The United States has launched another round of military strikes against Iranian targets after accusing Tehran of violating the ceasefire agreement for a second time, further escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf.
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, along with coastal radar installations, saying the action was a direct response to Iran’s repeated violations of the ceasefire.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump warned that continued aggression by Iran could trigger a much stronger military response. He said the United States had exercised restraint but would not hesitate to take additional action if Tehran continued to ignore the agreement.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest operation followed an Iranian drone strike on a commercial tanker despite previous U.S. retaliatory attacks. American officials said Iran was given an opportunity to respect the ceasefire but instead launched another one-way attack drone that struck a merchant vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media reported explosions in the southern port areas of Sirik, Bandar Lengeh, and on Qeshm Island, locations that reportedly host military facilities. Authorities in Tehran have not provided detailed information regarding the reported damage.
The renewed exchange comes after an earlier U.S. operation targeted similar military sites in response to an alleged Iranian drone attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel M/V Ever Lovely. Washington described the incident as an unprovoked attack on commercial shipping and a threat to freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
Meanwhile, Bahrain said it intercepted multiple Iranian drones aimed at the country, describing the incident as a serious threat to regional security. Additional reports indicated that another tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, adding to concerns over maritime safety.
The recent escalation has also disrupted commercial shipping. Several vessels reportedly altered their routes near the Strait of Hormuz, while maritime security organizations raised the regional threat level for commercial traffic operating in the Gulf.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) temporarily suspended its coordinated evacuation plan for thousands of seafarers after security conditions deteriorated. The organization had previously been working with regional governments to facilitate the safe movement of stranded ships through the waterway.
Iran has criticized the U.S. military operations, claiming they violate international law and previous agreements between the two countries. Iranian officials also stated that their forces responded by targeting locations associated with U.S. military interests, although no further details were released.
Vice President JD Vance urged Iran to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels, emphasizing that while the United States remains committed to the ceasefire, any further attacks would receive a military response.
With financial markets closed over the weekend, investors are expected to closely monitor developments when trading resumes, particularly for any impact on global oil prices, shipping operations, and broader geopolitical risk.