Tensions between the US and Iran escalated significantly from mid-February, marked by an intensifying US military buildup and preparations for potential conflict, prompting Russia to warn the US against further strikes. By early March, US-Israeli strikes continued across Iran, with Iran reportedly striking Azerbaijan and a US oil tanker. The US reported a 90% reduction in Iranian missile attacks after B-2 bomber strikes. The conflict intensified in mid-March when Iran retaliated by striking Qatar's Ras Laffan gas complex, causing global market jitters and prompting US President Trump to consider deploying thousands of American troops. In April, Trump claimed victory was nearing and threatened further escalation, to which Iran responded with threats of 'more crushing' actions and missile attacks on Israel and Gulf neighbors. The Strait of Hormuz became a central flashpoint, with reports examining Iran's potential to impose tolls and US Navy maneuvers escalating tensions. By late April, the US military was preparing for potential 'short and powerful' strikes, rejecting Iran's de-escalation proposal and seeking forfeiture of seized oil tankers, while South Korea attributed a ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz to Iran in May. Trump also publicly stated his desire to recover Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, and the US carried out new strikes on an Iranian military site.

Diplomatic efforts briefly emerged in late May, with reports indicating significant progress in US-Iran talks towards a ceasefire or framework agreement, causing global markets to react positively. However, military actions quickly resumed in June, with the US launching major strikes on targets in Iran, to which Iran retaliated against US military bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Despite an agreement reached by late June that saw oil prices fall to pre-conflict levels, tensions remained high. In early July, the US military launched a second consecutive day of strikes against Iran, with President Trump warning of escalation and stating the strikes were 'retribution'.

As of late July, the situation remains highly volatile with a mix of threats and renewed military actions. President Trump threatens Iran with severe escalation, including potential strikes on civilian and nuclear infrastructure, if US interests are attacked, and considers a 'massive attack' on Iran. The US and Saudi Arabia launch retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq, and the US and Jordan intercept Iranian missiles over Jordanian territory, while Iran considers attacking a Ukrainian port. The US launches new, powerful airstrikes against Iranian targets on Qeshm Island and Abadan in retaliation for recent Iranian attacks, ending a week of calm and widening the conflict. Iran claims drone attacks on US targets in Kuwait and tanker strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump announces further attacks on Iran and expresses frustration with negotiations, though Pakistan confirms ongoing US-Iran negotiations. Iran warns the US and Israel of retaliation, threatening European countries if their bases are used for military strikes. President Trump outlines conditions for a new Iran deal, including opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending nuclear threats. He called off a planned 'massive attack' on Iran and announced new negotiations, though Iran denies any ongoing talks. Most recently, President Trump claims US-Iran talks are ongoing and issues a 'last chance' warning to Tehran.