Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Monday after both countries confirmed a fresh exchange of military strikes, raising concerns over the future of a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The latest hostilities come as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain deadlocked despite weeks of intensive discussions aimed at ending the war and restoring access through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
Major disagreements persist over Iran’s nuclear programme and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, with Tehran insisting that any comprehensive agreement must address both issues, The News Edition reports.
The renewed exchange of fire coincided with an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to intensify the offensive, describing recent gains as a significant turning point in the campaign.
The US military said it carried out a series of “self-defence strikes” targeting Iranian radar installations and drone control facilities in southern Iran over the weekend. According to Washington, the operation was launched in response to the downing of a US MQ-1 drone.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that they had targeted a military air base allegedly linked to the US operation. Iranian state media reported the attack but did not disclose the location of the facility.
The development followed reports from Kuwait that its air defence systems intercepted hostile missiles and drones, although authorities did not identify the source of the attacks.
Nuclear Talks Face Obstacles
Efforts to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities continue to face significant hurdles.
Iran had been engaged in discussions with the United States regarding its nuclear programme before joint US-Israeli military operations earlier this year reportedly dealt a major blow to the country’s military leadership.
While Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended solely for civilian purposes, the United States and its Western allies remain concerned that Iran could seek to develop nuclear weapons.
Recent reports suggest that US President Donald Trump has proposed a revised framework for a potential agreement.
Although details remain limited, Trump has repeatedly emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a key condition of any deal.
Speaking in a recent interview, Trump stated that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons, while later reiterating on social media that any proposed agreement would clearly prohibit Tehran from possessing such capabilities.
Iranian officials, however, have urged caution, stressing that negotiations remain ongoing and that no final agreement has been reached.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s lead negotiator, said Tehran would only approve a deal that protects the rights and interests of the Iranian people. Iranian officials also indicated that both sides continue to exchange amendments to draft proposals.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described reports about a breakthrough as premature, insisting that discussions are still underway.
Iran has also reportedly demanded access to billions of dollars in frozen assets before entering substantive negotiations on its nuclear programme. Meanwhile, disagreements persist over the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for international energy supplies.
Fighting Intensifies in Lebanon
The conflict in Lebanon remains another major obstacle to a broader peace agreement.
Iran has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities involving Hezbollah and Israel, arguing that lasting regional stability cannot be achieved without addressing the situation in Lebanon.
Despite a ceasefire that officially took effect in April, both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of repeated violations.
Lebanese authorities said an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Sunday killed eight people, including three women, as fighting continued across several areas.
The escalating violence has drawn international concern, with the United Nations Security Council scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on the expanding Israeli military campaign.
Netanyahu described Israel’s recent capture of the strategic Beaufort Castle area as a “dramatic shift,” signaling the possibility of further military operations in the coming days.