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.
Iran’s sharp criticism and stalled negotiations have put Pakistan’s mediation under scrutiny, exposing gaps between Islamabad’s diplomatic claims and ground realities in the US-Iran crisis.
Iran’s leadership has pushed back sharply against US President Donald Trump’s claim of internal infighting, with multiple senior figures issuing coordinated statements asserting unity behind the Supreme Leader.
US President Donald Trump has said Washington will keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut as leverage against Iran, signalling that the vital oil route will reopen only when a deal is reached.
US President Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will reopen only after Iran agrees to a deal, while Tehran rejects claims of internal rifts.
A Pentagon intelligence report has challenged US claims on Iran’s military losses, even as Washington extends the ceasefire and maintains pressure through a continued maritime blockade.
