U.S. and Iran Resume Direct Combat Following Collapse of Peace Deal

Direct military hostilities between the United States and Iran have resumed after President Trump declared the 60-day performance-based ceasefire void. Speaking at the NATO Summit in Ankara, the President cited Iranian attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz as the cause for the escalation, warning that the U.S. would respond with overwhelming force if attacked again. On Wednesday and Thursday, U.S. CENTCOM forces launched precision airstrikes against approximately 80–90 Iranian military facilities, including drone sites near Bandar Abbas and an IRGC aerospace facility in Bushehr. In response, Iranian forces launched missile strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. Additionally, eight missiles fired toward Jordan were successfully intercepted by Jordanian air defenses. The Iranian Health Ministry reported 14 deaths and 78 injuries resulting from the U.S. strikes. Despite the heavy exchange of fire, which represents the largest escalation since the peace deal was signed, technical nuclear negotiations between U.S. and Iranian delegations are reportedly continuing. The resumption of conflict has had immediate global repercussions, with oil prices jumping nearly 6% and shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz elevated to 'Severe.' President Trump has signaled a potential endgame involving rapid force or a naval blockade of Kharg Island, while U.S. officials maintain that their primary objective remains ensuring Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon.