US Significantly Escalates Strikes on Iran Amid Ongoing Ceasefire and Negotiations

The United States conducted a series of strikes against Iranian targets overnight that were four to five times more extensive than previous attacks since the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, according to a senior American official cited by The Wall Street Journal early Wednesday. Despite the escalation, the US continues to regard the ceasefire as still in effect.

The official also revealed that since the ceasefire, Iran has salvaged or repaired hundreds of missiles and launchers damaged or buried in earlier US strikes, regaining access to over half of their pre-war arsenal. American officials expressed surprise at Iran’s attacks on commercial ships during ongoing negotiations and the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Trump administration reportedly attempted to establish a secret back channel with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, but the Guards were slow to respond. US warships remain prepared to reinstate a blockade on Iranian ports if ordered by President Trump.

Earlier, the US Central Command announced it struck more than 80 targets in Iran in retaliation for Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The targets included air defense systems, command and control facilities, coastal radars, anti-ship missiles, and over 60 small boats of the Revolutionary Guards, aiming to diminish Iran’s capability to threaten shipping in the international corridor.

These developments come amid tense US-Iran negotiations held in Qatar without face-to-face meetings, underscoring the fragile and complex nature of the current ceasefire and diplomatic efforts.