US strikes Iranian targets as Trump claims peace talks remain on track

On Monday and Tuesday, the United States military conducted a series of airstrikes against Iranian naval vessels and missile launch sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command described the operations as "self-defense" measures to protect American troops from imminent threats, including reported attempts by Iranian forces to lay mines in international waters. Tehran immediately condemned the strikes as a "grave violation" of the fragile seven-week ceasefire and warned of retaliation, claiming four Iranian soldiers were killed in the attacks.

Despite the surge in violence, President Trump insisted that back-channel peace negotiations in Qatar are proceeding well, framing the strikes as a necessary show of resolve to secure a "good deal." Diplomats are now racing to keep the peace process from collapsing as global oil prices spike in response to the renewed instability.