U.S. strikes Iran for 2nd day of renewed attacks as Trump pushes for deal

The U.S. military initiated a second day of strikes targeting "multiple targets in Iran" on Wednesday, citing "unwarranted and continued aggression" from Tehran. This escalation occurred as President Donald Trump indicated further attacks were imminent and warned Iran would "pay the price" for stalled negotiations aimed at ending the war.

The renewed U.S. action followed Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, which host U.S. troops. These exchanges marked the third time in a week that back-and-forth strikes have tested a two-month ceasefire. The U.S. had previously struck Iran a day earlier, following the crash of an Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, an incident Trump attributed to the Islamic Republic.

Trump has been actively seeking a deal with Iran, suggesting an agreement could be reached soon. However, Iran's UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that "Iran has never negotiated under threats and pressure and will never submit to pressure or question." He urged the U.S. to avoid threats of force if a deal is desired.

Despite the heightened tensions, both nations appear to be seeking an exit from the conflict, provided they can present it as a domestic victory. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated goals, the collapse of Iran's government, the elimination of its nuclear program, and the destruction of Hezbollah, could complicate any potential compromise. The ongoing conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, has significantly affected the global economy, leading to increased energy prices and making basic goods more expensive. Crude oil prices have risen over 25% since the war's inception.

President Trump also revealed a "secret mission" undertaken by the U.S. military since last month to bypass Iran's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that over 100 million barrels of oil have evaded Iran's control, aided by the destruction of Iranian radar equipment. A U.S. Central Command spokesman confirmed coordination with commercial ships but provided no details on military support. Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker, the M/T Settebello, attempting to breach the naval blockade, resulting in the disappearance of three Indian sailors.

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Iran has never negotiated under threats and pressure and will never submit to pressure or question.