US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s claim that the United States has run out of ammunition and weapons due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, said in a CBS News interview that Pentagon officials informed him the country had expended a large portion of its munitions. He warned that this shortage could make America less secure if future conflicts arise with China or other nations.

Responding on social media platform X, Hegseth accused Kelly of making false and foolish remarks about a confidential Pentagon briefing. He dismissed the senator’s statements as baseless and said Pentagon legal teams would review whether Kelly violated his confidentiality oath. Kelly also noted that replenishing the stockpile could take several years.

The exchange has sparked debate over transparency and national security readiness, with Pentagon officials emphasizing that Kelly’s claims do not reflect the department’s official position.

U.S. President Donald Trump has directly rejected Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war, according to a report published on May 11, 2026. The United States has not specified the reasons behind Trump’s decision to turn down the offer.

Iran’s proposal called for the lifting of naval blockades, removal of U.S. and international sanctions, and retention of full control over its nuclear ambitions and foreign policy. Washington had previously identified these same issues as the root causes of the conflict. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the United States remains unwilling to compromise on any of Iran’s demands.

The report adds that the U.S. is particularly concerned about Iran’s growing nuclear ambitions and its military posture toward Israel. Washington also seeks to end Tehran’s support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and to reduce its regional influence. It remains uncertain whether Trump’s rejection will advance these objectives or shift the direction of future negotiations.

An analysis cited by Al Jazeera indicates that the United States may ultimately withdraw from the ongoing war against Iran. The report argues that continuing the conflict could lead to disastrous consequences that Washington would be unable to sustain.

According to the analysis, renewed escalation could destroy vital oil, gas, and water refinery infrastructure across the region, triggering a prolonged global crisis. It claims Iran possesses the capability to inflict damage beyond what the United States or the world could tolerate. The report also notes that the original U.S.-Israeli war plan aimed to eliminate Iran’s top leadership through a “decapitation strike.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea reportedly assured U.S. President Donald Trump that such joint strikes would cripple Iran’s government, nuclear program, and senior Revolutionary Guard leadership, paving the way for a pro-Western administration in Tehran.

However, the analysis concludes that current circumstances point toward a U.S. retreat from the conflict.

Former US National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent has alleged that the United States launched its military operation against Iran under pressure from Israel and its influential lobby. According to a Fox News report, Kent wrote on social media that before the conflict began, US intelligence agencies had assessed that Tehran was not developing nuclear weapons and had warned that an attack could provoke Iranian retaliation against American bases and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz.

Kent said professional intelligence assessments were ignored in favor of Israel’s political agenda, arguing that strikes on Iranian leadership would strengthen, not weaken, the regime. He resigned in March citing ethical reasons, reiterating that Iran posed no immediate threat to the US. The White House, through spokesperson Davis Ingle, dismissed Kent’s claims as baseless and misleading, asserting that President Donald Trump acted on strong intelligence and prioritized American safety.

Trump also denied that Israel pressured him into war, saying his decision followed regional tensions after October 7, 2023, and concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Kent’s remarks have reignited debate in Washington over the true motivations behind the Iran conflict and the role of intelligence assessments.

The United States and Iran are moving toward a possible agreement to end their ten-week war, but President Donald Trump’s recent actions have intensified strains with long-standing allies. His decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, threats to reduce forces elsewhere in Europe, and his downplaying of Iran’s recent attack on a Gulf partner have raised doubts about Washington’s reliability in future crises.

European governments, alarmed by Trump’s unpredictable behavior and his questioning of NATO’s value, are strengthening defense cooperation and exploring ways to reduce dependence on the United States. Analysts say Trump’s approach has weakened alliances and eroded trust, particularly after his trade tariffs, pressure on Denmark over Greenland, and reduced military aid to Ukraine. The Pentagon has even hinted at punitive measures against NATO members that failed to support the Iran campaign.

The conflict has also unsettled Asian partners such as Japan and South Korea, who fear diminished U.S. commitment in any future confrontation with China. Meanwhile, Russia and China are watching closely, seeking to exploit the strategic vacuum and present themselves as more stable global partners.

