WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters/Bloomberg) – President Donald Trump declared the US–Iran ceasefire “over” on Thursday, minutes after Tehran launched coordinated strikes against shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks, which hit two commercial vessels, mark the first direct Iranian military action against international maritime traffic since the truce was signed in May.
The White House confirmed that Trump authorized a new round of airstrikes against Iranian military installations. “The ceasefire is dead,” a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We are now in a state of active conflict.”
Iran Strikes Back: Kuwait and Bahrain Hit
Tehran retaliated within hours. Iranian drones and precision missiles struck critical infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain, targeting oil terminals and military barracks. The attacks killed at least 12 personnel and injured 47 others, according to preliminary reports from Gulf state emergency services.
This marks the second consecutive day of direct exchanges. On Wednesday, US forces bombed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) positions on the Iranian coast. Iran’s foreign ministry called the US strikes “an act of war” and vowed to “defend the nation’s sovereignty at any cost.”
The escalation tests what was already a fragile ceasefire. The initial truce, brokered through Oman and Switzerland, had held for just over two months. Neither side fully withdrew forces from the Persian Gulf.
What’s Next for the Middle East?
The immediate risk is a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s navy has deployed mines and fast-attack craft along the shipping lane, threatening one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Crude oil futures surged 8% on Thursday to $128 per barrel.
Military analysts point to a high probability of horizontal escalation. Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iraqi militias aligned with Iran have already placed forces on high alert. Israel, a primary backer of the US stance, has moved Iron Dome batteries north.
Below is an overview of military assets currently deployed in the conflict zone:
| Asset Type | US/Coalition | Iran/Allies |
|---|---|---|
| Naval (Carriers/Destroyers) | 2 CVNs, 5 DDGs | 3 frigates, 50+ fast attack craft |
| Air (Fighters/Drones) | F-35, F-15, MQ-9 | Su-22, F-4, Shahed-136 drones |
| Missile Systems | Tomahawk (ship-launched) | Shahab-3, Fateh-110, anti-ship missiles |
| Ground Forces (Approx.) | 35,000 (incl. contractors) | IRGC: 125,000+; Basij militia: 1M (reserve) |
Diplomatic channels remain open but are largely frozen. The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session later today.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What triggered Trump to declare the US-Iran ceasefire over?
- A: Trump declared the ceasefire ‘over’ after Tehran launched coordinated strikes against shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, hitting two commercial vessels, marking the first direct Iranian military action since the truce was signed in May.
- Q: How did Iran retaliate after the US airstrikes?
- A: Within hours, Iranian drones and precision missiles struck critical infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain, targeting oil terminals and military barracks, killing at least 12 personnel and injuring 47 others.
- Q: What is the current status of the ceasefire?
- A: The ceasefire is effectively dead. The White House confirmed a new round of US airstrikes against Iranian military installations, and Iran’s foreign ministry called the US strikes ‘an act of war,’ vowing to defend its sovereignty.
