Key facts
- U.S. Central Command conducted strikes on Iranian territory over the weekend.
- Iran responded by launching missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait.
- President Trump warned Iran that it would cease to exist if military action became necessary.
- A U.S. official indicated that hostilities would cease and vessels could move freely.
- Technical talks are scheduled to continue.
Following weekend strikes and retaliatory missile launches between the U.S. and Iran, President Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that the Islamic Republic would cease to exist if military action became unavoidable. U.S. Central Command reported striking Iranian territory in response to attacks on two cargo ships, one of which carried over 2 million barrels of crude oil. Iran subsequently launched missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait. Both nations accused each other of violating a temporary ceasefire. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, indicated that hostilities would cease for now, allowing vessels to move freely, as technical talks are scheduled to continue on all areas of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Leavitt commented that the president desires a peace deal but is prepared to use military force, warning Iran of becoming a pariah if it acts as a 'bad actor'.