Day 83 | Iran accuses US of secret moves toward new assault

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Read more: Day 84 | Trump claims US has “total control” over Strait of Hormuz

Iran has destroyed more than two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by US forces since the onset of the current war, according to a Bloomberg report published on Wednesday, citing sources.

The losses, valued at nearly $1 billion, represent approximately 20 percent of the Pentagon’s prewar inventory of these critical unmanned aerial systems.

The MQ-9 Reaper, a versatile platform manufactured by General Atomics, is employed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions.

Each unit is valued at roughly $16–30 million depending on configuration and payload, making the cumulative attrition a substantial financial and operational setback for the United States.

Many of the drones were downed mid-flight by Iranian air defenses, while others were destroyed on the ground during missile strikes on US facilities or lost in operational accidents, a person with direct knowledge told Bloomberg.

The Reaper losses form part of larger US aircraft attrition in the conflict. Congressional reports indicate that the United States has lost or sustained damage to around 42 aircraft overall, with total equipment losses estimated near $2.6 billion.

This includes fighter jets, tankers, and surveillance platforms alongside the Reapers.

Military analysts note that the sustained depletion of the Reaper fleet highlights vulnerabilities in operating advanced but relatively slow unmanned systems against Iran’s layered air defense network.

Replacing these assets is challenging due to production constraints and high demand across multiple theaters.

The conflict, which has involved intense exchanges of missiles and drones, has imposed significant costs on both sides.

Iran has faced extensive strikes on its missile, drone production, and nuclear-related infrastructure, while the United States and its partners have encountered unexpected strain from Tehran’s asymmetric capabilities.

The United States military has expended more than half of its inventory of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors while supporting ‘Israel's’ defense against Iranian missile attacks during ongoing hostilities, according to a report published by The Washington Post.

Pentagon assessments indicate that American forces launched more than 200 THAAD interceptors in this role, surpassing the number utilized by ‘Israeli’ defense systems themselves.

This significant depletion highlights the intensive demands placed on US missile defense assets.

THAAD systems, designed for high-altitude interception of ballistic missiles, played a critical role in layered defenses protecting ‘Israeli’ territory.

Earlier conflicts, including ‘Israel's’ 12-day war with Iran in June 2025, had already strained stocks. Reports from that period indicated US forces expended approximately 150 THAAD interceptors—roughly one-quarter of the pre-conflict inventory—while deploying two batteries to ‘Israel’.

Production rates, historically limited to around 100 units annually before recent expansion efforts, lag far behind consumption in high-intensity scenarios.

Defense analysts note that THAAD interceptors, each costing millions of dollars, represent a high-value capability with constrained global availability.

The US operates a limited number of THAAD batteries, typically configured with 48 interceptors each.

This development raises concerns about US readiness for potential simultaneous threats in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific.

Replenishment timelines could extend several years despite initiatives to increase production capacity to hundreds of units annually.

Damage to associated radars and systems during Iranian strikes has compounded logistical challenges.

Officials emphasize that US support has been essential in bolstering ‘Israel's’ defenses, where interceptor stocks also faced pressure.

The asymmetry in usage— with American systems bearing a heavier load—reflects coordinated allied strategy but exposes vulnerabilities in sustained high-volume missile defense operations.

The United States military has expended more than half of its inventory of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors while supporting ‘Israel's’ defense against Iranian missile attacks during ongoing hostilities, according to a report published by The Washington Post.

Pentagon assessments indicate that American forces launched more than 200 THAAD interceptors in this role, surpassing the number utilized by ‘Israeli’ defense systems themselves.

This significant depletion highlights the intensive demands placed on US missile defense assets.

THAAD systems, designed for high-altitude interception of ballistic missiles, played a critical role in layered defenses protecting ‘Israeli’ territory.

Earlier conflicts, including ‘Israel's’ 12-day war with Iran in June 2025, had already strained stocks. Reports from that period indicated US forces expended approximately 150 THAAD interceptors—roughly one-quarter of the pre-conflict inventory—while deploying two batteries to ‘Israel’.

