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Not even two weeks have passed since the ceasefire came into effect, yet Iran and the United States have once again become embroiled in fresh conflict and tit-for-tat attacks. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. In this situation, tensions are rising again in the Middle East, reported Reuters news agency.
According to the Reuters report, shortly after US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning against Iran, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain early Sunday morning.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its naval and air forces jointly conducted this operation in response to recent US attacks. It was stated that the attacks specifically targeted US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
On the other hand, a US official told Reuters that while the attacks did occur, there have been no reports of American casualties so far. Similarly, no significant damage has been reported.
Earlier, the US military had stated that it conducted new military operations against Iran following an Iranian drone attack on a Panama-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that Iran’s surveillance, communication, air defense, drone storage, and mine-laying facilities were struck in response to Iran’s continued attacks on commercial shipping.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state broadcaster reported that explosions were heard in the Sirik area in the southern part of the country. However, no detailed information was released.
The IRGC stated in a release that the recent US attacks constitute a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and could lead to the complete suspension of the diplomatic process. Simultaneously, they warned that US bases in the Middle East would face ‘difficult circumstances’ in the coming days.
On the other hand, in a message on social media, President Trump stated, “A time may come when we will no longer be able to tolerate and will be forced to militarily finish the work we started.” He further claimed that if such a situation arises, the very existence of the Islamic Republic of Iran would be threatened.
A 14-point interim agreement was recently signed between the United States and Iran to end the four-month war that began on February 28 of this year. The agreement aimed to cease hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international maritime traffic, and facilitate discussions on various issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
However, the report states that despite the first round of discussions held in Switzerland with mediators present, the situation has not improved. Instead, distrust and military tension between both sides have further escalated.
Tension also continues around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy transit routes. During the war, shipping through this strait was severely disrupted. Although traffic recently resumed partially, the new attacks have once again raised concerns about international energy markets and regional security.
Meanwhile, Washington and Tehran have also become embroiled in new disputes over the situation in Lebanon. Iran accuses the US of failing to uphold its commitment to maintain a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of the peace agreement. On the other hand, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have not entirely ceased.
According to analysts, despite the temporary ceasefire agreement, Iran-US relations remain extremely fragile. Recent attacks and counter-attacks have raised fears of a renewed, larger conflict in the Middle East.