Ceasefire collapse leads to mutual accusations
The United States and Iran have accused each other of violating the terms of a ceasefire agreement signed just days ago by President Donald Trump. Both countries have conducted fresh military strikes, escalating tensions in the region.
US strikes on Iranian targets
US Central Command (Centcom) announced it had hit multiple targets across Iran, stating, 'Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit MT Kiku, a Panama-flagged tanker.' The strike came after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz last week, requiring ships to seek permission to pass through the strategic waterway.
Iran retaliates against US bases
Iran accused the US of breaching the ceasefire, citing ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which the peace deal required to end. In response, US fighter jets conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the US attacked five coastal posts in Iran 'under the pretext of the IRGC Navy confronting the offending ship.' Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at 'eight key pieces of infrastructure' at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and the Fifth Naval Fleet in Port Salman, Bahrain, claiming to have 'destroyed them.' However, an American official told Reuters that no building had been damaged.
Iran warns of complete breakdown
The IRGC warned, 'Any potential enemy aggression, under any pretext, even if the aggressions are against minor targets, as happened last night and tonight, will have a crushing response.' Iran cautioned that this could lead to a complete breakdown in peace talks. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the 'brutal attacks' as a violation of the ceasefire, adding that the US 'does not place the slightest value and credibility on its commitments, and breaking promises is part of its nature.'
Trump threatens Iran's existence
President Trump wrote on Truth Social that it was 'very possible' Tehran would 'never learn,' and warned, 'There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!'
Kuwait and Bahrain activate air defences
After the US strikes, Kuwait and Bahrain reported that their air defence systems had been activated. The Kuwaiti Armed Forces stated on X, 'Kuwaiti air defences are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks,' issuing safety instructions for the public. Bahrain's Ministry of Interior urged citizens to 'remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.'
