AZE.US
The United States and Iran have traded a new series of attacks across the Gulf, pushing their fragile ceasefire close to collapse while leaving open a narrow path back to negotiations.
The US military said it had completed its latest round of strikes against Iran after hitting roughly 90 targets, including air defense systems, missile launchers, radar installations and command facilities. Washington said the operation was launched in response to attacks on commercial vessels in and near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting sites linked to the US military in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan. Regional governments reported intercepting several of the incoming projectiles, and there were no immediate reports of major losses among American forces.
President Donald Trump declared that the interim agreement with Tehran was “over” after accusing Iran of continuing to threaten commercial shipping. However, US officials said technical contacts with Iran were still taking place and that Washington remained interested in finding a diplomatic solution.
Iran has accused the United States of violating the agreement and interfering with shipping routes that Tehran says must operate under new security arrangements. Iranian officials have warned that further US attacks will bring additional retaliation.
The latest escalation has sharply disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Tanker movements through the waterway have nearly stopped, with many vessels delaying voyages or switching off tracking systems because of the growing security risks.
The attacks have also increased concerns over energy supplies, although oil markets have so far avoided a panic-driven surge. Brent crude traded at around $76 per barrel on Friday and was heading for a weekly gain of about 6 percent.
For now, the latest US strike campaign appears to have paused, but no new ceasefire has been announced. Both sides continue to combine military pressure with limited diplomacy, leaving the risk of another round of attacks high.
AZE.US