U.S. and Iran Exchange Heavy Strikes as 60-Day Ceasefire Collapses

The fragile 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran has collapsed following a series of rapid military escalations in the Persian Gulf. After Iran allegedly targeted Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. military launched airstrikes on more than 80 targets within Iran, including infrastructure in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm. In immediate retaliation, Iranian forces launched strikes against 85 U.S. military sites located in Bahrain and Kuwait. In tandem with military action, the Trump administration has reimposed strict economic pressure by revoking waivers that previously allowed Iranian oil sales. U.S. CENTCOM characterized the Iranian aggression as a 'clear violation' of the recent Memorandum of Understanding, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned of decisive measures to protect its national sovereignty. The conflict has now expanded to involve regional allies more directly. Kuwaiti military officials confirmed that their air defense systems are actively engaging missile and drone threats, marking a significant widening of the kinetic environment. These events are unfolding as President Trump meets with NATO leaders in Turkey and Iran remains in a period of national mourning during the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.