Agencies | Washington:
The United States launched fresh strikes in Iran near the Strait of Hormuz in the early hours of Thursday, according to Reuters. The latest operation marks the second US strike in 48 hours, even as negotiations continue in Qatar aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Iran indicated that a return to full-scale war remained unlikely, while US President Donald Trump said Tehran was seeking a deal but had yet to meet Washington’s expectations.
“Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal. So far they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be,” Trump said during a televised White House cabinet meeting.
“Either that or we’ll have to just finish the job,” he added.
Peace Talks Continue Amid Fragile Ceasefire
The US and Iran have remained in a fragile ceasefire since April 8, while diplomatic efforts toward a peace agreement continue quietly in Qatar.
Despite ongoing negotiations, both Washington and Tehran have intensified their rhetoric through press briefings, social media statements, and televised interviews.
Key disputes preventing a final agreement include Iran’s missile programme, uranium enrichment activities, and control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Condemns US Strikes Near Bandar Abbas
Iran condemned what it described as ceasefire violations after the US carried out strikes near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.
According to a US official quoted by Reuters, the strikes targeted a military site allegedly posing a threat to American forces and commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Prices Surge as Tensions Escalate
US crude oil prices rose nearly 4% following the latest escalation between Washington and Tehran.
The increase came after the US launched strikes near Bandar Abbas, followed by Iran’s retaliatory attack on an American airbase, reigniting concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.
Violence Continues Along Israel-Lebanon Border
In southern Lebanon, three people were killed and five others injured in Israeli attacks on Sidon City, according to Al Jazeera.
Separately, the Israeli military said one soldier was killed on Wednesday in a Hezbollah drone strike near the Lebanon border, AFP reported. The death brings the number of Israeli troops killed since clashes with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group began in early March to 24.
Meanwhile, at least two people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, Al Jazeera reported.
