U.S. and Israeli strikes hit targets near Hormuz
Unresolved matters include enrichment verification, Hormuz transit rules, and releasing frozen assets
US and Israeli jets struck Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and US forces launched strikes on missile launch sites and boats near Bandar Abbas, with US Central Command saying the operations were defensive actions to protect troops from Iranian threats. Iranian state media Nour News reported several personnel killed in strikes south of Larak Island but gave few details. The US said some boats were attempting to lay mines; American forces remain on high alert while continuing maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf.
Diplomatic efforts to extend a ceasefire and reopen the Hormuz shipping lane continued amid the violence. Key sticking points include US demands that Iran end uranium enrichment and surrender highly enriched material near weapons‑grade levels, and Iran’s reported request for guarantees from China and a possible transfer of uranium there. Other unresolved issues cover whether ships will have guaranteed free passage through the strait and the timing and conditions for unfreezing billions in Iranian assets.
The renewed strikes underscored the fragility of the ceasefire after earlier US and Israeli attacks had effectively closed the waterway in late February, contributing to energy shocks and global price swings. Markets reacted to the latest violence: stocks trimmed gains and Brent crude rose, reflecting diminished optimism about a near‑term deal.
Major unresolved matters remain verification and enforcement of enrichment limits, maritime arrangements for Hormuz transit, and the speed and conditions for releasing frozen Iranian assets.
