Eleventh day: US and Iran vow intensified military action

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The conflict between the United States and Iran entered an eleventh day of intensified military operations, with both nations signaling an escalation in hostilities.

President Donald Trump, speaking to Republican lawmakers in Miami, vowed that the United States would bring the conflict to a swift conclusion. Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran, threatening that any attempt to block oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz would result in a military response 20 times harder than previous strikes. Additionally, Trump stated that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, would "not live in peace."

In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that the timeline of the ongoing war is dictated by Iran, not the United States. “The sacrificial nation of Iran doesn't fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn't eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself,” said Iran’s National Security Chief, Ali Larijani.

Military operations intensify across region

General Dan Kaine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that "Operation Epic Fury" has entered its 11th day. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that US air assets are currently focused on the total destruction of Iran’s ballistic missile inventory, naval capabilities, and defence industrial infrastructure.

Regional theatres have seen significant kinetic activity:

• Israel: Iranian forces reportedly launched a ballistic missile attack against Israeli targets. Air raid sirens were triggered across northern and central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Iranian officials claim to have successfully thwarted a retaliatory Israeli ballistic missile strike.
• Lebanon: Ongoing instability has triggered a massive population movement, with over 100,000 residents reportedly evacuated within the last 24 hours.
• Gulf States: A strike on a residential building in Manama resulted in the death of a 29-year-old woman and left 32 others, including an infant, injured. The Bapco oil refinery also sustained damage. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti defence forces reported the successful interception of drones and missiles within their airspace.
• United Arab Emirates: A drone strike hit the Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi, prompting the UAE government to implement a total ban on the use of drones and light sports aircraft.
• Qatar: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani characterised Iranian attacks on Qatari territory as a "big sense of betrayal".

Diplomatic channels stall

Despite international efforts to mediate, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out any form of diplomatic engagement. Araghchi stated that the US has proven untrustworthy during previous nuclear negotiations and that talks are no longer on the agenda.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has formally proposed peace talks to de-escalate the conflict, though Iran has not responded favourably. Tehran maintains that both Russia and China have independently approached the Iranian leadership regarding a potential ceasefire.

Leadership perspectives

US Defense Secretary Hegseth reiterated that the current military strategy shifts away from protracted nation-building, focusing instead on the singular goal of dismantling Iran’s military capacity. Conversely, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remained defiant, stating, “No one could conquer Iran. Those who walked with delusion and challenged us are gone.”