Trump escalates Iran strikes despite past failures

President Donald Trump has intensified US air strikes on Iran and threatened broader escalation, yet analysts argue the renewed bombing campaign is more likely to harden Tehran's position. An interim ceasefire deal collapsed a month ago, leaving Trump in a bind as he seeks to break Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz and force concessions. While full-scale conflict has been avoided, hopes for a diplomatic off-ramp have faded, driving up global oil prices and roiling financial markets. Tit-for-tat attacks continued into a sixth day on Thursday, with Iran signaling it could prod Houthi allies in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandeb strait if Washington hits Iran's power infrastructure. Trump has discussed expanding targets to include energy plants, bridges, the Kharg Island oil hub, and the underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain, though some options may be unrealistic due to high risks and potential blowback.