Trump says Iran deal still possible as US strikes continue
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest military operation began on Tuesday, adding that the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to attack civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Trump warned that the US would hit Iran “very hard” and continue its military campaign. Despite the escalation, he told reporters that he still believed an agreement with Tehran could be reached. The renewed fighting pushed oil prices up by more than nine percent as investors feared a wider regional conflict and possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said two of its oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. According to Emirati authorities, one crew member was killed and eight others were injured.
The reported attack came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had carried out strikes targeting US interests in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman.
The White House confirmed that President Trump had formally notified Congress about the renewed military campaign against Iran, allowing the Pentagon to continue operations in the region for an additional 60 days without further congressional approval.
Trump also announced plans to reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports and proposed a 20 percent fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz under US protection. He said the waterway would remain open to other countries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the proposal, saying Iran has always protected the Strait of Hormuz. Responding sarcastically to Trump’s comments, he suggested that a 20 percent fee was excessive.
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Despite the continued military action, Trump insisted that diplomacy remained an option. He said a deal with Iran was still possible, although negotiations had stalled after earlier progress.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the previous memorandum of understanding was now “in crisis.” However, officials confirmed that talks with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman were continuing in an effort to prevent further escalation.
Analysts believe both Washington and Tehran are trying to strengthen their positions before returning to the negotiating table, making a quick breakthrough less likely.
Iranian state media reported that the latest US strikes targeted several areas in the country’s south and west, causing casualties and damage. Authorities also reported multiple explosions near Bandar Abbas, a key port on the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran said it had launched attacks on US military targets in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait. It also warned that any Gulf country cooperating militarily with the United States could be regarded as a participant in the conflict.
