U.S. Weighs Infrastructure Strikes as Indirect Diplomacy Continues in Tehran

The conflict between the United States and Iran entered a critical phase on Wednesday as President Donald Trump signaled a potential expansion of military targets to include Iranian power infrastructure and bridges. The President framed the possible escalation as a response to Tehran delaying negotiations, warning that the U.S. would strike “very hard” if a peace deal is not reached. Despite the intensifying rhetoric, indirect diplomacy remains active, with Qatari intermediaries arriving in Tehran to finalize a possible agreement and keep communication channels open. On the ground, military activity has surged. U.S. Central Command confirmed new operations are underway following reports of a fresh wave of strikes. Simultaneously, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted 21 U.S.-linked sites, including long-range missile strikes against an airbase in Jordan. Iranian officials warned of a "crushing" response to further escalation, maintaining that talks cannot proceed if ceasefires are violated. The regional impact is expanding into energy and maritime sectors. Kuwait has entered discussions with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to coordinate expanded pipeline access, seeking to bypass potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. These concerns were underscored by a suspected missile strike on an oil products tanker off the coast of Oman, which left three Indian seafarers missing and 21 others rescued. While Bahrain has condemned Iranian actions as unlawful, Gulf states are increasingly focused on contingency planning to secure global crude exports.