Nuclear Talks Resume in Oman Amid Intensified U.S. Airstrikes and New Sanctions

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply between July 10 and 11, 2026, as the U.S. military launched a second wave of airstrikes targeting 90 Iranian military installations. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes focused on air defenses and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, following a previous operation that hit 170 targets earlier in the week. Despite the military action, technical nuclear negotiations mediated by Qatar and Pakistan resumed in Oman on Saturday. However, President Trump formally stated that the U.S. now considers the mid-June ceasefire and memorandum of understanding to be void. On the economic front, the U.S. Treasury Department expanded its sanctions campaign to target the "shadow bank infrastructure" of the Iranian regime. The new measures designate eight individuals and six entities, including Dubai-based financier Ali Ansari, who is accused of managing personal assets for Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran responded by accusing the U.S. of violating international agreements, with the Supreme Leader issuing a written vow of revenge following funeral services for his father. Humanitarian reports from Tehran indicate the strikes have resulted in at least 14 deaths and 78 injuries. Analysts note that while the strikes have caused significant damage, Iran has demonstrated high infrastructure resilience, reportedly repairing a damaged railway line in Mashhad within 15 hours. The Institute for the Study of War reports that Iran’s strategic objectives remain unchanged, emphasizing continued control of the Strait of Hormuz and the preservation of its nuclear program as non-negotiable red lines.