Iran-Israel Conflict: Attacks, Retaliation & US Strikes | Latest Updates
President Donald Trump announced Monday that a potential agreement with Iran, encompassing 15 points, is under development, potentially averting immediate military conflict. The announcement came hours before a self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route, and as tensions remain extremely high following recent exchanges of attacks between Iran and Israel.
Trump stated the prospective agreement would involve Iran relinquishing its pursuit of nuclear weapons. He also indicated a “change of regime” is underway in Iran, a claim Iranian state media immediately denied. According to CBS News, Iranian officials have denied any negotiations with the U.S., labeling reports of talks as “fake news” intended to manipulate markets.
The shift in tone follows a period of escalating threats. Trump had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran allow free passage through the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants, including its largest facility. Iran responded by threatening to “completely close” the Strait and target U.S. Energy infrastructure, as well as facilities in allied Gulf states, according to PBS NewsHour. Iranian state media reported that Iran’s military vowed to respond in kind to any U.S. Attack.
Recent days have seen a surge in military activity. U.S. Central Command reported having targeted over 9,000 Iranian targets, including more than 140 naval vessels, and flown over 9,000 combat flights since the beginning of the conflict. Simultaneously, Iran launched multiple waves of missile attacks against Israel, with at least one missile impacting Tel Aviv and causing damage, according to multiple reports. Israel responded with strikes targeting launch sites and infrastructure in western Iran.
A U.S. Military raid in western Iraq, attributed to American forces, resulted in the deaths of 15 members of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a former coalition paramilitary group now integrated into the Iraqi army. This occurred amidst the broader escalation with Iran.
The crisis has already impacted global energy markets. Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel in recent weeks, and diesel prices exceeded $5 a gallon, according to the Independent. Analysts suggest the energy crisis could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources, despite an initial increase in coal usage by Asian countries to address energy shortages.
As of Monday evening, Iranian state media had not confirmed any negotiations with the U.S., and the status of the Strait of Hormuz remained uncertain. The U.S. Intelligence community assesses that at least a dozen Iranian mines are currently deployed in the Strait, according to CBS News. The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to visit Algeria today, though the purpose of the visit has not been publicly linked to the ongoing crisis.