Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles across the Middle East on Wednesday, even as Donald Trump indicated that Washington is pursuing negotiations with Tehran, raising cautious hopes of de-escalation after nearly four weeks of conflict.
Global markets responded positively to signs of potential diplomacy, with oil prices falling sharply and Asian stocks climbing amid expectations that tensions could ease.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States was “in negotiations right now” with Iran, suggesting recent developments had encouraged dialogue. He referred to what he described as a significant gesture linked to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, though he did not provide further details.
Iran has not confirmed any formal talks. However, reports indicate that Washington may have relayed a proposed framework for ending the conflict through intermediaries, including Pakistan.
Despite the diplomatic signals, hostilities continued to escalate on the ground. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had launched missiles targeting Israel, as well as US-linked military sites in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. The attacks form part of Tehran’s retaliation against ongoing US and Israeli strikes.
Regional authorities reported limited damage from the latest strikes. In Kuwait, a drone hit a fuel tank at an international airport, sparking a fire. Bahrain activated air raid sirens, while Jordan said debris fell near the capital, Amman, without causing casualties. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting multiple drones.
Israel confirmed it had carried out further strikes on Iranian-linked infrastructure, following reports of incoming missiles. Tehran, meanwhile, accused Israel of targeting the Bushehr nuclear facility, a civilian site.
The conflict has increasingly spilled across borders, drawing in multiple countries. In Lebanon, airstrikes reportedly killed six people in the Sidon area, as Israel intensifies operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Israel has indicated plans to expand its military control in southern Lebanon.
The war, which began with a large-scale US-Israeli offensive in late February, has since widened to include Iraq, where authorities have condemned strikes attributed to both Washington and Tehran.
Tensions have centred heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies. Iran has warned that vessels linked to the United States and Israel would be denied passage, while assuring safe transit for what it termed “non-hostile” ships.
Earlier threats by Trump to escalate attacks if the strait remained restricted have been softened by a temporary extension deadline, citing progress in diplomatic efforts.
The shifting tone has helped ease pressure on global energy markets, with crude oil prices dropping more than six percent amid optimism that a negotiated settlement could be within reach.
Meanwhile, international leaders have urged restraint. Emmanuel Macron called on Iran to engage constructively in talks following discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Despite tentative diplomatic signals, continued missile exchanges underscore the fragile and volatile nature of the conflict, with no immediate resolution in sight.