US hopes for ‘serious offer’ from Iran today on latest proposal, despite exchange of strikes

The US is waiting for Iran’s reply today on a proposal to end the escalating conflict, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing hope for a “serious offer.” The US conducted strikes on Iranian military facilities in response to Iran’s attacks on American warships in the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran claims targeted civilian areas. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a “reckless military adventure.” President Trump reiterated that the ceasefire remains in effect but warned Iran of “a lot harder, and a lot more violent” consequences if no deal is reached. Recent violence has included Iranian missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates, injuring three people and defying UAE’s earlier declaration of secure airspace. Since April, Iran’s strikes on the UAE have killed three and injured 230 others, according to the UAE Ministry of Defense. The US military has blocked over 70 vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports, disrupting oil exports worth an estimated $13 billion. US Central Command stated that these tankers, with a combined capacity of over 166 million barrels, are being redirected. Rubio clarified that the latest US strikes were defensive, separate from Operation Epic Fury, which he said ended earlier this week. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 12 people, while the UAE’s defense forces intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran. Rubio emphasized that the US will respond decisively if Iran threatens American lives, stating, ‘If they threaten Americans, they’re going to get blown up.’