Iran Warns US Escalation Could Derail Regional Peace Efforts

Washington DC/Tehran: Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated again on Sunday as Tehran warned that continued American military action could derail ongoing efforts to reach a permanent agreement to end the regional conflict.

The warning came after Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait following recent US strikes on Iranian positions. The developments have raised fresh concerns over the future of the fragile negotiations aimed at stabilising the Gulf region and restoring maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s leadership linked the latest escalation to attempts to reopen the strategic waterway without Tehran’s direct involvement. Speaking during a visit to Iraq, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, as reported by international media, that any effort to create alternative arrangements for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz would heighten tensions and delay efforts to restore normal traffic through the strait.

The comments followed reports that a multinational maritime body operating under US naval oversight planned to expand shipping routes near Oman to facilitate vessel movement in and out of the region.

At the same time, negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain underway under a previously signed memorandum of understanding that provides a 60-day window to settle issues including sanctions relief, maritime access and the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

Meanwhile, West Asian countries hosting American military assets reported security incidents linked to the latest exchange. Kuwaiti authorities said air defences intercepted incoming drones and missiles with no casualties reported, while Bahrain said a residential building near its international airport was damaged.

According to international media reports, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire through attacks on commercial shipping and warned of further military action if tensions continue.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, however, warned that continued breaches of the ceasefire framework could bring ongoing diplomatic efforts to a complete halt.