Overview
- Israel carried out a wide wave of strikes across Iran early Thursday, with the army saying it hit infrastructure in several areas including near Isfahan, and Iran later fired missiles that triggered sirens in central Israel.
- Washington says negotiations are underway, but Iran’s foreign minister denied talks and officials in Tehran rejected a 15‑point U.S. plan passed via Pakistan that sought nuclear and missile limits and reopening of shipping, instead demanding reparations and recognition of control over the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. Central Command said strikes have destroyed about two‑thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production, and the Pentagon is sending additional troops including elements of the 82nd Airborne, with analysts warning this could set up moves to secure Hormuz or target Kharg Island.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains largely restricted to most commercial traffic, Brent crude has moved back above $100 a barrel, and damage to Iran’s South Pars and Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas hubs points to multi‑year LNG shortages after Qatar estimated three to five years of repairs.
- India called for rapid de‑escalation and for Hormuz to stay open as it focused its navy on protecting Indian‑flagged ships, and officials said more than 1,000 Indians, including hundreds of students, have left Iran with embassy assistance.