Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has accused the Pentagon of misleading the public, claiming that Israel’s actions have cost the United States USD 100 billion so far — four times higher than officially stated.
In a post on X on Friday, May 1, he said indirect costs for American taxpayers are “far higher”, adding that the monthly burden per US household has reached $500 and is rising rapidly. “Israel First always means America Last,” he wrote.
Data shared alongside the post shows a growing share of Americans reporting worsening financial conditions, with more than half of respondents in 2026 saying their situation is deteriorating.
Separate figures indicate US public debt as a share of GDP has risen sharply in recent years, highlighting mounting fiscal pressure.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel, as debate continues over the economic costs of ongoing military engagement in the region.
Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said no unilateral arrangement by Iran can be trusted to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, citing what he described as its “treacherous aggression” against neighbouring countries.
He stressed that collective international will and adherence to international law must serve as the primary guarantor of safe passage through the key waterway, adding that such a framework is essential for regional stability and the global economy in the post-war phase.
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on Friday warned that the consequences of the war in Iran and wider regional instability are becoming “dramatically worse with each passing hour”.
In a post on X, he urged immediate de-escalation, saying: “Now is the time for dialogue, for solutions that pull us back from the brink and for measures that can open a pathway to peace.”
The Israeli military on Friday said it struck and destroyed more than 40 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, including command centres used to plan and advance attacks against Israeli troops and the country, according to a post by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on X.
A ceasefire between the United States and Iran that began in early April has “terminated” hostilities for the purposes of a key congressional deadline, a senior official in Donald Trump’s administration said, according to Reuters on Friday.
Under the War Powers Resolution, Trump faced a 60-day deadline to either end military action, seek approval from Congress, or request an extension following hostilities that began on February 28. The administration expects the deadline to pass without further action, arguing that the ceasefire satisfies the legal threshold. The official added that there has been no exchange of fire between US forces and Iran since the truce took hold on April 8.
NetBlocks reported that an internet blackout in Iran has entered its 63rd day, amounting to 1,488 hours of disrupted connectivity. The group said the prolonged restrictions are hindering communication for families and friends attempting to check on the safety and wellbeing of loved ones.
The data shows network connectivity in Iran has remained near zero since late February, indicating a sustained nationwide shutdown.
Alongside the ceasefire, Washington is pursuing measures to maintain pressure on Tehran. Politico reported that the administration is proposing a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while continuing a blockade of Iranian ports in coordination with allies, aiming to impose costs on Iran’s attempts to disrupt the free flow of energy.
Despite the halt in direct fighting, contingency planning remains active. Axios reported that two senior US officials confirmed a high-level military briefing was held with Trump on Thursday evening. During the 45-minute session, commanders Brad Cooper and Dan Caine presented new plans outlining potential renewed military action against Iran.
On Capitol Hill, concerns over escalation persist. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN that a military strike on Iran is “highly likely”, based on recent briefings. He warned such action could endanger American lives and result in significant casualties.
In Lebanon, Ibrahim al-Moussawi criticised the government’s approach, saying it is drifting towards “surrender and direct negotiation” and accepting dictates, while vowing resistance and declaring that “banners of victory” would be raised across occupied areas.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed efforts to recover all occupied Lebanese territory. Marking Labour Day, he also pledged to continue economic reforms aimed at improving living conditions, creating jobs, restoring stability and steering the country towards recovery.
Iran is also moving to rebuild its military capacity. NBC News reported that Iranian authorities are recovering missiles and munitions hidden underground or buried under rubble following US and Israeli air strikes.
Citing US and regional sources, the report said Tehran is using the pause in hostilities to quickly rebuild its drone and missile capabilities. Officials believe the effort is aimed at ensuring Iran is prepared to launch attacks across the Middle East if military confrontation resumes.
This post was last modified on May 1, 2026 6:01 pm