The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appears to have broken down after both countries launched fresh attacks and accused each other of violating the agreement.
The latest escalation began after a Panama-flagged oil tanker, MT Kiku, was struck by a drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The US Central Command (Centcom) blamed Iran for the attack, calling it a violation of the ceasefire and a threat to international commercial shipping.
In response, US fighter jets carried out strikes on 10 Iranian military targets in and around the strategic waterway. According to Centcom, the targets included military equipment, communication systems, air defence sites and drone storage facilities.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the US strikes and described them as attacks on five coastal military posts. In retaliation, Tehran said it launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting US-linked infrastructure, including the Ali al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
However, US officials told Reuters there were no casualties or significant damage to American facilities.
Both Washington and Tehran have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire memorandum signed on 17 June, which was intended to ensure safe and toll-free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran in a post on Truth Social, saying Tehran may “never learn” and warned of a more forceful military response if tensions continue.
The renewed conflict has raised fears over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Any prolonged disruption could send global oil prices soaring and affect international trade.
