Araghchi defended Iran’s attacks on US allies in the Gulf, describing them as acts of self-defence, and warned that further sanctions or military action would not compel Tehran to change its position.

Escalation in Gulf Region

Kuwaiti authorities reported that Iranian missile and drone strikes on Wednesday killed one person and injured more than 60 others, including damage to infrastructure at Kuwait International Airport.

Iranian officials claimed US forces had struck an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and a communications facility on Qeshm Island late Tuesday, prompting retaliatory attacks on US-linked targets in Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran said it would continue responding to any attacks on its territory or interests.

The escalation has raised concerns over regional energy security, with analysts warning that disruptions could further strain global oil supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

Despite the violence, diplomatic discussions continue in parallel.

The United States has said that Lebanon and Israel have agreed to implement a ceasefire framework following US-mediated talks in Washington. The deal includes conditions such as a halt to Hezbollah attacks, withdrawal of fighters from south of the Litani River, and the creation of security zones under Lebanese army control.

However, analysts caution that implementation remains uncertain, with past ceasefire arrangements frequently collapsing amid mutual accusations of violations.

United States Response

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were progressing “very well” and suggested a potential agreement could be reached soon, though he added uncertainty about the outcome.

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives voted 215–208 to require presidential authorization for military action against Iran. Although the measure is unlikely to become law, it represents a rare bipartisan pushback against the administration’s war powers and its involvement in the conflict.

Separately, US lawmaker Thomas Massie announced support for legislation aimed at restricting offensive arms transfers to Israel, arguing that US-supplied weapons have contributed to civilian casualties in Gaza.

Broader Regional Conflict

In Lebanon, Israeli drone strikes reportedly wounded several people in southern areas, even as ceasefire understandings were being discussed in Washington.

In Gaza, at least nine Palestinians were killed in overnight air raids on residential buildings, with witnesses describing families trapped under rubble as rescue teams struggled to respond.

Satellite analysis further indicates that Israeli forces have expanded their military presence inside Gaza despite a previously declared ceasefire, with dozens of outposts identified across the territory.

As multiple fronts remain active, from the Gulf to Lebanon and Gaza, the conflict continues to widen, complicating diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region.