Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his counterparts from Oman and Turkey emphasized the importance of diplomatic channels and continued coordination to prevent escalation in the region. The talks focused on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid efforts to restore calm.

U.S. Strikes and Iranian Response

The United States launched new strikes on Iran Thursday, killing 17 and injuring 93, according to Iran’s Health Ministry. Tehran accused Washington of trying to distract from the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire “finished,” calling Iranian leaders “sick people” he no longer wished to deal with. On social media, he posted an image of a strike in Iran, writing: “This is retaliation for Iran’s attacks on ships yesterday. If it happens again, it will be much worse!”

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U.S. military officials said about 90 Iranian military targets were hit, including air defense systems, missile storage sites, and drone facilities. Iran countered that civilian infrastructure was struck, including bridges and rail lines between Tehran and Mashhad, as well as areas near the Bushehr nuclear plant.

The Revolutionary Guard accused the U.S. of “hostile acts against civilians,” citing strikes on bridges leading to Mashhad. Explosions were also reported in Aq Qala, Bandar Abbas, Jask, Isfahan, Sirik, Chabahar, Abu Musa Island, and Bushehr Province.

Regional Fallout

Iran retaliated by targeting sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, while Jordan announced it intercepted Iranian missiles. Kuwait’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones, causing limited damage and one injury. Bahrain’s Defense Force confirmed intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, calling the attacks part of a “systematic hostile approach.”

Diplomatic Push

Two weeks earlier, Oman and Iran had already underscored the importance of diplomacy to support peace efforts and maritime security. During a visit to Muscat, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Araghchi met Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi to discuss cooperation and regional stability.

The three countries now reaffirm the need to use diplomacy to prevent further escalation, protect navigation in Hormuz, and safeguard regional security.