CNN anchor Becky Anderson asked Nick Robertson, the network's international diplomatic editor, about the message Iran is trying to convey by expanding its attacks to include new targets in the region.

This comes after 30 days have passed since that event - which seemed historic - namely the signing of the memorandum of understanding. It appears that things have escalated in a worrying and unsettling manner in the region. Regarding the developments in the current situation, Robertson said: 'I clearly think we are going through a cycle of military escalation. This is because neither side has explicitly announced the cancellation of the memorandum of understanding; the memorandum remains completely marginalized and isolated from these military operations. Nevertheless, the document remains valid and intact, and it is possible to imagine a time when one of the parties recommends returning to it, after realizing that military means are not achieving the desired results at present.'

He continued, saying: 'I think that on the diplomatic level, that document - despite its current ineffectiveness - could become useful again in the future, because it represents the roadmap for getting out of the current situation.'

He adds about his analysis of the ongoing strikes that both parties have reasons for targeting the sites they hit. He said: 'Iran says it is targeting American military bases and assets in the region, and it clearly targeted a civilian facility in Kuwait last night, which represents a huge vulnerability for all Gulf countries... Desalination plants and associated power plants, which provide air conditioning and clean drinking water for the population. For most Gulf countries, these facilities are vital and indispensable, and therefore they represent enormous pressure points; Iran has escalated its moves to this level.' He continues regarding America: 'If you look at what the United States is doing and understand how armies operate, you will realize that they are not just randomly distributing ammunition here and there. Rather, they are planning what they will do next week, and studying where their position will be in a week or two. Therefore, we will see operations that pave the way for that; first... ensuring the safety of ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which means neutralizing the infrastructure and port facilities along the Strait of Hormuz.'

He added, continuing: 'But the matter goes beyond that; America seeks to reach the infrastructure that connects the areas around the Strait of Hormuz - especially Bandar Abbas and other ports in that region - to the Iranian interior, as well as disrupting other ports, and targeting Bushehr, which includes an Iranian military air base; a base that is less than one minute by fighter jet from Kharg Island, which was proposed in the distant past as a potential target. This appears to be the current situation.'

As for Iran expanding its target range, Robertson said: 'Two or more Gulf states are being targeted; we have seen that with Kuwait and Bahrain. Now, it has reached a former American base - the Al-Tanf base inside Syria - which had not been bombed before.'