NEW DELHI: The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran collapsed after both sides exchanged fresh military strikes following an attack on a commercial oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The latest escalation comes just two weeks after Washington and Tehran signed an interim agreement to end four months of fighting.
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The US said it launched fresh strikes on Iranian military infrastructure after accusing Tehran of using a drone to attack a Panama-flagged tanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil.
Iran denied violating the agreement, retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, and warned of a stronger response if Washington continued its attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the latest US attacks.
Top developments
US launches fresh strikes after tanker attack
The United States carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets after a Panama-flagged tanker was hit by an Iranian drone near the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted Iran's military surveillance systems, communications infrastructure, air defence sites, drone storage facilities and mine-laying capabilities. Washington said the operation was a direct response to continued Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
Iran retaliates with missile and drone attacks
Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US military facilities in the Gulf, including the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attacks were a response to recent American strikes and warned that any further "enemy aggression" would be met with a "crushing response."
Bahrain and Kuwait activate emergency measures
Bahrain sounded nationwide warning sirens and urged residents to move to the nearest safe location after reporting Iranian drone activity. Kuwait activated its air defence systems in response to what it described as "hostile missile and drone threats" as tensions spread across the Gulf.
Trump warns Iran of more military action
US President Donald Trump confirmed the latest American strikes, accusing Iran of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned that Washington could escalate its military campaign if Tehran continued its actions, saying the US would be "forced to militarily complete the job" if Iran failed to honour the agreement.
Explosions reported in southern Iran
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported explosions in the southern coastal city of Sirik shortly after the US strikes. State media also reported projectiles hitting a village on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, though authorities did not immediately provide details on casualties or damage.
