Middle East War Day 84: US Weighs New Airstrikes, Latest Developments

The US-Israel offensive against Iran has reached its 84th day. US media reported that Washington is weighing a new round of military airstrikes against Iran. Despite slight progress in negotiations, Iranian officials emphasize that deep divisions remain. The following is a summary of the latest situation in the Middle East war compiled by AFP. ● US-Israel Moves: US media reported today that the US is weighing new military strikes against Iran. CBS and Axios reported that President Trump stated he would not attend his son's wedding this weekend due to "government-related matters" and his "love for the United States." Trump said, "It is very important for me to stay at the White House in Washington D.C. during this critical time." Axios and CBS noted that authorities have not yet made a final decision on a new round of airstrikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said today that the US sees some progress in reaching an agreement with Iran, but more work is needed. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the differences between the two sides are deep and vast. Rubio, speaking on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Sweden, said there has been "some progress" but warned that Washington is "not there yet." ● Iran Moves: Pakistan's powerful army chief arrived in Tehran today. Islamabad is mediating, and the Islamic Republic is reviewing a new US proposal aimed at ending the war. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the visit does not necessarily mean "we have reached a turning point or a decisive situation." According to ISNA, the differences between Iran and the US are "deep and vast." ● Oil, Stocks, and Forex: Markets found some comfort in diplomatic efforts, with Wall Street stocks rising today. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record high for the second consecutive day as investors bet that negotiations would provide an exit strategy. However, oil prices also rose, highlighting concerns that a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would exacerbate inflation. US consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1952. ● Other Countries and Organizations: After the death of Iran's Supreme Leader in a US-Israel airstrike, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, dragging Lebanon into the war. Since the April 17 ceasefire, Israel has continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's National News Agency said today that Israel conducted five airstrikes in eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border. Meanwhile, EU countries are preparing to impose sanctions on Iranian officials accused of blocking the strait.