WASHINGTON: Fresh US strikes in Iran have added new pressure to ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran, as negotiators from both countries met in Doha to discuss a possible agreement to end the conflict.
According to US Central Command, American forces carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Monday. The targets reportedly included missile launch sites and boats that were allegedly trying to place naval mines.
The latest US strikes in Iran came at a sensitive time, with both sides observing a fragile ceasefire since April 8. Diplomats are trying to prevent further escalation after months of conflict that disrupted global energy markets and increased tensions across the Middle East.
US officials did not provide detailed information about the operation. However, the military said the action was taken to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.
At the same time, negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program continued in Doha. Former US President Donald Trump said Iran should hand over its enriched uranium to the United States for destruction or destroy it under international supervision inside Iran.
In a social media statement, Trump suggested the uranium disposal process should be monitored by an international authority. It remains unclear whether the proposal is officially part of the ongoing negotiations.
The US strikes in Iran also came shortly after Trump pushed for more Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords. He said Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain should support the agreements as part of a wider regional peace effort.
The Abraham Accords were introduced in 2020 to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations. However, many countries in the region still oppose normalization without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to intensify military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. He accused the group of carrying out drone attacks against Israeli forces and vowed to increase pressure on the Iran-backed movement.
Iranian officials, however, remained cautious about expectations for a quick agreement with Washington. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said progress had been made on several issues, but denied that a final deal was close.
Global oil prices briefly dropped after reports suggested progress in the negotiations. Investors hope a diplomatic breakthrough could ease tensions in the Gulf region and stabilize energy supplies.
Despite the talks, the latest US strikes in Iran have once again highlighted how fragile the current ceasefire remains and how quickly the region could move back toward a wider conflict.
