US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 8) said he did not believe full-scale conflict with Iran would resume following recent military strikes exchanged by both sides, expressing confidence that any further escalation would be brief.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters in Ankara after the NATO summit, Trump said he did not expect the fighting to reignite. “I don’t think it’s going to start again. I think it’s going to go very quickly. They hit a couple of ships, and so we hit them much harder,” he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-h-1b-visa-fraud-probe-amid-crackdown-on-foreign-labour-abuse-1783537201200">US launches fresh H-1B visa fraud probe amid crackdown on foreign labour abuse</a>&nbsp;Trump added that any future developments would be short-lived and claimed they would ultimately improve regional security. “Anything that happens is going to be over very quickly … and will only make it safer, including for oil,” he said.&nbsp;The US president also repeated his assertion that he remains a primary target for Iran. “I’m number one on the kill list for Iran,” Trump said. Defending his handling of the conflict after the&nbsp;&nbsp;NATO summit, Trump again said he believed Tehran continued to view him as its top target.“They had leaders; they’re gone... Now they have another set of leaders. They may be gone,” Trump told reporters. “And you know what, I may be gone too, because I’m their number one target,” he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-trump-us-iran-mou-collapse-region-toward-flames-1783529784556">Iran warns Trump after US-Iran MoU collapse: 'Region pushed toward flames'</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran should engage with Trump “in his own language”, arguing that the US president understands the “language of force” better.&nbsp;His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following the recent exchange of military strikes, even as Trump suggested he did not expect the confrontation to develop into a prolonged conflict.

US President Trump downplayed fears of prolonged conflict with Iran following recent military strikes, claiming any escalation would be brief, while noting he remains Tehran's primary target amid heightened tensions.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 8) said he did not believe full-scale conflict with Iran would resume following recent military strikes exchanged by both sides, expressing confidence that any further escalation would be brief. Speaking to reporters in Ankara after the NATO summit, Trump said he did not expect the fighting to reignite. “I don’t think it’s going to start again. I think it’s going to go very quickly. They hit a couple of ships, and so we hit them much harder,” he said. Also read: US launches fresh H-1B visa fraud probe amid crackdown on foreign labour abuse Trump added that any future developments would be short-lived and claimed they would ultimately improve regional security. “Anything that happens is going to be over very quickly … and will only make it safer, including for oil,” he said. The US president also repeated his assertion that he remains a primary target for Iran. “I’m number one on the kill list for Iran,” Trump said. Defending his handling of the conflict after the NATO summit, Trump again said he believed Tehran continued to view him as its top target. “They had leaders; they’re gone... Now they have another set of leaders. They may be gone,” Trump told reporters. “And you know what, I may be gone too, because I’m their number one target,” he added. Also read: Iran warns Trump after US-Iran MoU collapse: 'Region pushed toward flames' Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran should engage with Trump “in his own language”, arguing that the US president understands the “language of force” better. His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following the recent exchange of military strikes, even as Trump suggested he did not expect the confrontation to develop into a prolonged conflict.

US President Trump downplayed fears of prolonged conflict with Iran following recent military strikes, claiming any escalation would be brief, while noting he remains Tehran's primary target amid heightened tensions.

‘Don’t think it’s going to start again’: Trump doesn’t expect fight with Iran to reignite

The latest US strikes on southern Iran killed eight military personnel, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday. The strikes were part of a large-scale US operation targeting more than 80 sites across Iran after Washington accused the Islamic Republic of attacking three merchant ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route. While the US military said the operation was a response to Iranian aggression, Tehran warned it would take all necessary measures to defend its national interests.&nbsp;"Following the criminal aggression carried out this morning by the US terrorist army against areas in southern Iran, eight courageous members of the air and naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran's military in Bandar Abbas (south) and Bushehr (southwest) fell as martyrs," state television said, citing a statement from the military as per AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-ll-hit-them-hard-tonight-trump-vows-fresh-iran-strikes-after-declaring-ceasefire-over-1783519005813">'We'll hit them hard tonight': Trump vows fresh Iran strikes after declaring ceasefire 'over'</a><h2>Oil and stock markets react to renewed tensions</h2>Oil prices climbed above $80 a barrel for a brief period on Wednesday while stock markets fell after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over following fresh military action in the Middle East.&nbsp;The latest escalation began after Iran targeted three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route that carried about one-fifth of the world's oil before the conflict.&nbsp;Speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump said the ceasefire was "over" but indicated that further talks could still take place.His remarks triggered a fresh reaction in financial markets, with oil prices rising again after retreating close to pre-war levels in recent days.&nbsp;The international benchmark Brent North Sea crude rose 8 per cent to $80.12 per barrel around 1520 GMT before giving back part of its gains.&nbsp;At the same time, the US benchmark WTI for August delivery increased 7.7 per cent to $75.83 per barrel.&nbsp;Fears that the Strait of Hormuz could close again also pushed global stock markets lower.&nbsp;However, later on Wednesday, Trump said he expected the latest military flare-up with Iran to end quickly.&nbsp;"I think anything that happens is going to be over very quickly and will only make it safer, including for oil... Anything that happens is going to happen very fast. We're not looking for long-term," he said at the end of a two-day NATO summit in Ankara.&nbsp;

Oil prices climbed above $80 a barrel for a brief period on Wednesday while stock markets fell after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over following fresh military action in the Middle East.

The latest US strikes on southern Iran killed eight military personnel, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday. The strikes were part of a large-scale US operation targeting more than 80 sites across Iran after Washington accused the Islamic Republic of attacking three merchant ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route. While the US military said the operation was a response to Iranian aggression, Tehran warned it would take all necessary measures to defend its national interests. "Following the criminal aggression carried out this morning by the US terrorist army against areas in southern Iran, eight courageous members of the air and naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran's military in Bandar Abbas (south) and Bushehr (southwest) fell as martyrs," state television said, citing a statement from the military as per AFP. Also Read: 'We'll hit them hard tonight': Trump vows fresh Iran strikes after declaring ceasefire 'over' Oil and stock markets react to renewed tensions Oil prices climbed above $80 a barrel for a brief period on Wednesday while stock markets fell after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over following fresh military action in the Middle East. The latest escalation began after Iran targeted three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route that carried about one-fifth of the world's oil before the conflict. Speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump said the ceasefire was "over" but indicated that further talks could still take place. His remarks triggered a fresh reaction in financial markets, with oil prices rising again after retreating close to pre-war levels in recent days. The international benchmark Brent North Sea crude rose 8 per cent to $80.12 per barrel around 1520 GMT before giving back part of its gains. At the same time, the US benchmark WTI for August delivery increased 7.7 per cent to $75.83 per barrel. Fears that the Strait of Hormuz could close again also pushed global stock markets lower. However, later on Wednesday, Trump said he expected the latest military flare-up with Iran to end quickly. "I think anything that happens is going to be over very quickly and will only make it safer, including for oil... Anything that happens is going to happen very fast. We're not looking for long-term," he said at the end of a two-day NATO summit in Ankara.

Oil prices climbed above $80 a barrel for a brief period on Wednesday while stock markets fell after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over following fresh military action in the Middle East.

Eight Iranian military personnel killed in US strikes; oil tops $80 after fresh escalation

Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said Iran is considering pulling out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in case of any further attack from the US. He also said that Iran could close the Bab-el-Mandeb in addition to the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that Iran had gained valuable experience from the “12-day war” and the “third imposed war,” and knows how to defeat its adversaries.He slammed the unilateral US withdrawl from the Memorandum of Understanding and the following strikes on Iran’s infrastructure. If the US attacks again, then Iran will respond “with all its capabilities”. He said that Iran would unleash “the full capabilities of the Axis of Resistance” and the operations will not just target military assets but will also explore other strategic options. He describes the US as being formed by “European outcasts and hooligans” calling it a historical fact and contrasting it with Iran, which has a civilisational and historical legacy spanning 10,000 years.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-trump-us-iran-mou-collapse-region-toward-flames-1783529784556">Iran warns Trump after US-Iran MoU collapse: 'Region pushed toward flames'</a>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran “will response vulgurity with action”. “Addressing the civilised and courageous nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its greatness,” Araghchi said. “Iranians are known for their civility, culture, and strong moral values. We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valour,” said Abbas Araghchi.&nbsp;Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States of systematically dismantling a key bilateral memorandum of understanding regarding maritime security. “From the very first step, the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States was structured not on trust, but on a clear mechanism of ‘commitment for commitment,’ as there was never any sign of good faith in the opponent’s behaviour,” said Baghei in a post on the social media platform X.Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that Trump's deregatory languages are an admission of defeat. He said that the language emanating from Trump is a clear indicator that Washington's long-standing pressure campaign has collapsed.&nbsp;

Iran warned it could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if the US launches further attacks, escalating regional tensions.

Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said Iran is considering pulling out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in case of any further attack from the US. He also said that Iran could close the Bab-el-Mandeb in addition to the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that Iran had gained valuable experience from the “12-day war” and the “third imposed war,” and knows how to defeat its adversaries. He slammed the unilateral US withdrawl from the Memorandum of Understanding and the following strikes on Iran’s infrastructure. If the US attacks again, then Iran will respond “with all its capabilities”. He said that Iran would unleash “the full capabilities of the Axis of Resistance” and the operations will not just target military assets but will also explore other strategic options. He describes the US as being formed by “European outcasts and hooligans” calling it a historical fact and contrasting it with Iran, which has a civilisational and historical legacy spanning 10,000 years. Also Read: Iran warns Trump after US-Iran MoU collapse: 'Region pushed toward flames' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran “will response vulgurity with action”. “Addressing the civilised and courageous nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its greatness,” Araghchi said. “Iranians are known for their civility, culture, and strong moral values. We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valour,” said Abbas Araghchi. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States of systematically dismantling a key bilateral memorandum of understanding regarding maritime security. “From the very first step, the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States was structured not on trust, but on a clear mechanism of ‘commitment for commitment,’ as there was never any sign of good faith in the opponent’s behaviour,” said Baghei in a post on the social media platform X. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that Trump's deregatory languages are an admission of defeat. He said that the language emanating from Trump is a clear indicator that Washington's long-standing pressure campaign has collapsed.

Iran warned it could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if the US launches further attacks, escalating regional tensions.

