TEHRAN – As the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its 63rd day, tensions remain high across the region with Iran, the United States, and Israel trading warnings. Iran’s president has described the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as “intolerable,” while President Donald Trump says he has not ruled out restarting the war.
The conflict – which critics say violates the UN Charter, as it was not authorized by the Security Council nor justified as self-defense – has disrupted global energy markets, pushed millions toward poverty, and left thousands dead.
What is happening on Day 63
In Iran
- Air defenses activated in Tehran: Air defenses were heard in the Iranian capital on Thursday night after being activated to counter small aircraft and drones, Iran’s Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported.
- Iran accustomed to harsher conditions: Analysts say Tehran entered the US-Israeli blockade prepared, with oil stockpiled at sea, high prices cushioning the impact, and a large domestic market. The country is used to “much harsher” conditions after years of economic pressure.
- President Pezeshkian’s warning: Iran’s president described the US naval siege of Iranian ports as an “extension of military operations” that is “intolerable.”
War diplomacy at a standstill
- Impasse likely to persist: Retired US General Mark Kimmitt said Iran’s strategy of military pressure and economic pain is unlikely to force Washington into talks. He warned “the compass needle doesn’t change” and a deadlock could persist.
- US urges Israel-Lebanon meeting: The US embassy in Lebanon called for a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders, even as Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said Israeli strikes on the country’s south killed at least 15 people despite an ongoing ceasefire.
- Trump threatens troop cuts: The US president said he may pull troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the Iran war, following a similar threat against Germany.
In the Gulf
- UAE urges citizens to leave Iran, Lebanon, Iraq: The United Arab Emirates has banned its citizens from traveling to the three countries and called on those already there to return home immediately, citing regional developments.
In the United States
- Trump signals war may resume: The US president said he has not ruled out restarting the war, claiming Iranian leaders “want to make a deal badly.” He touted damage to Iran’s drone and missile capabilities and predicted falling petrol prices once the conflict ends.
- Hegseth questioned on civilian deaths: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the Pentagon has “every resource necessary” to limit harm to civilians, after lawmakers pressed him over a strike early in the war that killed about 170 people at a primary school in Iran.
- Civilian death toll: The US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran news agency says at least 1,701 civilians have been killed in the war, including 254 children.
- Hostilities ‘terminated’ for War Powers purposes: A senior US administration official said that for War Powers Resolution purposes, US hostilities with Iran have now “terminated,” noting there has been no exchange of fire since the April 7 ceasefire.
In Israel
- Israel warns Iran: Defense Minister Israel Katz said his country may soon have to “act again” against Iran to ensure the Islamic republic “does not once again become a threat to Israel.”
In Lebanon
- Deadly strikes continue: Israeli strikes on three south Lebanon villages killed nine people, among them two children and five women, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry – nearly two weeks into a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
- Israeli soldiers wounded: Two Israeli military personnel were injured after an explosive drone detonated in southern Lebanon.
Global economy
- Oil at four-year high: Oil prices soared, with the US crude benchmark Brent for June delivery spiking more than 7 percent to 126.41,whileWestTexasIntermediaterose3.4percentto110.31.
The bottom line
Sixty-three days after the US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran – without UN Security Council authorization – there is no peace, no deal, and no end in sight. Civilians are dying in Iran and Lebanon. Oil prices are at four-year highs. And both sides are preparing for the possibility of renewed full-scale war.
