U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates After Trump Ends Ceasefire; Strikes Hit 90 Targets

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated sharply following President Trump’s announcement at a NATO summit in Ankara that the mid-June memorandum of understanding is officially over. Following the declaration, U.S. Central Command launched a second night of intensive airstrikes targeting approximately 90 sites across Iran. Hits were confirmed at airports, missile installations, and bridges, with significant explosions reported in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar. President Trump also moved to revoke Iran’s licenses to sell oil on the global market, effectively reinstating a maximum pressure campaign. In direct response to the U.S. offensive, Iran launched cross-border strikes against Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Missile alert sirens were activated in Manama, near the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. Iranian state media confirmed fatalities in the Khuzestan and Iranshahr regions. Beyond military strikes, Tehran has issued a formal threat to close the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic and has pledged to attack oil production facilities in any Gulf nations that support U.S. military actions. The economic impact of the escalation was immediate, with oil prices climbing above $80 per barrel. Maritime authorities has raised the shipping risk for the Strait of Hormuz to 'Severe' following at least 50 reported incidents involving tankers. While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the U.S. strikes as 'absolutely necessary,' global leaders are expressing concern over the potential for a full-scale regional war. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing, though Iranian officials maintain they are prepared for war if their positions are compromised.