US Bombs Iran 38 Times While Promising Peace – Strait of Hormuz Now Closed
The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran just as President Donald Trump claimed for the 38th time that a peace deal was close, while Iran retaliated by shutting the Strait of Hormuz, blocking one-fifth of the world's oil shipments. The escalation has exposed a growing divide between Washington and Israel, with experts warning there is no military solution to the crisis.
The fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire has collapsed. U.S. forces carried out fresh strikes on Wednesday, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaling a shift from talks to force by saying the U.S. would "negotiate with bombs" [170044]. This came after Trump repeatedly warned Tehran would "pay the price" for refusing a diplomatic deal [170044]. Since the conflict began, Trump has claimed a deal is "close" 38 times, according to a CNN tally, but no agreement has been signed [169926].
In direct response to the U.S. attacks, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that carries about one-fifth of the world's oil [170060]. Iran's government said the decision was taken "to protect national security" and gave no timeline for reopening [170060]. Analysts warn oil prices could spike sharply if the blockade lasts more than a few days, and international shipping companies are already rerouting vessels [170060].
The conflict has also deepened a rift between Washington and its key ally. While President Trump wants an exit from a war that is disrupting oil markets and growing unpopular at home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces elections by the end of October and a criminal investigation, making his political survival the driver of his strategic decisions [170083]. Netanyahu wants to continue the war until Iran is weakened [169740].
Tehran is now insisting that the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah be included in any future peace agreement with the United States and Israel, viewing the group as essential to its regional influence [169859]. Iran also warned Israel on Monday that it could resume hostilities if attacks on Hezbollah do not stop [169614]. A senior Iranian lawmaker has warned that Iran's military will target regional energy infrastructure if the United States launches further strikes [169371].
Experts have warned that military force alone cannot resolve the region's deep conflicts. "There is no military solution to the Middle East's imbroglio," a former National Security Council official said, arguing that diplomacy and economic pressure offer a more sustainable path [169732].
Saudi Arabia, caught in the middle, has publicly condemned Iranian attacks on the kingdom but has not committed to open support for the U.S.-led campaign, carefully weighing its security alliance with Washington against the risk of direct war with its powerful neighbor [169737].