Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal transmitted by Iraqi mediators on Thursday, according to reports citing Iranian and Iraqi officials, as the United States executed its 13th consecutive night of military strikes against the Islamic Republic. The ongoing aerial campaign is designed to diminish threats to commercial shipping lanes in the Gulf.
Strait of Hormuz Dispute Blocks Diplomatic Efforts
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi traveled to Tehran following a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump to advocate for peace and dialogue. Al-Zaidi’s office stated that he promised not to allow Iraqi territory to be used for attacks on Iran. However, Iranian officials told The New York Times they rejected the temporary deal because it failed to resolve the final status of the Strait of Hormuz, a key sticking point in negotiations.
The diplomatic stalemate coincides with financial warnings from Washington. President Trump declared on Truth Social that any damages to ships and cargo resulting from Gulf strikes will be financed using Iranian assets currently under US possession and control.
CENTCOM Targets Military Infrastructure in Overnight Strikes
US Central Command announced the completion of its 13th straight night of operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure. According to CENTCOM statements, the strikes focused on command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities intended to protect commercial shipping.
Iranian state media reported that US missiles struck the southwestern city of Ahvaz, while explosions echoed near Omidiyeh, the port city of Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The bombardment lasted more than two hours, concluding shortly before 5 a.m. local time.
Regional Spillover Hits Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan
The conflict has triggered retaliatory actions across the region. Bahrain activated air raid sirens early Friday as state television reported kamikaze drone strikes targeting fuel tanks, equipment warehouses, and US forces at Isa Air Base. The Iranian army also claimed drone strikes against Jordan’s Al-Azraq base, though Jordanian authorities reported no immediate impacts.
In Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, air defenses intercepted drones near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops. AFP journalists at the scene reported hearing explosions and seeing smoke rise near the airport compound, which houses a major US consulate complex and has faced repeated drone activity since hostilities escalated.
Tehran Warns of Wider Retaliation Against Tel Aviv
Iranian officials warned The New York Times that any subsequent escalation involving US strikes on Iranian infrastructure would trigger direct retaliation against Tel Aviv and prompt the Houthi movement in Yemen to enforce a maritime blockade on the Bab al-Mandab strait. While Israel participated in initial strikes when the conflict began on February 28, it has largely remained out of the current round of fighting.
Foreign Minister Araghchi added during a meeting in Kyrgyzstan that Tehran will hold accountable any nation assisting US military actions. The UK government responded to related threats against British military assets, stating its forces remain ready to defend the nation against attacks from abroad in coordination with NATO allies.
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