TEHRAN — Iran’s foreign minister warned Sunday that the United States would suffer further economic damage due to its military actions in the Middle East, as Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Lebanon just hours after agreeing to a 45-day ceasefire extension with Tehran.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Iranian foreign minister stated in a televised address that Washington’s policy amounted to a ‘war of choice’ that would backfire economically. His remarks came as Israeli forces resumed attacks on southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as Hezbollah positions. The strikes followed a brief lull after the ceasefire extension was signed late Saturday.

The 45-day truce, brokered by Qatar and mediated by the United Nations, was meant to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, but sporadic violence has persisted along the border. Lebanese officials reported at least three civilian casualties in the latest Israeli airstrikes, raising concerns over the fragile ceasefire’s sustainability. Hezbollah Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has not yet commented on the attacks.

Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that Iran would not remain passive in the face of what it views as provocative U.S.-backed military actions. ‘The region will not tolerate unilateral decisions that escalate tensions,’ he said. Analysts suggest Iran may respond through proxy forces or economic measures targeting U.S. allies in the Gulf.

Regional leaders urge restraint amid escalating violence

Saudi Arabia and Egypt issued joint statements calling for immediate de-escalation, warning that further violence could destabilize the entire Middle East. Both countries, which have historically opposed Iran’s regional influence, urged both sides to adhere to the ceasefire terms. The U.S. has not publicly responded to Iran’s latest threats or the renewed strikes in Lebanon.

The White House reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defense but declined to comment on whether it was involved in brokering the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen have increased rocket attacks on U.S. military bases, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. No casualties have been reported in these incidents.

Economic fallout looms as sanctions fears grow

Markets reacted nervously as oil prices surged above $90 a barrel amid fears of a prolonged conflict disrupting key shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that any disruption could significantly impact global oil supplies, particularly to Asia. Analysts at Goldman Sachs warned that sustained tensions could push prices above $100 per barrel within weeks.

Iran’s warnings of economic retaliation against the U.S. come as its currency, the rial, continues to depreciate against the dollar. The Central Bank of Iran has struggled to stabilize the economy amid U.S. sanctions and recent military spending increases. Economists note that further escalation could trigger a new wave of inflation and shortages in Iran.

The U.S. Treasury Department has not yet commented on Iran’s threats but has previously imposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports and financial institutions. The latest warning from Tehran suggests that additional economic measures, possibly targeting U.S. allies, could be imminent. Regional diplomats warn that such actions could further isolate Iran diplomatically.

What’s next for the ceasefire and regional stability?

The 45-day truce was extended after intense negotiations in Doha, where mediators sought to address Hezbollah’s demands for a full Israeli withdrawal from disputed border areas. However, sporadic violence has continued, with both sides accusing the other of violations. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) UNIFIL has increased patrols along the border in an attempt to prevent further clashes.

Analysts say the ceasefire’s success hinges on whether both Israel and Hezbollah can agree on long-term terms, including the disarmament of militant groups and the return of displaced civilians. Failure to reach a lasting deal could trigger a full-scale war, drawing in Iran and potentially the U.S. and other regional powers. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the latest ceasefire holds or collapses under renewed violence.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Al Jazeera
  • Published: May 16, 2026 at 00:00 UTC
  • Category: War
  • Topics: #conflict · #war · #aljazeera · #iran · #tehran · #iranian

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 16, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

O Oriente Médio volta a viver sob o espectro da guerra após Israel intensificar seus ataques ao Líbano, mesmo com um cessar-fogo de 45 dias em vigor, enquanto o Irã ameaça retaliar economicamente os Estados Unidos por sua “guerra de escolha”. A escalada de tensões na região, que já havia sido contida por breves tréguas, mostra sinais preocupantes de novos confrontos, colocando em xeque não apenas a estabilidade local, mas também os interesses brasileiros no comércio de energia e segurança global.

O Brasil, como ator relevante no cenário internacional e grande importador de petróleo do Oriente Médio, observa com apreensão a possibilidade de um novo confronto em larga escala, que poderia disparar os preços dos combustíveis e afetar a economia doméstica. Além disso, a diplomacia brasileira, tradicionalmente mediadora em crises, vê-se diante de um desafio: equilibrar sua posição neutra com a crescente pressão de aliados ocidentais e parceiros regionais. A retórica do Irã, que culpa diretamente os EUA pelo agravamento do conflito, reforça a percepção de que a crise pode se internacionalizar, com reflexos diretos na geopolítica brasileira.

A próxima rodada de negociações, marcada para os próximos dias, será crucial para evitar uma escalada ainda maior — ou, no pior cenário, preparar o Brasil para lidar com seus impactos econômicos e energéticos.

🇪🇸 Resumen en Español

El ministro de Exteriores de Irán advirtió que Washington sufrirá graves perjuicios económicos por su intervención militar en Oriente Medio, justo cuando Israel reanuda los ataques contra Líbano tras prorrogarse 45 días el cese al fuego en la región.

La escalada se produce en un escenario de máxima tensión, donde la estrategia de disuasión de Teherán —basada en represalias económicas y presión sobre aliados de EE.UU.— choca con la respuesta israelí, que aprovecha el paréntesis del alto el fuego para debilitar a Hezbolá. Para los hispanohablantes, este conflicto no solo amenaza la estabilidad energética global, sino que también expone la vulnerabilidad de Europa ante posibles cortes en el suministro de gas y la fragilidad de las rutas comerciales en el Mediterráneo oriental, lo que podría encarecer productos básicos desde alimentos hasta medicinas.