The fragile ceasefire between United States and Iran effectively collapsed after both countries launched fresh military strikes on Thursday, expanding the conflict across the Gulf and raising fears of a wider regional war.
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The latest escalation began after the US carried out a fresh round of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, saying the operation was retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and aimed at ensuring "freedom of navigation". Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting US military assets and allied facilities in the Middle East, while reiterating that any further American intervention would invite a "crushing response".
The exchange came as Iran buried Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Mashhad following his death in a US strike earlier this year. US President Donald Trump also declared that the interim ceasefire with Tehran was effectively "over", although diplomatic negotiations continue. The latest attacks marked the biggest breach of the truce since it came into force in April.
