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🇶🇦 Qatar /Conflict & Security

US says conducting new wave of strikes on Iran as ceasefire falters

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The U.S. military announced new strikes on Iran, citing threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • This escalation follows a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intended to end fighting between the two nations.
  • Disputes over the MoU's interpretation, particularly regarding safe passage of vessels, have led to renewed conflict.

The United States military has initiated a new wave of strikes against Iran, escalating a conflict that threatens to unravel a recent ceasefire agreement. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Wednesday that the strikes, ordered by President Trump, aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)CENTCOM announced the new strikes on X, citing the need to protect shipping.

This military action comes just a day after a previous round of attacks and marks the most severe escalation since both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in mid-June to end hostilities. The MoU lifted a U.S. naval blockade and opened the Strait of Hormuz, but left more complex issues, including Iran's nuclear program, for future negotiation.

The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway.

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)CENTCOM explained the rationale behind the strikes.

The primary point of contention appears to be the fifth clause of the MoU, which addresses the safe passage of commercial vessels for 60 days. Iran interprets this clause as granting it sole responsibility for managing passage through the Strait, a position used to justify attacks on vessels. The U.S. administration, however, maintains that the MoU requires unfettered passage for all ships, viewing the Strait as a vital international waterway.

Since the signing of the memorandum of understanding opening that 60-day window to allow for broader negotiations, the US has insisted that any uptick in conflict and military clashes is the result of Iran exercising sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, which the White House insists is an international waterway and necessary for the global economy.

— Kimberly HalkettAl Jazeera's correspondent reported on the U.S. administration's perspective from Washington, D.C.

President Trump declared the ceasefire "over" following exchanges of attacks, including Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps striking U.S. military sites. Despite this, he expressed a desire to avoid full-scale war and suggested negotiations could continue. Trump also outlined potential further actions against Iran, including reinstating the naval blockade and targeting its infrastructure.

over

— Donald TrumpTrump stated that the ceasefire was over following recent attacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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