Tensions are rising again between the U.S. and Iran following American airstrikes on a missile launch base and a mine-laying vessel in southern Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "a deal could take a few more days," while Iran's Foreign Ministry protested that "the U.S. military has once again violated the ceasefire agreement."
According to major foreign news outlets on the 26th (local time), the signing of a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two sides, which had appeared imminent, looks set to be further delayed. After wrapping up his visit to India, Rubio told reporters that reaching a deal could take a few more days, adding, "President Donald Trump has expressed his will to reach a deal. It will be either a good deal or no deal at all."
Responding to the previous day's targeted U.S. strikes on an Iranian missile launch base near the Strait of Hormuz and a mine-laying vessel, Iran's Foreign Ministry called the action "a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement" and "a malicious and untrustworthy act." According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed "a resolute response," and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei also warned that "the United States will no longer have safe military bases in this region." The remarks are interpreted as a possible threat to strike U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Against this backdrop, President Trump is expected to convene a Cabinet meeting on the 27th to discuss responses to Iran. He had originally planned to hold the meeting at Camp David, the U.S. presidential retreat, but announced via Truth Social that it would instead be held at the White House due to inclement weather. On June 8 last year, Trump met with top security advisers and military generals at Camp David and was briefed on military options against Iran; on the 21st, following the 13th, he launched "Operation Midnight Hammer," striking three Iranian nuclear facilities.
Some observers suggest the conflict could become entrenched. Dina Esfandiary of Bloomberg Economics assessed that "even if the U.S. and Iran reach an agreement, the chances of achieving a stable peace are slim." International oil prices, which had recently plunged, rebounded. Brent crude futures for July delivery closed at $99.58 per barrel, up 3.6% from the previous session. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for July delivery stood at $93.89 per barrel, down 2.8% from the 22nd, just before the U.S. Memorial Day holiday.
