Pezeshkian says Iran’s late supreme leader sought end to ‘no war, no peace’ standoff with US
TEHRAN: The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Tuesday as Tehran claimed fresh missile and drone strikes against American military targets across the Gulf, while regional countries reported new security incidents and diplomatic efforts continued to prevent a wider war.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had repeatedly stressed the need to end the long-standing state of “no war, no peace” between Tehran and Washington. Speaking at a National Industry and Mining Day ceremony, Pezeshkian said Iran had entered negotiations based on “honour, wisdom and dignity” and insisted the country’s diplomatic institutions would continue defending the rights of the Iranian people.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a fresh wave of military operations under Operation Nasr 2, claiming it targeted a US military complex in Jordan’s Al-Rukban area and inflicted casualties. The claim could not be independently verified, and neither Jordan nor the United States immediately commented.
The IRGC also claimed responsibility for attacks on the US Sheikh Isa Naval Base in Bahrain, saying operations would continue until American attacks against Iran cease. In another unverified claim, the force said it had destroyed Amazon-owned data infrastructure in Bahrain using cruise missiles. There was no immediate response from Bahrain, Amazon or US officials.
Gulf states report fresh attacks
The latest Iranian barrage triggered air raid sirens across Bahrain, where authorities urged residents to seek shelter. Bahrain’s military said it intercepted multiple incoming missiles and drones.
Jordan’s military announced it had intercepted five Iranian drones after earlier reports that Tehran had targeted US military installations in the country.
Kuwait also reported fresh attacks on electricity generation and desalination facilities for the fourth consecutive day. Officials said fires had been extinguished, damage assessments were underway and repair work had begun.
The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, describing them as a violation of the sovereignty of neighbouring states and reaffirming full support for their security.
Strait of Hormuz remains closed
Iranian media, quoting military sources, said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as US military operations against Iran continue.
According to the reports, Iranian forces maintain complete control over the strategic waterway, with any decision regarding reopening dependent on national security considerations.
Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a commercial vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile about 17 nautical miles east of Dibba in the UAE, damaging its steering system. All crew members were reported safe, and investigations are underway.
Houthis threaten Saudi maritime blockade
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, opening another potential front in the regional conflict.
The Saudi-led coalition warned it would respond forcefully and has strengthened security measures for vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
The Houthi announcement came despite reports that mediators are attempting to revive diplomatic negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials confirmed receiving ceasefire proposals but did not disclose further details.
International calls for restraint
Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed serious concern over the escalating conflict, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and pursue dialogue instead of military confrontation.
The ministers warned that continued hostilities threaten regional stability and undermine ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Pakistan and Qatar remain actively engaged in mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has reportedly requested Pakistan to resume its mediation role, and he arrived in Islamabad for high-level discussions.
Despite diplomatic contacts, military operations continued overnight, with fresh US strikes reportedly targeting Iranian cities while Tehran launched additional attacks against US military assets across the region.
US President Donald Trump defended the latest military operations, saying Iran would face severe consequences for attacks that killed American service members.
The rapidly expanding conflict has raised fears of broader regional instability, disruption to global energy supplies, and increased risks to international shipping through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
