Iran threatens to "teach a lesson" if U.S. attacks, Trump says ceasefire is "on life support"

Iran’s parliament speaker vowed to 'teach a lesson' to any aggressor after former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s latest peace proposal, calling the ceasefire 'on life support.' The escalating tensions follow Israel’s deployment of anti-missile batteries and personnel to the UAE to counter Iranian threats, signaling deepening defense ties between the two nations. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes hit two cars on a major highway south of Beirut on Wednesday, despite a ceasefire agreed on April 17. State media reported the attacks near Jiyeh, though casualties were not confirmed. Similar strikes occurred on Saturday, and Israel warned residents of six villages in Tyre to evacuate ahead of potential further attacks. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 13 deaths in Tuesday’s strikes and 380 fatalities since the ceasefire began. Hezbollah, which has been attacking northern Israel and occupying southern Lebanese territory, opposes upcoming U.S.-brokered talks in Washington. Its leader, Naim Qassem, threatened to turn the battlefield into 'hell' for Israel. Since Hezbollah’s involvement in March, over 2,800 people have died in Lebanon, including 200 children, according to the health ministry. The conflict’s financial toll has risen to $29 billion, according to acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst, though internal assessments suggest costs may exceed $50 billion. Meanwhile, Trump’s upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping will address Iran’s role in the war, though he downplayed expectations for China’s intervention, noting Beijing has been 'relatively good' on sanctions compliance. The violence persists as Lebanon and Israel prepare for negotiations in Washington, brokered by the U.S., amid Hezbollah’s refusal to engage. Israel’s continued airstrikes and evacuation warnings highlight the fragile nature of the truce and the risk of further escalation in the region.