Rubio says the US will raise sanctions on Iran provided that it offers up enriched uranium, rejecting a Strait of Hormuz-linked deal.
Revealed On 3 Jun 2026
Because the US-Israel conflict on Iran entered its 96th day, the battle widened throughout the Gulf area, with each side reporting new navy actions.
The USA navy stated on Wednesday it carried out “self-defence” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, whereas Iranian media reported explosions within the space.
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The escalation spilled into neighbouring international locations, with Kuwait saying its air defence programs had intercepted incoming drones and missiles, and Bahrain activating warning sirens. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) additionally stated it had intercepted a number of Iranian missiles and drones, whereas Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had focused US navy belongings within the area in response to US strikes.
The newest developments got here amid continued uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to finish the conflict.
Here’s what we all know:
In Iran
- Citing the IRGC, the semi-official Tasnim information company reported the newest change started when US forces struck an Iranian oil tanker close to the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room. The IRGC stated it responded by focusing on a US-Israeli vessel with naval missiles earlier than US forces struck an IRGC communications tower south of Qeshm Island. It launched missiles and drones at what it described as US navy targets, together with an airbase, the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and helicopters stationed in a regional nation. The claims couldn’t be independently verified.
- Iran’s management has not dominated out a cope with the US, however deep distrust and hardened positions from each side proceed to complicate negotiations. Whereas navy, non secular and political leaders insist there shall be no “give up” to Washington, refined variations stay in how key figures view a possible settlement.
Struggle diplomacy
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress that Iran’s supreme chief, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive and becoming “more and more engaged” in negotiations with Washington. Khamenei has not appeared publicly since reportedly being wounded in US-Israeli strikes that killed his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Rubio stated Washington has not provided sanctions aid in change for opening the Strait of Hormuz. The US will present sanctions aid to Iran solely in change for nuclear concessions, he stated throughout a Senate listening to.
- US President Donald Trump stated negotiations with Iran have been persevering with, however cautioned that their end result stays unclear. “One by no means is aware of” the place the talks could lead, he stated, reiterating his name for Tehran to succeed in a deal.
- Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated Tehran might abandon negotiations with the US and transfer in the direction of confrontation if Israeli assaults on Lebanon proceed. The warning got here throughout a dialog with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
- Analyst Alan Eyre stated any settlement will possible have to ship tangible advantages for each Washington and Tehran. Trump faces stress to safe significant nuclear concessions to counter criticism {that a} deal would merely restore the established order earlier than the conflict, whereas Iran wants financial aid by measures resembling entry to frozen belongings or new income mechanisms. Eyre famous that though the US blockade is damaging Iran’s economic system over time, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is creating extra fast and pressing stress on world markets.
Within the Gulf
- CENTCOM stated an “extra wave of Iranian drones” tried to focus on US forces in Kuwait, however the assault was unsuccessful. It stated US air defences intercepted a number of drones and that no People or belongings had been harmed. CENTCOM stated earlier on Wednesday that it had struck an Iranian floor management station on Qeshm Island in what it described as a “self-defence” operation.
- CENTCOM dismissed IRGC claims that Iranian missiles and drones had struck the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and a regional US airbase, saying the assaults failed to succeed in their targets. In a press release on X, it known as the claims false and stated all Iranian assaults in opposition to US forces had been unsuccessful. “US forces stay vigilant and able to defend in opposition to unwarranted Iranian aggression,” it added.
Within the US
- Democratic senators sharply criticised the Trump administration’s dealing with of the conflict. Senator Chris Van Hollen known as its overseas coverage a “dumpster fireplace” and described the battle as “silly and reckless”. Senator Cory Booker argued that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had handed Tehran new leverage, saying the conflict had prompted widespread financial disruption and “by no means ought to have occurred”.
In Israel
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his authorities is pursuing “large plans” to strengthen northern Israel and handle what he known as the “drone drawback” alongside the border with Lebanon. Talking at a authorities assembly, he stated fortification measures extending as much as 7km (4.3 miles) from the border would assist Israel’s marketing campaign in opposition to Hezbollah. Netanyahu added that the federal government is investing $20bn to enhance safety and financial growth within the area.
- Reporting from Nablus, Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim stated criticism of Netanyahu is mounting throughout Israel’s political spectrum, with opponents and a few coalition allies accusing him of placing his political survival earlier than broader strategic targets in opposition to Hezbollah. Ibrahim stated many analysts imagine Netanyahu sought to develop navy operations in Beirut partly to derail US-Iran talks and that stress from Washington could have compelled him to step again, fuelling additional frustration amongst his critics.
In Lebanon and Gaza
- A minimum of 5 folks, together with a baby, had been killed and 45 others wounded in Israeli attacks on the southern Lebanese cities of Burj Shemali, Ebba and Tibnin, in keeping with Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Well being.
