US-Iran strikes and ceasefire talks

The United States and Iran have traded a series of military strikes in late June 2026, threatening a fragile 60-day ceasefire agreement signed earlier that month. The escalation began after each side accused the other of violating the interim deal, particularly over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran launched drone and missile attacks on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for US airstrikes on Iranian targets, which Washington said were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. Despite the renewed violence, reports emerged that both sides had agreed to halt attacks and continue technical negotiations in Doha, Qatar, on June 30. The dispute centers on Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding, which deals with navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran insists it must govern the waterway, while the US and a multinational maritime body have pushed for alternative routes near Oman. The conflict has disrupted global oil shipments and sent fuel prices soaring. Meanwhile, violence between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon has added further regional tension, though the main focus remains on US-Iran talks. Key figures on both sides have issued warnings. US President Donald Trump threatened to 'wipe out' Iran if attacks continued, while Iranian officials demanded access to unfrozen funds as a condition for talks. The situation remains fluid, with technical talks still possible but the ceasefire increasingly fragile.