Washington: The United States carried out fresh military strikes against Iranian targets even as diplomatic negotiations continued in the Middle East, raising fears that the region could move closer to a wider conflict despite ongoing peace efforts.
According to American officials, the strikes targeted missile launch areas and naval facilities in southern Iran that were believed to threaten shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz. The United States said the action was defensive and aimed at protecting international trade and military forces operating in the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a possible agreement with Iran could still be reached within a few days, although he admitted that negotiations remain difficult. He stressed that the United States still prefers diplomacy over war and hopes tensions can be reduced through talks.
The latest strikes came during an important period of negotiations taking place in Doha, Qatar, where international mediators are trying to prevent further violence between Washington and Tehran. Discussions are focused on reducing military activity, protecting shipping routes, easing sanctions, and dealing with concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran strongly condemned the attacks and accused the United States of violating the fragile ceasefire that had reduced tensions in recent weeks. Iranian officials warned that continued military action could lead to retaliation. Leaders in Tehran also repeated that Iran would not accept pressure during negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of global concern. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important oil transport routes, with a large share of international oil exports passing through it every day. Any disruption in the area could affect fuel prices and global markets.
Following news of the strikes, oil prices increased sharply as traders worried about possible supply disruptions. Financial markets in Europe and Asia also reacted cautiously, with investors concerned that the conflict could continue for a longer period.
Reports from the region say the proposed diplomatic framework could include a temporary agreement lasting between 30 and 60 days. During that period, both sides would reduce military operations while broader negotiations continue. However, major disagreements still remain, especially over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, economic sanctions, and missile development.
The situation has also become more complicated because of continuing violence involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli forces reportedly carried out large scale airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in recent days, adding more pressure to an already tense region.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials claimed that an American drone was shot down during recent clashes, although the United States has not publicly confirmed the report. Iranian leaders also continued to use strong language against both the United States and Israel, accusing them of increasing instability in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump has continued to defend the military operations while also saying that diplomacy remains possible. Officials in Washington say they want Iran to return to serious negotiations and avoid actions that could threaten international security.
Analysts believe the coming days could be critical. If talks in Qatar succeed, there may still be a chance to avoid a wider regional conflict. However, if military actions continue on both sides, fears of further escalation could grow quickly across the Middle East.
Many countries are now closely watching developments, hoping that diplomatic efforts will succeed before the situation becomes even more dangerous for the region and the wider world.