Current Developments in the Iran Conflict

The United States military has refuted Iran’s assertion that the Strait of Hormuz is closed. The strait remains open despite the resumption of hostilities, with diplomacy ongoing.

An Indian official reported the summoning of a senior U.S. diplomat to express strong protest after three Indian mariners were killed on a tanker. The U.S. military stated the tanker was targeted for breaching the blockade on Iran’s ports. Other commercial vessels with Indian crew have been hit recently.

Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles following new U.S. strikes on Iran. President Trump warned that Tehran must face consequences for not accepting a peace deal.

Diplomatic Efforts and Recent Developments

A Qatari team returned from negotiations in Tehran amidst continued U.S. and Iranian military actions. Despite U.S. strikes on Iran Wednesday and Tehran’s response, including strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain, and a U.S. base in Jordan, Qatar and Pakistan persist in diplomatic efforts. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed ongoing mediation attempts.

Incidents at Sea and in the Region

“We haven’t lost hope, we remain engaged,” said Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson amid hostilities.

U.S. forces reportedly struck an Iranian cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, carrying vital supplies, was five nautical miles off Khasab when hit. Nearby vessels rescued the crew.

The Jordanian military intercepted 20 missiles aimed at Azraq, where a U.S. base is situated. The response came after U.S. forces announced further strikes on Iran Thursday.

In Bahrain, an 11-year-old girl suffered minor injuries after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone caused fires and damage in urban areas. Bahrain reported retaliatory strikes from Iran.

Casualties and Military Assertions

Three Indian mariners died following a U.S. strike on the Settebello tanker for attempting to carry oil from Iran, violating the blockade. The U.S. claimed the blockade breach justified the attack.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced missile strikes on a U.S. command center in Jordan. These actions purportedly damaged facilities and aircraft at Al-Azraq Air Base.

Regional Reactions and International Navigation

Kuwait and Bahrain reported Iranian strikes early Thursday. Kuwaiti air defenses and Bahraini emergency systems reacted promptly.

U.S. Central Command refuted Iran’s claim about closing the Strait of Hormuz, confirming continued vessel passage. Despite slowed traffic since the conflict started, efforts maintain oil flow of 100 million barrels via the strait.

Iran’s military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all traffic post-U.S. strikes, threatening any vessel attempting passage.

Continued U.S. Military Response

U.S. forces initiated further strikes on Iran, targeting strategic sites like ammunition and control centers. President Trump indicated continued hardline actions as negotiations falter.