Trump delays strike as Iran threatens U.S. bases
The delay reflects fears of wider war, while no agreement has emerged on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The delay reflects fears of wider war, while no agreement has emerged on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The strain could leave Washington more dependent on riskier manned bomber strikes if the conflict widens.
Masoud Pezeshkian also denied a rift with Mojtaba Khamenei and Iran's military as a ceasefire again unraveled.
The delay followed Trump’s view that a deal is still possible, though military options remain if negotiations fail.
Targets under discussion include power plants and refineries, with an option to cut electricity to Tehran.
IRGC also claimed 3 other jets were badly damaged, as retaliation intensified after US strikes on Iran.
The warning raises the risk to oil and LNG supplies, with targets listed from Ghawar and Ras Laffan to Leviathan.
The warning raises the risk of global energy supply disruptions, as Kuwait reports Iranian drones were headed for vital facilities.
Four other tankers turned back, signaling that the key energy route is becoming harder to navigate.
The contract value is said to reach US$60-70 million, while Beijing denies the report on the shipment as baseless.
Iran said the retaliation followed new U.S. strikes on Iran, including an attack on Qeshm Island the same day.
CENTCOM said all missiles were intercepted, but the U.S. then began retaliatory strikes on Iran early Thursday.
Explosions were reported in Qeshm, Bushehr and Abadan as Washington said the strikes were retaliation for threats to its forces.
CENTCOM said all missiles were intercepted, while Teheran also denied any new negotiations with Washington.
Analysts warn two key global energy routes could be disrupted at once, with oil prices potentially surging to US$200 a barrel.
Iran called the strike a war crime as fresh explosions were reported in several cities and at key points near the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters: With Hormuz already shut, any Red Sea attacks could disrupt the region’s two main oil export routes at once.
IRGC also said strikes reached Bahrain and Oman, and that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until U.S. military operations stop.
IRGC also said the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until US attacks stop, raising risks to global energy supplies.