US and Iran exchange fire for a second day, undermining shaky ceasefire

The United States and Iran engaged in a second day of air attacks, intensifying a conflict that jeopardizes a fragile ceasefire established in April. President Donald Trump warned of continued strikes if Tehran does not immediately accept a peace deal. This escalation began earlier in the week with the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a series of retaliatory strikes across Iran and on US bases in the region.

“

The US strikes would stop shortly but that he would resume heavy bombing if Iran’s leaders did not sign an agreement with the United States immediately.

The US military stated its recent attacks targeted "military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran," citing Tehran's "unwarranted and continued aggression." Trump indicated to Fox News that US strikes would cease shortly but would resume with heavy bombing if Iran's leaders did not sign an agreement promptly. Oil prices saw a nearly $3 increase following Trump's threat, extending gains in Asian trade.

“

military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced counter-attacks on 18 US military targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. They also claimed to have targeted the al-Azraq air base in Jordan for a second consecutive night with 12 ballistic missiles. Bahrain's interior ministry reported minor injuries to an 11-year-old girl and damage to vehicles and homes due to falling debris from intercepted Iranian drones. Kuwait briefly closed its airspace due to an Iranian attack.

“

unwarranted and continued aggression

Iran's military command warned it would fire on any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed for months. Iranian media reported two US ships were fired upon. However, the US Central Command denied the strait was closed or that its ships were struck, asserting that commercial vessels continued to transit. The US also reported firing on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman that was carrying oil from Iran, resulting in the deaths of three missing Indian seafarers.

“

it had launched counter-attacks on 18 US military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.