An international survey released on Friday by the Denmark-based Alliance of Democracies Foundation found that the United States’ global image has deteriorated for the second consecutive year under President Donald Trump. The report indicates that global perceptions of the US are now more negative than those of Russia. The annual Democracy Perception Index, conducted by polling firm Nera Data between March 19 and April 21 across 98 countries, gathered responses from over 94,000 people.

According to the foundation, the survey asked which country is seen as the greatest threat to the world, with the US ranking third after Russia and Israel. The organization’s founder and former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the rapid decline in America’s image is regrettable but unsurprising, citing US policies that strained transatlantic relations, imposed broad tariffs, and threatened to seize NATO ally Greenland. The report also noted reduced US support for Ukraine and rising oil prices linked to US-Israel actions against Iran.

The index shows US favorability dropping from plus 22 percent two years ago to minus 16 percent, compared with Russia’s minus 11 percent and China’s plus 7 percent. The findings were published ahead of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit scheduled for May 12.

The United States is arranging a special evacuation flight to bring home American citizens aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak. The vessel, MV Hondius, is currently heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands and is expected to arrive in Tenerife on Sunday, according to AFP. A spokesperson for the US State Department said the government is coordinating with Spanish authorities and other federal agencies to ensure the safe repatriation of the passengers.

The ship’s operator reported that 17 US citizens are on board, though the State Department has not confirmed the number. Three people—a Dutch couple and a German woman—have died, and several others have been infected with Andes virus, the only hantavirus known to spread between humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the repatriated passengers will first be taken to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, before being transferred to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

CDC and Nebraska Medicine said the risk to the US public remains very low, and those under observation are currently healthy and symptom-free.

US Senator Bernie Sanders has called for an immediate end to the ongoing war with Iran, criticizing President Donald Trump’s military actions. In a social media post on May 9, 2026, Sanders said that since Trump launched the military operation against Iran, fuel prices have surged sharply, putting financial pressure on American families.

Sanders stated that gas prices had risen from $2.98 to $4.55 per gallon since the start of the conflict, making it increasingly difficult for working families to afford basic expenses. He argued that instead of spending billions of dollars on what he described as an unconstitutional war, the United States should invest in meeting the needs of its own citizens.

The senator’s remarks, reported by Middle East Eye, reflect growing concern over the economic and social impact of the Iran conflict and its effect on domestic fuel prices.

The United States military carried out another strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Friday, alleging involvement in drug trafficking. According to reports, two people were killed and one survivor was rescued. The U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) confirmed the incident, noting that the survivor’s condition was not disclosed and that the U.S. Coast Guard was notified to assist in search and rescue operations.

AFP reported that this attack is part of a series of similar operations over recent months, which have left at least 189 people dead. Southcom stated on social media that the targeted vessel was operated by a group identified as a terrorist organization and was traveling along a known drug trafficking route. A black-and-white video released online showed the vessel being destroyed by a missile strike, followed by a large explosion.

The operations began under President Donald Trump’s administration last September as part of a campaign against alleged “narco-terrorists” in Latin America. However, the U.S. has not released evidence proving the targeted vessels’ involvement in drug trafficking, prompting legal and human rights groups to question the legitimacy of the strikes.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that military activity in the Strait of Hormuz could increase if negotiations with Iran fail to reach a final agreement. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump said that unless everything is finalized and signed, the United States may take a different path. He hinted at the possible resumption and expansion of the previously suspended military operation known as 'Project Freedom'.

Trump stated that Pakistan, acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, has urged the United States not to restart the military operation. He added that if conditions do not become favorable, the U.S. could return to 'Project Freedom' under a new phase called 'Project Freedom Plus', which would include additional measures. However, he did not specify what those additional steps might be.

The remarks signal renewed tension between the U.S. and Iran, with uncertainty surrounding the future of the negotiations and the potential scope of any expanded military initiative.

The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on ten individuals and entities accused of assisting Iran’s military in acquiring equipment for drone and weapons production. The action, announced on May 9, 2026, targets those allegedly linked to Tehran’s efforts to obtain materials for its Shahed drone program. Among the sanctioned entities is China-based Yushita Shanghai International Trade Co. Ltd., accused of mediating for Iran’s Center for Innovation and Technology Cooperation (CITC).

