US and Iran exchange strikes on day 96 as Rubio hardens sanctions stance
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled as Washington insists Iran must relinquish enriched uranium before sanctions relief, rejecting any deal linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict between the United States and Iran entered its 96th day on Wednesday with a fresh exchange of military strikes across the Gulf region, underscoring the deepening instability in the area. The United States military confirmed it conducted “self-defence” attacks on a ground control station located on Iran’s Qeshm Island, an operation that Iranian media reported resulted in explosions in the vicinity.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted US military assets in the region. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it had intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones, describing the US strikes as a direct reaction to Iranian ballistic missiles and drones previously fired at commercial ships and Gulf states.
The hostilities spilled over into neighbouring countries, highlighting the regional reach of the escalation. Kuwait reported that its air defence systems had intercepted incoming drones and missiles, while Bahrain activated warning sirens in response to the heightened threat level. These developments occurred against a backdrop of a tightening blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing diplomatic stalemates.
Amid the military escalation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified the administration’s position on potential diplomatic resolutions. Rubio stated that the United States would only lift sanctions on Iran if it relinquishes its enriched uranium, explicitly rejecting any deal linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that President Donald Trump’s negotiating team has not offered sanctions relief in exchange for de-escalation measures.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue to face significant hurdles. Direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington made no headway, despite commitments to de-escalation. The combination of military exchanges and stalled negotiations suggests that the path to resolving the 96-day conflict remains obstructed by hardline positions on both sides.
