Key facts
- The U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes for two consecutive nights, escalating hostilities.
- President Trump announced the U.S. deployed 49 Tomahawk missiles against Iranian targets.
- Trump vowed further significant strikes and to seize Iran's oil and gas infrastructure.
- Iran's deputy foreign minister declared the U.S. strikes a nullification of any ceasefire.
- An oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by U.S. forces.
- Iranian officials indicated intensified negotiations on a preliminary deal and a memorandum of understanding.
The United States and Iran engaged in a second night of retaliatory strikes, escalating hostilities between the two nations. President Trump announced that American forces had deployed 49 Tomahawk missiles targeting locations within Iran and declared his intention to launch further "very hard" strikes, including seizing Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure points to control Iran's oil and gas markets.
Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated that the U.S. strikes represented a "widespread and utter nullification of the ceasefire." Despite the escalation, Iranian officials told Reuters that talks on a preliminary deal had intensified, with both sides exchanging messages on a memorandum of understanding, though significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding the unfreezing of Iranian assets.
The U.S. military also struck an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, which it claimed was attempting to breach a blockade of Iranian ports. An Indian official stated that three Indian crew members were killed in a U.S. strike, though it was unclear if it was the same vessel. Iran launched missiles and drones at Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, causing damage and injuries.
The conflict has implications for global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of the world's oil supply. Trump also seeks an end to Iran's restrictions on shipping through the strait and assurances it will not develop nuclear weapons. The situation unfolds as Trump faces domestic political pressure due to rising inflation and plummeting approval ratings ahead of midterm elections.