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 Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Thursday strongly criticised the United States and Israel, accusing them of deliberately igniting a war during ongoing negotiations and destabilising the wider West Asian region.
With flights cancelled and airspace restrictions across the Gulf, thousands of travellers are stuck in Dubai. Sonu Sood has asked stranded passengers to contact him on social media if they need a free place to stay.
A US submarine torpedoed Iran’s frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka after it joined India’s MILAN-2026 naval exercise, prompting strategic concerns over regional security and maritime diplomacy.
Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the White House said that the "rogue Iranian terrorist" regime is being "absolutely crushed" under the Operation Epic Fury, as President Donald Trump has set clear objectives to raze Tehran's missile industry and annihilate its navy.
The United States may deploy naval escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, the White House have said, as the conflict with Iran raises concerns about global energy supplies and shipping security in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
