US Strikes Iran for 12th Night; Saudi Nuclear Deal Raises Proliferation Fears
Washington has carried out a fresh round of strikes on Iranian positions, with explosions reported over 12 consecutive nights, according to Iranian state media. Two people were killed and 11 injured in an attack near the Iran-Iraq border at the Shalamcheh crossing. The strikes come after US President Donald Trump warned that the US would target civilian infrastructure in Iran if attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz did not cease.
In a separate but concurrent development, the United States has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, potentially enabling the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear program. The deal has drawn concern from non-proliferation experts, who warn it could heighten the risk of nuclear proliferation in an already volatile region.
Key developments overnight include explosions in the Iranian cities of Bushehr, Ahvaz, and Sirik, as reported by Iranian news outlets. An oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was also reported ablaze after an explosion, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stating the vessel was navigating a route they described as mined. Two other tankers turned back, the Guards added.
The US has not officially confirmed the details of the strikes, and the Trump administration has not commented on the reported civilian casualties. The Saudi nuclear deal, meanwhile, is expected to face scrutiny in Congress, where lawmakers have historically opposed any agreement that does not include strict non-proliferation measures.