Iran warns of quitting NPT, threatens Bab-el-Mandeb closure if US attacks again

US President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Iran as the "Islamic Republic of Japan" while speaking about a missile attack on a US aircraft carrier. The President claimed that the "Islamic Republic of Japan" had fired 111 missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln and said every missile was intercepted.&nbsp;“We had 111 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan. They shot our aircraft carrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) for over one hour, and every one of them was knocked down," the POTUS said.&nbsp;His remarks appeared to confuse Japan with Iran while referring to an earlier incident involving Iranian forces and a US aircraft carrier.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: The Islamic Republic of Japan attacked our aircraft carrier. <a href="https://t.co/DpxVXvxrr3">pic.twitter.com/DpxVXvxrr3</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2074842799258701977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Japan is a long-standing US ally and has not been involved in any military hostilities with Washington for nearly a century. The country is a constitutional monarchy and has a small Muslim population.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-ve-had-a-bit-of-luck-but-trump-claims-iran-plotting-to-assassinate-him-1783530723861">‘I’ve had a bit of luck, but…’: Trump claims Iran plotting to assassinate him</a><h3>Trump says action against Iran will be swift</h3>Trump made the comments at a time of renewed tensions with Iran after a ceasefire collapsed and the United States carried out military action against Iranian positions.&nbsp;The US President also vowed to take further action against Iran. He described the country's leaders as "s*um" and said the United States could take control of Kharg Island and restore a blockade on Tehran's ports.&nbsp;Later on Wednesday, Trump said he expected the latest military escalation with Iran to end quickly despite earlier declaring that the ceasefire was "over".&nbsp;"I think anything that happens is going to be over very quickly and will only make it safer, including for oil... Anything that happens is going to happen very fast. We're not looking for long-term," he said at the end of a two-day NATO summit in Ankara.

Trump said he expected any renewed military escalation with Iran to end quickly and improve regional security, despite earlier declaring the ceasefire was “over.”

US President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Iran as the "Islamic Republic of Japan" while speaking about a missile attack on a US aircraft carrier. The President claimed that the "Islamic Republic of Japan" had fired 111 missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln and said every missile was intercepted. “We had 111 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan. They shot our aircraft carrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) for over one hour, and every one of them was knocked down," the POTUS said. His remarks appeared to confuse Japan with Iran while referring to an earlier incident involving Iranian forces and a US aircraft carrier.

Trump said he expected any renewed military escalation with Iran to end quickly and improve regional security, despite earlier declaring the ceasefire was “over.”

Watch | Trump's off-script 'Islamic Republic of Japan' remark sparks attention amid Iran tensions

Ali Akbar Velayati, the senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday warned that the discontinuation of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding "pushes the region toward the flames." He said that West Asia is not a region for the political gambling of small states. This comes in response to Trump's assertion that the US-Iran ceasefire is effectively "over.""Responsibility for the latest escalation, and for the verbal admission of cancelling the memorandum of understanding by the thieving politician disgraced by the Epstein scandal—a memorandum that had already been repeatedly violated in practice—once again pushes the region toward the flames,” said Ali Akbar Velayati in a statement to the Iranian Mehr News Agency.&nbsp;Velayati warned that Iran has repeatedly proven that any adventurism would meet with an immediate Iranian response. He said that the Axis of Resistance will not tolerate humiliation or aggression. He asserted that the regional front remains fully prepared to retaliate against any aggression. He said that the nation is demanding justice for the blood of the martyred Leader to clear the region of destabilising forces.Also Read:Iran is witnessing a large-scale, multi-day state funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February during the opening US-Israeli strikes. Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei wants to attend his father’s July 9 burial in Mashhad, but Iranian security officials have so far rejected the idea, fearing ‘Israeli’ attempts on his life or that he could be tracked back to his hideout.On July 7, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the commercial vessels explicitly because they did not abide by Tehran's newly mandated maritime instructions. The US retaliated with over 80 retaliatory airstrikes on IRGC naval assets, coastal radar networks, and drone launch facilities in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Sirik. President Trump revoked Iran's temporary oil sanctions waivers and is considering a blockade in the Gulf of Oman.&nbsp;

Iran adviser Ali Akbar Velayati warned that ending the US-Iran memorandum of understanding could push West Asia toward conflict after Trump's latest remarks.

Ali Akbar Velayati, the senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday warned that the discontinuation of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding "pushes the region toward the flames." He said that West Asia is not a region for the political gambling of small states. This comes in response to Trump's assertion that the US-Iran ceasefire is effectively "over." "Responsibility for the latest escalation, and for the verbal admission of cancelling the memorandum of understanding by the thieving politician disgraced by the Epstein scandal—a memorandum that had already been repeatedly violated in practice—once again pushes the region toward the flames,” said Ali Akbar Velayati in a statement to the Iranian Mehr News Agency. Velayati warned that Iran has repeatedly proven that any adventurism would meet with an immediate Iranian response. He said that the Axis of Resistance will not tolerate humiliation or aggression. He asserted that the regional front remains fully prepared to retaliate against any aggression. He said that the nation is demanding justice for the blood of the martyred Leader to clear the region of destabilising forces. Also Read: Iran is witnessing a large-scale, multi-day state funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February during the opening US-Israeli strikes. Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei wants to attend his father’s July 9 burial in Mashhad, but Iranian security officials have so far rejected the idea, fearing ‘Israeli’ attempts on his life or that he could be tracked back to his hideout. On July 7, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the commercial vessels explicitly because they did not abide by Tehran's newly mandated maritime instructions. The US retaliated with over 80 retaliatory airstrikes on IRGC naval assets, coastal radar networks, and drone launch facilities in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Sirik. President Trump revoked Iran's temporary oil sanctions waivers and is considering a blockade in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran adviser Ali Akbar Velayati warned that ending the US-Iran memorandum of understanding could push West Asia toward conflict after Trump's latest remarks.

Iran warns Trump after US-Iran MoU collapse: 'Region pushed toward flames'

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (Jul 8) that the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is "over", following renewed strikes and alleged violations by both sides. Trump's remarks at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, sparked rise in oil prices and stock market volatility across the world. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cancelled a planned trip to Israel, Israeli media reported. Is the war back?<h2>Trump thinks further dealings with Iran are a waste of time</h2>Making some harsh remarks in which he described Iranian leaders as "scum", the US president said further dealings with them were a waste of time. He allowed negotiators to continue talks if they wished, but said the MoU was "over". Just hours earlier, US and Iranian forces had traded strikes, including military actions around the Strait of Hormuz.<h2>Iran accuses the US of violating the MoU, strikes sites in Kuwait, Bahrain</h2>Iran accused the US of violating the MoU, which was signed in mid-June 2026 at the Palace of Versailles and aimed at ending the active hostilities that began in late February. The MoU was intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping, reduce military tensions in the Gulf, and lay the groundwork for broader diplomatic talks.Reports said that Iran targeted military interests in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said one of its fighters was killed in an ‘enemy drone strike’, according to Iranian state media. A senior IRGC commander warned that any location supporting US attacks would be considered a legitimate target, Iranian state media reported.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-on-iran-4-5-times-bigger-than-previous-wave-officials-1783469488428">US strikes on Iran '4-5 times bigger' than previous wave: Officials</a><h2>Oil markets react immediately to war talk</h2>Oil prices are rising - by up to 6 per cent in some cases- at the time of writing this, amid fears that hostilities would resume. Brent crude prices jumped towards $79 per barrel as traders reacted to the risk of disruption to roughly 20 per cent of global oil flows that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier in the conflict, prices had surged dramatically to more than US$120 per barrel at their peak before easing following the truce.&nbsp;The latest volatility echoes previous price spikes linked to attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the region.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-there-ll-either-be-deal-or-us-will-finish-job-says-trump-1783402027929/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-there-ll-either-be-deal-or-us-will-finish-job-says-trump-1783402027929/embed</a><h2>US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cancels Israel trip</h2>The Jerusalem Post reported citing sources that Hegseth cancelled a planned visit to Israel on Wednesday, during which he was due to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Hegseth, who is in Ankara with Trump for the NATO summit, was expected to make a brief visit in the wake of the overnight US strikes against Iran, which Washington said were in response to Iranian attacks targeting three commercial tankers in the waters off Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, the report said.(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump said the peace MoU is "over" after renewed tit-for-tat strikes. Oil prices are surging again. Pete Hegseth cancelled his Israel trip. Is Iran war back? 

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (Jul 8) that the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is "over", following renewed strikes and alleged violations by both sides. Trump's remarks at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, sparked rise in oil prices and stock market volatility across the world. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cancelled a planned trip to Israel, Israeli media reported. Is the war back? Trump thinks further dealings with Iran are a waste of time Making some harsh remarks in which he described Iranian leaders as "scum", the US president said further dealings with them were a waste of time. He allowed negotiators to continue talks if they wished, but said the MoU was "over". Just hours earlier, US and Iranian forces had traded strikes, including military actions around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran accuses the US of violating the MoU, strikes sites in Kuwait, Bahrain Iran accused the US of violating the MoU, which was signed in mid-June 2026 at the Palace of Versailles and aimed at ending the active hostilities that began in late February. The MoU was intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping, reduce military tensions in the Gulf, and lay the groundwork for broader diplomatic talks. Reports said that Iran targeted military interests in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said one of its fighters was killed in an ‘enemy drone strike’, according to Iranian state media. A senior IRGC commander warned that any location supporting US attacks would be considered a legitimate target, Iranian state media reported. Also read: US strikes on Iran '4-5 times bigger' than previous wave: Officials Oil markets react immediately to war talk Oil prices are rising - by up to 6 per cent in some cases- at the time of writing this, amid fears that hostilities would resume. Brent crude prices jumped towards $79 per barrel as traders reacted to the risk of disruption to roughly 20 per cent of global oil flows that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier in the conflict, prices had surged dramatically to more than US$120 per barrel at their peak before easing following the truce. The latest volatility echoes previous price spikes linked to attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the region. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-there-ll-either-be-deal-or-us-will-finish-job-says-trump-1783402027929/embed US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cancels Israel trip The Jerusalem Post reported citing sources that Hegseth cancelled a planned visit to Israel on Wednesday, during which he was due to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Hegseth, who is in Ankara with Trump for the NATO summit, was expected to make a brief visit in the wake of the overnight US strikes against Iran, which Washington said were in response to Iranian attacks targeting three commercial tankers in the waters off Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, the report said. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Trump said the peace MoU is "over" after renewed tit-for-tat strikes. Oil prices are surging again. Pete Hegseth cancelled his Israel trip. Is Iran war back?&nbsp;

War clouds loom over Iran once again? Hegseth cancels Israel trip, oil prices rise as Trump says peace deal is ‘over’

Oil prices climbed sharply on Wednesday (Jul 8) after fresh US strikes on Iran reignited fears over the Strait of Hormuz, the vital, narrow waterway through which a huge share of global energy supplies moves. As markets opened, West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, rose 2.63 per cent to $72.29 a barrel. This followed a similar 2.76 per cent gain on Tuesday.The price rise came after the US military said its forces launched strikes on Iran following attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The renewed fighting has once again put the world’s most important oil chokepoint under pressure.<h2>Explosions reported near key Iranian ports</h2>Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in and around the strait. The reports said there were six blasts on Qeshm island, seven in the city of Sirik and more near Bandar Abbas, one of Iran’s biggest ports.US Central Command said the strikes were meant to punish what it called Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and warned that such actions would carry high costs.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</a>Iran, however, pushed back hard. Tehran's foreign ministry accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding between the two sides and warned that Tehran would respond."Iran is issuing a serious warning about the consequences of America's breach of the treaty, and will take decisive measures to protect its interests and national security," the ministry said in a statement carried by official media.<h2>Shipping risk returns to the centre of the crisis</h2>The latest attacks have brought back an old fear, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.That fear had eased in recent weeks after maritime traffic started moving again under a fragile US-Iran agreement. But the calm did not last long.British maritime security agency UKMTO said an unknown projectile hit a tanker overnight, sparking a fire. Two more vessels were then struck, with at least one hit by a drone.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-india-withstand-another-west-asia-crisis-how-israel-hezbollah-iran-tensions-could-hit-its-energy-security-wion-decodes-1782374369218">Can India withstand another West Asia crisis? How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could hit its energy security | WION Decodes</a>All three ships were attacked near Oman, where a temporary transit corridor along the coastline had been proposed. Iran has opposed that route, insisting on control over the narrow passage and the fees linked to it.Qatar said one of the vessels was its LNG tanker Al-Rekayyat and blamed Iran for the attack. Doha later summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and demanded an explanation."We hold Iran fully legally responsible for this attack and for any resulting damages or repercussions," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari wrote on X. Iran rejected the accusation and said it was dismayed by Qatar’s remarks.

