U.S. Strikes Iranian Island as Tehran Demands Sanctions Lift

The United States conducted overnight air strikes on the Iranian island of Qeshm, targeting radar installations and air defenses. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized recent operations as defensive, though the U.S. did not directly acknowledge the latest strikes. The Iranian government reported no damage to vital infrastructure or residential areas following the attacks.

In response, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended a set of seven demands required to end the war, which include the lifting of sanctions and the removal of the U.S. blockade of southern ports. While Rubio described these demands as ridiculous and unrealistic, Iranian officials asserted their plan is the most logical path to restoring security in the Persian Gulf.

Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian state media reported 11 tanker attacks over a 10-day period. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization denied U.S. claims that naval mines have been cleared from the waterway.

Diplomatic efforts to prevent a large-scale conflict continue, with President Donald Trump scheduled to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel's military mission in Iran remains unfinished.