U.S.-Iran Conflict Intensifies as Ceasefire Collapses and Airstrikes Resume

The fragile 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran has collapsed after less than two months. President Donald Trump declared the pause in hostilities "over" following Iranian attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which U.S. officials labeled as "acts of terrorism." In response, CENTCOM initiated a massive second wave of precision airstrikes targeting approximately 80 to 90 military sites across Iran, including IRGC facilities in Bushehr and naval assets in Bandar Abbas. Iranian state media has reported 14 deaths and dozens of injuries as a result of the military action. Iran launched immediate retaliatory strikes using advanced drones and missiles against U.S. bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. While Jordan successfully intercepted several missiles, a U.S. fuel storage facility in Bahrain and a satellite antenna in Qatar were reportedly hit. President Trump has issued a stern warning that any further Iranian aggression will be met with force "10 times harder," though he emphasized a desire to finish the operation quickly rather than engage in a protracted ground war. Amid the military escalation, diplomatic back-channels remain active. Technical nuclear negotiations are continuing, with the U.S. administration maintaining a dual-track strategy of military pressure and diplomatic engagement to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Economically, the conflict has already begun to impact global markets; the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned of severe volatility that could disrupt mid-term oil surplus forecasts, and U.S. consumers are seeing a rise in gas prices as energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz are threatened.