Iran War Day 88: US Strikes Near Strait of Hormuz, Talks in Qatar
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
On the 88th day of the US-Israel campaign against Iran, US forces struck targets near the strategic Strait of Hormuz under the banner of self-defense. Meanwhile, an Iranian delegation held talks in Qatar to negotiate an end to the war, with both sides reporting progress but acknowledging major differences remain.
On the 88th day of the US-Israel campaign against Iran, intense developments continued across multiple fronts. The US announced it conducted attacks in southern Iran under the banner of “self-defense,” as an Iranian delegation negotiated in Qatar. Here is a roundup of the situation.
Inside Iran
Nationwide internet restored: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the restoration of internet access after nearly 87 days of a total network blackout across the country. The government imposed the blackout during the war, citing security concerns and the risk of cyberattacks.
US strikes southern Iran: Explosions were reported in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz — a global chokepoint through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas flows. US media quoted officials saying American forces struck missile launchers and mine-laying ships in southern Iran in “self-defense.” Iranian media later confirmed the situation in the strategic port city was under control.
War damage repair: Tehran authorities said 97% of buildings slightly damaged in US-Israeli attacks on Iran had been repaired. The remainder is expected to be completed within the next week.
US may gather intelligence at Hormuz: Former US diplomat Adam Clements suggested the US strikes on Bandar Abbas aimed to monitor Iran's naval capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz. He assessed the strikes are unlikely to derail negotiations, but warned any Iranian mine-laying effort in the waterway would trigger a “lethal” response from Washington.
War Diplomacy
Talks in Qatar: Top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha, Qatar, to resolve key disagreements in a potential agreement to end the war. The delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati.
Progress but wide gaps remain: Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced the discussions had made progress, but stressed an agreement is not “imminent.”
Qatar denies payment rumors: Qatar dismissed claims that Iran was being “paid” to reach a deal, calling it a scheme to “sabotage” the talks.
Major hurdles in US-Iran talks: Despite President Donald Trump's optimism about a possible early deal, officials and analysts say key differences remain unresolved. While some reports say the agreement is “95% complete,” the remaining issues are highly challenging.
In the US
Trump flexible on uranium: The US president expressed willingness to let Iran destroy enriched uranium “at another acceptable location” rather than demanding US control of the stockpile. The statement came as mediated talks continued.
Rubio confirms talks ongoing: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran in Qatar were continuing despite the new strikes. He suggested discussions over the “specific language” of a draft deal could take “a few days.” Rubio emphasized the Strait of Hormuz would be kept open “one way or another.”
In Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to step up attacks on Hezbollah despite the renewed ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. He asserted the Israeli military would “completely wipe out” Hezbollah as attacks continued across southern Lebanon.
In Lebanon and Gaza
Liberation Day amid war: This year's Liberation Day celebrations took place amid a wave of intense Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Israeli attacks since the start of March had killed at least 3,185 people and wounded 9,633.
Destruction in Rafah: The State of Palestine released images showing the devastation in the Tal as-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah after Israeli attacks. Once a shelter for displaced Palestinians, much of the southern Gaza city was systematically destroyed during Israel's ground offensive, preventing many families from returning.
