Iran–U.S. Escalation Intensifies as EU Condemns Tehran’s Strikes and Peace Talks Proceed

In early June, Iran launched drone attacks on U.S. air bases in Kuwait, saying they were retaliation for recent U.S. strikes. The United States struck Iranian radar and command-and-control sites for drones, calling the operation “self-defense strikes.” U.S. forces hit a Gambia-flagged commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman.

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The United States began what Tehran calls an “illegal war” against Iran in late February 2024, a rivalry over Iran’s nuclear program. The latest exchange follows weeks of diplomatic overtures that include a draft peace framework proposing a 60-day cease-fire and possible sanctions relief.

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Esmaeil Baqaei (Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson), the Iranian military, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), President Donald Trump, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Brian Finucane, International Crisis Group, and the European Commission spokesperson.

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Weekend, the United States struck Iranian radar sites and a Gambia-flagged ship. Sunday, Iran fired at another U.S. base in Kuwait (location undisclosed). Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the EU response; Commission called the attack a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty. Negotiator Ghalibaf cited U.S. blockade and Israeli actions in Lebanon as cease-fire violations. CBS reported a draft peace deal with a 60-day cease-fire and possible sanctions waivers.

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The Kuwait attack injured at least four U.S. servicemembers and contractors; no casualties were reported for the Gambia-flagged vessel.

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The Commission called the Iranian strike a breach of Kuwait’s sovereignty. Iran’s Baqaei said the EU was selectively outraged, warned states must prevent their territory from being used for invasions. CENTCOM described its strikes as self-defense. President Trump posted that Iran “really wants to make a deal” and that the outcome would benefit the United States.

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Brian Finucane criticized U.S. terminology, calling use of “aggression” and “self-defense” “thoroughly in ‘war is peace’ territory.” Ghalibaf denounced U.S. naval blockade and Israel’s actions in Lebanon as cease-fire violations.

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• “a masterclass in selective moral outrage” — Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry

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• “The EU must remain faithful to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter that it has long claimed to uphold. It must stop appeasing aggressors while blaming those who respond to unlawful attacks,” — Esmaeil Baqaei

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• “self-defense strikes” — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)

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• “this administration’s use of the terms 'aggression' and 'self-defense' [is] thoroughly in 'war is peace' territory.” — Brian Finucane, International Crisis Group

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Negotiators are weighing a deal that would pause fighting for 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and restart nuclear talks. Iran insists any agreement must lift the U.S. blockade. The next phase will formalize cease-fire terms, assess sanctions waivers, and keep sides on alert.

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The European Commission labeled Iran’s missile strike a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, while Iran’s foreign ministry described the same action as lawful self-defense. The United States also framed its own strikes as self-defense.

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