Production rates, historically limited to around 100 units annually before recent expansion efforts, lag far behind consumption in high-intensity scenarios.

Defense analysts note that THAAD interceptors, each costing millions of dollars, represent a high-value capability with constrained global availability.

The US operates a limited number of THAAD batteries, typically configured with 48 interceptors each.

This development raises concerns about US readiness for potential simultaneous threats in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific.

Replenishment timelines could extend several years despite initiatives to increase production capacity to hundreds of units annually.

Damage to associated radars and systems during Iranian strikes has compounded logistical challenges.

Officials emphasize that US support has been essential in bolstering ‘Israel's’ defenses, where interceptor stocks also faced pressure.

The asymmetry in usage— with American systems bearing a heavier load—reflects coordinated allied strategy but exposes vulnerabilities in sustained high-volume missile defense operations.

According to US intelligence assessments, Iran has rapidly reconstituted key military capabilities damaged during recent US-‘Israeli’ strikes, exceeding initial expectations. Sources indicate that Tehran has already restarted portions of its drone production during a six-week ceasefire that commenced in early April.

Four sources familiar with the assessments told CNN that Iran’s military is reconstituting at a pace significantly faster than initially projected by the US intelligence community.

This development highlights the resilience of Iran’s defense industrial base despite targeted strikes on facilities, including drone production sites.

One US official stated that Iran has “exceeded all timelines the IC [intelligence community] had for reconstitution.”

While timelines for restoring various weapons components differ, certain estimates suggest Iran could fully reconstitute its drone attack capabilities in as little as six months.

The accelerated recovery is attributed to several factors, including domestic manufacturing capabilities, the limited extent of damage inflicted by the strikes compared to initial hopes, and external support from Russia and China.

This assistance has reportedly aided in restoring production lines and key components.

Broader reconstitution efforts encompass missile systems, launchers, and production capacities for essential weapons.

US intelligence further notes that Iran has restored operational access to a substantial portion of its missile infrastructure, including sites along the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining a significant share of its pre-war inventory.

The ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan following strikes that began in late February 2026, provided Iran an opportunity to repair and reposition assets.

US President Donald Trump claimed Thursday that Washington has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, as the vital waterway remains blocked to shipping by Iran since the start of the US-‘Israeli’ strikes on the Islamic Republic.

“We have total control of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

“Iran cannot keep its highly enriched uranium. Once we get it, we will probably destroy it. We don’t want it,” Trump added in his statements, after reports surfaced earlier that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered Uranium to not be removed as part of a peace deal with the US.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday renewed criticism of NATO for not supporting the US war on Iran, as he headed to alliance talks in Sweden.

President Donald Trump is "not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything," Rubio told reporters. "We were very upset about that."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope Thursday that a visit by Pakistan's army chief to Iran will advance diplomacy on ending the war, saying there has been progress.

"I believe the Pakistanis will be traveling to Tehran today. So hopefully that'll advance this further," Rubio told reporters.

Iranian authorities on Thursday executed two men by hanging after convicting them of armed rebellion and membership in “terrorist separatist groups,” in what was seen as the latest wave of executions during the Middle East war.

Since the outbreak of the US-‘Israeli’ war against the Islamic Republic on February 28, Iran has intensified the implementation of death sentences against individuals convicted over anti-government protests that took place earlier this year.

Iran’s judiciary said the two men executed Thursday were involved in armed attacks against security forces and assassination plots in western Iran.

“Mizan Online,” the judiciary’s news outlet, reported that “Ramin Zaleh and Karim Maroufpour were hanged for belonging to separatist terrorist groups, forming a group aimed at undermining the country’s security, armed rebellion through the formation of criminal gangs, opening fire, and carrying out assassination attempts.”

It was not immediately clear when the two were arrested, but the judiciary said they had received training to become “leaders of riots.”

Iran carries out the second-highest number of executions in the world after China, according to human rights organizations.

Last year, Iran executed at least 1,639 people by hanging, according to Iran Human Rights, which has documented at least 194 executions so far in 2026.

