Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated further as both sides exchanged fresh military strikes and sharp warnings, raising concerns over a wider conflict in West Asia despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would “pay the price” for delaying negotiations, according to reports. The remarks came amid continued hostilities between the two countries and efforts to keep diplomatic channels open.
The latest escalation followed U.S. strikes on targets in Iran after the downing of an American helicopter. U.S. Central Command said it targeted Iranian air defence systems, surveillance radar sites and command facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with retaliatory attacks on U.S. military installations in Jordan and Bahrain. Tehran claimed it had launched long-range missiles against American military assets and facilities linked to air operations and command structures.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as U.S. aggression against Iranian territory. Iran also accused Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts through shifting positions and repeated violations of ceasefire understandings.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said diplomacy and military action were parallel tools for safeguarding the country’s national interests and security, adding that Iran’s armed forces would respond whenever necessary.
Despite the escalation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signalled support for continued engagement and dialogue. He said Iran sought to move beyond the current state of “neither war nor peace” while maintaining that the country would not compromise on its sovereignty or national dignity.
Amid growing concerns over regional stability, diplomatic efforts have intensified. Qatari mediators have travelled to Tehran in an attempt to bridge differences in U.S.-Iran talks, while several countries have called for restraint and a return to dialogue.
Russia and China also expressed concern over the latest developments. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged both sides to exercise restraint and immediately halt military attacks, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called for de-escalation and the resolution of disputes through political and diplomatic means.
As tensions remain high, concerns persist over the possibility of a broader regional conflict, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.
Photo: File/A man grieves during a rally to mourn for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and pledge allegiance to incumbent Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, May 7, 2026.
