Iran and US Trade Threats as Peace Talks Continue
Both countries launched military strikes while diplomats work to end the conflict.
Iran's top leader threatened new attacks against the United States on Tuesday. This happened while diplomats from both countries try to make a peace deal. The conflict has been going on since late February when the US and Israel first attacked Iran.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made the threats in a special statement. He said the region would no longer protect American military bases. His statement came out during the start of Hajj, which is when Muslims travel to the holy city of Mecca. The Iranian warnings came after recent fighting between the two countries.
US forces attacked Iranian missile sites in southern Iran. They also destroyed two Iranian speedboats that were trying to place underwater mines. These mines were being put in the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for oil ships. American officials said Iran had been attacking US Navy ships before the strikes happened.
The fighting has made it harder for diplomats to reach an agreement. The conflict has also affected Israeli strikes against Hezbollah, which is an Iranian-backed group in Lebanon. All this fighting threatens to stop the peace talks completely. Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict started on February 28th.
The hands of time do not turn backward, and the nations and lands of the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. When did the conflict between Iran and the US begin?
2. Where were the peace talks taking place?
3. Who is Iran's main peace negotiator?