US-Iran War Update: Trump Presses Harder – UN Responds to Arab Nuclear Issue

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Tensions between the United States (US) and Iran have again reached a nadir after the fragile ceasefire threatened to collapse within days. President US Donald Trump issued hardline threats to launch a new, massive military strike into Iranian territory if a peace agreement is not reached. On the other hand, Tehran’s military leadership did not sit idly by, and prepared to retaliate by opening multiple new deadly fronts.

Quoting a report from Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday (20 May 2026), the war that erupted on 28 February has now entered a crucial phase after the ceasefire that has been in place since 8 April. Relations between the two nations have grown hotter as the negotiation deadline tightens. The conflict has grown more complex, involving escalations in Lebanon and strategic attacks targeting nuclear facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Here are 11 crucial update points on the latest developments in the US-Iran war:

Trump Gives Two-Day Deadline

Donald Trump revealed that he nearly ordered renewed air strikes on Iran, but cancelled the order only an hour before execution to allow diplomacy to proceed. Nevertheless, he emphasised that Washington’s patience has a limit and set a very brief deadline for Tehran to agree a peace accord. If no deal is reached, the US is ready to deliver a much larger follow-up strike.

“I said two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, something, perhaps early next week, a limited time frame,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.

“You know what it feels like negotiating with a country where you defeat them comprehensively. They come to the negotiating table, they beg to make a deal. I hope we do not have to go to war, but we may have to deal them another big blow. I am not sure,” he added.

Iran Ready to Open a New Front

In response to the threat, Iran’s military immediately replied with a equally terrifying warning. Teheran rejected Trump’s bargaining position and asserted that the ceasefire has been used by them to build new military capabilities. Iran also leveraged full control of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip to choke global oil supplies in order to pressure the US economy.

“If the enemy is foolish enough to fall into the Zionist trap again and launch a new aggression against Iran, which we love, we will open a new front against it, with new equipment and new tactics,” said Iranian Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia to ISNA.

“The Iranian military has used the ceasefire as an opportunity to strengthen its combat capabilities,” Akraminia added.

US on High Alert

US Vice President JD Vance, who has been central in negotiations that stalled in Pakistan, stated that the US military is now on full alert and ready for combat. While sceptical about a war unpopular with the American public, he said channels of communication were being pursued to the fullest extent to avoid armed confrontation.

“There has been a lot of progress, but we will keep pursuing it, and in the end we will reach an agreement or not at all,” Vance told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.

This alert status aligns with Vance’s earlier statements that the US military position is locked and loaded and ready to blow at any moment if Iran violates commitments or refuses to negotiate.

Domestic Pressure Reshaped for Trump

In domestic political corridors, Donald Trump faces heavy pressure over the continuation of this war which has undermined his popularity ahead of November’s congressional elections. In the midst of a stagnant economy, Americans are growing frustrated at rising living costs, including fuel for their vehicles.

In light of this, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi offered sharp sarcasm on his official X account regarding the rhetoric issued by the US President. He said Trump is intentionally twisting facts to mask domestic political anxiety.

“Trump’s comments mean the US leader is calling a ‘threat’ an ‘opportunity for peace’!” wrote Gharibabadi.

US Senate Blocks War Powers

The protracted escalation in the Middle East has also triggered political rifts in Washington, with the US Senate taking a symbolic yet strong step to limit Trump’s power to wage war. The resolution cleared an important procedural vote for the first time since the war began 11 weeks ago, reflecting deep concerns over the cost of the conflict which has thus far swollen beyond US$30 billion (Rp 531 trillion).

“This president is like a toddler playing with a pistol with live ammunition,” said Senate Minority Leader from the Democratic Party, Chuck Schumer, ahead of the vote on Tuesday.

“If there is a time to back our War Powers Resolution to pull troops back from hostility with Iran, now is the time,” Schumer asserted.

UN Security Council Condemns Nuclear Attacks

Meanwhile, regional tensions rose further after a drone struck a power generator near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, in Abu Dhabi, on Sunday. Abu Dhabi said the attack originated from Iraqi territory, where pro-Iran groups have operated during the war.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened a session on Tuesday to strongly condemn the attack.

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