Last month, in May, the U.S. and Iran were said to have almost reached a peace deal. However, the attacks have continued on both sides in recent days. Despite a ceasefire, the U.S. and Iran have continued to attack each other.
As feared, the ceasefire failed and the U.S. and Iran started attacking each other again. After seeing that Iran shot down an American drone, the US decided to strike Sirik Island, where an Iranian communications tower was held. Also, they decided to strike Qeshm Island and the Goruk Area, where Iran’s radar and drone control-and-command centers were. As a direct retaliation to the U.S. strikes, Iran launched a missile attack on Kuwait, where many American bases were.
In late May, U.S. President Donald Trump had said that a peace deal was almost complete. However, he was still struggling to accept the peace terms. He was encouraged to end the war, but he was also encouraged to not leave Iran more powerful than it was before the war. He returned the deal to Iran with more demands. Iran was unhappy with the new demands and was angry that the U.S. had continued attacks. On Monday, an Iranian spokesman said that Iran had broken off peace talks with the U.S. When Trump attacked Iran in February, he expected the U.S. to defeat Iran quickly. However, Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz has left Iran with much more power than expected. The Strait of Hormuz controls over 20% of the oil shipments worldwide, and because it was closed, gas prices rose. It has caused serious problem around the world. Therefore, Trump is in a hard position, as Iran has to accept the new demands, or the Strait of Hormuz will continue to be closed and that will leave even higher fuel prices and more serious problems worldwide.
Meanwhile, despite a ceasefire, Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon, as they tore through villages and took more land. Israel’s military has also taken over Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old castle in southern Lebanon. It is the farthest Israel has pushed into Lebanon in 26 years. Because of its location, the castle has been the site of many wars. Beaufort Castle was built in the 1100s. It is still an important historical site today.
In recent days, Israel has increased its attacks on Lebanon, including air strikes and sending in infantry. Israel’s attacking force of 50,000 infantry is currently overwhelming Lebanon’s 35,000. Israel says that the attacks are to destroy the militant group Hezbollah, which supports Iran. Israel’s attacks have greatly affected Lebanon’s civilians, with more than 3,300 killed and much more injured, most of them being women and children. Over 1.2 million Lebanese had to move from their homes for evacuation. Israel says that it was going to maintain control over the Beaufort Castle. Lebanon’s Prime minister Nawaf Salam wanted Israel to pull out of the castle and said the only way to settle the issues was through peace talks.