Airstrikes Amid Peace Talks: The Bizarre Reason The US Is Bombing Iran While Shaking Hands

Last Updated:May 26, 2026, 16:24 IST

While diplomats meet in cities like Doha, the US military maintains it must actively neutralise imminent, active threats. News18 explains

The US is simultaneously pursuing peace deals and military strikes because its strategy combines intense tactical pressure with diplomacy: using precision “self-defense" strikes to destroy emerging threats and secure troop safety during delicate ceasefire negotiations, all while trying to force a permanent end to the conflict and limit Iran’s nuclear and regional influence.

News18 explains.

Why the “bizarre" dual strategy?

While diplomats meet in cities like Doha, the US military maintains it must actively neutralise imminent, active threats to US forces—such as mine-laying vessels and missile launch sites. The strategy uses surgical strikes to weaken Iran’s strategic leverage and force them to the negotiating table from a diminished position, according to BBC, Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Striking sites near the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear facilities secures trade routes and protects allied Gulf states from retaliation.

What happened recently

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched defensive strikes in southern Iran near Bandar Abbas, targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats actively attempting to place mines.

Even as the U.S. launches these localized strikes, diplomats are simultaneously working in Qatar on framework agreements aimed at a 30 to 60-day ceasefire and de-escalation.

What did Trump say?

Over the past 2-3 days, US President Donald Trump shared multiple updates on negotiations to end the war with Iran.

Trump instructed U.S. negotiators “not to rush into a deal". He stated that a draft framework agreement (a memorandum of understanding) had been “largely negotiated," but stressed that “both sides must take their time and get it right".

Trump clarified his demands for Iran’s nuclear material, stating on Truth Social that he prefers Iran’s enriched uranium to be destroyed “in place" or at “another acceptable location" under IAEA supervision, rather than exclusively brought to the United States.

Trump pushed to tie the Iran agreement to broader regional normalization, stating it should be mandatory for Muslim-majority nations involved in the talks (such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan) to simultaneously sign onto the Abraham Accords.

He warned that the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will remain in full force until a final agreement is signed. Trump defended the draft agreement and called critics of his deal “losers" on Truth Social.

KEY FAQs

Why is the US bombing Iran during peace talks?

The strikes are being described by US officials as “defensive" pressure tactics meant to protect forces and strengthen leverage during negotiations.

What are the talks mainly about?

The discussions involve Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, ceasefire terms, and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global oil shipping.

Why does this matter globally?

Any escalation around Iran can disrupt oil and gas supplies, pushing up fuel prices, shipping costs, and market uncertainty worldwide.

With agency inputs

News explainers Airstrikes Amid Peace Talks: The Bizarre Reason The US Is Bombing Iran While Shaking Hands

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