According to the Treasury statement, CITC had been attempting to purchase portable air defense systems and other weapons from China. The sanctions also cover Dubai-based Elite Energy FZCO, which allegedly transferred several million dollars to a Hong Kong company to support CITC’s procurement efforts. Additional entities include Hong Kong’s HK HESIN Industry Co. Ltd. and Belarus-based Armory Alliance LLC, both identified as intermediaries for CITC.

Individuals sanctioned include Iranian national Mohammadmahdi Maleki, based in Belarus, and Armory Alliance CEO Mohammad Ali Talibov, described as a long-time arms procurer for Iran. Hong Kong-based Mustad Limited was also accused of facilitating multimillion-dollar weapons transactions for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Lebanon and Israel are set to begin formal discussions in the United States, marking a shift from previous preparatory meetings. According to Al Jazeera’s Beirut correspondent Zeina Khodr, this third meeting will be regarded as the official start of negotiations between the two countries. The Lebanese delegation will be led by lawyer and former ambassador to the United States, Simon Karam, under the direction of President Joseph Aoun.

Khodr reported on social media that Lebanon views this meeting as the formal launch of talks rather than a preparatory session. While Lebanon continues to emphasize the need for a meaningful ceasefire, its prime minister has confirmed that discussions will proceed even if Israel does not observe one. The U.S. State Department announced that it will facilitate these intensive discussions between the two governments on May 14 and 15, focusing on progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

The talks are expected to explore ways to advance stability and diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. mediation.

The article reports that despite former US President Donald Trump’s claims of victory in the war with Iran, the United States has suffered a humiliating defeat. Trump’s promises of avoiding new wars and being a ‘peace president’ are described as hollow, as he continues to attack world leaders who oppose his stance. Following threats to destroy Iranian civilization, Trump reportedly insulted global figures and portrayed himself as a divine figure. His vice president, JD Vance, led a 21-hour round of peace talks in Islamabad, which ended with accusations that Iran failed to meet US demands.

The report says Iran rejected the US position, citing lack of trust after surprise attacks by the US and Israel during the negotiation period that killed Iranian leaders and destroyed civilian infrastructure. The article argues that Trump’s unilateral cancellation of the 2015 nuclear deal and subsequent sanctions deepened mistrust. It also references historical examples, including unfulfilled US reparations to Vietnam and broken treaties with Native American nations, to claim that Washington consistently violates its commitments.

The piece concludes that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and continued sanctions mirror past breaches of international law, reinforcing Iran’s skepticism toward American intentions.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has arrived in Washington, D.C., to attend high-level meetings with U.S. officials amid ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the Iran conflict. The visit marks a significant step in discussions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

According to reports, Sheikh Mohammed is expected to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance during his visit, with the Iran issue receiving particular attention. A source told AFP that the meetings will cover U.S.-Qatar relations, the current situation in Iran, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, and broader Middle Eastern stability. The Qatari Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Hamad Al-Muftah, welcomed the Prime Minister on social media, expressing delight at receiving “peace builders” in Washington.

The discussions are part of a wider diplomatic push involving multiple stakeholders seeking to ease tensions and strengthen cooperation between Washington and Doha on regional security and energy matters.

The Trump administration has approved the sale of advanced air defense missiles and related military services worth about $17.1 billion to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, even as U.S. missile stockpiles decline due to the ongoing Iran war. The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress of the deal last Friday but did not publicly announce it that day. The total approved arms sales reached $25.7 billion, with $8.64 billion in new emergency sales and the remainder expanding previous agreements.

The package extends earlier deals from 2019 and 2024 and includes Patriot interceptor missiles valued at roughly $4 million each. Kuwait’s share amounts to $9.3 billion, the UAE’s to $6.25 billion, and Bahrain’s to $1.625 billion. Meanwhile, Qatar has placed an additional $4 billion order for about 1,000 Patriot missiles. Since the Iran conflict began in late February, the U.S. has used over 1,300 interceptors, while Gulf partners have launched about 600.

Pentagon officials warn that rising foreign sales could strain U.S. readiness, as current production exceeds only 600 interceptors annually. Critics in Congress argue the administration is bypassing oversight by invoking emergency powers for rapid arms transfers.