DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – The United States initiated a second wave of airstrikes against Iran early Thursday morning, following a warning from President Donald Trump that Tehran would "pay the price" for stalled negotiations. In a retaliatory response, Iran launched strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The new U.S. military action affected multiple Iranian cities amid stalled efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. Iran has refused to ease its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for global energy supplies, which has caused a surge in oil prices.
This exchange of strikes marked the third instance within a week that the fragile two-month ceasefire was challenged. President Trump has expressed hope that a deal could be reached soon, complicating matters given Iran's apparent resilience in the face of weeks of heavy bombardments.
Despite the military pressure, Iran believes that its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz provides it with significant leverage in negotiations. Iran's envoy to the United Nations cautioned the U.S. against using military threats if genuine dialogue is desired.
As the conflict intensifies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pursuing objectives that undermine the possibility of compromise, including the goal of dismantling Iran’s theocratic regime, eradicating its nuclear program, and targeting the Iranian-supported Hezbollah group in Lebanon. The ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel further exemplify the complexities in reaching a peaceful resolution.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed that its latest airstrikes were aimed at Iran's military infrastructure, specifically targeting surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites. These strikes were executed by U.S. Air Force, Marines, and Navy units and reportedly caused explosions in various locations, including Tehran and Bandar Abbas.
In retaliation, Iran targeted U.S. allies in the Gulf region. Kuwait's airspace was closed to incoming flights due to Iranian attacks, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation citing safety risks for civil aviation. Notably, Kuwait International Airport had recently been hit by Iranian strikes, leading to casualties. Additionally, Iranian forces targeted Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
As the situation escalates, reports indicated that Israeli residents in northern areas were advised to seek shelter due to potential threats from Lebanon, while the U.S. Embassy in Jordan issued warnings regarding reported missile activity in Jordanian airspace.
The conflict, which began with the U.S. and Israel's attacks on February 28, has resulted in significant disruptions to the global economy, contributing to rising energy prices. The price of crude oil traded above $93 a barrel, reflecting over a 25% increase since the onset of the war. In a statement, Trump mentioned that the U.S. military had successfully facilitated the covert transport of over 100 million barrels of oil past Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that U.S. ships are now operating under the cover of darkness.
In tandem with military engagements, the U.S. military recently targeted and disabled the Palau-flagged vessel M/T Settebello, which was attempting to breach the naval blockade with Iranian oil. The incident left three Indian sailors missing, though the U.S. claimed that the crew had been warned before the strike. Iran, for its part, contended that U.S. strikes had imminent consequences on civilian infrastructure in its territory.
Despite political and military tensions, mediative efforts continue with a Qatari delegation reportedly arriving in Tehran to initiate discussions. However, substantial obstacles remain, including Iran's insistence on maintaining its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and demanding sanctions relief, while the U.S. remains firm on its conditions for any potential agreement.
The complexity of this multi-layered conflict highlights not only the immediate military engagements but also the deep-rooted geopolitical strife shaped by regional power dynamics and the interplay of national interests.
