Iran-US tensions escalate following airstrikes and civilian casualties

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the ongoing conflict with Iran does not constitute a ‘war’ because there is currently no active large-scale combat, despite six months of tension in West Asia. Vance noted that the resolution of the conflict depends on Iranian decisions, specifically whether Tehran ceases attacks on commercial shipping vessels. He indicated that the U.S. will not resume negotiations until such attacks stop.

Simultaneously, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei vowed a firm response to a series of U.S. airstrikes. One reported strike in Sirik, Iran, allegedly targeted a wedding ceremony, resulting in mass casualties including over 50 men, women, and children killed or injured. Baqaei criticized the silence of international institutions regarding these strikes.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed conducting strikes against targets claimed to belong to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) across several Iranian regions, including Minab, Lamerd, and Bandar Abbas. While oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have nearly returned to pre-conflict levels, military tensions remain high following recent strikes.