Escalation Intensifies as Iran and US Trade Strikes Amid Failing Diplomacy

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they carried out retaliatory missile strikes targeting US military bases across the region following renewed American attacks. Several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, activated air defence systems, with reports indicating that around 20 incoming missiles were intercepted.

The confrontation marked a second consecutive night of US strikes on Iranian positions. Explosions were reported in multiple locations inside Iran, including areas near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump warned that further strikes could follow if a diplomatic agreement is not reached, adding that critical infrastructure may again be targeted.

Tensions also escalated at sea, with Iran declaring the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to US military action an announcement rejected by the US military. Meanwhile, amid heightened naval tensions and a US blockade of Iranian ports, three Indian seafarers were reported dead following a strike on a commercial tanker.

Diplomatic efforts appeared to be under strain as a Qatari delegation reportedly left Tehran after late-night negotiations with Iranian officials. The talks, coordinated with US involvement, continued into the early hours even as military operations unfolded, underscoring the fragile and deteriorating state of negotiations.