Iran live updates: US is 'locked and loaded' in Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth says

During a phone interview with Hugh Hewitt on Monday afternoon, President Donald Trump refused to say whether the ceasefire with Iran was over after Iran fired at the United Arab Emirates and projected that the war could continue for another two or three weeks.

"Well, I can't tell you that," Trump said when pressed on whether the ceasefire is over. When asked if Monday's hostilities meant the beginning of a renewed conflict with Iran, Trump said that "one way or the other, we win."

"We either make the right deal or we win very easily. From the military standpoint, we've already won that. You know, you've heard me say it a million times, and other people say it. They had 159 ships. Hugh, now they have none. They're all at the bottom of the sea," Trump said.

The president stopped short of confirming whether Iran violated the ceasefire, saying "we'll see what happens" and instead touting the U.S. military capabilities.

Trump said the conflict could continue for "probably another two weeks" or "maybe three weeks," and emphasized that he is not operating under any time constraints. "Time is not of the essence for us," Trump said, while claiming significant public support for the war.

The president said the U.S. has "control" over the Strait of Hormuz amid the launch of the "Project Freedom" operation. "They said they were going to take over the Homruz Strait, and then we thought they might have. We took it over from them," Trump said of Iran.

On concerns over spiking oil prices, Trump said he thought prices might rise higher than they have -- perhaps as high as $250 -- claiming that the "genius" thing happening was ships were now heading to the U.S. for oil.

Asked about the future of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile -- Tehran's surrendering of which has been a key sticking point for the U.S. -- Trump downplayed its importance.

"From a standpoint of value, it's not very valuable. Probably can't be used. They may not be able to get it," Trump said, before touting the June military operation -- Operation Midnight Hammer -- to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities. "I'd like to get it back so that they can't be tempted," Trump said of the enriched uranium.

Trump also said he is "convinced" that if the Iranian people had sufficient weapons, they would "fight back" against the regime.

The U.S. mission to the United Arab Emirates issued a security alert moments ago advising Americans in the country of "potential aerial threats."

This marks the first notice from the embassy since the country's government issued warnings about incoming attacks from Iran more than five hours ago.

"On May 4, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Interior issued several public alerts via mobile phone that warned of potential aerial threats," the alert from the U.S. embassy reads. "The U.S. Mission to the UAE is monitoring the situation and urges Americans to please follow instructions from UAE authorities and be prepared to take shelter if instructed."

The alert makes no mention of Iran or the specifics of those aerial threats.

The U.S. mission to the United Arab Emirates issued a security alert on Monday.

Following strikes on the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told the Gulf states that Iran has "no animosity" toward them but "had to defend" itself.

"We feel no animosity towards any countries in the region. The only reason we have to target their territories is simply because we had to defend ourselves against an act of aggression by the United States and Israel," Baghaei said in an interview on Iranian state TV.

"Now it's an open secret that the United States used its military bases, its military assets and used the logistical support provided by some of these countries to further their act of aggression against Iran," he continued. "So under international law, these countries are regarded as accomplices, as complicit in this act of aggression."

The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems engaged with 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones launched from Iran on Monday.

The attacks resulted in three moderate injuries, the country's Ministry of Defense said, adding that it "remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country."