US-Iran ceasefire under threat as fresh strikes rock Middle East

US-Iran ceasefire under threat as fresh strikes rock Middle East

Fresh military exchanges between the United States and Iran have renewed fears that the fragile Middle East ceasefire could collapse, with both countries accusing each other of violating the truce even as negotiations continue toward a broader peace agreement.

The latest escalation is seen as the most serious challenge yet to the interim ceasefire reached earlier this month, raising concerns that months of diplomatic efforts could unravel despite mediation by regional and international partners.

Iranian state media reported on Saturday that Tehran launched retaliatory attacks against American-linked positions in the Gulf after US forces struck several Iranian military installations along the country’s southern coastline.

The United States, however, insisted its military action was a direct response to an Iranian drone attack on a commercial cargo vessel navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz, describing the incident as a clear breach of the ceasefire agreement.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, coastal radar installations and other military infrastructure in a precision operation aimed at protecting international shipping routes.

CENTCOM described the strikes as a “powerful response” to what it called “unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces” that “clearly violated the ceasefire.”

US officials said the military operation lasted about 90 minutes and focused on degrading Iran’s capability to threaten maritime traffic in the Gulf.

US President Donald Trump condemned the reported Iranian drone attack on the commercial vessel, describing it as “a foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement.”

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Vice President JD Vance also warned Tehran against further escalation, saying on X that “violence will be met with violence” if additional attacks were carried out.

Iran rejected Washington’s account, insisting its military actions were defensive and accusing the United States of violating international law by attacking Iranian territory.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry maintained that Tehran’s response was legitimate self-defence, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later announced retaliatory strikes against American positions across the Gulf.

In a statement carried by Iranian state television, the Guards warned that any repeat of US military action would trigger an even broader response.

Iranian state television also reported an explosion at Taherouyeh Pier near the southern port city of Sirik, attributing the blast to a projectile strike. However, the Mehr News Agency later reported that port operations continued normally and no significant damage had been recorded.

The renewed confrontation has once again drawn international attention to the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass.

Although Iran continues to insist that vessels obtain its approval before transiting the waterway, commercial shipping has gradually resumed following earlier disruptions.

Several shipping companies have adopted alternative routes or delayed voyages due to heightened security concerns, while naval patrols by Western and regional forces have increased to safeguard commercial vessels.

Despite the latest military exchanges, global oil prices have continued to decline amid expectations that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway will continue and that both Washington and Tehran remain committed to preserving the broader ceasefire.

Amid the renewed tensions, Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered framework agreement on Friday aimed at laying the foundation for lasting peace along their shared border.

The agreement followed five rounds of negotiations in Washington and is expected to serve as a roadmap for reducing hostilities between both neighbours.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as “the beginning of the beginning,” saying it creates a framework for lasting peace and security while acknowledging that significant work remains.

Under the arrangement, Lebanese armed forces will gradually assume control of pilot areas currently occupied by Israeli troops, while Israel will maintain a limited security presence until the disarmament of Hezbollah can be independently verified.

The United States also announced plans to establish a Military Coordination Group to oversee implementation of the agreement, alongside an additional $100 million humanitarian assistance package for affected communities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a diplomatic victory over Iran, insisting Tehran should have no role in Lebanon’s future security arrangements.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the accord as a “first step” toward restoring state sovereignty and allowing displaced civilians to return home safely.

However, the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement rejected the framework, with senior lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah arguing that the agreement was intended to weaken the broader regional ceasefire involving Iran.

Supporters of Hezbollah later staged protests in Beirut following the announcement.

Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that any permanent agreement between Washington and Tehran must include rigorous international verification to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.

Grossi said Iran has repeatedly insisted that developing nuclear weapons is not its intention.

“Intentions are not enough,” he said, adding that a strong verification mechanism must be established as soon as possible.

Iran’s nuclear programme remains one of the most contentious issues in ongoing negotiations, with Tehran and Washington still divided over future access for international inspectors.

Under the interim agreement, Iran’s estimated 440-kilogram stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 per cent is expected to be downblended under IAEA supervision.

Diplomatic sources say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the latest exchange of military strikes proves to be an isolated incident or marks the beginning of a broader regional conflict capable of disrupting global energy supplies and one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.