On Wednesday, Iranian authorities also hanged a man in his early thirties convicted of spying for ‘Israeli’ intelligence.

He was the sixth person executed on such charges since the outbreak of the Middle East war.

The world oil market risks entering a "red zone" by the upcoming summer season should there be no progress on ending the Middle East war, the head of the International Energy Agency warned Thursday.

"We may be entering the red zone (on supplies) in July or August if we don't see that there are some improvements in the (war) situation," Fatih Birol said at the Chatham House think tank in London.

• Kuwait refers IRGC-linked suspects to court.
• Operatives accused of armed infiltration plot.
• Suspects charged with attempted murder of guards.
• Kuwait cites major security law violations.

The Public Prosecution of the State of Kuwait announced that it has referred a group of detained operatives belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the specialized court for trial following an armed infiltration into the country.

According to the official statement, the suspects were intercepted inside a restricted military zone after executing an unauthorized, highly organized maritime infiltration across the state's sea borders.

Armed forces personnel tasked with securing the site spotted and confronted the cell, uncovering a well-coordinated operation.

The suspects utilized organized boats, field navigation gear, ammunition, weapons, and advanced communication and surveillance equipment, which the Prosecution stated were intended to target sovereign, military, and security facilities.

Attempted murder, state aggression

The Public Prosecution detailed that the cell’s actions involved military planning and concealment. Upon being detected, the operatives attempted to kill the security personnel on guard by opening fire on them.

The state legal body categorized the infiltration as a hostile act explicitly aimed at violating the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Kuwait, while attempting to undermine its stability and supreme interests.

Following the arrests, an investigative team immediately moved to interrogate the suspects, confronting them with gathered evidence and clues.

Investigators conducted an extensive field examination of the site, lifted physical and technical evidence, and took testimonies from witnesses and the security personnel who intercepted the cell.

The General Department of Criminal Evidence was also brought in to conduct specialized technical examinations on the seized weapons, ammunition, and gear.

Severe legal violations

The Public Prosecution emphasized that the crimes committed represent a profound breach of Kuwait's constitutional and legal foundations, which strictly protect state sovereignty.

The actions of the IRGC-affiliated suspects fall under severe legal infractions, including felony charges governed by Decree-Law No. 156 of 2025 on Combating International Crimes.

Furthermore, the Prosecution stated that the infiltration constitutes a grave violation of the provisions of Decree-Law No. 13 of 2026 regarding Securing and Protecting the Supreme Interests of the Military Authorities, a law enacted as a specific legal fence to shield military zones, borders, sovereign facilities, and guarded sites.

Concluding the statement, the Public Prosecution reasserted its absolute mandate over state security and sovereignty, making it clear that the security of Kuwait, its lands, and its supreme interests are entirely non-negotiable and tolerate no complacency.

The authority warned that the hand of justice remains firmly ready to confront any act that targets the state's structure, breaches its borders, or threatens its supreme sovereign interests.

• UAE condemns Iran’s “aggression”
• Gargash rejects Iran threats in Hormuz
• UAE urges respect for sovereignty, trust

Senior Emirati diplomat Dr. Anwar Gargash issued a sharp public rebuke against Iran, declaring that the regime is attempting to enforce a dangerous new reality in the region to mask a decisive battlefield failure.

In a statement published on X, the Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President stated that the region has grown accustomed to decades of Iranian bullying, noting that it has long been a permanent fixture of the Arabian Gulf's political landscape.

تعودنا على التنمر الإيراني عبر عقود طويلة حتى أصبح جزءا من المشهد السياسي في الخليج العربي، وضاعت المصداقية بين خطاب عدواني وبيانات صداقة جوفاء.

واليوم، وبعد العدوان الإيراني الغاشم، يحاول النظام تكريس واقع جديد ولد من هزيمة عسكرية واضحة، لكن محاولات التحكم بمضيق هرمز أو…

— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) May 21, 2026

Gargash asserted that any credibility regarding Iran's intentions has been completely lost somewhere between its aggressive rhetoric and its hollow declarations of friendship.

