US and Iran Exchange New Military Strikes as Trump Says Tehran Wants a Deal

Military tensions between the United States and Iran escalated again over the weekend as both sides launched fresh attacks, marking the third direct exchange of strikes since last week.

The latest confrontation comes despite continued claims from U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran remains interested in reaching a diplomatic agreement and ending the ongoing conflict.

US Military Targets Iranian Radar and Command Sites

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Monday that American forces carried out strikes against Iranian military facilities over the weekend.

According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted radar installations and command centers located in Goruk and on Qeshm Island.

U.S. officials described the attacks as acts of self-defense, stating they were conducted in response to Iran’s alleged downing of an American drone operating in the region.

The strikes represent the latest chapter in an increasingly volatile military standoff between Washington and Tehran.

Iran Responds With Retaliatory Attack

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had launched a retaliatory attack against a U.S. military base allegedly used to support operations against southern Iran.

While Iranian officials did not identify the specific target, Kuwait reported intercepting missile and drone attacks on Monday, highlighting the broader regional security risks created by the conflict.

The exchange closely mirrors a similar series of attacks carried out by both sides late last week, further increasing concerns about the stability of the fragile ceasefire currently in place.

Ceasefire Remains Under Pressure

The latest military actions have placed additional strain on already fragile ceasefire efforts.

Over the past several weeks, the United States and Iran have exchanged sporadic strikes while simultaneously engaging in indirect diplomatic discussions aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict.

However, the continued military activity suggests that significant disagreements remain unresolved.

Analysts warn that repeated violations could undermine efforts to negotiate a longer-term ceasefire agreement and increase the risk of further escalation.

Trump Says Iran Wants an Agreement

Despite the renewed fighting, President Donald Trump maintained an optimistic tone regarding the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough.

In a social media post published late Sunday, Trump stated that “Iran really wants to make a deal” and expressed confidence that the situation would ultimately be resolved.

However, the president did not provide details regarding the status of ongoing negotiations or indicate whether a comprehensive peace agreement is close to being finalized.

Trump and several administration officials have repeatedly suggested that progress is being made toward a broader settlement, even as military tensions continue to rise.

Key Issues Continue to Block a Peace Deal

Although indirect discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials reportedly remain active, neither side has publicly confirmed that a formal agreement is imminent.

One of the biggest obstacles remains Iran’s nuclear program.

Washington continues to demand that Tehran surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, a condition Iranian leaders have repeatedly rejected.

The disagreement has become one of the primary barriers preventing a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.

As the war enters its fourth consecutive month, there are few visible signs that a lasting peace agreement will be reached in the near future.

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Concern

The conflict continues to have significant implications for global energy markets.

Iran maintains restrictions affecting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States continues to enforce a naval blockade targeting Iran.

The strategic waterway handles a substantial portion of global oil exports, making any disruption a major concern for international markets.

Oil prices moved sharply higher on Monday as traders reacted to the latest military developments and growing concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Reports Dismiss Claims of Iranian Leadership Changes

Separately, Iranian media denied recent reports suggesting that President Masoud Pezeshkian had resigned amid speculation about a broader consolidation of power by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Officials rejected the reports and insisted that no leadership change had taken place.

The denials come as political uncertainty within Iran continues to attract attention alongside the ongoing military conflict and diplomatic negotiations.

With military tensions rising, ceasefire talks progressing slowly, and key geopolitical issues remaining unresolved, markets and policymakers are likely to remain focused on developments between the United States and Iran in the weeks ahead.