Strategic Distance
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
Fresh statements from Tehran and Washington point to deepening confrontation, with both sides hardening their public positions even as the US says it remains open to diplomacy.
The Pentagon told lawmakers the conflict has already cost $37.5 billion and warned of readiness shortfalls without additional funding, while also alleging Russia and China are enabling Iran's military operations.
Explosions were reported across southern and central Iran after the US announced a new military offensive, while Kuwait activated air defences and regional tensions continued to spread.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it received intelligence from individuals in Jordan to strike US military targets, as Washington continued air strikes and regional tensions spread across the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia reportedly denied US operational support for Trump’s Strait of Hormuz mission, even as Iran offered assistance to commercial ships in regional waters.
Tehran says it remains open to diplomacy, but Iranian officials have denied reports of fresh written exchanges with Washington or a near-final pact.
Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said that the country's armed forces have carried out no missile or drone operation against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the past days, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
US President Donald Trump said that he has been briefed on the concept of a potential agreement with Iran, but is awaiting the final wording before making any decision — while cautioning that military action remains on the table if Tehran misbehaves.
Iran has dismissed speculation around Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition, saying he survived the February strike and continues to oversee key decisions, including negotiations and field operations.
