The United States has entered its 11th consecutive night of military strikes against Iran, as Tehran simultaneously escalates its offensive against Gulf states. The conflict, now in its third month, shows no signs of de-escalation, with US President Donald Trump explicitly ruling out diplomatic engagement for the time being.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump stated that Washington has “no interest” in talks with Tehran. “They want to desperately meet. And until they're ready to meet in a meaningful way, we have no interest in meeting,” he said. The remarks came as the US military reported striking Iranian military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and logistics infrastructure, all aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway, which before the conflict carried roughly a fifth of the world's crude oil and natural gas, has become a central battleground. The US Central Command noted that over the past three months, Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the strait. On Tuesday, a tanker came under attack, forcing its crew to abandon ship. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility.
Iran Expands Offensive, Targets US Allies
Tehran has not limited its operations to the strait. Iranian forces have struck targets in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, all US allies in the region. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions across the country, with air defense systems activated near the capital. “News sources reported that air defence activity was heard in the west, east and northeast of Tehran,” state TV posted on Telegram. Tehran has also warned it would bomb its own territory rather than allow US forces to occupy it.
The conflict has driven up global energy prices. On Wednesday, Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose to $92 per barrel, reflecting continued uncertainty over supply routes.
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts Falter
Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic efforts to salvage the interim agreement that collapsed earlier this month. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep concern” over the escalating conflict, urging “all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region,” according to a statement from his office. Sharif held closed-door talks with Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on Tuesday, who also met with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir played a key role in brokering the now-defunct interim deal. However, Trump’s rejection of talks has dealt a blow to these mediation attempts.
War Costs Surge, Pentagon Seeks More Funding
The financial toll of the conflict is mounting. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate on Tuesday that the Iran war has cost the United States $37.5 billion (€32.9 billion), up from a previous estimate of nearly $29 billion (€25.4 billion) in mid-May. Hegseth defended the Trump administration’s request for $67 billion (€58.7 billion) in supplemental funding, calling the request “urgent” and “necessary.” The hearing was briefly interrupted by a protester, underscoring domestic unease over the conflict’s duration and cost.
For European observers, the war’s impact on energy markets and regional stability is a growing concern. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for European energy imports, and any prolonged disruption could have significant economic repercussions for EU member states. The conflict also raises questions about the role of European diplomacy, as the bloc has so far remained on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the US continues to signal further escalation, with Trump suggesting that American forces could soon strike near Iran’s main uranium enrichment sites.