Oil prices are climbing again after fresh US strikes on Iran reignited tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. With attacks on commercial ships and fears of supply disruptions returning, markets are once again on edge. Scroll down to find out why crude is rising, and what happened in the Gulf.

Oil prices climbed sharply on Wednesday (Jul 8) after fresh US strikes on Iran reignited fears over the Strait of Hormuz, the vital, narrow waterway through which a huge share of global energy supplies moves. As markets opened, West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, rose 2.63 per cent to $72.29 a barrel. This followed a similar 2.76 per cent gain on Tuesday. The price rise came after the US military said its forces launched strikes on Iran following attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The renewed fighting has once again put the world’s most important oil chokepoint under pressure. Explosions reported near key Iranian ports Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in and around the strait. The reports said there were six blasts on Qeshm island, seven in the city of Sirik and more near Bandar Abbas, one of Iran’s biggest ports. US Central Command said the strikes were meant to punish what it called Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and warned that such actions would carry high costs. Also read | US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes Iran, however, pushed back hard. Tehran's foreign ministry accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding between the two sides and warned that Tehran would respond. "Iran is issuing a serious warning about the consequences of America's breach of the treaty, and will take decisive measures to protect its interests and national security," the ministry said in a statement carried by official media. Shipping risk returns to the centre of the crisis The latest attacks have brought back an old fear, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. That fear had eased in recent weeks after maritime traffic started moving again under a fragile US-Iran agreement. But the calm did not last long. British maritime security agency UKMTO said an unknown projectile hit a tanker overnight, sparking a fire. Two more vessels were then struck, with at least one hit by a drone. Also read | Can India withstand another West Asia crisis? How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could hit its energy security | WION Decodes All three ships were attacked near Oman, where a temporary transit corridor along the coastline had been proposed. Iran has opposed that route, insisting on control over the narrow passage and the fees linked to it. Qatar said one of the vessels was its LNG tanker Al-Rekayyat and blamed Iran for the attack. Doha later summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and demanded an explanation. "We hold Iran fully legally responsible for this attack and for any resulting damages or repercussions," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari wrote on X. Iran rejected the accusation and said it was dismayed by Qatar’s remarks.

Oil prices are climbing again after fresh US strikes on Iran reignited tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. With attacks on commercial ships and fears of supply disruptions returning, markets are once again on edge. Scroll down to find out why crude is rising, and what happened in the Gulf.

Oil prices jump by 2.63% as fresh US strikes on Iran shake up Strait of Hormuz again

The USS Abraham Lincoln has moved away from the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. Official military logs from July 5, 2026, explicitly place the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. The carrier's embedded helicopter squadrons, HSC-14 and HSM-71, participated alongside the USS George HW Bush in a massive 14,000-square-mile search and rescue operation after one US Navy sailor went missing during an unspecified impact and emergency landing in the Arabian sea. The search and rescue operation was suspended on July 5.According to a report from West Asia News Agency, the carrier, which had earlier shifted from its position about 140 kilometres off Iran's port of Chabahar, to a new area approximately 207 kilometres further south. Independent analysts suggest that the forward screening presence at the Gulf of Oman has been scaled back. The US CENTCOM has decided to maintain only one of its carrier strike groups in a forward position, moving the other one further away from the Iranian strike range, and providing a better reaction time. This greater distance allows the strike group's Aegis combat systems and destroyers more time to track, intercept, and neutralise incoming ballistic or cruise missilesAlso Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marine-le-pen-2027-french-presidential-election-conviction-appeal-1783435959941">French court upholds Marine Le Pen's conviction but clears path for 2027 election</a>This is the second occasion the USS Abraham Lincoln has retreated from its forward position. Earlier, the strike group, along with the carrier, moved to the southeast Indian Ocean following a four-cruise-missile engagement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran framed the incident as the carrier group fled to the "southeast of the Indian Ocean.”Tension in the Strait of Hormuz remained high as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced earlier Tuesday that an oil tanker was struck 15 km east of the coastal town of Lima, causing a fire onboard. “No casualties or environmental damage have been reported,” the agency stated. The Qatar-owned tanker Al-Raqayyat was trying to pass the Strait of Hormuz, &nbsp;via the Omani route under the protection of the US Navy, when it was targeted as it ignored repeated warnings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USS Abraham Lincoln has moved into the Arabian Sea as the US scales back its forward carrier presence near Iran. The repositioning comes amid rising Strait of Hormuz tensions.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has moved away from the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. Official military logs from July 5, 2026, explicitly place the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. The carrier's embedded helicopter squadrons, HSC-14 and HSM-71, participated alongside the USS George HW Bush in a massive 14,000-square-mile search and rescue operation after one US Navy sailor went missing during an unspecified impact and emergency landing in the Arabian sea. The search and rescue operation was suspended on July 5. According to a report from West Asia News Agency, the carrier, which had earlier shifted from its position about 140 kilometres off Iran's port of Chabahar, to a new area approximately 207 kilometres further south. Independent analysts suggest that the forward screening presence at the Gulf of Oman has been scaled back. The US CENTCOM has decided to maintain only one of its carrier strike groups in a forward position, moving the other one further away from the Iranian strike range, and providing a better reaction time. This greater distance allows the strike group's Aegis combat systems and destroyers more time to track, intercept, and neutralise incoming ballistic or cruise missiles Also Read: French court upholds Marine Le Pen's conviction but clears path for 2027 election This is the second occasion the USS Abraham Lincoln has retreated from its forward position. Earlier, the strike group, along with the carrier, moved to the southeast Indian Ocean following a four-cruise-missile engagement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran framed the incident as the carrier group fled to the "southeast of the Indian Ocean.” Tension in the Strait of Hormuz remained high as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced earlier Tuesday that an oil tanker was struck 15 km east of the coastal town of Lima, causing a fire onboard. “No casualties or environmental damage have been reported,” the agency stated. The Qatar-owned tanker Al-Raqayyat was trying to pass the Strait of Hormuz, via the Omani route under the protection of the US Navy, when it was targeted as it ignored repeated warnings.

USS Abraham Lincoln has moved into the Arabian Sea as the US scales back its forward carrier presence near Iran. The repositioning comes amid rising Strait of Hormuz tensions.

USS Abraham Lincoln moves away from Gulf of Oman to Arabian Sea farther from Iran's missile range

US President Donald Trump has warned that there will either be a diplomatic agreement with Iran or the United States will continue its military action. The statement comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with global leaders watching the situation closely.

US-Iran war: 'There'll either be deal or US will finish job,' says Trump

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, has warned France and the United Kingdom over their joint declaration about deploying military forces or warships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. He said that the strategic waterway is not a theatre for displaying the military prowess of “extra-regional powers”.“As a responsible power and the guarantor of the strait’s security, Iran warns against any military movement in this sensitive waterway. The security of the Strait of Hormuz belongs to the coastal states; crisis-makers will be responsible for the consequences of their adventurism; this warning is serious,” said the Iranian official in a statement on the platform X.&nbsp;His reaction was in response to a joint statement by the President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom dated July 4, 2026. The statement claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was a vital artery for the global economy. They professed that restoring traffic in the vital waterway was of global concern. They suggested that they “stand ready to deploy the wider Multinational Military Mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” The joint statement also noted that the Sultanate of Oman had agreed to collaborate with them.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-communism-july-4-mount-rushmore-speech-1783085173991">Communist or patriot: Trump calls communism 'enemy' in Mount Rushmore speech</a><h2>Questions emerge over Oman's position</h2>Iran is observing a multi-day-long funeral of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from July 3 to July 9. It has warned the US and Israel against any misadventure during that period. The state has enforced total airspace closures over Tehran and extensive central traffic bans. A fragile US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) brokered by Pakistani mediation exists, which was supposed to open the vital waterway. But it remains highly restricted and in an unstable position. The vital waterway is shared by both Iran and Oman. Oman has previously proposed a voluntary fees framework along with Iran; now, the UK and France are suggesting that Oman has agreed to collaborate with them to restore freedom, highlighting a contradiction in the Sultanate's position.&nbsp;

Iran has warned the UK and France against deploying military forces to the Strait of Hormuz, saying the security of the strategic waterway belongs to its coastal states.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, has warned France and the United Kingdom over their joint declaration about deploying military forces or warships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. He said that the strategic waterway is not a theatre for displaying the military prowess of “extra-regional powers”. “As a responsible power and the guarantor of the strait’s security, Iran warns against any military movement in this sensitive waterway. The security of the Strait of Hormuz belongs to the coastal states; crisis-makers will be responsible for the consequences of their adventurism; this warning is serious,” said the Iranian official in a statement on the platform X. His reaction was in response to a joint statement by the President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom dated July 4, 2026. The statement claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was a vital artery for the global economy. They professed that restoring traffic in the vital waterway was of global concern. They suggested that they “stand ready to deploy the wider Multinational Military Mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” The joint statement also noted that the Sultanate of Oman had agreed to collaborate with them. Also Read: Communist or patriot: Trump calls communism 'enemy' in Mount Rushmore speech Questions emerge over Oman's position Iran is observing a multi-day-long funeral of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from July 3 to July 9. It has warned the US and Israel against any misadventure during that period. The state has enforced total airspace closures over Tehran and extensive central traffic bans. A fragile US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) brokered by Pakistani mediation exists, which was supposed to open the vital waterway. But it remains highly restricted and in an unstable position. The vital waterway is shared by both Iran and Oman. Oman has previously proposed a voluntary fees framework along with Iran; now, the UK and France are suggesting that Oman has agreed to collaborate with them to restore freedom, highlighting a contradiction in the Sultanate's position.

Iran has warned the UK and France against deploying military forces to the Strait of Hormuz, saying the security of the strategic waterway belongs to its coastal states.

