Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jun 11: Tensions between the United States and Iran continued to escalate as both sides exchanged strikes for a second consecutive day, while efforts to revive peace negotiations remained stalled.

US officials have maintained that recent military action is aimed at pressuring Iran into accepting a negotiated settlement. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated Washington's hardline approach, saying the United States would continue to pursue its objectives through military pressure if diplomatic efforts failed.

The latest escalation follows warnings from US President Donald Trump, who accused Tehran of taking too long to reach a peace agreement and warned that Iran would "pay the price" if negotiations remained deadlocked.

Iran, however, has rejected negotiations under military pressure, arguing that meaningful dialogue cannot take place while strikes continue. Iranian officials have signalled resistance to US demands, including restrictions related to its nuclear and missile programmes.

Recent US attacks targeted Iranian radar and air defence facilities, with Washington describing the strikes as part of a strategy of "coercive diplomacy" rather than a return to full-scale war. Analysts, however, have warned that the continued use of force could further undermine trust and push both sides farther away from a diplomatic solution.

The renewed hostilities have also heightened concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Despite ongoing backchannel contacts and public calls for peace, there has been little sign of a breakthrough in negotiations.

As military exchanges continue, international observers fear that the fragile ceasefire reached earlier this year may be at risk of collapsing entirely.