On April 4-5 local time, the military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran escalated into a feverish stage. Nuclear facilities were attacked, large-scale troop movements by the US military were underway, Israel was preparing to strike energy infrastructure, Trump issued another ultimatum, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continued, and regional nuclear risks along with the specter of full-scale war spread rapidly.
Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant suffers fourth attack; risk of nuclear leakage triggers alarm
On April 4 local time, officials from Bushehr Province in Iran confirmed that areas surrounding the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant were attacked again. This marks the fourth attack on the nuclear power plant zone since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The attack resulted in the death of one security personnel at the nuclear power plant and damage to an ancillary building, but did not affect the main facilities or normal operations of the plant. Iranian authorities explicitly stated that this attack violated relevant regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding nuclear facility safety.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi subsequently wrote to the United Nations, warning of the potential risk of radioactive material leakage. The actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities have placed the entire region under the threat of radiological safety.
82nd Airborne Division dispatched to the Middle East; major domestic events canceled
Under the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, rapid response forces of the US military were urgently deployed: The nationwide Military Week event originally planned for 2026 at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) by the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division has been officially canceled, as the division will be redeployed to the Middle East for combat missions.
The US Army stated that this decision is entirely based on operational mission requirements. The total number of US troops in the Middle East has surged to approximately 50,000. Around 2,000 to 3,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have completed forward deployment and are ready to execute rapid assault missions at any time.
Israel confirms strikes on Iran’s petrochemical facilities, prepares for large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure
Military operations by Israel have simultaneously intensified: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officially confirmed an attack on the Mahshahr petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran.
Senior Israeli defense officials revealed that the Israeli military is preparing to launch an attack on Iran’s energy facilities and is currently awaiting approval from the United States.
Israel assesses that the probability of reaching an agreement with Iran is extremely low and has prepared for a large-scale attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure. The US and Israel have identified a joint list of targets and completed operational coordination before the deadline set by Trump.
Iran hit nationwide, launches ‘True Promise 4’ 95th wave counterattack
On April 4, multiple locations in Iran, including the capital Tehran, Mahshahr in Khuzestan Province, and port cities in southern Hormozgan Province, were simultaneously attacked by the US and Israel.
Iran immediately launched the 95th wave of its ‘True Promise 4’ military operation to retaliate against relevant US and Israeli targets.
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that Iran would retaliate against the US and Israel’s attacks on infrastructure, targeting similar US-owned or affiliated infrastructure.
Trump issues another 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to ‘blow everything up’
US President Trump issued another strong threat on April 4, giving Iran a 48-hour ultimatum and declaring, ‘Tuesday (April 7) will be a special day for Iran’s power plants and bridges, unprecedented in history,’ while demanding that Iran ‘open the Strait of Hormuz or face dire consequences.’
Trump also stated that an agreement with Iran might be reached before Tuesday; otherwise, ‘I will blow everything up.’ Data from the prediction platform Polymarket shows that traders have bet that the US will launch a ground offensive against Iran this month.
US lawmakers openly state ‘Iran is winning the war,’ criticizing Trump’s remarks
Seth Moulton, a Democratic congressman from Massachusetts, publicly stated on April 3 that Iran is winning this war and gradually gaining strategic advantages over the United States as the conflict persists.
Moulton rebutted Trump’s claim of having ‘destroyed all of Iran’s air defense capabilities,’ pointing out that the day after Trump’s statement, Iran shot down two U.S. military aircraft; although the U.S. military achieved some tactical successes, Iran has effectively restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining strategic initiative.
Iranian political analysts also noted that Trump’s continuous escalation of the war contradicts his stated willingness to negotiate, with the aim of imposing battlefield demands not achieved through diplomatic means, raising doubts about the authenticity of such measures.
Multinational mediation: Oman and Pakistan promote diplomatic breakthroughs
On the evening of April 4, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar. Araghchi accused the U.S. and Israel of being the main culprits of regional instability, emphasizing Iran’s determination to use all means to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Dar informed Araghchi of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to halt military aggression against Iran and restore regional peace, calling for continued consultations to promote a ceasefire.
On April 5 local time, Oman and Iran held a deputy foreign minister-level meeting. Experts from both sides focused on discussing feasible solutions to ensure smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz and proposed multiple negotiation frameworks.
As a key player in Middle Eastern diplomatic mediation, Oman’s move is seen as a critical attempt by the international community to seek a breakthrough in the strait blockade through diplomatic channels. If substantive arrangements are reached, it could provide relief for global energy supply chain tensions.
Iran’s Supreme Leader’s statement: Continued homeland defense, persistent strait blockade
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized on social media on April 5 that the core expectation of the Iranian people is to continue effective homeland defense while persistently using the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a ‘strategic tool.’
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has informed Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov about the detailed situation of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and infrastructure, seeking international support. US Senator Graham explicitly stated that Iran’s ‘diplomatic window is closing,’ leaving no room for easing regional tensions.
As of April 6, the US-Iran conflict has shifted from airstrikes to preparations for ground warfare, with intertwined risks of nuclear escalation, energy blockades, and full-scale war, putting continuous pressure on global financial markets and energy supply chains. With Trump’s deadline approaching on April 7, the regional situation is nearing a critical tipping point of complete loss of control.