The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its fifth consecutive day of military escalation, with fresh U.S. strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure linked to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported explosions across multiple cities, while Tehran retaliated by launching attacks on U.S. military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait, further raising fears of a wider regional conflict. President Donald Trump has vowed to continue military operations unless Iran returns to negotiations, while Vice President JD Vance has publicly argued that diplomacy—not prolonged military intervention or ground troops—offers the only sustainable path to ending the crisis. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have questioned the future of previous diplomatic understandings, signaling that the prospects for renewed negotiations remain uncertain.

U.S.-Iran war: Trump threatens more strikes while Iran targets U.S. bases across the Gulf region

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday criticised the United States Central Command after a regional security conference in Bahrain brought together military leaders from 12 countries, including Syria and Lebanon. He said lasting peace in West Asia must come from within the region and without external involvement.&nbsp;"Peace in our region can only be sustained when comprehensive and inclusive, with no outside interference," Araghchi said.&nbsp;The summit, hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, focused on strengthening regional air defence cooperation and protecting key maritime shipping routes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reacting to the meeting in Manama, Araghchi rejected the view that Western military involvement has improved stability in West Asia. In a post on X, he argued that regional countries should be responsible for their own security rather than relying on outside powers.&nbsp;"Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear," Araghchi stated. “Equally, our Powerful Armed Forces have proven that outsiders cannot even protect themselves.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear. Equally, our Powerful Armed Forces have proven that outsiders cannot even protect themselves. Peace in our region can only be sustained when comprehensive and inclusive, with no outside interference. <a href="https://t.co/lvRYJGzUe8">https://t.co/lvRYJGzUe8</a>&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://x.com/araghchi/status/2072751070984462423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-military-casualties-cross-2-million-russian-deaths-four-times-higher-study-finds-1783028524858">Ukraine war military casualties cross 2 million; Russian deaths four times higher: Study finds</a>&nbsp;Earlier this week, the US Central Command said senior military officials from 12 countries met in Bahrain to discuss the regional security environment and ways to strengthen defence cooperation.&nbsp;The conference, led by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper and hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, included representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.&nbsp;According to CENTCOM, the participants reaffirmed their "commitment to the free flow of commerce" through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime routes.&nbsp;Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, also criticised the Bahrain meeting and rejected what he described as Western efforts to shape the security framework of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;In a post on X, Gharibabadi said: "Hormuz is defined under Iran's command, not CENTCOM." He also argued that a military summit in Bahrain could not establish "legal order and security for the Persian Gulf".

Led by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper, the conference brought together military leaders from 12 countries, who reaffirmed their "commitment to the free flow of commerce" through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday criticised the United States Central Command after a regional security conference in Bahrain brought together military leaders from 12 countries, including Syria and Lebanon. He said lasting peace in West Asia must come from within the region and without external involvement. "Peace in our region can only be sustained when comprehensive and inclusive, with no outside interference," Araghchi said. The summit, hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, focused on strengthening regional air defence cooperation and protecting key maritime shipping routes. Reacting to the meeting in Manama, Araghchi rejected the view that Western military involvement has improved stability in West Asia. In a post on X, he argued that regional countries should be responsible for their own security rather than relying on outside powers. "Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear," Araghchi stated. “Equally, our Powerful Armed Forces have proven that outsiders cannot even protect themselves.”

Led by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper, the conference brought together military leaders from 12 countries, who reaffirmed their "commitment to the free flow of commerce" through the Strait of Hormuz.

'Cannot even protect themselves': Iran's FM Araghchi slams CENTCOM over 12 nation security summit in Bahrain

Iran has indicated that it is not yet ready to negotiate a final agreement with the United States, saying key provisions of the recently signed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be implemented before comprehensive talks can begin.&nbsp;Iran's Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also warned that Tehran would respond to any "violations of the understanding" that ended the recent conflict. Referring to incidents in the Persian Gulf, he said Iran viewed them as breaches of the ceasefire even as diplomatic engagement with Washington continued.&nbsp;According to the ISNA news agency, Ghalibaf said in a televised interview on Tuesday, "We consider the events that are taking place in the Persian Gulf these nights to be a violation of the understanding to end the war, and we will definitely react to it, and naturally, the other side will react as well."&nbsp;He also reaffirmed that diplomacy remains Tehran's preferred approach, while making it clear that Iran is prepared for military action if negotiations collapse. Speaking to state television, he said, "We are pursuing dialogue, but if the dialogue is not implemented, we are also prepared for war and will respond accordingly," AFP reported&nbsp;His remarks came as Iranian and US delegations were due to hold separate discussions in Doha to discuss the implementation of the MoU through mediators.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-sc-order-says-will-bring-legislation-to-end-birthright-citizenship-1782838001426">Trump slams SC order, says will bring legislation to end birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;<h2>Iran says oil exports plummeted to zero during blockade</h2>The Iranian Parliament Speaker said the country has sharply increased oil exports since the US blockade on its ports was lifted, after a period during which it could not export any crude.&nbsp;"From the day the blockade was lifted until today, we have exported more than 40 million barrels of oil." He added, "By contrast, during the previous 50 to nearly 60 days, we were genuinely unable to export even a single barrel of oil," he said.&nbsp;Describing the lifting of the blockade as a major success, "The most severe type of war is a naval blockade, meaning that people and their bread have been surrounded. This blockade was lifted, and it was one of the great successes of this memorandum that happened after that; the final digital signing was carried out," he added.&nbsp;Although senior US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, travelled to Doha to push forward negotiations, Iranian officials have maintained that there are no plans for direct talks with the US delegation, with discussions continuing through mediators.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Qatar's Prime Minister met Witkoff and Kushner in Doha to discuss the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.&nbsp;In a statement, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the Prime Minister reaffirmed the country's mediation efforts and expressed support for all negotiations stemming from the MoU.

