Following fresh US strikes during the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran stepped up pressure by targeting US allies and threatening American bases across the region in an effort to force Washington back to the negotiating table. According to FRANCE 24’s Philip Turle, despite Donald Trump’s claim that the ceasefire is over, backchannel talks are likely continuing, as neither side can afford a prolonged conflict, particularly with US midterm elections approaching.