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US Launches Night Strikes on Iran, Vance Sets Deal Conditions

6/12/2026

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. forces launched another night of strikes against Iran.
U.S. Central Command said the strikes were self-defense attacks on multiple Iranian sites and that a performance-based memorandum to end the Gulf war is being drafted.
Vice President JD Vance said any U.S.–Iran deal will release Tehran’s frozen assets only after it destroys its highly enriched uranium stockpiles and reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

History

Historical Context

During the Iran-Iraq War, the U.S. launched Operation Earnest Will (July 1987–September 1988) to shield Kuwaiti tankers, then retaliated on 18 April 1988 with Operation Praying Mantis, destroying Iranian oil platforms and warships. The attacks helped push Iran toward a cease-fire on 18 July 1988, a precedent echoed in today’s CENTCOM night raids on Iranian sites.

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Story summary

U.S. forces launched another night of strikes against Iran.
U.S. Central Command said the strikes were self-defense attacks on multiple Iranian sites and that a performance-based memorandum to end the Gulf war is being drafted.
Vice President JD Vance said any U.S.–Iran deal will release Tehran’s frozen assets only after it destroys its highly enriched uranium stockpiles and reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

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