U.S. Launches Major Retaliatory Strikes on Iran; Ceasefire Collapses

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has officially collapsed following a massive wave of U.S. military strikes against more than 80 targets in and around the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar sites, and over 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats. The strikes were a direct response to recent attacks on three commercial tankers, including Saudi and Qatari vessels, which the U.S. maintains violated the free passage terms of the 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Speaking from the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump declared the peace process defunct, stating that the ceasefire deal is 'over' and describing further diplomacy with Tehran as a 'waste of time.' In conjunction with the military action, the U.S. Treasury Department vocalized the immediate reimposition of total oil sanctions, revoking prior waivers that allowed Iran to sell crude. This move effectively ends a temporary de-escalation period that had been intended to facilitate technical negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Iran’s military command has vowed a 'crushing response' to what it termed a blatant act of aggression. The IRGC claimed to have already targeted 85 U.S. military installations across Bahrain and Kuwait, specifically citing strikes on the Fifth Naval Base in Port Salman and Ali Salem Airbase. The escalation has triggered sirens in neighboring Gulf states and raised urgent concerns over global energy security, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for 20% of the world's oil trade.