When is a ceasefire not a ceasefire? When both sides are still firing

Ceasefire in name only US-Iran exchange major strikes as ceasefire teeters on the brink

Fresh fighting between the United States and Iran has pushed the Middle East closer to renewed war, with both sides launching significant military strikes despite efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire.

The latest escalation saw the U.S. carry out widespread airstrikes across Iran, while Tehran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward several American allies in the Gulf, raising fears that the temporary truce could collapse completely.

Missiles target Gulf states

Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, as Iranian missiles and drones targeted the kingdom along with Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan.

Kuwaiti officials said their air defences intercepted three ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and ten drones, with falling debris injuring one person.

Jordan also reported intercepting incoming missiles after warning sirens sounded across the country, while Iranian state media claimed missiles had been fired at a U.S. military base there. There were no immediate reports of significant damage in Qatar.

America launches fresh air campaign

The U.S. military said it struck around 90 targets across Iran, including missile launch sites and military infrastructure, describing the operation as an effort to weaken Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian media reported explosions in several cities, including near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iranian officials accused the United States of striking close to the facility, although U.S. Central Command made no reference to the nuclear site in its official statement.

Iran's Health Ministry said at least 14 people were killed and 78 wounded during two days of American airstrikes, with many of the casualties reported to be members of the armed forces.

Strait of Hormuz remains flashpoint

President Donald Trump blamed Iran for recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any further assaults would trigger an even stronger military response.

"This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!" Trump wrote on social media.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important waterways, carrying a significant share of global oil and natural gas exports. Shipping traffic had begun recovering following last month's interim ceasefire, but the renewed violence has once again placed international energy supplies at risk.

Iran vows retaliation

Iranian leaders responded with defiant warnings.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf declared that the United States had failed to learn that "bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free," adding, "If you strike, you'll get hit."

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Oman, as well as Pakistan's army chief, in what appeared to be a diplomatic effort to prevent the conflict from spiralling further.

Peace talks in doubt

The latest exchanges have cast serious doubt over negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict.

President Trump has declared the interim ceasefire effectively finished, although diplomatic contacts are expected to continue.

Any future agreement is expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz fully, reducing regional tensions and addressing Iran's controversial nuclear programme.

With missiles continuing to fly and both sides issuing fresh threats, hopes for a lasting peace appear increasingly uncertain.

SOURCE