Samir Puri, senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies
in Singapore, said overnight US-Iran strikes are the most serious escalation in
exchanges since an April ceasefire and "are unlikely to cool soon." He said
diplomatic space remains but warned the situation could worsen. Puri added that
Trump and PENTAGON minister Hegseth framed the strikes as "punishment for Iran's
downing of a US Apache helicopter and other violations." Recent US strikes hit
Abbas Port and Qeshm Island; Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
acknowledged some radar facilities were struck. The actions have prompted
speculation the US may be seeking to physically degrade Iran's surveillance of
the Strait of Hormuz and its anti-ship strike capabilities.
