WASHINGTON: Fresh US missile strikes on Iran and President Donald Trump’s warning of possible further military action have heightened tensions in the Middle East, even as he signalled that diplomacy remains an option to end the conflict.
The latest US strikes targeted Iranian military positions, marking the 13th consecutive night of military operations following the collapse of an interim ceasefire two weeks ago.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said Washington remained prepared to intensify military action if necessary but stressed that diplomatic efforts were continuing.
“We are talking to them,” Trump told reporters. “I think they’re being serious… but that doesn’t mean we get there.”
Asked about a possible end to the conflict, Trump said the United States had two options: continue military operations or reach a negotiated agreement.
“There’s a military exit where we just keep going… or there’s a smarter strategy that you make a deal,” he said, adding, “We’re locked and loaded. We’re ready to go.”
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Trump also announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington next week, with the two leaders scheduled to meet as the US-Israeli campaign against Iran enters its fifth month.
Iran responded by targeting US military facilities in neighbouring Gulf countries and warned that non-military buildings used by US personnel could also become targets.
Iran’s military said it attacked US military facilities at Camp Buehring, Camp Arifjan and Camp Doha in Kuwait. Kuwaiti authorities later said their air defence systems intercepted hostile aerial targets launched from Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed they had damaged a surveillance tower used by the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, 59 people have been killed and 666 injured since fighting resumed in late June.
Iranian media also quoted the country’s top military commander as saying Iran would kill one US service member for every Iranian killed.
The Pentagon said the conflict has killed 18 US service members, while more than 500 troops have been injured, including 100 since July 7.
The conflict has intensified concerns over global energy supplies as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remain at the centre of regional tensions.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and threatened ships transporting Saudi crude through the Red Sea.
After the Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, Trump warned that Iran would be held responsible for any future attacks carried out by the group.
Saudi state media later reported that another Saudi vessel sustained minor damage in the Red Sea, while the Saudi-led coalition said it had struck Houthi military sites used to threaten commercial shipping.
The escalating security risks forced several oil tankers to reroute through the Suez Canal, increasing shipping times and costs. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz also fell sharply, with only one oil tanker reportedly crossing the strategic waterway the lowest level since May.
Amid the escalating conflict, sources said Pakistan is exploring efforts to help revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, following diplomatic initiatives led by China.
According to the sources, exploratory discussions took place during Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s visit to Islamabad this week, his second trip to Pakistan within 10 days.
The conflict has continued to widen since the collapse of the interim ceasefire, disrupting regional security, threatening global shipping routes and raising concerns over energy supplies and inflation.
Trump has recently threatened to expand military operations by targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, bridges, Kharg Island oil facilities and the underground nuclear-linked Pickaxe Mountain site, although he said no final decision has been made.
The conflict remains volatile as military operations continue alongside diplomatic contacts. Regional governments and global markets are closely monitoring developments, with further escalation likely to increase pressure on energy supplies, commercial shipping and regional stability, while any diplomatic breakthrough could help prevent a broader conflict.
