[ANALYSIS] Iranian War Day 70: Brief attacks between US and Iran last night downplayed by the US

ATTACKS OVERNIGHT

US

• US military said US forces intercepted Iranian attacks and responded with self-defence strikes against Iranian military facilities, while stressing the US does not seek escalation.
• Fox News, citing a US official, reported the US carried out strikes at Iran’s Qeshm port and Bandar Abbas, although the official said this did not represent a restart of the war or the end of the ceasefire.
• Trump said the Iran ceasefire remains in effect and negotiations with Tehran are ongoing, adding that Pakistan asked the US not to proceed with Project Freedom during negotiations.
• Trump said there was no damage to the three US destroyers that came under Iranian fire and warned the US would strike Iran “more violently” if no deal is reached quickly.
• Trump described the retaliatory strikes as a “love tap” and reiterated the ceasefire remained in place.

IRAN

• Iran’s Top Joint Military Command accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz, warning Tehran would respond forcefully to any attack.
• Iranian media said Iranian missile fire targeted US naval units in the Strait of Hormuz following the US attack on an Iranian tanker, with Tasnim later reporting the targeted vessels were three US destroyers.
• Fars News reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, while Tasnim later said some reports suggested the sounds were linked to IRGC naval warning operations against ships making unauthorised passage attempts through Hormuz.
• Fars reported parts of the Bahman Pier commercial area in Bandar Abbas were struck during exchanges between Iranian and enemy forces.
• Press TV said conditions on Iranian islands and coastal cities near the Strait of Hormuz had returned to normal.
• The UAE said its air defence systems responded to a missile threat, while reports later emerged of explosions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

DIPLOMACY

• NYT reported Iran and the US are discussing a one-page plan involving a 30-day reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and cessation of hostilities while broader negotiations continue.
• Iran is reviewing the US response to its 14-point proposal and is expected to formally respond on Friday, according to CCTV citing Pakistani sources.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said negotiations would continue in a new format and nuclear issues were not currently being discussed.
• WSJ, citing Press TV, reported a senior Iranian official said Tehran would not allow the US to reopen Hormuz under an “unrealistic plan” without reparations for damage inflicted on Iran.
• Iran’s National Security Commission said no uranium has been exported from the country.

SHIPPING

• WSJ reported Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lifted restrictions on US military access to bases and airspace, while US officials said Washington was considering restarting naval and air support operations for commercial shipping through Hormuz.
• Al Arabiya later reported Saudi Arabia still has not approved use of its airspace for offensive military operations.
• Al Jazeera denied reports that preparations were underway to resume Operation Freedom.