Iran-US Conflict: Trump Considers ‘Winding Down’ War, Missile Strikes & Peace Talks
Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting the United Kingdom’s military base at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands on Saturday, confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence, as U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he is considering a potential “winding down” of military operations against Iran.
The attempted strikes, which involved two intermediate-range ballistic missiles, were largely unsuccessful. According to the Ministry of Defence, one missile was intercepted by a U.S. Warship, while the other failed mid-flight. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander, Alireza Tangsiri, claimed responsibility, stating that Iranian forces had also “pounded” air bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, alleging they were used by the U.S. And Israel.
Simultaneously, reports emerged of strikes targeting Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for military restraint to “avoid any risk of a nuclear accident” following the reports, stating it had been informed by Tehran of the attack. Iranian officials have stated there was no radioactive leakage and no danger to residents. Israel’s military, however, stated it was “unaware” of a strike on the facility.
The U.S. Military asserts it has degraded Iran’s ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz following strikes on an underground facility used to store cruise missiles and other weapons. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said U.S. Forces had also destroyed intelligence support sites and radar relays.
President Trump’s suggestion of a potential reduction in military operations, posted on his Truth Social platform, came as his administration continues to send additional troops and warships to the region. “We are getting particularly close to meeting our objectives,” Trump stated, offering the strongest indication yet that he may be prepared to end the hostilities that began three weeks ago. This statement appeared to contrast with earlier reports indicating a reluctance to agree to a ceasefire.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that strikes on Iran would “intensify” next week, promising a “significant” rise in attacks. The Israel Defence Force claimed to have “significantly degraded” ballistic missile production at a factory in Tehran, targeting “dozens” of sites involved in missile component production.
The commander of the IRGC, Seyed Majid Mousavi, asserted that Iran’s new tactics and launch systems would “leave the US and Israel dumbfounded,” declaring “missile dominance” over occupied territories.
More than twenty countries have reportedly expressed readiness to contribute to the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources. The U.S. Administration also temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil at sea as prices soared.