In a significant development, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that further conflict with the United States is not in Iran's interest, following a recent escalation in hostilities. The two nations, which have been engaged in a six-month war, traded fire for the first time in over a month, raising concerns about a return to full-scale hostilities.
The latest flare-up began when the United States attacked Iranian rocket launchers on the island of Larak, asserting it was to prevent Iran from planting mines in the critical Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran targeted US military installations in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, claiming to have struck US forces. Despite these actions, President Pezeshkian later advocated for dialogue at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan.
"We continue to strive for a path of agreement and understanding, and we believe that continuing the war is neither in our interest, nor in the interest of the region," Pezeshkian stated. He emphasized that the solution to the ongoing problems lies in dialogue and cooperation, urging all parties to use their capacities to prevent the spread of insecurity and conflict.
State media reported casualties from the US attack on Larak, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have retaliated by striking US air bases in Jordan with ballistic missiles, causing heavy damage. Jordan's army intercepted several missiles but did not confirm their origin. Iran also claimed to have targeted a US air base in the UAE and shot down an American drone over Hormuz, though Abu Dhabi denied the claims.
The exchange of fire occurred as tensions had been subsiding, with the US administration prioritizing economic warfare over military action. US President Donald Trump declared Iran a 'Failed Nation' on his Truth Social platform, citing economic and military disarray within Iran. Despite this rhetoric, both nations remain at an impasse over the control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments.