Iran issues stark warning to UK, France over Strait of Hormuz military plan

Despite initial coordination in the conflict that began on February 28, 2026, new details reveal significant friction between the U.S. and Israel regarding their endgame in Iran. While the U.S. shifts its focus toward diplomatic stabilization, ceasefire negotiations in Doha, and re-securing the Strait of Hormuz, Israeli leadership remains committed to more aggressive, long-term security goals.


US-Israel war with Iran: New details underline Israel-US differences over Iran war goals

Tehran, Iran’s capital, continues to reflect everyday life beyond the backdrop of regional tensions and conflict narratives. Streets, markets, and cafes remain active, showing a city shaped by both resilience and routine. Despite geopolitical pressures, residents navigate work, education, and social life in a functioning urban environment. The image of Tehran highlights the contrast between political headlines and the lived reality of its people.

A glimpse of Tehran beyond the war: Life in Iran's capital

The war in West Asia has likely come to an end, but profits for some have not. Five months after the US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran, Wall Street and the defence sector are still cashing in. Under Trump 2.0, General Dynamics' stock has surged over 23 per cent. L3-Harris is up 15 per cent, Lockheed Martin has risen 13 per cent.The new Defence Authorisation bill now calls for $1.15 trillion in military spending, marking the first time the defence outlay projection has surpassed the trillion-dollar mark. Defence firms trade at 22 to 25 times forward earnings, a premium that history rarely supports. The market currently isn't betting on peace, but it is betting on the backlog of military equipment depleted during the war.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-gives-trump-greatest-increase-in-presidential-power-over-federal-agencies-overturns-90-year-old-precedent-what-it-means-1782799902878">US Supreme Court hands Trump 'greatest increase in presidential power' in 90 years. What can the POTUS do now?</a><h2>Stocks up, wages flat: Wall Street's paradox</h2>Overall, Wall Street benchmarks have been in lock-step with defence stocks. But step back, and the broader economy tells a very different story.The S&amp;P 500 is up nine per cent this year, but core inflation sits at 2.9 per cent, and headline inflation at 4.2 per cent, well above the Federal Reserve's two per cent target.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stocks-up-wages-flat-wall-street-s-paradox-1783059112118/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/stocks-up-wages-flat-wall-street-s-paradox-1783059112118/embed</a><h2>Inflation climbs while markets celebrate</h2>Both those inflation measures are climbing, and not falling, with price pressures above the Fed target for well over 5 years now. The US central bank, under new chair Kevin Warsh, just held rates steady last month, but markets are now pricing a rate hike by October, a sharp reversal from earlier bets on cuts. Warsh has vowed to target inflation and bring it below the target soon.US unemployment has sat around four per cent for nearly a year, and the reason for the steady reading is that some Americans have stopped looking for a job entirely. The participation rate has fallen significantly, pointing to the weakening jobs market outlook. That's also pointing to a soft landing and an economy decoupling from Wall Street's euphoria.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-india-withstand-another-west-asia-crisis-how-israel-hezbollah-iran-tensions-could-hit-its-energy-security-wion-decodes-1782374369218">Can India withstand another West Asia crisis? How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could hit its energy security | WION Decodes</a><h2>Who benefited from the 40-day Iran war?</h2>The war itself hit global supply chains hard. The World Food Programme says food insecurity may now touch 363 million people worldwide, driven by the Strait of Hormuz disruption and an energy price shock.So who really benefited? Defence contractors, certainly. Energy traders, likely. Ordinary Americans facing sticky prices and a Fed that's turned hawkish again - not so much.With US midterms on November 3, that gap between index charts and grocery bills may be Washington's next real battle.

As defence stocks surge and a record $1.15 trillion US military budget takes shape, a key question remains: who really benefited from the 40-day Iran war? Scroll down to see why Wall Street is celebrating while many Americans are still battling inflation, high prices and economic uncertainty.

The war in West Asia has likely come to an end, but profits for some have not. Five months after the US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran, Wall Street and the defence sector are still cashing in. Under Trump 2.0, General Dynamics' stock has surged over 23 per cent. L3-Harris is up 15 per cent, Lockheed Martin has risen 13 per cent. The new Defence Authorisation bill now calls for $1.15 trillion in military spending, marking the first time the defence outlay projection has surpassed the trillion-dollar mark. Defence firms trade at 22 to 25 times forward earnings, a premium that history rarely supports. The market currently isn't betting on peace, but it is betting on the backlog of military equipment depleted during the war. Also read | US Supreme Court hands Trump 'greatest increase in presidential power' in 90 years. What can the POTUS do now? Stocks up, wages flat: Wall Street's paradox Overall, Wall Street benchmarks have been in lock-step with defence stocks. But step back, and the broader economy tells a very different story. The S&P 500 is up nine per cent this year, but core inflation sits at 2.9 per cent, and headline inflation at 4.2 per cent, well above the Federal Reserve's two per cent target. https://www.wionews.com/videos/stocks-up-wages-flat-wall-street-s-paradox-1783059112118/embed Inflation climbs while markets celebrate Both those inflation measures are climbing, and not falling, with price pressures above the Fed target for well over 5 years now. The US central bank, under new chair Kevin Warsh, just held rates steady last month, but markets are now pricing a rate hike by October, a sharp reversal from earlier bets on cuts. Warsh has vowed to target inflation and bring it below the target soon. US unemployment has sat around four per cent for nearly a year, and the reason for the steady reading is that some Americans have stopped looking for a job entirely. The participation rate has fallen significantly, pointing to the weakening jobs market outlook. That's also pointing to a soft landing and an economy decoupling from Wall Street's euphoria. Also read | Can India withstand another West Asia crisis? How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could hit its energy security | WION Decodes Who benefited from the 40-day Iran war? The war itself hit global supply chains hard. The World Food Programme says food insecurity may now touch 363 million people worldwide, driven by the Strait of Hormuz disruption and an energy price shock. So who really benefited? Defence contractors, certainly. Energy traders, likely. Ordinary Americans facing sticky prices and a Fed that's turned hawkish again - not so much. With US midterms on November 3, that gap between index charts and grocery bills may be Washington's next real battle.

As defence stocks surge and a record $1.15 trillion US military budget takes shape, a key question remains: who really benefited from the 40-day Iran war? Scroll down to see why Wall Street is celebrating while many Americans are still battling inflation, high prices and economic uncertainty.

Who really benefitted from the Iran war?

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested that the indirect discussion held between the US and Iran in Doha via Qatar went well. Speaking to the reporters at the Joint Base Andrews, he claimed that talks about “denuclearisation of Iran” were progressing well and that Iran had "come ‌a long ‌way.""The denuclearisation of ​Iran is moving along well," Trump ​told reporters. “They've had very good meetings, and ⁠we'll see.”&nbsp;The US and Iranian officials held separate meetings in Doha with Qatari officials, as they seek to agree on the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and secure a lasting ceasefire.Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner and the US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to the Emir's office. While at the same time, US and Iranian officials are holding indirect, low-level technical talks through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, a diplomatic source told CNN.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vihaan-srivastava-chembur-tree-collapse-family-demands-justice-1782916819650">'He was our sunshine': Family mourns Vihaan Srivastava after Chembur tree collapse</a>Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran would retaliate with an “immediate powerful response” to any Israeli attack, and demanded that the US restrain Israel.&nbsp;“POTUS (US President Donald Trump) has committed the US to muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv,” Araghchi posted on X. “If they ignore their master, Iran will school them. Any threat against our people and leadership will receive immediate, powerful response,” he said.&nbsp;The US and Iran exchanged fire after a Singaporean vessel, Ever Lovely, was targeted by Iranian drones, which Iran targeted because of a dispute over shipping lanes. The situation quickly snowballed as the US launched initial retaliatory strikes against Iran for hitting the Singaporean vessel. Following those initial US strikes, Iran fired on a second merchant vessel, the Panama-flagged oil tanker MT Kiku. Trump then ordered the heavy bombardment of 10 Iranian military targets, and Iran retaliated by launching missiles at US assets in Kuwait and Bahrain.&nbsp;

Donald Trump said US-Iran denuclearisation talks are progressing well after indirect meetings in Doha, while Iran warned of a strong response to any Israeli attack.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested that the indirect discussion held between the US and Iran in Doha via Qatar went well. Speaking to the reporters at the Joint Base Andrews, he claimed that talks about “denuclearisation of Iran” were progressing well and that Iran had "come ‌a long ‌way." "The denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well," Trump told reporters. “They've had very good meetings, and ⁠we'll see.” The US and Iranian officials held separate meetings in Doha with Qatari officials, as they seek to agree on the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and secure a lasting ceasefire. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner and the US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to the Emir's office. While at the same time, US and Iranian officials are holding indirect, low-level technical talks through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, a diplomatic source told CNN. Also Read: 'He was our sunshine': Family mourns Vihaan Srivastava after Chembur tree collapse Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran would retaliate with an “immediate powerful response” to any Israeli attack, and demanded that the US restrain Israel. “POTUS (US President Donald Trump) has committed the US to muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv,” Araghchi posted on X. “If they ignore their master, Iran will school them. Any threat against our people and leadership will receive immediate, powerful response,” he said. The US and Iran exchanged fire after a Singaporean vessel, Ever Lovely, was targeted by Iranian drones, which Iran targeted because of a dispute over shipping lanes. The situation quickly snowballed as the US launched initial retaliatory strikes against Iran for hitting the Singaporean vessel. Following those initial US strikes, Iran fired on a second merchant vessel, the Panama-flagged oil tanker MT Kiku. Trump then ordered the heavy bombardment of 10 Iranian military targets, and Iran retaliated by launching missiles at US assets in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Donald Trump said US-Iran denuclearisation talks are progressing well after indirect meetings in Doha, while Iran warned of a strong response to any Israeli attack.

