US-Israel war on Iran: UAE vows to defend sovereignty; Lebanon ceasefire extended; Latest updates

U.S. extends Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as peace talks advance

The State Department announced that following two days of productive talks hosted by the U.S. on May 14-15, the April 16 ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by 45 days. Political negotiations will resume June 2-3, while a new security track involving military delegations from both countries launches at the Pentagon on May 29. Washington said it hopes the talks will lead to lasting peace, mutual recognition of sovereignty, and genuine border security.

On May 14 and 15, the United States hosted two days of highly-productive talks between Israel and Lebanon. The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress. The State Department will reconvene the political track of negotiations on June… pic.twitter.com/Dcs9NJDdN5
— Tommy Pigott (@statedeptspox) May 15, 2026

Americans warned of mounting economic costs as Iran war fallout hits home

Beyond rising gas prices and stock market volatility, analysts warn the deeper financial pain from the Iran conflict will come when U.S. debt servicing costs and mortgage rates climb. Auto loan delinquencies are already at their highest level in over three decades, and critics argue the military campaign was a war of choice that could have been avoided.

Americans are told that they must absorb rocketing costs of war of choice on Iran.

Put aside gas price hike and stock market bubble. Real pain begins when U.S. debt and mortgage rates start to jump. Auto loan delinquencies are already at 30+-year high.

This was all avoidable. pic.twitter.com/dhjcdzTOHc
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 15, 2026

UAE reaffirms right to defend sovereignty amid Iranian attacks

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning nearly 3,000 Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched at the UAE, saying the attacks caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

The ministry stressed that all UAE actions have been defensive and within its legal rights, and warned that coercion or false narratives will not shake the country’s positions or its independent decision-making.

It added that the UAE continues close coordination with GCC member states and regional and international partners in support of Gulf and regional stability.

UAE Reaffirms Firm Commitment to Protecting Its Sovereignty and Supporting Regional Security and Stability pic.twitter.com/ElzptmyjRo
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) May 15, 2026

UAE condemns Iran’s attacks at BRICS meeting, vows to defend sovereignty

At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi,Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State firmly rejected Iranian justifications for what he described as repeated terrorist attacks against the UAE since late February 2026.

He said UAE air defenses have intercepted around 3,000 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting civilian infrastructure. Al Marar pointed to broad international condemnation, including a UN Security Council resolution co-sponsored by 136 countries, and resolutions from the IMO, ICAO, ITU, and FAO.

معالي خليفة شاهين، وزير دولة رداً على تصريحات ومزاعم وزير خارجية إيران عباس عراقجي. pic.twitter.com/TzjuZJQbx8
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) May 15, 2026

He also accused Iran of effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, calling it economic coercion. While asserting the UAE needs no outside protection, he reaffirmed the country’s right under Article 51 of the UN Charter to defend itself and held Iran fully accountable for the attacks and their consequences.

U.S. military says Iran’s power severely diminished after 40-day operation

In Senate testimony, Navy Admiral Brad Cooper told lawmakers that Operation Epic Fury, launched in late February, successfully met its military goals within 40 days.

He said the campaign wiped out roughly 90% of Iran’s defense industrial base – including its drone, missile, and naval capabilities – and that the country’s navy could take a decade to recover.

Cooper added that Iran’s ability to supply weapons to proxy groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis has been completely cut off. He also credited five Gulf partner nations – the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia – along with Jordan and Israel, as essential to the operation’s success.