WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified dramatically on Thursday as both countries exchanged fresh military strikes, raising fears that hopes for a negotiated peace have suffered a major setback.
The latest escalation came after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was effectively over following Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. military announced that it had carried out airstrikes against approximately 90 military targets across Iran, including air defence systems, missile and drone storage facilities, naval assets, military logistics centres, and coastal surveillance installations. U.S. officials described the operation as a response to Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz and said the strikes were intended to protect international shipping and regional security.
Iranian authorities reported multiple explosions in several parts of the country and accused the United States of targeting civilian infrastructure, including transportation facilities and areas near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Tehran strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as violations of international law and acts of aggression.
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones targeting U.S. allies in the Middle East, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Air defence systems in several countries intercepted incoming projectiles as governments activated emergency alerts and heightened security measures.
According to Iranian officials, at least 14 people were killed and 78 others injured during the two days of U.S. military strikes.
The renewed hostilities have cast serious doubt on diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. Negotiations that had begun under a temporary agreement earlier this year have now been suspended amid the escalating violence and national mourning ceremonies following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speaking after the NATO Summit in Türkiye, President Trump maintained that while the ceasefire had effectively collapsed, diplomatic negotiations could continue if Iran demonstrated a genuine willingness to reach a lasting agreement. He also warned that any further attacks on international shipping would trigger an even stronger American military response.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the dispute. The strategic waterway handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, and recent attacks on commercial vessels have already contributed to rising global oil prices and renewed concerns about energy security.
International observers warn that the latest exchange of military strikes has significantly increased regional instability and complicated efforts to secure a lasting peace. While both Washington and Tehran continue to leave open the possibility of future negotiations, the renewed fighting has made prospects for a diplomatic resolution increasingly uncertain.