Trump says US-Iran talks in Doha went well, claims progress on denuclearisation

Amid the fragile ceasefire, Iran and Oman are moving forward with a plan to implement a fee on the Strait of Hormuz, despite repeated opposition from the US. Oman has submitted a formal proposal to the US and other Western allies, according to Iranian officials and four other diplomats, as reported by the New York Times. The plan mandates a service fee for Iranian officials to use the Strait of Hormuz. The Times also reported that US officials have confirmed the reception of the proposal, and they have some concerns which they are discussing with the Omani side.&nbsp;The proposal is said to be inspired by the Strait of Malacca and Singapore, where industry contributions fund the maritime safety, navigational assistance and mitigate environmental concerns. The fees are primarily “voluntary” in nature. The cooperative mechanism has been in place on the Strait of Malacca since 2007 and acts as a voluntary framework.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-economic-growth-dprk-boom-explained-1782741508130">Is North Korea's economy really booming? Inside the debate over the DPRK's growth story</a>However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, on Monday had said that it wants to come into a joint framework for the strait, but if Oman is unwilling to consider, then it would move ahead on its own, as reported by Iranian state media. The Omani side, which has found it increasingly tough in its balancing act between the US and Iran, argues that, if the Sultanate does not engage in establishing a structured, legal mechanism to manage navigation on the strait, then Iran would unilaterally enforce a mechanism against International maritime law.While Oman has maintained a neutral position publicly, recently, Oman's foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said in an interview on Sunday with Monte Carlo Doualiya, an Arabic-language radio station, said that keeping the Strait waters safe and pollution-free costs money. “All we are saying is that perhaps we can benefit from some existing experiences, on a voluntary basis, between the countries concerned with this matter.”US President Donald Trump has repeatedly denied the concept of toll for transit in the strait, he has on one occasion, threatened to bomb Oman if it seeks to implement a toll on the Strait. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the US would oppose any scenario to monetise the Strait wether “a fee or a toll or a donation.” “We need to get back to what the straits looked like before this conflict,” said Rubio.But analysts suggest Iran is unlikely to give up its newfound leverage on the Strait. “There is no free service anywhere in the world,” said Mehdi Mohammadi, a senior adviser to Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator with the US. The European countries are reportedly ready to compromise by paying a fee; however, they are concerned about its legal implications. European analysts argue that this is not Oman's doing; the strait was open ahead of the war, and it is all "Washington’s bill for starting an ill-advised war.”&nbsp;

Iran and Oman are advancing a proposal to charge a service fee for using the Strait of Hormuz despite US opposition, raising fresh concerns over global shipping.

Amid the fragile ceasefire, Iran and Oman are moving forward with a plan to implement a fee on the Strait of Hormuz, despite repeated opposition from the US. Oman has submitted a formal proposal to the US and other Western allies, according to Iranian officials and four other diplomats, as reported by the New York Times. The plan mandates a service fee for Iranian officials to use the Strait of Hormuz. The Times also reported that US officials have confirmed the reception of the proposal, and they have some concerns which they are discussing with the Omani side. The proposal is said to be inspired by the Strait of Malacca and Singapore, where industry contributions fund the maritime safety, navigational assistance and mitigate environmental concerns. The fees are primarily “voluntary” in nature. The cooperative mechanism has been in place on the Strait of Malacca since 2007 and acts as a voluntary framework. Also Read: Is North Korea's economy really booming? Inside the debate over the DPRK's growth story However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, on Monday had said that it wants to come into a joint framework for the strait, but if Oman is unwilling to consider, then it would move ahead on its own, as reported by Iranian state media. The Omani side, which has found it increasingly tough in its balancing act between the US and Iran, argues that, if the Sultanate does not engage in establishing a structured, legal mechanism to manage navigation on the strait, then Iran would unilaterally enforce a mechanism against International maritime law. While Oman has maintained a neutral position publicly, recently, Oman's foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said in an interview on Sunday with Monte Carlo Doualiya, an Arabic-language radio station, said that keeping the Strait waters safe and pollution-free costs money. “All we are saying is that perhaps we can benefit from some existing experiences, on a voluntary basis, between the countries concerned with this matter.” US President Donald Trump has repeatedly denied the concept of toll for transit in the strait, he has on one occasion, threatened to bomb Oman if it seeks to implement a toll on the Strait. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the US would oppose any scenario to monetise the Strait wether “a fee or a toll or a donation.” “We need to get back to what the straits looked like before this conflict,” said Rubio. But analysts suggest Iran is unlikely to give up its newfound leverage on the Strait. “There is no free service anywhere in the world,” said Mehdi Mohammadi, a senior adviser to Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator with the US. The European countries are reportedly ready to compromise by paying a fee; however, they are concerned about its legal implications. European analysts argue that this is not Oman's doing; the strait was open ahead of the war, and it is all "Washington’s bill for starting an ill-advised war.”

Iran and Oman are advancing a proposal to charge a service fee for using the Strait of Hormuz despite US opposition, raising fresh concerns over global shipping.

Iran, Oman push for Strait of Hormuz fee despite US opposition

US Vice President JD Vance believes the next few weeks could shape the future of relations between Washington and Tehran, but he is not ready to declare victory just yet. Speaking on The Michael Knowles Show on Tuesday (Jun 30), Vance described the current moment as a potentially significant turning point in the long-running standoff between the two countries.<h2>'Important historical moment'</h2>During the interview, Vance outlined the Donald Trump administration's core objectives for West Asia and cautioned that much depends on how Iran responds to the economic and diplomatic pressure being applied by the US."Could this be a very important historical moment? The answer is obviously yes," Vance said. "But how exactly this plays out is very much contingent on the way that the Iranians respond to the leverage the president has put on them."While officials have spoken optimistically about the possibility of progress, Vance made it clear that scepticism remains."If they respond well, I think we're gonna look back at this and say we turned over a new leaf," he said. "A lot of people are sceptical, including me, that it will ultimately happen.""And if the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</a><h2>Beyond a nuclear deal</h2>Vance suggested that Washington's ambitions extend well beyond a traditional nuclear agreement. According to him, the Trump administration is seeking what it describes as durable and verifiable commitments from Tehran, backed by inspections and oversight mechanisms."We want durable commitments that are verifiable and backed up by inspections that Iran will denuclearise their entire country," Vance said.The vice president said Washington is also examining how any future arrangement would fit into a wider regional framework involving Gulf Arab states, Israel and Lebanon. "We're gonna play that situation out," he said. The goal, he suggested, is to create a more stable security architecture across the Middle East rather than simply negotiate a standalone agreement with Tehran."We want to see what kind of an arrangement actually exists in the Middle East between not just Iran and the United States, but the GCC, Israel, Lebanon," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-increase-tensions-iran-issues-fresh-warning-over-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-routes-1782694812472">'Will increase tensions': Iran issues fresh warning over Strait of Hormuz shipping routes</a><h2>'The end of the beginning'</h2>Even as diplomatic activity intensifies, Vance urged observers not to read too much into every development. Quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he described the current phase as "the end of the beginning" rather than the beginning of the end."There is a lot more game to play, and there are a lot more cards that we're going to see," Vance said.The vice president also expressed confidence that the administration still has significant leverage if negotiations stall or collapse."If the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US Vice President JD Vance has said the coming weeks could prove to be a defining moment in US-Iran relations, but cautioned that the outcome depends heavily on how Tehran responds to American pressure.

US Vice President JD Vance believes the next few weeks could shape the future of relations between Washington and Tehran, but he is not ready to declare victory just yet. Speaking on The Michael Knowles Show on Tuesday (Jun 30), Vance described the current moment as a potentially significant turning point in the long-running standoff between the two countries. 'Important historical moment' During the interview, Vance outlined the Donald Trump administration's core objectives for West Asia and cautioned that much depends on how Iran responds to the economic and diplomatic pressure being applied by the US. "Could this be a very important historical moment? The answer is obviously yes," Vance said. "But how exactly this plays out is very much contingent on the way that the Iranians respond to the leverage the president has put on them." While officials have spoken optimistically about the possibility of progress, Vance made it clear that scepticism remains. "If they respond well, I think we're gonna look back at this and say we turned over a new leaf," he said. "A lot of people are sceptical, including me, that it will ultimately happen." "And if the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he added. Also read | US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes Beyond a nuclear deal Vance suggested that Washington's ambitions extend well beyond a traditional nuclear agreement. According to him, the Trump administration is seeking what it describes as durable and verifiable commitments from Tehran, backed by inspections and oversight mechanisms. "We want durable commitments that are verifiable and backed up by inspections that Iran will denuclearise their entire country," Vance said. The vice president said Washington is also examining how any future arrangement would fit into a wider regional framework involving Gulf Arab states, Israel and Lebanon. "We're gonna play that situation out," he said. The goal, he suggested, is to create a more stable security architecture across the Middle East rather than simply negotiate a standalone agreement with Tehran. "We want to see what kind of an arrangement actually exists in the Middle East between not just Iran and the United States, but the GCC, Israel, Lebanon," he said. Also read | 'Will increase tensions': Iran issues fresh warning over Strait of Hormuz shipping routes 'The end of the beginning' Even as diplomatic activity intensifies, Vance urged observers not to read too much into every development. Quoting Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he described the current phase as "the end of the beginning" rather than the beginning of the end. "There is a lot more game to play, and there are a lot more cards that we're going to see," Vance said. The vice president also expressed confidence that the administration still has significant leverage if negotiations stall or collapse. "If the Iranians perform or behave poorly, then I think that we still have a lot of leverage points to ensure that this ends up in a place that is good for America's objective," he said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US Vice President JD Vance has said the coming weeks could prove to be a defining moment in US-Iran relations, but cautioned that the outcome depends heavily on how Tehran responds to American pressure.

JD Vance says coming weeks could be decisive for US-Iran ties, warns 'a lot more game to play'

Fresh confusion over U.S.-Iran diplomacy. President Donald Trump says Iran requested talks in Doha, calling the meeting "perhaps important, perhaps not." But Tehran has denied that any negotiations with Washington are scheduled. Here's what both sides are saying and what it could mean for the Iran-U.S. Peace Deal. 


Trump Says Meeting With Iran 'Perhaps' Important

Despite the recent exchange of attacks, the United States and Iran are set to continue technical talks aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, a US official said. This comes after the American and Iranian forces traded strikes despite a fragile June 17 memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict. The United States have also announced that both sides will stand down after the lastest clashes.&nbsp;“Technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the MOU (memorandum of understanding). Both sides will stand down for now, and vessels can move freely” in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the official told AFP.&nbsp;The official did not provide further details on when and where the talks will take place. Meanwhile, Axios reported that discussions would resume on Tuesday (Jun 30) in Qatar.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-vows-to-defend-sovereignty-after-us-strikes-kuwait-bahrain-condemn-attacks-1782640588157">Iran vows to defend sovereignty after US strikes; Kuwait, Bahrain condemn attacks</a><h2>US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran</h2>The US military on Saturday (Jun 27) said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command said in a statement that American forces conducted the strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/T Kiku. The Panama-flagged tanker, carrying two million barrels of crude oil, was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by an Iranian drone.Following the US attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that it carried out retaliatory strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain in response to the US attacks on Iran. It also vowed a “crushing response” to any further military action by the United States.The Guards “destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the Fifth Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain,” they said in a statement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/centcom-releases-video-of-us-strikes-at-multiple-targets-in-iran-watch-1782612237049">CENTCOM releases video of US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran | WATCH</a><h2>‘Iran will no longer exist’</h2>In a post on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Tehran, warning that “Iran will no longer exist.”“United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN! It is very possible that they will never learn! There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!” Trump wrote.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The US and Iran will continue technical talks after agreeing to temporarily stand down following recent clashes. Both sides say ships can move freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the recent exchange of attacks, the United States and Iran are set to continue technical talks aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, a US official said. This comes after the American and Iranian forces traded strikes despite a fragile June 17 memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict. The United States have also announced that both sides will stand down after the lastest clashes. “Technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the MOU (memorandum of understanding). Both sides will stand down for now, and vessels can move freely” in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the official told AFP. The official did not provide further details on when and where the talks will take place. Meanwhile, Axios reported that discussions would resume on Tuesday (Jun 30) in Qatar. Also read | Iran vows to defend sovereignty after US strikes; Kuwait, Bahrain condemn attacks US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran The US military on Saturday (Jun 27) said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command said in a statement that American forces conducted the strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/T Kiku. The Panama-flagged tanker, carrying two million barrels of crude oil, was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by an Iranian drone. Following the US attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that it carried out retaliatory strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain in response to the US attacks on Iran. It also vowed a “crushing response” to any further military action by the United States. The Guards “destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the Fifth Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain,” they said in a statement. Also read | CENTCOM releases video of US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran | WATCH ‘Iran will no longer exist’ In a post on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Tehran, warning that “Iran will no longer exist.” “United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN! It is very possible that they will never learn! There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!” Trump wrote. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The US and Iran will continue technical talks after agreeing to temporarily stand down following recent clashes. Both sides say ships can move freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

