U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes, Raising Fears Over Peace Talks

Iran said on Thursday that it had retaliated against the United States by targeting an American military base following recent U.S. strikes in southern Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack but did not disclose the location of the base.

The latest escalation comes as Washington and Tehran were reportedly close to reaching a limited agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing tensions in the region.

U.S. Launches New Strikes

According to a U.S. official, American forces carried out “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Wednesday after detecting threats against U.S. troops and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States said it shot down four Iranian attack drones flying over the strategic waterway. U.S. forces then struck a drone ground-control station in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas before a fifth drone could be launched.

This marked the second round of U.S. attacks on Iran this week.

Kuwait Intercepts Drones and Missiles

Kuwait’s military announced Thursday morning that its air defenses had intercepted hostile drones and missiles, though officials did not specify where the threats originated.

The incident has raised concerns because the United States maintains five military bases in Kuwait.

Trump Signals Tough Stance

U.S. President Donald Trump said during a cabinet meeting that he was prepared for prolonged negotiations with Iran and was unconcerned about domestic political pressure.

“I don’t care about the midterms,” Trump said, adding that Iran believed it could outlast him politically.

Trump also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be allowed to fall under Iranian control.

Warning to Oman

Trump warned Oman, a longtime U.S. ally and mediator in regional diplomacy, against entering any agreement with Iran to jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran strongly criticized the remarks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described Trump’s comments as “bullying” and “dangerous,” while praising Oman’s diplomatic role in the region.

Fighting Expands to Lebanon

The Israeli military said it launched additional strikes against Hezbollah positions in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.

The renewed clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group are further complicating efforts to secure a broader regional ceasefire.

Oil Prices Surge

Global oil prices climbed sharply following the renewed hostilities.

Brent crude rose more than 2 percent to around $95 per barrel.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased to about $91 per barrel.

Analysts warn that continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz could create major disruptions in global energy markets and international shipping.