The United States has initiated a new series of airstrikes against Iran, targeting multiple Iranian cities, following President Donald Trump's warning that Tehran would "pay the price" for the breakdown in nuclear negotiations. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, declaring that the US attacks had rendered the April 8 ceasefire "practically meaningless."
Escalation of Hostilities
The latest US offensive appeared more intense and extensive than previous actions, which Washington had described as a "proportional response" to the downing of an Apache helicopter. Trump accused Iranian negotiators of "playing us for suckers," a day after he reiterated claims that a peace deal was imminent. "We hit them hard yesterday and we're going to hit them hard again today," the US president told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
Status of Negotiations
Talks aimed at converting the ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement have stalled for weeks, punctuated by periodic flare-ups as both sides continue to launch limited strikes and trade accusations of truce violations. Iran seeks the lifting of international sanctions, the unfreezing of billions of dollars in assets, and control over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has insisted that any future peace deal must prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, a goal Tehran denies pursuing.
This is a developing story. Follow our live coverage for updates.
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