Maritime sovereignty, 'fragments of dreams'

The statement took direct aim at Tehran’s recent posturing following its recent combat losses, framing Iran's current geopolitical maneuvers as an act of desperation.

"Today, after the brutal Iranian aggression, the regime is trying to consecrate a new reality born from a clear military defeat, but attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz or encroach on the UAE's maritime sovereignty are nothing but fragments of dreams." Gargash posted.

Slogans will not restore trust

Gargash concluded his address by outlining the fundamental prerequisites required for Iran to rebuild its diplomatic standing with neighboring countries.

He warned that whoever wishes to successfully coexist with their Arab surroundings must first realize that regional trust has been entirely broken.

Gargash maintained that restoring this relationship cannot be achieved through mere slogans, but requires a shift toward responsible language, the active safeguarding of sovereignty, and a genuine, practical commitment to the core principles of good neighborliness.

• Trump jokes about running for Israel PM
• Trump says Netanyahu “will do whatever I want”
• Trump defends Netanyahu as wartime leader

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he is considering a future political run for prime minister in 'Israel' once his time in American office concludes, citing his immense popularity in the country.

Speaking before the United States Coast Guard Academy graduation, the president claimed he has a virtually flawless approval rating among the 'Israeli' public.

"So maybe after I do this, I'll go to 'Israel', run for prime minister," Trump said. "I had a poll this morning. I'm 99%, so that's good."

It remains unclear which specific poll the president was referencing, and the White House did not immediately issue a response to requests for clarification.

Dominance over 'Israel'

The comments come against the backdrop of an ongoing joint US-'Israeli' military campaign against Iran.

When reporters questioned Trump on whether he had conversed with Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the current state of the war, the president emphasized his absolute influence over the long-serving 'Israeli' leader.

"He's fine. He's very, a very good man. He'll do whatever I want him to do. And he's a great guy. To me, he's a great guy." Said Trump.

The remarks on May 20 follow a rapid sequence of wartime declarations from the White House. Just one day prior, Trump stated he was actively considering launching "another big hit on Iran."

Two days earlier, however, the president noted he had temporarily delayed potential military strikes due to progress being made on a prospective deal to conclude the conflict.

Defending wartime ally

Netanyahu has served multiple terms as 'Israel's' prime minister since 1996, and Trump has remained a staunch supporter of his administration throughout the current war.

Despite Netanyahu's established standing, Trump used the press briefing to criticize how the 'Israeli' leader is viewed domestically, arguing that he is underappreciated by his own citizens.

"Don't forget, (Netanyahu) was a wartime prime minister," Trump added. "And he's not treated right in 'Israel', in my opinion ... But no, he's a wartime prime minister, and I just don't think they treat him well."

The Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is scheduled to arrive in Tehran Thursday for a series of high-level consultations and ongoing discussions with senior Iranian officials.

According to Iranian news outlet ISNA, the primary objective of the military commander's visit centers on diplomatic mediation, with Munir working to broker and facilitate communications between the governments of Tehran and Washington amid heightened regional dynamics.

This critical security and diplomatic mission comes in immediate succession to a separate high-level visit by the Pakistani Interior Minister, who traveled to Tehran Wednesday to engage with Iranian officials, underscoring Islamabad's intensifying diplomatic engagement with its neighbor.

An Iranian military source told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency that Tehran has developed advanced domestically produced weapons that have not yet been deployed on the battlefield.

“We have produced modern weapons domestically, which have not yet been used on the battlefield and have not actually been tested,” the source said, according to the report.

The official added that Iran is fully prepared for any escalation with the United States and insisted the country faces no shortages in military equipment or defense capabilities.

“In terms of equipment and defence capabilities, we do not face any shortages that would prevent us from defending our country,” the source said, warning that Tehran would not show restraint in the event of another confrontation.

“This time, we do not intend to act with restraint.”

Iran’s Nour News Agency reported that Tehran and Washington have been exchanging messages through Pakistan regarding the wording of a proposed ceasefire agreement.

