US Escalates Strikes to Pressure Iran into Negotiations
Peace negotiations between the United States and Iran remain on the right track despite both nations engaging in mutual attacks over the last few days, CNN reported on Thursday (11/6), citing a diplomatic source.
The two warring nations have launched attacks on each other for two consecutive days. US President Donald Trump has warned that his administration will launch further attacks if Iran does not immediately accept the offered peace deal.
In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that US forces attacked several military targets in Iran from Wednesday night until Thursday morning. CENTOM described the strikes as an act of “self-defence” after an American military helicopter was shot down in the Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, Trump stated that Iran has taken too long in negotiations and must therefore face the consequences. The negotiations, which have been ongoing since the ceasefire in April, focus on efforts to reopen shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz and reach an agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
The US-Iran dialogue, mediated by Pakistan, is also focused on efforts to permanently end the war that began on 28 February 2026.
Spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, rejected claims that his country’s defence capabilities have weakened.
Parties that have obtained transit permits have been advised to remain patient and await further notice regarding the operation of the shipping lanes.
Tehran views the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of the United Nations (UN) Charter and the fundamental principles of international law.
Tehran asserted that if Washington is truly interested in a diplomatic solution, Washington must abandon the language of threats and engage in dialogue with Iran on the basis of mutual respect.
Tehran further argued that the US is disrupting diplomatic channels through contradictory messages, shifts in attitude, repeated demands, and violations of the ceasefire.
When asked to clarify his statement, Trump emphasised that the timeframe intended was “two or three days”, rather than several weeks.
On 28 February, the US and Israel launched joint attacks against several targets in Iran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties.
Iranian media also dismissed Trump’s claims regarding the destruction of enriched uranium as baseless.