U.S. Hits 90 Targets in Iran; Trump Claims Tehran Seeking Deal Amid Escalation

The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated sharply over the last 24 hours as U.S. forces conducted precision airstrikes against approximately 90 military targets. These strikes focused on missile storage, coastal surveillance, and naval capabilities along the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, projectiles struck within 20 kilometers of Iran’s sole civilian nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Additional damage was reported to a strategic railway bridge in Golestan province and the Iranshahr airport. At least 14 people were reported killed in Iran, including military personnel and a firefighter. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile and drone volleys targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, including Camp Arifjan and Shaikh Isa Air Base. Bahraini and Kuwaiti officials confirmed successful interceptions, and no U.S. casualties or significant base damage has been reported. The maritime industry has reacted by raising the shipping risk for the Strait of Hormuz to "Severe," reflecting fears of sustained energy supply disruptions. On the diplomatic front, President Trump indicated that Iran may be seeking a "deal" through back-channels, despite his official stance that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding is defunct. In a parallel move to shift regional dynamics, the Trump administration notified Syrian officials that the U.S. intends to remove Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list. While the U.S. is bracing for a prolonged escalation, current reports suggest there is no immediate push for Israeli military involvement.