Middle East tensions escalate with new US-Iran strikes and threats

Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced it had struck ships in the Strait of Hormuz, following new US military actions. US Central Command confirmed it conducted "self-defense strikes" in response to Iranian activity. Separately, President Donald Trump accused Iran of downing a US helicopter near the Strait, from which two crew members were rescued, and pledged a response. Trump asserted Iran had delayed negotiations and would "pay the price," while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated his country might withdraw if conditions were not met. Meanwhile, Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan, reporting 26 militant deaths, though the Taliban government claimed 13 fatalities, including 11 children. Analysts suggest the region faces a "permacrisis" given Iran's resilience. Sources: BBC News