Trump Threatens More Strikes On Iran As Fighting Continues; Indian Sailors Killed

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump warned Thursday that American forces would continue striking Iran unless Tehran agrees to an interim peace deal, after a second consecutive night of military clashes that also left three Indian sailors dead and heightened fears of broader regional instability in an armed conflict that has shaken the Middle East.

Trump’s warning came as U.S. forces launched new strikes against Iranian military targets, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at American bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

Jordan announced it intercepted numerous missiles, while Bahrain reported that a child was injured by falling debris from missile interceptions. No military casualties were immediately reported.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry argued that the latest U.S. attacks had rendered the fragile ceasefire established in April “effectively meaningless” and warned that ongoing military action was jeopardizing diplomatic efforts.

PEACE TALKS STALLED

The United States and Iran have been engaged in indirect negotiations since agreeing to a ceasefire on April 8, but talks on extending the truce and addressing Tehran’s nuclear program have stalled.

Trump disclosed that he had spoken directly with Iranian officials and indicated additional strikes could follow if no agreement is reached.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, regional mediators including Qatar continued efforts to revive negotiations, while analysts noted that neither side appeared eager to return to full-scale war.

The war began in late February and has since expanded across the region, drawing in Israel, Iran, and Tehran-backed groups while disrupting global trade and energy supplies.

SHIPPING CRISIS

Tensions have also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass.

Iran said the strait would remain restricted, while the United States insisted commercial vessels were continuing to transit the area under military protection.

The armed conflict has already affected global energy markets and international shipping, although oil prices remained below the peaks reached earlier in the war.

Analysts warned that a prolonged disruption could trigger further increases in energy prices and place additional pressure on the global economy.

INDIAN SAILORS KILLED

Amid widening strife, India expressed sorrow after three Indian sailors were killed when a tanker was struck by U.S. forces near the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman.

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described the deaths as “deeply unfortunate” and indicated that the bodies of the sailors would be returned home.

According to Indian officials, 21 other crew members aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello were rescued.

The U.S. military said the vessel had failed to comply with instructions while allegedly attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of a U.S.-enforced blockade. Indian authorities summoned a senior American diplomat following the incident and reiterated that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted.

As fighting continued Thursday, concerns grew that further escalation could undermine ceasefire efforts and deepen the economic and humanitarian impact of a war that has already claimed thousands of lives across the Middle East.

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