‘Both sides will stand down’: US says Iran talks to continue despite recent attacks

Iran on Sunday (Jun 28) warned that attempts to bypass its preferred shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz would only deepen tensions in the Gulf, as American and Iranian forces exchanged fresh attacks despite a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that formally ended their war. The latest flare-up highlights how fragile that agreement remains.Although the ceasefire came into effect in April, violence has continued to simmer across the region. More often than not, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, has been at the centre of those tensions.Iran's warning came days after Oman announced an alternative transit route through the strait that follows the Omani coastline. Muscat said the arrangement had been developed in coordination with the International Maritime Organization.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-blows-up-major-hezbollah-tunnel-packed-with-weapons-group-says-it-reserves-right-to-defend-1782464681242">Israel blows up major Hezbollah tunnel packed with weapons; group says it reserves 'right to defend'</a><h2>Why is Iran objecting?</h2>For Iran, the issue goes beyond shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas during normal times. Before the war that erupted in February, Iran did not exercise the level of control over the waterway that it does today.During the conflict, however, Tehran effectively restricted access through the narrow passage, giving it significant economic leverage at a time when global energy markets were already rattled.While the strait passes through both Iranian and Omani territorial waters, international law generally prevents either country from blocking transit or imposing tolls on vessels passing through.Yet Iran has continued to insist that ships use a corridor running close to its own coastline. "Any attempt to adopt new or separate arrangements compared to what is underway by the Islamic Republic of Iran will only lead to more complicated situations and delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and will increase the tensions," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they were continuing to regulate maritime traffic in the strait and warned that vessels violating their directives would face tougher action than before.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/israel-deletes-post-promoting-ben-jerry-s-new-genocidaires-ice-cream-after-online-backlash-gaza-war-1782535460281">Israel deletes post promoting Ben &amp; Jerry's new 'Genocidaires' ice cream after online backlash</a><h2>Fresh US-Iran military exchanges</h2>The diplomatic dispute unfolded alongside another round of military exchanges. Early Sunday, US Central Command announced strikes on 10 Iranian military targets, accusing Tehran of "continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping".Iran responded by launching strikes against US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. Both Gulf states condemned the attacks.The exchanges did not immediately appear to cause major casualties.In Qatar, authorities said a citizen was found dead after his boat failed to return to port. The country's interior ministry said shrapnel from "military operations in the area" was responsible, though it did not provide further details. The victim's body was recovered on Sunday.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has warned vessels against using alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, saying any attempt to bypass Tehran's preferred corridor would increase regional tensions, as fresh US-Iran military exchanges cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire.

Iran on Sunday (Jun 28) warned that attempts to bypass its preferred shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz would only deepen tensions in the Gulf, as American and Iranian forces exchanged fresh attacks despite a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that formally ended their war. The latest flare-up highlights how fragile that agreement remains. Although the ceasefire came into effect in April, violence has continued to simmer across the region. More often than not, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, has been at the centre of those tensions. Iran's warning came days after Oman announced an alternative transit route through the strait that follows the Omani coastline. Muscat said the arrangement had been developed in coordination with the International Maritime Organization. Also read | Israel blows up major Hezbollah tunnel packed with weapons; group says it reserves 'right to defend' Why is Iran objecting? For Iran, the issue goes beyond shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas during normal times. Before the war that erupted in February, Iran did not exercise the level of control over the waterway that it does today. During the conflict, however, Tehran effectively restricted access through the narrow passage, giving it significant economic leverage at a time when global energy markets were already rattled. While the strait passes through both Iranian and Omani territorial waters, international law generally prevents either country from blocking transit or imposing tolls on vessels passing through. Yet Iran has continued to insist that ships use a corridor running close to its own coastline. "Any attempt to adopt new or separate arrangements compared to what is underway by the Islamic Republic of Iran will only lead to more complicated situations and delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and will increase the tensions," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they were continuing to regulate maritime traffic in the strait and warned that vessels violating their directives would face tougher action than before. Also read | Israel deletes post promoting Ben & Jerry's new 'Genocidaires' ice cream after online backlash Fresh US-Iran military exchanges The diplomatic dispute unfolded alongside another round of military exchanges. Early Sunday, US Central Command announced strikes on 10 Iranian military targets, accusing Tehran of "continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping". Iran responded by launching strikes against US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. Both Gulf states condemned the attacks. The exchanges did not immediately appear to cause major casualties. In Qatar, authorities said a citizen was found dead after his boat failed to return to port. The country's interior ministry said shrapnel from "military operations in the area" was responsible, though it did not provide further details. The victim's body was recovered on Sunday. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has warned vessels against using alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, saying any attempt to bypass Tehran's preferred corridor would increase regional tensions, as fresh US-Iran military exchanges cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire.

'Will increase tensions': Iran issues fresh warning over Strait of Hormuz shipping routes

Iran on Sunday (Jun 28) said that it was determined to defend its sovereignty after the latest US strikes on the Islamic Republic. This comes as tensions once again renewed despite a fragile truce in the Middle East. The US military said that it acted in response to an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.“Iran strongly condemns the airstrikes by the terrorist US army on several monitoring and surveillance facilities on the southern coast of the country in the early hours of Sunday,” the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement. It added that Tehran “stresses its determination to defend Iran's national sovereignty” against US attacks.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/centcom-releases-video-of-us-strikes-at-multiple-targets-in-iran-watch-1782612237049">CENTCOM releases video of US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran | WATCH</a><h2>US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran</h2>The US military said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command said in a statement that American forces conducted the strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/T Kiku. The Panama-flagged tanker, carrying two million barrels of crude oil, was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by an Iranian drone.“After yesterday’s US strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET. The Panama-flagged tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz with more than two million barrels of crude oil,” CENTCOM said.“CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping,” it added. “US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-never-return-to-pre-war-conditions-iran-says-hormuz-under-tehran-control-1782178171914">‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control</a><h2>Iran retaliates</h2>Following the US attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that it carried out retaliatory strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain in response to the US attacks on Iran. It also vowed a “crushing response” to any further military action by the United States.The Guards “destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the Fifth Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain,” they said in a statement.“Any enemy aggression, whatever the pretext, even against insignificant targets... will have a crushing response,” they added.<h2>Kuwait, Bahrain condemn Iranian attacks</h2>Condemning the Iranian attacks, Kuwait’s foreign ministry said that &nbsp;it“expresses its condemnation and denunciation of... in the strongest terms, the recurrence of Iran's heinous aggression against the State of Kuwait, the latest of which was at dawn today, in a flagrant violation of its sovereignty.”In a statement, the Bahraini military said it had “intercepted and destroyed a number of projectiles used in these treacherous Iranian attacks”, adding that it was on “maximum alert”.

Iran condemned the latest US strikes, vowed to defend its sovereignty and retaliated with attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain after Washington targeted Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran on Sunday (Jun 28) said that it was determined to defend its sovereignty after the latest US strikes on the Islamic Republic. This comes as tensions once again renewed despite a fragile truce in the Middle East. The US military said that it acted in response to an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. “Iran strongly condemns the airstrikes by the terrorist US army on several monitoring and surveillance facilities on the southern coast of the country in the early hours of Sunday,” the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement. It added that Tehran “stresses its determination to defend Iran's national sovereignty” against US attacks. Also read | CENTCOM releases video of US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran | WATCH US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran The US military said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command said in a statement that American forces conducted the strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/T Kiku. The Panama-flagged tanker, carrying two million barrels of crude oil, was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by an Iranian drone. “After yesterday’s US strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET. The Panama-flagged tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz with more than two million barrels of crude oil,” CENTCOM said. “CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping,” it added. “US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities.” Also read | ‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control Iran retaliates Following the US attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that it carried out retaliatory strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain in response to the US attacks on Iran. It also vowed a “crushing response” to any further military action by the United States. The Guards “destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the Fifth Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain,” they said in a statement. “Any enemy aggression, whatever the pretext, even against insignificant targets... will have a crushing response,” they added. Kuwait, Bahrain condemn Iranian attacks Condemning the Iranian attacks, Kuwait’s foreign ministry said that it“expresses its condemnation and denunciation of... in the strongest terms, the recurrence of Iran's heinous aggression against the State of Kuwait, the latest of which was at dawn today, in a flagrant violation of its sovereignty.” In a statement, the Bahraini military said it had “intercepted and destroyed a number of projectiles used in these treacherous Iranian attacks”, adding that it was on “maximum alert”.

Iran condemned the latest US strikes, vowed to defend its sovereignty and retaliated with attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain after Washington targeted Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran vows to defend sovereignty after US strikes; Kuwait, Bahrain condemn attacks

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted to a near-record low of 34% as Americans express deep skepticism over the recently signed U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding.


Report: Trump's approval ratings slip after Iran war agreement 

The fragile peace between Washington and Tehran has shattered following a massive retaliatory strike by the IRGC. Early Sunday, Iran confirmed a joint missile and drone operation targeting key U.S. infrastructure at the Ali al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.


