Iran and the US harden their positions as Tehran keeps its grip on the Strait of Hormuz

Iran and the United States have hardened their positions after diplomacy aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Middle East war appeared to be faltering. Tehran moved to formalize its control over the crucial Strait of Hormuz as Washington prepared for the arrival of combat forces that could be used on the ground in the Islamic Republic. Israel on Thursday carried out a wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, and Iran kept up its attacks on Persian Gulf neighbors, with Saudi Arabia intercepting multiple drones. The United Arab Emirates’ air defenses also worked to intercept incoming fire, and Bahrain was extinguishing a blaze near its international airport.