U.S. and Iran Exchange Fresh Strikes as Cease-Fire Appears to Collapse

Fighting between the United States and Iran intensified on Thursday as both countries launched fresh attacks, raising fears that the fragile cease-fire between them has effectively collapsed.

The latest escalation came after the U.S. military said it had carried out strikes on more than 170 military targets across Iran over the past 48 hours. According to U.S. officials, the attacks targeted air defense systems, missile and drone storage facilities, military boats, and other strategic infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz to reduce threats to commercial shipping.

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward U.S. military sites in several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Jordan's military said it intercepted several missiles that entered its airspace, while Kuwait and Bahrain also reported intercepting incoming projectiles. Iranian officials warned that more American military bases in the region could be targeted if U.S. strikes continue.

Iran's Health Ministry said at least 14 people were killed and 78 others injured during the latest round of attacks. Iranian authorities also reported that overnight strikes damaged port cities in the country's south and a railway linking Tehran to the northeastern city of Mashhad. The United States has not confirmed those specific claims.

The renewed hostilities followed U.S. accusations that Iranian forces had threatened commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes. Iran has denied responsibility for attacking ships but has continued to insist that vessels follow designated routes through its territorial waters.

The conflict has also affected Gulf nations hosting U.S. military forces, increasing concerns about regional stability. Qatar has continued diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, while other Gulf countries have condemned attacks on international shipping and called for restraint.

Despite President Donald Trump saying the cease-fire was effectively over, he also suggested he remained open to negotiations if Iran was willing to reach a new agreement. However, Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed that any fresh peace talks are taking place.

With both sides continuing military operations and exchanging threats, concerns are growing that the conflict could expand further across the Middle East, affecting regional security and global energy markets.