U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that discussions are underway between Washington and Tehran to end the war. However, in reality, military strikes by the United States and Israel continue across Iran. At the same time, Iran has intensified its retaliatory attacks on Israeli targets and U.S. installations across the Gulf region, with no visible signs of de-escalation.
On Monday night, major explosions were reported in the capital Tehran as well as in several other cities. Attacks were also reported in Tabriz, Isfahan, and Karaj, according to international broadcaster Al Jazeera.
Iranian media reported that within hours of an announcement to halt attacks on power infrastructure, fresh airstrikes were carried out. These strikes damaged two gas facilities and a pipeline. Fars News Agency stated that gas administrative buildings and a pressure regulation station on Kaveh Street in Isfahan were targeted. Additionally, a gas pipeline in the southwestern city of Khorramshahr was struck by a missile.
Local sources confirmed that a senior professor and researcher from a science and technology university in Tehran was killed along with his two children. Press TV identified him as Saeed Shamaghdari, a faculty member of the engineering department at Iran University of Science and Technology.
Israel has previously carried out targeted strikes against Iranian scientists and academics, alleging their involvement in military and weapons development programs.
According to Iran’s emergency services, more than 200 children have been killed since the conflict began on February 28. Many of them died in a missile strike on a girls’ school. Human rights organizations have called for the incident to be investigated as a potential war crime. Official figures indicate that over 1,500 civilians have been killed so far.
Rising Tensions Across the Gulf
Alongside the military escalation, diplomatic efforts are also ongoing. Iran’s foreign minister has been in contact with senior officials from several countries. However, Iranian authorities have denied any ongoing negotiations with the United States.
A member of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee stated that engaging in talks with the U.S. requires careful consideration. He accused Washington of spreading misinformation to create distrust among the public.
Meanwhile, the expanding conflict across the Middle East has disrupted global energy markets, pushing oil prices higher and raising concerns of a worldwide energy crisis.
Tensions have also spread across Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia reported that its air defense systems intercepted multiple drones targeting its eastern region. Similarly, Kuwait confirmed that its military responded to missile and drone threats.
According to Reuters, Amazon experienced disruptions to its cloud services in Bahrain. At the same time, U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed forces have resulted in increasing casualties.
Iran has continued its retaliatory attacks, striking multiple locations across Israel, including Haifa. In Tel Aviv, missile debris hit a building, injuring several people.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the crisis must be resolved through dialogue. She warned that the global energy supply is now in a critical state and that any disruption to exports through the Strait of Hormuz could have severe consequences for the global economy.
US-Israel continue to attack Iran despite ‘peace talks’