Ghalibaf said Iran continues to prioritise diplomacy with the United States but is ready to respond militarily if the talks do not succeed.

Iran has indicated that it is not yet ready to negotiate a final agreement with the United States, saying key provisions of the recently signed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be implemented before comprehensive talks can begin. Iran's Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also warned that Tehran would respond to any "violations of the understanding" that ended the recent conflict. Referring to incidents in the Persian Gulf, he said Iran viewed them as breaches of the ceasefire even as diplomatic engagement with Washington continued. According to the ISNA news agency, Ghalibaf said in a televised interview on Tuesday, "We consider the events that are taking place in the Persian Gulf these nights to be a violation of the understanding to end the war, and we will definitely react to it, and naturally, the other side will react as well." He also reaffirmed that diplomacy remains Tehran's preferred approach, while making it clear that Iran is prepared for military action if negotiations collapse. Speaking to state television, he said, "We are pursuing dialogue, but if the dialogue is not implemented, we are also prepared for war and will respond accordingly," AFP reported His remarks came as Iranian and US delegations were due to hold separate discussions in Doha to discuss the implementation of the MoU through mediators. Also Read: Trump slams SC order, says will bring legislation to end birthright citizenship Iran says oil exports plummeted to zero during blockade The Iranian Parliament Speaker said the country has sharply increased oil exports since the US blockade on its ports was lifted, after a period during which it could not export any crude. "From the day the blockade was lifted until today, we have exported more than 40 million barrels of oil." He added, "By contrast, during the previous 50 to nearly 60 days, we were genuinely unable to export even a single barrel of oil," he said. Describing the lifting of the blockade as a major success, "The most severe type of war is a naval blockade, meaning that people and their bread have been surrounded. This blockade was lifted, and it was one of the great successes of this memorandum that happened after that; the final digital signing was carried out," he added. Although senior US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, travelled to Doha to push forward negotiations, Iranian officials have maintained that there are no plans for direct talks with the US delegation, with discussions continuing through mediators. Meanwhile, Qatar's Prime Minister met Witkoff and Kushner in Doha to discuss the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington. In a statement, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the Prime Minister reaffirmed the country's mediation efforts and expressed support for all negotiations stemming from the MoU.

Ghalibaf said Iran continues to prioritise diplomacy with the United States but is ready to respond militarily if the talks do not succeed.

Iran 'prepared for war' if MoU not implemented: Ghalibaf warns US over ceasefire breaches

Iran on Tuesday (June 30) said there was no need for any foreign country, including France, to intervene in matters concerning the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while also confirming that no meetings with US officials are planned in the coming days. Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said issues related to the Strait of Hormuz should be handled by regional countries, dismissing the need for outside involvement.&nbsp;The comments come amid heightened attention on the waterway, one of the world's most important shipping routes, following recent tensions in the Gulf.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-article-5-of-us-iran-deal-and-why-is-it-being-blamed-for-hormuz-unrest-wion-decodes-1782825574565">What is Article 5 of US-Iran deal, and why is it being blamed for Hormuz unrest? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;Baghaei also announced that Iranian officials are scheduled to meet their Qatari counterparts in Doha on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on clauses of the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) as well as the release of Iranian assets that remain blocked abroad.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-the-chances-us-iran-agreement-will-work-out-expert-says-less-than-50-here-s-why-1782571965238">What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why</a>&nbsp;The spokesperson, however, ruled out any direct engagement with Washington in the immediate future. "Iran has no plan to meet US officials at any level in the coming days," Baghaei said. His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue in the region following the signing of the Iran-US memorandum of understanding earlier this month, which sought to ease months of tensions in the Middle East.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-why-islamabad-mou-doesn-t-hand-hormuz-to-iran-1782235179523">WION Exclusive: Why Islamabad MoU doesn’t hand Hormuz to Iran</a>&nbsp;Separately, Baghaei said that all of Iran's key decision-making centres are involved in matters related to war and peace, underscoring that such decisions are taken collectively within the country's political and security leadership.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-says-iran-can-t-charge-fees-for-hormuz-transit-but-expert-says-tehran-has-other-options-1782311998474">Rubio says Iran can’t charge fees for Hormuz transit, but expert says Tehran has other options</a>

Iran rejected foreign intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, ruled out direct talks with US officials in Doha, and announced upcoming meetings with Qatar regarding the bilateral MoU and frozen assets.

