U.S. and Iran Intensify Military Strikes Amid Ongoing Peace Negotiations

Military Escalation Despite Talks

The U.S. says it has struck Iran again as peace talks continue to end the conflict. Kuwait's military says it activated its air defenses in response to a drone and missile attack, after Iranian officials announced they'd struck a military base used by the U.S. in the Persian Gulf region. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack on an unspecified air base came in response to U.S. attacks near Bandar Abbas Airport in southern Iran.

Diplomatic Stalemate

The renewed violence came as President Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House Wednesday that he was making progress in negotiations to end the war, though Trump rejected an Iranian state TV report that he may agree to a deal to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to prewar levels within a month, with Iran and Oman jointly managing traffic. President Trump huddled in the White House Situation Room for roughly two hours today to, in his words, make a final determination about a potential deal to end the war. The president made no announcement and that meeting has ended.

Key Negotiating Points

Trump said Friday that Iran must agree to never have a nuclear weapon and to reopen the Strait or Hormuz immediately, without tolls. U.S. officials describe the possible agreement as a memorandum of understanding that would open the Strait of Hormuz and then kick-start a second phase of negotiations over limiting Iran's nuclear program and lifting U.S.

Administration Stance

Israel and Lebanon officials are set to meet today as U.S.-Iran peace talks continue. The simultaneous military operations and diplomatic negotiations underscore the complex and contentious nature of resolving the conflict, with both sides maintaining military pressure while attempting to reach a negotiated settlement.