The United States carried out military strikes against targets inside Iran for a second consecutive day, saying it hit air defence systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and naval capabilities. Washington said the operation was aimed at protecting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and reducing threats to commercial shipping.
In response, Iran said it had launched attacks targeting US military bases and sites in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, arguing that the latest US strikes had destroyed the diplomatic efforts made over recent months.
Tehran also stressed the need for a mechanism to ensure a decisive response to any future attack targeting its senior officials.
Iran said the recent US strikes had “rendered futile” months of diplomatic efforts” over the past several months.
READ: UN chief warns of Middle East escalation, urges US, Iran to resume talks
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said the country’s policy of deterrence must continue against any potential military aggression.
He called for a legal framework to define a pre-approved response if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or any senior military or civilian official were targeted. He said any response would be decisive and act as a deterrent, reflecting Tehran’s efforts to strengthen its readiness for any future escalation.
Politically, US President Donald Trump insisted that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained open. He also said the United States had been close to reaching an agreement with Iran before negotiations broke down.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said talks in Muscat had covered arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz, but accused Washington of undermining the negotiations, highlighting the continuing gap between the two sides despite previous diplomatic contacts.
READ: Iran says latest US strikes “rendered futile” months of diplomatic efforts