According to the agency, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions were based on “Iran’s 14 points” and that messages had been exchanged several times between the two sides.

“We have received the views of the American side and are reviewing them,” Baghaei said, according to Nour.

The remarks came during a visit to Iran by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Naqvi.

The report said Pakistan is playing a mediating role in efforts to facilitate negotiations between Washington and Tehran as diplomatic contacts continue alongside regional tensions.

The United States has instructed its diplomatic mission in Jerusalem to pressure the Palestinian leadership into withdrawing its bid for a vice-presidency position at the United Nations General Assembly, according to a State Department cable cited by The Guardian.

The move reflects Washington’s concern that the role could give the Palestinian delegation greater influence over procedural control during high-level UN sessions.

A 19 May cable reportedly directed US diplomats to issue a formal protest to the Palestinian Authority, urging it to abandon the candidacy by 22 May.

It warned that “consequences will follow” if the request was ignored, escalating diplomatic pressure ahead of the upcoming election of UN General Assembly vice-presidents on 2 June.

The Palestinians are competing for one of 16 vice-presidency seats, which rotate among regional groups and can include limited procedural authority in assembly proceedings.

The United States has instructed its diplomatic mission in Jerusalem to pressure the Palestinian leadership into withdrawing its bid for a vice-presidency position at the United Nations General Assembly, according to a State Department cable cited by The Guardian.

The move reflects Washington’s concern that the role could give the Palestinian delegation greater influence over procedural control during high-level UN sessions.

A 19 May cable reportedly directed US diplomats to issue a formal protest to the Palestinian Authority, urging it to abandon the candidacy by 22 May.

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Read more: US pressures Palestinian Authority to drop UN vice-presidency bid

The United States Senate is moving away from a proposed one billion dollar expenditure to construct a new ceremonial hall at the White House linked to US President Donald Trump, amid growing resistance to what lawmakers described as non-essential federal spending.

The development was confirmed by Republican Senator John Kennedy following internal party discussions on a wider immigration and border security package.

According to Kennedy, there is insufficient support in the Senate to include the ballroom project within a 72 billion dollar legislative package focused on immigration enforcement and border security.

The proposed allocation would have covered both construction costs and related security upgrades for the planned facility.

He said lawmakers were formally informed that the funding would be stripped from the bill before it advances further in Congress.

The decision reflects a broader shift among senators toward prioritizing core government functions over discretionary or symbolic infrastructure spending.

Officials involved in the negotiations emphasized that the immigration package should remain focused on enforcement measures and border management rather than additional construction projects.

Key objections raised during discussions included concerns over financial prioritization and the scale of spending during ongoing budget pressures.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has criticized the Security Council for what he described as its failure to respond to what he called an unprovoked US-'Israeli' attack on Iran.

Speaking before the council, Iranian envoy Amir Saeid Iravani said the body had not fulfilled its responsibilities due to obstruction by a permanent member that he accused of being “an aggressor”.

“Regrettably, the Security Council has failed to discharge its responsibilities in the face of this grave violation due to the obstruction of a permanent member that is itself an aggressor,” Iravani said.

He added that the United States, the ‘Israeli’ authorities, and their partners should bear “full legal and international responsibility” for what he described as “heinous crimes” and violations of international law, warning that impunity would undermine global security.

Iravani also urged the council not to remain silent over repeated threats made by US President Donald Trump, saying such rhetoric “sets a dangerous precedent” and risks further destabilization.

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran are “right on the borderline” between securing a new agreement and returning to war.

Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism that diplomatic efforts were progressing but warned that failure to reach what he called the “right answer” could trigger renewed conflict.

“If we don’t get the right answer, it could happen very quickly. We have to get the right answer. It will have to be 100 percent good answers,” Trump said.

The US president added that he would allow negotiations to continue for another “few days” in hopes of avoiding further bloodshed.

“Hopefully, those people will make a deal that will be great for everybody, but I don’t know,” he said. “If I can save people from getting killed by waiting a couple of days, I think it is a great thing to do.”