US strikes Iran for sixth consecutive night, as deescalation chances appear to fade

The United States and Iran are engaged in renewed conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, with the US conducting its sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets and infrastructure. This escalation follows a preliminary deal aimed at ending the conflict that began in February. US President Donald Trump stated the US is “winning big in Iran” and threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran does not negotiate. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on US-allied nations in the Gulf, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, and warned of escalating attacks. Iranian state media reported at least seven fatalities from US airstrikes on bridges in Hormozgan province. Despite the escalating conflict, the White House indicated that President Trump remains “open to diplomacy.”