US strikes spark fresh crisis as Iran says diplomacy has been derailed
Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated sharply after Tehran condemned recent American military strikes, saying they have damaged months of diplomatic efforts and increased instability in the region.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of undermining ongoing negotiations and interfering in arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Iranian officials said the latest actions have created fresh security concerns and disrupted international maritime trade.
According to the ministry, talks held in Muscat on Saturday were focused on the management and security of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran claimed that US pressure prevented progress toward a possible agreement, leaving key issues unresolved.
The latest developments come amid a sharp rise in military activity between the two countries. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it targeted multiple locations across Iran in a series of operations. American officials stated that the missions involved fighter jets, naval warships, aerial drones and, for the first time, maritime drones.
Meanwhile, Iran claimed it carried out retaliatory attacks against US-linked facilities and said its forces had destroyed an American cruise missile. The claims have not been independently verified.
CENTCOM reported that between 10 and 11 missiles were launched toward Qeshm Island, while explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas and Jask. Details about casualties or damage remain unclear.
Analysts warn that the growing confrontation could further destabilise the Middle East, threaten global energy supplies and raise concerns over the security of international shipping routes.