Iran-Israel Conflict: Strikes, Strait of Hormuz & Potential Talks
Israel carried out strikes across Iran late Monday, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responding by targeting several Israeli cities, including Dimona and Tel Aviv, as well as US bases, according to statements released by both sides.
Israel’s military confirmed detecting missiles launched from Iran, marking the first such attack since former US President Donald Trump publicly discussed potential military action. Interception blasts were reportedly heard in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he had spoken with Trump on Monday and affirmed Israel’s continued offensive operations in Lebanon, and Iran.
Despite the escalating tensions, Netanyahu indicated that Trump believes there is a potential pathway to a deal, leveraging recent military gains by Israel and the US to achieve war objectives whereas safeguarding vital interests. Iran’s foreign ministry acknowledged initiatives aimed at de-escalation, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz with his Omani counterpart and agreeing to continued consultations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies – handling approximately 20% of the world’s total – has been effectively closed by Iran, which is demanding the US and Israel cease their attacks before reopening it. Trump has directly called for the strait’s reopening.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to mediate the conflict. A Pakistani official reported that US Vice President JD Vance, along with Jared Kushner and Avi Witkoff, are expected to meet with Iranian officials in Islamabad this week, following a conversation between Trump and Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir. The White House confirmed Trump’s call with Munir but offered a cautious response regarding the potential visit by Witkoff and Kushner.
“These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the US will not negotiate through the press,” said White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. “This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House.” The Pakistani prime minister’s office and foreign ministry have not yet issued a statement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the war’s impact on regional and global security, with Pezeshkian emphasizing Iran’s commitment to stability and countering foreign interference. He also expressed a desire to strengthen regional cooperation.
Iran responded to Trump’s threats against its power plants by warning it would target the infrastructure of US allies in the Middle East, potentially leading to a prolonged disruption of global energy supplies. The conflict, which began on February 28, has already resulted in over 2,000 deaths.