Iran has agreed to allow the passage of humanitarian and agricultural aid through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a potential breakthrough in a conflict that has disrupted global trade for weeks.

The announcement came just hours after Iranian state media said two nuclear facilities had come under attack in strikes claimed by Israel. Tehran has agreed to “facilitate and expedite” humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said on Friday.

Ali Bahreini said the decision followed a request from the United Nations and would allow essential goods, including food supplies and fertilisers, to move through the critical shipping route. The move is seen as the first easing of restrictions at the chokepoint since the war began a month ago.

While much of the global focus has been on oil and gas disruptions, officials warn that blocked fertiliser shipments could have serious consequences for agriculture and food security worldwide. The UN recently established a task force to address the wider impact of the conflict on aid delivery.

The humanitarian development came amid renewed military escalation. Iranian authorities reported that two nuclear-related facilities were targeted in air strikes. Israel later confirmed carrying out the attacks, which hit the Shahid Khondab heavy water complex in Arak and a yellowcake production plant in Yazd province.

Iranian officials said there were no casualties and no risk of radiation contamination. However, the strikes prompted sharp warnings from Tehran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the attacks undermined diplomatic efforts and warned that Iran would respond.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also signalled retaliation, with senior commanders issuing threats against interests linked to the United States and Israel. The developments add to concerns that the conflict could widen further.

International efforts to de-escalate the situation are ongoing. Diplomats from countries including Pakistan and Turkey are attempting to arrange direct talks between Washington and Tehran. At the same time, foreign ministers from the Group of Seven have called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has urged restraint, warning of the risks associated with strikes on nuclear-related sites. Director General Rafael Grossi said there had been no increase in radiation levels but stressed the need to avoid any actions that could trigger a nuclear incident.

Meanwhile, the United States is increasing its military presence in the region. Additional troops, including Marines and airborne units, have been deployed as a precaution, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington believes it can meet its objectives without committing ground forces.

As the conflict enters its second month, the agreement to allow humanitarian shipments offers a rare sign of progress, even as military tensions remain high and diplomatic efforts continue.

One month into the conflict with Iran, the administration of Donald Trump continues to highlight what it describes as major military successes, even as uncertainty grows over whether its broader objectives can be achieved.

The White House continues to claim major successes in its ongoing operations in Iran, which have now reached the one month mark. Objectives of the war appear to constantly be shifting, but how successful has Washington been so far?

Since the United States and Israel launched strikes in late February, the conflict has destabilised the Middle East, disrupted global supply chains and pushed up oil prices, particularly as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted. The administration initially outlined several key goals, including crippling Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its defence industry, limiting its naval and air power, halting its nuclear ambitions and protecting regional allies.

US officials say progress has been made on several fronts. The Pentagon claims that a large portion of Iran’s missile systems and launchers have been destroyed, while drone production facilities have been significantly damaged. However, Iranian forces continue to launch missiles and drones, including recent attacks targeting Israel and US-linked positions in the region. A strike on a US base in Saudi Arabia reportedly injured American personnel and damaged aircraft, highlighting Iran’s remaining capabilities.

Washington also points to its dominance in the air and at sea. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said more than 150 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed, allowing US and allied forces to operate with limited resistance. Despite this, analysts note that Iran’s reliance on smaller naval units and asymmetric tactics means its maritime threat has not been fully eliminated.

On the nuclear front, the situation remains unclear. While the administration previously claimed Iran’s nuclear programme had been severely weakened, officials now warn that Tehran could still be close to developing a weapon. Recent strikes on nuclear-related facilities have raised further concerns, and attention has turned to Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which the US has indicated it may attempt to secure. Experts say such an operation would be complex and risky.

Protecting regional allies has also become a central focus. Trump has pledged to ensure the security of countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, though Iranian attacks on Gulf targets suggest the threat persists. The future of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, remains uncertain as the US weighs how far it is willing to go to guarantee its security.

Beyond these goals, the administration has hinted at broader ambitions, including weakening Iran’s leadership and its support for allied militant groups across the region. However, officials have provided limited detail on how these aims will be achieved.

As the conflict enters its second month, the gap between tactical military gains and long-term strategic outcomes continues to shape debate in Washington and beyond.