U.S. strikes Iran over latest ship attack; Tehran retaliates against Arab states

The United States launched significant airstrikes against Iran early Sunday, targeting approximately 140 sites including missile and drone launch locations, ammunition depots, and communication equipment. These strikes were a direct response to an Iranian attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the vessel being set ablaze and one crew member missing.

Iran did not remain passive, retaliating with attacks on several Middle Eastern nations that host U.S. military forces, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman. Tehran emphasized its claim to sole control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and natural gas transit route, suggesting it might charge vessels for passage.

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We bombed the hell out of them last night.

President Donald Trump, speaking to NBC's "Meet the Press," stated, "We bombed the hell out of them last night." The U.S. military's Central Command indicated the attacks would diminish Iran's capacity to threaten shipping. Meanwhile, semi-official Iranian news agencies reported the death of a navy officer.

This renewed fighting casts a shadow over the interim deal reached between Iran and the U.S. on June 17, which began a 60-day period intended to lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities. The midway point of this period falls within the week, and the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, a key negotiation sticking point, jeopardizes the deal's prospects. Iran declared the strait closed until calm is restored, while the U.S. military asserted that over 140 ships had transited the waterway in the past week, with traffic continuing at reduced levels.

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The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.