trump are urging Pakistani mediators involved in backchannel talks to take a firmer and more direct stance with Iranian counterparts, in an effort to push negotiations toward tangible progress.

US Senator Chuck Schumer said Democrats will push a seventh War Powers Resolution vote to end US military involvement with Iran, accusing President Donald J. Trump of dragging the country into an “illegal, costly war,” while warning Republicans they would be responsible if they oppose the measure

US President Donald J. Trump said he is “very much looking forward” to his visit to China, describing President Xi Jinping as respected and saying “great things will happen for both countries” in a post on Truth Social.

A US Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a training flight over the Middle East on May 9 as part of routine operations aimed at maintaining readiness and regional presence, according to US Central Command.

Hezbollah said its fighters carried out 20 attacks against 'Israeli' forces in southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting troop gatherings, military vehicles, and positions in towns including al-Bayyadah, Rishaf, Tayr Harfa, and Taybe.

The group claimed to have struck a Merkava tank, engineering vehicles, and bulldozers, while also reporting drone attacks on 'Israeli' personnel in Taybe that allegedly caused casualties requiring helicopter evacuation.

Hezbollah further said it launched strikes on troop concentrations near the Deir Siriane riverbed and command positions in Odaisseh and al-Bayyadah, and claimed to have intercepted an Israeli drone over the Tyre region with a surface-to-air missile.

For coverage of the previous day, visit the link below.

Read more: Day 73 | Trump calls Iranian response to US peace proposal ‘totally unacceptable’