National Defense

US Strikes Iran As Top Negotiators Search For War Off-Ramp

Flickr/szczepan.lemanczyk

The U.S. launched new strikes against Iranian targets as diplomats from Washington and Tehran arrived in Qatar for negotiations to end the war, Reuters reported.

Explosions were heard near a key port and logistics hub in the city of Bandar Abbas, Reuters reported, citing a statement from Iranian state media on Tuesday. The strikes landed while Iranian negotiators were landing in Qatar to continue talks to open the Strait of Hormuz and end the war.

The strikes conducted by U.S. forces were considered to be “defensive” in nature, Reuters reported, citing U.S. officials. This military action was intended “to protect ‌our ⁠troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” Reuters reported, citing a statement from CENTCOM.

“Peace Through Strength,” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social immediately after the new strikes on Iran took place.

CENTCOM and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

‘Take A Few Days’

“U.S. Central Command ​continues to ​defend ⁠our forces while using ​restraint during the ​ongoing ⁠ceasefire,” Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins said, according to Reuters.

Negotiating a deal with Iran could “take a few days,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday, the outlet reported.

As the war continues, the price of crude oil futures remains high at nearly $94, according to the CNBC WTI Crude tracker. Although it is not currently trending upwards.

As these strikes take place, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Force has plans to intensify its offensive action against Lebanon. The most recent phase of the Israel-Lebanon war has been raging since April 8, when Israel launched an intense bombardment of Lebanese residential areas in Beirut.

The Israel Defense Force is also beginning a new ground operation past the previously indicated “yellow line,” Reuters reported, citing Israeli media.