US and Iran Trade Strikes as Ceasefire Collapses; Gulf States on Alert
The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which ended on July 6, has failed to prevent renewed hostilities. Both sides have carried out military strikes against each other's facilities, escalating tensions in West Asia.
On Thursday, the Iranian military launched strikes targeting US communication systems and fuel storage tanks at the Azraq base in Jordan, according to reports. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces conducted aerial strikes on Wednesday against Iranian command centres, air defence sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities in multiple locations, including Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island.
The US stated that the strikes were intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said it used precision munitions and that the operations were carried out under the direction of the Commander in Chief. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones, and air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where authorities urged citizens to stay calm and seek shelter.
Additionally, the US Navy disabled a commercial oil tanker, the M/T Belma, which was heading to Iran's Kharg Island, after the vessel ignored warnings to stop. The US described this as part of its naval blockade measures against Iran. The tanker was disabled after US aircraft fired missiles into its smokestack, and it is no longer proceeding to Iran.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi condemned a drone attack that violated the airspace over Erbil in the Kurdistan region, without identifying the source of the drones. He directed security agencies to take measures to prevent further incidents.
The United States also approved the sale of an estimated $1.96 billion in weapons to Saudi Arabia, amid the escalating conflict. In Iran, authorities displayed posters depicting US President Donald Trump in a coffin, and Iranian officials reported that US attacks targeted Semnan province, which houses ballistic missile production and space facilities.
The situation remains tense, with both sides continuing military operations and regional countries taking precautions. The international community has called for restraint to prevent a wider war.
