US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island amid faltering war talks

Photo — mohammad Amin ghanbarnejad / Pexels

The strikes occurred after reports of mediation had briefly pushed oil prices sharply lower, intensifying uncertainty over whether diplomacy or renewed military escalation will shape the next phase of the conflict.[2] US officials said the operation was limited and did not represent a return to major combat operations, while an Iranian official said Washington and Tehran remain far from an agreement.[1][3] Iran is also pursuing talks with Saudi Arabia, as fighting involving Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis has intensified around key regional shipping routes.[3][5]

Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal