[ANALYSIS] Iranian War Day 90: US and Iran exchange strikes amid a flareup, but negotiations continue

OVERVIEW The US carried out new strikes near Bandar Abbas after accusing Iran of threatening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with strikes on a US air base and claimed it forced vessels, including a US-linked tanker, to turn back in Hormuz. Trump continued signalling negotiations are progressing, while threatening Oman.  FLARE-UPUS A US official said the military conducted new strikes on an Iranian military site. The US also shot down multiple Iranian drones, which it said posed threats to US forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the US has “total control” over Hormuz. Trump said “at the right time” the US would release boats from the Strait. Trump warned Oman would “have to behave or we will have to blow them up”. IRAN Iranian air defences were briefly activated near Bandar Abbas following reports of explosions east of the city. Iranian military sources said a US tanker attempted to cross Hormuz with its radar turned off before being forced to turn back by the IRGC Navy. Iran’s Navy reportedly forced four vessels to turn back in the Strait of Hormuz using warning shots. Iranian sources said earlier US strikes near Bandar Abbas caused no casualties or damage. IRGC said it targeted a US air base in response to earlier US aggression near Bandar Abbas Airport. Air raid sirens sounded in Kuwait as Kuwaiti air defences intercepted hostile missiles and drones, Al Hadath reported. IRGC warned any further US attacks would trigger a more decisive response. IRGC Aerospace Forces official Naderi warned any future Iranian response would be unlike anything previously seen. NEGOTIATIONSUS US President Trump said negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely”. Trump said there would be no sanctions relief in exchange for Iran giving up uranium. Trump said Iran wants a deal and was “negotiating on fumes”. Trump said “maybe we go back and finish it, maybe we don’t”. Trump reiterated Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would be open to everyone and “no one would control it”. Trump said control of Hormuz remained part of the negotiations. Trump said the US would keep control of Iran’s money until Iran “behaves”. Trump said he was uncomfortable with Russia or China taking Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile. Trump said Iran was beginning to give “things that they have to give us”. Trump said under a framework agreement the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately. Trump said talks with Iran were going well and “they have things understood now”. White House officials said negotiations were progressing and Trump had clearly outlined US red lines. War Secretary Hegseth said the US was prepared to finish the Iran war militarily. Hegseth warned that “no Iranian tanker around the globe was safe”. The US imposed fresh sanctions targeting the Persian Gulf Strait Authority over Hormuz toll activity. Treasury Secretary Bessent said the sanctions were part of maintaining maximum pressure on Iran. IRAN Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee head said Iran would not retreat from its red lines under Trump’s pressure. Iran’s stated red lines included uranium enrichment rights, authority over Hormuz and sanctions removal. Iranian National Security Council Official Bagheri said Iran’s assets must be released unconditionally. Fars reported Trump could attempt to unilaterally announce an agreement before all disputes are resolved. An Iranian negotiating team member said unresolved issues still remained and Tehran would only announce a deal once everything is fully agreed. ISRAEL Trump said Saudi Arabia should join the Abraham Accords. Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes on the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, Mehr News reported.