Share 'creative' ways to bring Iran to negotiating table: US military asks troops

The United States has resumed air strikes on Iran, marking a resumption of military operations in the region after a temporary pause. On Thursday, US forces launched strikes against Iranian targets, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The operation followed an alleged ballistic missile attack on a US military base in Jordan, which the administration called a direct threat to American personnel stationed abroad. Multiple explosions were reported across southern Iran shortly after the strikes began. Iranian state media, including Tasnim News Agency, cited reports of detonations on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, near the Persian Gulf. The agency claimed one of the blasts struck a residential area on the island, though no official confirmation of casualties or structural damage was immediately available. Other reports indicated similar incidents in Bushehr and other southern regions, though these claims lacked independent verification. The missile attack on the Jordanian base occurred days prior, with Centcom confirming that all incoming projectiles were intercepted before they could reach their intended targets. Although the exact location of the strike was not disclosed, US media outlets suggested the missiles were directed at an American military installation in the country. This marks the first time Iran has launched a direct ballistic missile attack on a US military site since the US temporarily halted its bombing campaign to pursue diplomatic avenues. In response, US President Donald Trump issued a strong public statement, vowing a robust retaliation. Speaking at the White House, he declared, “So it's our turn. We're going to hit them very hard.” Despite his firm stance, Trump also expressed openness to continuing diplomatic discussions, stating that the administration would evaluate whether a resolution could be achieved through negotiation rather than continued hostilities. This renewed military action follows a brief interruption in the US’s bombing campaign against Iran, during which officials stated the pause allowed for assessing the battlefield and facilitating diplomatic outreach. The decision to resume strikes appears to align with broader geopolitical developments, including recent meetings between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Iran remained a central topic of discussion. The White House characterized the talks as “positive and productive.” Tensions have extended beyond Iran, with the United States and Saudi Arabia conducting coordinated airstrikes against Iran-linked militias in Iraq. These operations followed a series of drone attacks targeting both US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. According to Centcom, the joint effort focused on disrupting logistics and weapon storage sites used by Iran-backed groups. The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of Shia militias, reported that at least 20 individuals were killed in the strikes. Saudi Arabia also reported that its air defense systems intercepted drones targeting oil installations in the Eastern Province. The kingdom attributed these attacks to Iran-aligned armed groups operating from Iraqi territory. These actions underscore the complex web of regional alliances and conflicts involving Iran, its proxies, and Western allies. As the situation continues to evolve, further military and diplomatic developments remain likely.