US-Iran war: IRGC says it hit US airbase in Kuwait, fifth naval fleet in Bahrain

US Central Command on Saturday (Jun 27) released footage of strikes on Iran. This comes as tensions once again rise in the Middle East despite a ceasefire following an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz.Sharing the video of strikes, CENTCOM wrote on X, “US Navy and Air Force fighter jets conducted strikes tonight on 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz for Iran's drone attack on M/T Kiku.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Navy and Air Force fighter jets conducted strikes tonight on 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz for Iran&#39;s drone attack on M/T Kiku. <a href="https://t.co/Z0TLZRqmF6">pic.twitter.com/Z0TLZRqmF6</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2071029590932258941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a statement, the US military said that they acted in response to the Iranian attack on M/T Kiku. The Panama-flagged tanker, carrying two million barrels of crude oil, was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by an Iranian drone.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-vote-puts-iran-on-notice-trump-lauds-reversal-of-senate-war-powers-vote-1782372253064">‘This vote puts Iran on notice’: Trump lauds reversal of Senate war powers vote</a>&nbsp;“After yesterday’s US strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET. The Panama-flagged tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz with more than two million barrels of crude oil,” CENTCOM said.“CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping,” it added. “US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities.”The statement added that commercial vessel transit continues through the Strait of Hormuz.<h2>‘Iran will no longer exist’</h2>In a post on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Tehran, warning that “Iran will no longer exist.”“United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN! It is very possible that they will never learn! There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!” Trump wrote.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-requests-88-billion-for-iran-war-other-expenses-1782355453624">Trump administration requests $88 billion for Iran war, other expenses</a><h2>Iran retaliates</h2>Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday (Jun 28) that it carried out retaliatory strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain in response to the US attacks on Iran. It also vowed a “crushing response” to any further military action by the United States.The Guards “destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the Fifth Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain,” they said in a statement.“Any enemy aggression, whatever the pretext, even against insignificant targets... will have a crushing response,” they added.Watch | US-Iran war: IRGC says it hit US airbase in Kuwait, fifth naval fleet in Bahrain<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-irgc-says-it-hit-us-airbase-in-kuwait-fifth-naval-fleet-in-bahrain-1782615456775/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-irgc-says-it-hit-us-airbase-in-kuwait-fifth-naval-fleet-in-bahrain-1782615456775/embed</a>&nbsp;

US releases footage of strikes on 10 Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz after renewed tensions. The move follows an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel despite a ceasefire.

US Central Command on Saturday (Jun 27) released footage of strikes on Iran. This comes as tensions once again rise in the Middle East despite a ceasefire following an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said that it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian military targets at “multiple locations” in and near the Strait of Hormuz. Sharing the video of strikes, CENTCOM wrote on X, “US Navy and Air Force fighter jets conducted strikes tonight on 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz for Iran's drone attack on M/T Kiku.”

US releases footage of strikes on 10 Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz after renewed tensions. The move follows an Iranian drone attack on a commercial vessel despite a ceasefire.

CENTCOM releases video of US strikes at ‘multiple targets’ in Iran | WATCH

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday (June 28) said it launched a joint missile and drone attack targeting eight US military sites at Ali Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Port Salman, Bahrain, in response to the second night of American strikes on multiple targets inside the Islamic Republic over attack on a commercial vessel in Starit of Hormuz.&nbsp;The latest exchange marked the second consecutive night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the ceasefire agreement signed on June 19 under renewed strain. The agreement was aimed at ending the West Asia conflict that began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.&nbsp;"During a joint missile and drone operation at 2-3 am today, Sunday, July 27, destroyed eight important infrastructures of the child-killing US army at the Ali Salem base in Kuwait and the Fifth Naval Fleet in Port Salman, Bahrain, by launching ballistic missiles and drones, and decisively responded to the recent US aggression," the IRGC said in a statement reported by Iranian media.&nbsp;The IRGC also warned of a stronger response to any future US military action while describing the American strikes carried out on the previous two days as attacks on insignificant targets.&nbsp;It further warned ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to comply with arrangements put in place by Iran and threatened to respond more forcefully to violations.&nbsp;"Based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, arrangements are in place to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with the Islamic Republic, and from now on, offending ships will be dealt with more forcefully than in the past, and any potential enemy aggression, under any pretext, even if the aggressions are against insignificant targets like last night and tonight, will have a crushing response," the statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-on-multiple-targets-in-iran-over-attack-on-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-1782600052605">'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation</a>&nbsp;<h2>Kuwait and Bahrain on alert</h2>Tehran also warned that violating the ceasefire would be against Article 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding and could result in the complete suspension of the process.&nbsp;Confirming the attack, the Kuwaiti Army said on X, "The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defence systems intercepting the hostile attacks.&nbsp;Everyone is kindly requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities."&nbsp;Similarly, Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged residents to take shelter in safe places.&nbsp;Meanwhile, shortly after the US strikes, Donald Trump threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!

The fresh exchange marked a second straight night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the June 19 ceasefire agreement to the test.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday (June 28) said it launched a joint missile and drone attack targeting eight US military sites at Ali Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Port Salman, Bahrain, in response to the second night of American strikes on multiple targets inside the Islamic Republic over attack on a commercial vessel in Starit of Hormuz. The latest exchange marked the second consecutive night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the ceasefire agreement signed on June 19 under renewed strain. The agreement was aimed at ending the West Asia conflict that began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. "During a joint missile and drone operation at 2-3 am today, Sunday, July 27, destroyed eight important infrastructures of the child-killing US army at the Ali Salem base in Kuwait and the Fifth Naval Fleet in Port Salman, Bahrain, by launching ballistic missiles and drones, and decisively responded to the recent US aggression," the IRGC said in a statement reported by Iranian media. The IRGC also warned of a stronger response to any future US military action while describing the American strikes carried out on the previous two days as attacks on insignificant targets. It further warned ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to comply with arrangements put in place by Iran and threatened to respond more forcefully to violations. "Based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, arrangements are in place to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with the Islamic Republic, and from now on, offending ships will be dealt with more forcefully than in the past, and any potential enemy aggression, under any pretext, even if the aggressions are against insignificant targets like last night and tonight, will have a crushing response," the statement said. Also Read: 'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation Kuwait and Bahrain on alert Tehran also warned that violating the ceasefire would be against Article 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding and could result in the complete suspension of the process. Confirming the attack, the Kuwaiti Army said on X, "The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defence systems intercepting the hostile attacks. Everyone is kindly requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities." Similarly, Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged residents to take shelter in safe places. Meanwhile, shortly after the US strikes, Donald Trump threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement. "United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!

The fresh exchange marked a second straight night of military action between Tehran and Washington, putting the June 19 ceasefire agreement to the test.

Iran targets US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain after fresh American strikes, warns ships against violating Hormuz arrangement

US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!&nbsp;These remarks come shortly after the US military carried out additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement through another attack on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;&nbsp;The attack marked the second consecutive night of strikes on the Islamic Republic following Friday's US attack and Tehran's retaliation, raising uncertainty over the future of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian on June 19.&nbsp;In a statement, CENTCOM said, "US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities".&nbsp;According to the US, the latest strikes were launched after Iran allegedly failed to honour the ceasefire and its forces carried out a one-way drone attack on the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku near the Strait of Hormuz while it was transporting more than two million barrels of crude oil.&nbsp;"After yesterday's U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement, but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET," the statement said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/9JgYDCZXuB">https://t.co/9JgYDCZXuB</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2070987021930102919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping," the statement said, adding, "Commercial vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz continue. U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready".

The latest strikes marked a second consecutive night of military action between the United States and Iran, putting the June 19 Memorandum of Agreement between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian under renewed strain.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume military action, accusing Tehran of breaching the ceasefire agreement. "United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist! These remarks come shortly after the US military carried out additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran after accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement through another attack on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack marked the second consecutive night of strikes on the Islamic Republic following Friday's US attack and Tehran's retaliation, raising uncertainty over the future of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian on June 19. In a statement, CENTCOM said, "US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities". According to the US, the latest strikes were launched after Iran allegedly failed to honour the ceasefire and its forces carried out a one-way drone attack on the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku near the Strait of Hormuz while it was transporting more than two million barrels of crude oil. "After yesterday's U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honour the ceasefire agreement, but elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET," the statement said.

The latest strikes marked a second consecutive night of military action between the United States and Iran, putting the June 19 Memorandum of Agreement between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian under renewed strain.

'Iran will no longer exist': Trump threatens Tehran after fresh US strikes, accuses it of ceasefire violation

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been consistently in headlines since the start of the war with the US and Israel, but not much is known about it. Iran’s most powerful institution today is an enigma that stirs both fear and interest. Its critics call it a “state within a state” and an “opaque military-security complex” that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. The IRGC is a military force, an intelligence organisation, an economic conglomerate and a political power centre.&nbsp;The IRGC was established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in May 1979 after the Islamic Revolution, as he distrusted the regular Iranian military, believing it was still loyal to the monarchy he had overthrown. Khomeini created IRGC as a parallel military force to prevent any attempt to reverse the new political order.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>The Iran-Iraq War propelled IRGC ahead</h2>&nbsp;Soon the Iran-Iraq War broke out, and as it continued from 1980 to 1988, the IRGC became a formidable military force. The eight-year conflict saw the IRGC expand rapidly in manpower, develop a command structure and gain prestige through battlefield sacrifices.&nbsp;By the end of the war, the Guards had become an indispensable pillar of the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-lebanon-sign-trilateral-framework-agreement-after-fifth-round-of-talks-in-dc-1782498292166">US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after fifth round of talks in DC</a>&nbsp;In the next four decades, the IRGC grew rapidly and built its own ground, naval and aerospace forces, independent of Iran’s conventional army. The Aerospace Force took charge of developing the ballistic missile programme and drone technology, both of which have become central to Iran’s military strategy. The IRGC Navy adopted tactics centred on swarms of fast attack boats and anti-ship missiles to challenge the bigger naval forces in the Persian Gulf.<h2>The Quds Force, an IRGC arm, cultivated armed proxy groups</h2>&nbsp;Similarly, the Quds Force, responsible for overseas operations, supports non-state actors like the Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. It also deployed personnel in conflicts abroad like the Syrian Civil War and the Iraqi offensive against Islamic State.&nbsp;IRGC gradually cultivated alliances with armed groups and governments across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere and helped Iran build an ‘axis of resistance’ stretching across the region.&nbsp;<h2>Increasing influence, blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance</h2>&nbsp;The IRGC then started spreading its tentacles and stealthily increased its influence in Iran’s economy by controlling construction firms, energy projects, telecommunications, banking, shipping and even manufacturing.Its engineering conglomerate, Khatam al-Anbiya, secured major infrastructure contracts, making the Guards one of the biggest actors in Iran’s economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-s-minister-romina-pourmokhtari-brings-baby-to-eu-meeting-on-climate-1782494743205">Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate</a>&nbsp;Besides, several former IRGC commanders entered politics, parliament and senior government positions, further blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance.<h2>The secretive, undecipherable and unknown aspects</h2>&nbsp;However, in spite of its sweeping presence and influence, the IRGC remains highly secretive, and its internal chain of command is difficult to decipher.&nbsp;The IRGC controls military planning and intelligence operations, but its influence on nuclear policy and domestic political decisions is not known for certain.The IRGC has helped Iran adapt to sanctions, maintain covert supply routes and support allied groups despite sustained international pressure.&nbsp;The US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in 2019, but Iran insisted that the Guards are a legitimate branch of its armed forces.<h2>IRGC’s role in the war with US and Israel</h2>&nbsp;The IRGC has been taking on the United States and Israel in the military confrontation and coordinated Iran’s missile and drone attacks. Its Aerospace Force launched waves of ballistic missiles and long-range drones on Israel and US military assets in the Gulf.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-strong-nuclear-verification-needed-in-iran-after-war-says-iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-1782488144019">‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi</a>&nbsp;Iran’s projectiles penetrated the formidable Israeli and US air defence systems, highlighting the scale and sophistication of Iran’s missile programme.&nbsp;IRGC varied launch patterns and used different classes of missiles to test and overwhelm Israeli air defences.Tehran directly targeted American military assets despite Washington’s overwhelming conventional superiority.&nbsp;<h2>Resilience and operational continuity reinforce dominance in Iran</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Israeli strikes eliminated several senior IRGC commanders and targeted military infrastructure, dealing one of the most significant blows to the Guards and exposing its vulnerabilities.&nbsp;Even after the deaths of several senior commanders in 2025, the organisation demonstrated its institutional resilience by rapidly appointing successors and maintaining operational continuity.&nbsp;The war further reinforced IRGC’s dominance within Iran’s political and security establishment and its influence over strategic decision-making grew even stronger.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iranian-military-sites-after-drone-attack-on-cargo-ship-in-hormuz-1782507187416">US strikes Iran in 'powerful response' to drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;The conflict concentrated power in Iran’s security institutions, as IRGC emerged as the principal architect of national security strategy.<h2>Challenges military might of US and Israel</h2>&nbsp;IRGC is no match for the combined conventional military capabilities of the US and Israel. The US has the world’s most powerful military, while Israel has an overwhelming technological superiority. The IRGC adopted the strategy of asymmetric warfare by using methods that exploited the adversary’s vulnerabilities rather than confronting its strengths directly.&nbsp;Iran invested heavily in ballistic missiles, drones, cyber capabilities, naval swarm tactics and proxy forces across the Middle East, all relatively low-cost capabilities to tackle technologically superior adversaries.Over three decades, the IRGC developed one of the largest ballistic missile arsenals in the Middle East. The sheer volume of launches strained sophisticated air defence systems like Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow networks.Besides, the long-range drones provide precision-strike capabilities and psychological impact at a fraction of the cost of advanced fighter aircraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;The West Asia conflict has shown that relatively inexpensive unmanned systems can threaten far more expensive military assets.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foolish-violation-of-our-ceasefire-agreement-trump-claims-drone-attack-on-ships-by-iran-in-hormuz-1782498036028">'Foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement': Trump claims drone attack on ships by Iran in Hormuz</a>&nbsp;However, the limits of the IRGC’s approach have also been exposed. Israel and the US repeatedly demonstrated their ability to penetrate Iranian intelligence networks, conduct precision strikes and target senior military leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IRGC focused less on achieving outright military victory than on prolonging the conflict and making it costly and politically difficult for its adversaries.&nbsp;However, the most noteworthy development came when the US and Iranian negotiators sat down together in Switzerland after the MoU signing, and when Washington agreed to set up the deconfliction channel including CENTCOM and IRGC, which the US had designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

