Iran and US Clash Intensely on Day 96 of Conflict

Day 96 of the conflict between the US and Israel with Iran saw fighting expand across the Gulf region, as both sides reported new military actions.

The US military said Wednesday it had carried out “self-defense” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, while Iranian media reported explosions in the area. Tensions spilled over to neighboring countries as Kuwait said its air defense systems intercepted incoming drones and missiles, and Bahrain activated sirens. US Central Command (CENTCOM) also said it intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted US military assets in the region in retaliation for US airstrikes. The latest developments come amid continued uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Developments in Iran: According to the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency, the latest exchange began when US forces attacked an Iranian oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room. The IRGC said it responded by targeting a US-Israeli vessel with naval missiles before US forces struck an IRGC communications tower on southern Qeshm Island. Iran launched missiles and drones at what it described as US military targets, including an air base, the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and helicopters stationed in a regional country. These claims could not be independently verified. Iran’s leadership has not ruled out a deal with the US, but deep distrust and hardline stances from both sides continue to complicate negotiations.

War Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive and “increasingly engaged” in talks with Washington. Rubio said the US would lift sanctions only in exchange for nuclear concessions, not to open the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said negotiations with Iran continued but warned the outcome remained uncertain. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned Tehran could abandon talks and turn to confrontation if Israeli attacks on Lebanon persist. Analyst Alan Eyre argued any deal must offer practical benefits to both sides.

In the Gulf Region: CENTCOM said “another wave of Iranian drones” attempted to target US forces in Kuwait but failed. US air defenses intercepted multiple drones, with no American personnel or assets harmed. CENTCOM dismissed IRGC claims that Iranian missiles and drones struck the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a regional air base, saying the attacks fell short. “US forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against Iran’s unprovoked aggression,” CENTCOM stated.

In the US: Democratic senators strongly criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the war. Senator Chris Van Hollen called the administration’s foreign policy “a dumpster fire” and described the conflict as “stupid and reckless.” Senator Cory Booker argued that closing the Strait of Hormuz had given Tehran new leverage, calling the war an economic disruption that “should never have happened.”

In Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government was pursuing “big plans” to strengthen northern Israel and address the “drone problem” along the border with Lebanon. Reinforcement measures extending up to 7 km from the border would support Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah. Netanyahu added the government was investing $20 billion to improve security and economic development in the region. Al Jazeera correspondent Nida Ibrahim, reporting from Nablus, said criticism of Netanyahu was mounting across Israel’s political spectrum, with the opposition and some coalition allies accusing him of prioritizing his political survival over broader strategic goals against Hezbollah.

In Lebanon: At least five people, including a child, were killed and 45 others wounded in Israeli attacks on the towns of Burj Shemali, Ebba, and Tibnin in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.