The situation in the Middle East has suddenly escalated, with the United States and Israel launching strikes on Iran on Feb 28. US President Donald Trump said he aims to completely destroy Iran's missile and missile industry. Chen Qi, director of the Center for China-US Relations at Tsinghua University, said in an interview with China Daily that the US action indicates the failure of the third round of negotiations with Tehran to reach a basic consensus.

Washington's primary intention is to pressure Iran into making concessions in any potential future talks, while also diverting attention from domestic political issues in the United States, including the Epstein scandal, and building momentum ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. This military move has effectively opened Pandora's box, further intensifying regional tensions.

Future developments will hinge on Iran's capacity to retaliate. The US military base in Bahrain has reportedly been struck by missiles, and the Iranian side claims that around 200 US military personnel have been killed or injured. If Iran continues to retaliate and even moves to block the Strait of Hormuz, the situation could become politically untenable for Washington under mounting domestic pressure.

Reporter: Li Huixian