Iran hits targets across Middle East after Trump signals talks progress
IIran targeted countries across the Middle East with a fresh volley of missiles Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump signalled tentative progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war. The conflict that began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran has mushroomed throughout the Middle East, sending world energy markets into tailspin. Iran fired a salvo of "precision-guided" missiles and drones at Israel and bases hosting US forces in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, the country's Revolutionary Guards said early Wednesday.
Why it matters
This escalating conflict threatens global energy security and economic stability, with missile strikes disrupting Middle Eastern oil supplies that billions of people depend on. The tension between military escalation and diplomatic progress directly affects global markets, military commitments, and the risk of wider regional war.
Go deeper
Click a question to unpack this story layer by layer.
Where do you stand?
Should the United States prioritize military deterrence through a strong show of force in the Middle East, or pursue de-escalation through diplomatic negotiations even if it requires making concessions?
What should be the primary concern in Middle East policy—protecting oil markets and global economic stability, or advancing a broader regional geopolitical strategy?
How should the US balance supporting Israel's security with managing relationships and tensions with other Middle Eastern actors like Iran?