Tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel have taken a dangerous new turn. On Thursday, direct military actions resumed between the US and Iran, threatening the fragile ceasefire reached in April.
🔴 Intensified Military Clashes
US Strikes: US Central Command (CENTCOM) struck multiple targets inside Iran on Thursday, destroying Iranian air defense systems, communication infrastructure, and surveillance centers. President Donald Trump warned of further action, saying, "We hit them hard yesterday, and we will start hitting them hard again today."
Iranian Retaliation: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) immediately retaliated by striking US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Iran claims to have destroyed 18 key US military targets. Yemen's Houthi rebels also joined the conflict by launching attacks on Israel.
Casualties and Damage: Iranian media reports at least three people wounded. Bahrain stated that an 11-year-old girl was slightly injured, and several homes and vehicles were damaged.
📜 Ceasefire and Diplomatic Efforts
Ceasefire at Risk: Tehran declared that the April ceasefire has become "practically meaningless." Iran insists the US strikes violate international law and refuses to negotiate under military pressure.
Ongoing Talks: US officials say they want to preserve the ceasefire and that these strikes do not signal all-out war. Remarkably, back-channel talks between the US and Iran continue despite the military escalation.
Pakistan's Role: Pakistan continues its mediation efforts. A Foreign Office spokesperson said, "We have not lost hope," and efforts to de-escalate regional tensions are ongoing.
🌊 Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Iran has ordered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all passing vessels. The head of the IRGC warned in stark terms: "Are you making the Strait of Hormuz unsafe? We will turn this region into hell for you." The strait is a vital route for global oil shipments, and its closure could drive up oil prices.
☢️ International Pressure on Nuclear Program
IAEA Resolution: The IAEA Board of Governors passed a US-backed resolution demanding that Iran declare its stockpile of enriched uranium. The resolution passed with 21 votes in favor; Russia, China, and Niger opposed.
US Stance: President Trump warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would destroy Israel and threatened further strikes to prevent that, saying, "If they had nuclear weapons, Israel would not exist."
Israeli Strategy: Israeli sources say they are preparing for the "next phases" of clashes with Iran, aiming to degrade Iran's missile capabilities and prevent it from building nuclear weapons. In a notable development, US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US will continue seeking a nuclear deal with Iran regardless of Israel's position.
🌍 International Reactions
China called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to talks. Russia also urged the US and Iran to return to negotiations and warned that the tensions could harm the global economy. Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian strikes and called for resuming mediation efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar.
This remains a highly dynamic situation that could take new turns at any moment.