Iran on Tuesday (June 30) said there was no need for any foreign country, including France, to intervene in matters concerning the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while also confirming that no meetings with US officials are planned in the coming days. Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said issues related to the Strait of Hormuz should be handled by regional countries, dismissing the need for outside involvement. The comments come amid heightened attention on the waterway, one of the world's most important shipping routes, following recent tensions in the Gulf. Also read: What is Article 5 of US-Iran deal, and why is it being blamed for Hormuz unrest? WION Decodes Baghaei also announced that Iranian officials are scheduled to meet their Qatari counterparts in Doha on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on clauses of the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) as well as the release of Iranian assets that remain blocked abroad. Also read: What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why The spokesperson, however, ruled out any direct engagement with Washington in the immediate future. "Iran has no plan to meet US officials at any level in the coming days," Baghaei said. His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue in the region following the signing of the Iran-US memorandum of understanding earlier this month, which sought to ease months of tensions in the Middle East. Also read: WION Exclusive: Why Islamabad MoU doesn’t hand Hormuz to Iran Separately, Baghaei said that all of Iran's key decision-making centres are involved in matters related to war and peace, underscoring that such decisions are taken collectively within the country's political and security leadership. Also read: Rubio says Iran can’t charge fees for Hormuz transit, but expert says Tehran has other options

Iran rejected foreign intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, ruled out direct talks with US officials in Doha, and announced upcoming meetings with Qatar regarding the bilateral MoU and frozen assets.

Iran says no foreign intervention needed in Strait of Hormuz, rules out talks with US in Doha

US President Donald Trump rejected reports of a split with a top US military officer over Iran, dismissing suggestions of internal disagreement. Trump said the United States would “easily win” if conflict with Tehran were to occur and warned that failure to reach a deal would result in “a very bad day for Iran.” The remarks come amid heightened tensions and continued scrutiny of US policy towards Iran.

Iran Warns Of Regional War If U.S. Attacks, U.S. President Says U.S. Will Win Easily 

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. If Iran were to block this narrow 21-mile waterway, it would trap nearly 20 per cent of the world's daily oil supply.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. If Iran were to block this narrow 21-mile waterway, it would trap nearly 20 per cent of the world's daily oil supply.

What if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz? Understanding its impact on global markets

The relationship between the United States and Iran has shifted dramatically over the last 70 years. US-Iran relations shifted from a strong alliance after the 1953 CIA coup to bitter hostility following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The relationship between the United States and Iran has shifted dramatically over the last 70 years. US-Iran relations shifted from a strong alliance after the 1953 CIA coup to bitter hostility following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

​​How the Iran-US relations changed after 1953

Iran on Wednesday (Nov. 6) downplayed the outcome of the US presidential election, stating that "it does not matter" who becomes the next American president, after Donald Trump declared his victory.

Iran on Wednesday (Nov. 6) downplayed the outcome of the US presidential election, stating that "it does not matter" who becomes the next American president, after Donald Trump declared his victory. In Tehran, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani addressed reporters, stressing that Iran’s “general policies” remain steady. "The US elections are not really our business. Our policies are steady and don't change based on individuals. We made the necessary predictions before and there will not be change in people's livelihoods," Mohajerani said, as reported by the Tasnim news agency. Iran’s currency falls to record low against the dollar Meanwhile, Iran’s currency, the rial, fell to a record low against the dollar on Wednesday following Trump's re-election, marking potential new challenges for Iran amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Traders in Tehran reported the rial trading at 703,000 to the dollar, though the rate could vary throughout the day. Iran’s Central Bank might again introduce more foreign currency into the market to stabilise the rate, as it has done before. US-Iran ties during Trump's presidency Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, was known for his tough stance on Iran. During his first term, Trump reintroduced sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from a 2015 nuclear agreement that had eased economic restrictions on Iran in return for limits on its nuclear programme. Trump also ordered the targeted killing of Qassem Soleimani, one of Iran's top military officials and a key figure in the country's hierarchy. Soleimani, head of the IRGC's Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq in January 2020, along with a senior Iraqi commander. In September, while speaking in New York, Trump mentioned he was open to resuming discussions for a new nuclear agreement. “We have to make a deal because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal,” he stated. The re-imposition of US sanctions in 2018 severely affected Iran's oil exports, reducing government revenues and pushing Iran towards difficult economic measures like increasing taxes and running large budget deficits, keeping inflation close to 40% annually. (With inputs from agencies)

US election 'not really our business,' says Iran as its currency rial hits record low post-Trump win

The US envoy for Iran warned Friday that Tehran was approaching the point of no return for reviving the 2015 nuclear deal after it boosted its stocks of enriched uranium before talks resume this month.

US envoy to Iran says time shrinking for nuclear deal

Tensions are escalating between the United States and Iran yet again. US hacked Iranian news websites as nuclear talks are set to resume between the two countries. On The West Asia Post tonight, Ghadi Francis talks about what a new presidency could mean for US-Iran relations. Also on the show, a look at what it is like being queer in West Asia. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

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