The United States and Iran exchanged new strikes across the Gulf on Thursday, signaling that a fragile interim peace agreement may be unraveling.
U.S. forces launched new airstrikes against Iranian targets after Washington accused Tehran of renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at U.S.-linked military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
The latest exchange marks one of the sharpest escalations since the interim agreement was reached, raising new questions about whether the deal can still hold. President Trump has said the ceasefire is effectively over, though U.S. officials have indicated that diplomatic talks may continue.
The conflict also carries major economic risks. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and renewed fighting has already drawn close attention from energy markets, investors and governments across the region.
For now, the situation remains volatile. Both sides are signaling that they are prepared to respond to further attacks, while diplomats face a shrinking window to keep the interim peace effort from collapsing altogether.
