U.S. and Iran trade new attacks as a fragile ceasefire collapses, raising fears of a wider Middle East war and global energy crisis.
U.S. and Iran return to attacks as peace efforts weaken
A fragile pause between the United States and Iran is quickly falling apart as both sides launch fresh attacks, raising fears that the Middle East conflict could expand once again.
Early Thursday, U.S. forces carried out new airstrikes against targets in Iran. Soon after, Iran responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at U.S.-allied countries in the region.
As a result, hopes for a temporary peace deal have been badly damaged, and leaders around the world are watching closely to see what happens next.
Missiles trigger alarms across Gulf nations
The latest exchange of fire spread beyond the two main rivals. Sirens sounded multiple times in Bahrain, which hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.
Meanwhile, Kuwait reported that its military intercepted several missiles and drones. Falling debris injured one person during the response.
Qatar and Jordan also reported incoming attacks. However, officials said defensive systems stopped the threats before they caused major damage.
The attacks marked one of the biggest challenges yet for the short-lived ceasefire agreement.
U.S. says strikes targeted Iran’s military power
The U.S. military said it struck around 90 locations across Iran. Officials said the goal was to weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway remains a major concern because a large share of global oil and natural gas shipments passes through the area.
Therefore, any long-term disruption could affect energy prices worldwide. During the earlier fighting, oil prices jumped and everyday costs, including food prices, increased in many countries.
Iran reports deaths and damage after U.S. strikes
Iran’s Health Ministry said at least 14 people were killed and 78 others were injured during two days of American attacks. Most of those reported killed were members of Iran’s armed forces.
Iranian officials also reported explosions in several areas, including near Bushehr, home to the country’s nuclear power facility.
Officials in southern Iran said several people died in separate strikes, including a firefighter killed near an airport.
In addition, Iranian state media reported that bridges were hit for the first time since April, including railway infrastructure in northern parts of the country.
Trump warns the conflict could intensify
U.S. President Donald Trump said the latest attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz ended the already fragile ceasefire.
He warned Iran that further attacks could lead to a stronger response.
Trump also said the conflict would not become a long-term military operation, suggesting that any major escalation could happen quickly.
However, his comments increased concerns that fighting could return on a larger scale.
Iran divided over future of conflict
The renewed violence appears to highlight disagreements within Iran’s leadership.
Some hard-line officials want stronger control over the Strait of Hormuz and a tougher response against Western pressure.
At the same time, other leaders continue pushing for a permanent agreement that could reduce sanctions and help repair Iran’s economy.
Iranian officials have also accused Washington of breaking commitments, while U.S. leaders say Tehran violated the terms of the ceasefire.
Peace talks face a major setback
Negotiations for a permanent agreement were expected to begin after the funeral of Iran’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
However, the recent attacks have created new uncertainty around those discussions.
Now, the biggest challenges remain reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing international concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.
For now, both sides continue exchanging threats, and the future of the ceasefire remains unclear.
