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Sunday Guardian Live
By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: May 12, 2026 21:08:21 IST
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update News LIVE: The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues pushing the Middle East deeper into uncertainty as diplomatic efforts struggle to hold fragile ceasefire talks together while Tehran insists it remains prepared for “any aggression,” regional tensions are escalating through military threats, economic disruptions and humanitarian concerns spreading across Lebanon and Gaza.
The crisis has already affected global energy supplies, financial markets and international diplomacy while aalysts estimate the ongoing US military campaign connected to the conflict has already cost nearly $29 billion, while inflationary pressure tied to oil supply fears continues impacting economies worldwide.
Iranian officials signalled that while they remain open to a long-term peace arrangement, the country is fully prepared for retaliation if tensions escalate further.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any direct aggression against Iran would trigger a response capable of “surprising” the United States. Iranian lawmakers also defended demands involving sanctions relief, frozen assets and maritime sovereignty near the Strait of Hormuz while the remarks highlight the growing divide between diplomatic messaging and military preparedness across the region.
US President Donald Trump described the current ceasefire arrangement as being “on life support” after dismissing Tehran’s latest peace proposal as “totally unacceptable.”
Washington reportedly rejected conditions linked to war reparations and Iranian control over shipping routes in the Gulf region and the breakdown in negotiations further weakened hopes of a quick diplomatic resolution. Political analysts warn that continued deadlock could increase the likelihood of prolonged instability across energy markets and regional security networks.
Lebanon sharply criticised what officials described as systematic Israeli attacks on healthcare workers and emergency facilities while Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nasseredine accused Israeli forces of violating international humanitarian law after videos circulated online allegedly showing ambulances and paramedics coming under attack.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 2,869 people have been killed nationwide since March during the conflict period, including emergency responders and civilians.
Aid organisations say children remain among the most vulnerable victims of the ongoing violence and save the Children reported that an average of four children have been killed or injured every day in Lebanon since the ceasefire began last month. The organisation cited Lebanese Health Ministry data showing 22 children killed and 89 wounded since April 17 alone. Humanitarian groups argue that ceasefires without enforcement mechanisms are failing to provide meaningful civilian protection.
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that intelligence operations had dismantled five alleged weapons smuggling networks linked to Israel.
According to Iranian state media, authorities arrested 20 individuals and seized:
Iranian officials described the operation as part of broader efforts to prevent foreign-backed destabilisation inside the country.
Regional tensions expanded after Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador over allegations that armed IRGC members attempted to enter Kuwaiti territory by sea. Kuwaiti officials called the incident a “blatant violation” of sovereignty and international law while authorities claimed clashes left one suspected operative injured while two others escaped. The diplomatic dispute reflects growing fears among Gulf states that the conflict may spread beyond current battle zones.
The economic consequences of the conflict are becoming increasingly visible worldwide and the Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly 20% of global energy shipments, remains central to investor anxiety. Crude oil volatility has already contributed to rising inflation concerns across global markets.
In the United States, annual consumer inflation rose to 3.8% in April, according to official government data while economists believe higher transport and fuel costs linked to Middle East instability are adding fresh pressure to already elevated prices.
US defence officials estimate the broader military campaign involving Iran has already cost approximately $29 billion. Pentagon official Jules Hurst told lawmakers that the figure includes operational spending, military logistics, equipment repairs and replacement costs. The updated estimate is roughly $4 billion higher than previous projections released last month and the rising financial burden is intensifying political debate in Washington over the long-term sustainability of continued military involvement.
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