Key facts
- Iran's IRGC claimed strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, hitting 18 targets.
- The U.S. military intercepted most of the seven ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran.
- President Donald Trump threatened severe U.S. strikes on Iran and expressed interest in controlling Kharg Island.
- Reciprocal air attacks between the U.S. and Iran have undermined a fragile ceasefire.
- Indirect U.S.-Iranian talks on a preliminary peace deal have intensified despite hostilities.
- India demanded an end to attacks on its ships following U.S. strikes on tankers.
President Donald Trump stated the United States would launch significant strikes on Iran and expressed a desire to eventually seize Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, following reciprocal air attacks that have jeopardized a fragile ceasefire. The escalating hostilities have undermined prospects for a swift end to the ongoing conflict.
Trump's threat of "very hard" strikes came after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have hit 18 U.S. Army targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including air bases. The U.S. military confirmed intercepting most of the seven ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran, denying claims of damage to the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. These actions followed recent U.S. strikes on Iranian radar sites.
Despite the heightened military exchanges, three Iranian sources and Western officials indicated that indirect U.S.-Iranian negotiations for a preliminary peace deal have intensified. Key discussion points include the release of billions in frozen Iranian funds, with Iran seeking direct access and Washington proposing staged releases for humanitarian goods. Tehran also demands an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump insists on an end to shipping restrictions and Iran abandoning nuclear ambitions.
The war, which began with U.S. airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and contributed to rising global oil prices. However, oil prices remained largely stable as investors assessed Trump's rhetoric against the actual impact on supply disruptions. A move on Kharg Island would have limited immediate impact on shipments due to a U.S. blockade of Iranian oil exports.
In a separate development, India has demanded an end to attacks on its ships after three Indian sailors were killed in a recent U.S. military strike on a tanker off Oman, part of Washington's efforts to blockade Iran-linked shipping. The U.S. Navy has reportedly attacked three Indian-crewed vessels this week.