IRGC critics call it a “state within a state” and an opaque military-security complex that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. It is a military force, an intelligence organisation, and economic conglomerate.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been consistently in headlines since the start of the war with the US and Israel, but not much is known about it. Iran’s most powerful institution today is an enigma that stirs both fear and interest. Its critics call it a “state within a state” and an “opaque military-security complex” that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. The IRGC is a military force, an intelligence organisation, an economic conglomerate and a political power centre. The IRGC was established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in May 1979 after the Islamic Revolution, as he distrusted the regular Iranian military, believing it was still loyal to the monarchy he had overthrown. Khomeini created IRGC as a parallel military force to prevent any attempt to reverse the new political order. The Iran-Iraq War propelled IRGC ahead Soon the Iran-Iraq War broke out, and as it continued from 1980 to 1988, the IRGC became a formidable military force. The eight-year conflict saw the IRGC expand rapidly in manpower, develop a command structure and gain prestige through battlefield sacrifices. By the end of the war, the Guards had become an indispensable pillar of the Islamic Republic. Also Read: US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after fifth round of talks in DC In the next four decades, the IRGC grew rapidly and built its own ground, naval and aerospace forces, independent of Iran’s conventional army. The Aerospace Force took charge of developing the ballistic missile programme and drone technology, both of which have become central to Iran’s military strategy. The IRGC Navy adopted tactics centred on swarms of fast attack boats and anti-ship missiles to challenge the bigger naval forces in the Persian Gulf. The Quds Force, an IRGC arm, cultivated armed proxy groups Similarly, the Quds Force, responsible for overseas operations, supports non-state actors like the Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. It also deployed personnel in conflicts abroad like the Syrian Civil War and the Iraqi offensive against Islamic State. IRGC gradually cultivated alliances with armed groups and governments across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere and helped Iran build an ‘axis of resistance’ stretching across the region. Increasing influence, blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance The IRGC then started spreading its tentacles and stealthily increased its influence in Iran’s economy by controlling construction firms, energy projects, telecommunications, banking, shipping and even manufacturing. Its engineering conglomerate, Khatam al-Anbiya, secured major infrastructure contracts, making the Guards one of the biggest actors in Iran’s economy. Also Read: Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate Besides, several former IRGC commanders entered politics, parliament and senior government positions, further blurring the lines between military authority and civilian governance. The secretive, undecipherable and unknown aspects However, in spite of its sweeping presence and influence, the IRGC remains highly secretive, and its internal chain of command is difficult to decipher. The IRGC controls military planning and intelligence operations, but its influence on nuclear policy and domestic political decisions is not known for certain. The IRGC has helped Iran adapt to sanctions, maintain covert supply routes and support allied groups despite sustained international pressure. The US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in 2019, but Iran insisted that the Guards are a legitimate branch of its armed forces. IRGC’s role in the war with US and Israel The IRGC has been taking on the United States and Israel in the military confrontation and coordinated Iran’s missile and drone attacks. Its Aerospace Force launched waves of ballistic missiles and long-range drones on Israel and US military assets in the Gulf. Also Read: ‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi Iran’s projectiles penetrated the formidable Israeli and US air defence systems, highlighting the scale and sophistication of Iran’s missile programme. IRGC varied launch patterns and used different classes of missiles to test and overwhelm Israeli air defences. Tehran directly targeted American military assets despite Washington’s overwhelming conventional superiority. Resilience and operational continuity reinforce dominance in Iran Israeli strikes eliminated several senior IRGC commanders and targeted military infrastructure, dealing one of the most significant blows to the Guards and exposing its vulnerabilities. Even after the deaths of several senior commanders in 2025, the organisation demonstrated its institutional resilience by rapidly appointing successors and maintaining operational continuity. The war further reinforced IRGC’s dominance within Iran’s political and security establishment and its influence over strategic decision-making grew even stronger. Also Read: US strikes Iran in 'powerful response' to drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz The conflict concentrated power in Iran’s security institutions, as IRGC emerged as the principal architect of national security strategy. Challenges military might of US and Israel IRGC is no match for the combined conventional military capabilities of the US and Israel. The US has the world’s most powerful military, while Israel has an overwhelming technological superiority. The IRGC adopted the strategy of asymmetric warfare by using methods that exploited the adversary’s vulnerabilities rather than confronting its strengths directly. Iran invested heavily in ballistic missiles, drones, cyber capabilities, naval swarm tactics and proxy forces across the Middle East, all relatively low-cost capabilities to tackle technologically superior adversaries. Over three decades, the IRGC developed one of the largest ballistic missile arsenals in the Middle East. The sheer volume of launches strained sophisticated air defence systems like Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow networks. Besides, the long-range drones provide precision-strike capabilities and psychological impact at a fraction of the cost of advanced fighter aircraft. The West Asia conflict has shown that relatively inexpensive unmanned systems can threaten far more expensive military assets. Also Read: 'Foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement': Trump claims drone attack on ships by Iran in Hormuz However, the limits of the IRGC’s approach have also been exposed. Israel and the US repeatedly demonstrated their ability to penetrate Iranian intelligence networks, conduct precision strikes and target senior military leaders. The IRGC focused less on achieving outright military victory than on prolonging the conflict and making it costly and politically difficult for its adversaries. However, the most noteworthy development came when the US and Iranian negotiators sat down together in Switzerland after the MoU signing, and when Washington agreed to set up the deconfliction channel including CENTCOM and IRGC, which the US had designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

IRGC critics call it a “state within a state” and an opaque military-security complex that projects Iranian power to the world and wields massive influence over domestic politics and the economy. It is a military force, an intelligence organisation, and economic conglomerate.

The IRGC: Iran’s most powerful force that outwits formidable rivals, remains an enigma

The US has launched strikes on Iranian military targets after a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire, while US Central Command said it targeted missile, drone, and radar sites in retaliation. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has blamed the US and Israel for the latest escalation. Watch the latest updates.


US-Iran War: US Fires Back After Iran's Cargo Ship Attack

The US military carried out airstrikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites, along with coastal radar locations, on Friday in response to an Iranian drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.&nbsp;According to CENTCOM, the strikes followed Iran's June 25 attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely as it was leaving the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast.&nbsp;“U.S. aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites after Iran hit M/V Ever Lovely on June 25 with a one-way attack drone. The Singapore-flagged cargo ship was exiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast at the time of Iran’s attack,” Centcom said on X.&nbsp;The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire. Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behaviour undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor," it added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/W4zjNqnmCt">https://t.co/W4zjNqnmCt</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2070607101207232829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-lebanon-sign-trilateral-framework-agreement-after-fifth-round-of-talks-in-dc-1782498292166">US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after fifth round of talks in DC</a>&nbsp;The US military said Iran's attack on the commercial vessel violated the ceasefire and threatened freedom of navigation through one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. It added that American forces would continue coordinating safe passage for commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz while remaining vigilant to enforce the agreement with Iran.&nbsp;The strikes came hours after US President Donald Trump condemned what he described as an Iranian drone attack on the cargo vessel, calling it "Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement."&nbsp;Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump declined to say how Washington might respond or whether he believed the ceasefire remained in force."You'll find out," he said. "I don't like the fact that they took a shot yesterday. They shouldn't be doing that."&nbsp;The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations on a permanent settlement to the conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.&nbsp;Iran has warned ships against entering or leaving the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. Despite the warning, commercial vessels have continued to transit the waterway, with some using routes not authorised by Tehran.&nbsp;The drone attack occurred just over a week after Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at securing a permanent peace agreement between the two countries.

The US military said the strikes were a powerful response to yesterday's attack on a commercial ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, adding that it remains vigilant to ensure the agreement with Iran is fully observed.


The US military carried out airstrikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites, along with coastal radar locations, on Friday in response to an Iranian drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. According to CENTCOM, the strikes followed Iran's June 25 attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely as it was leaving the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast. “U.S. aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites after Iran hit M/V Ever Lovely on June 25 with a one-way attack drone. The Singapore-flagged cargo ship was exiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast at the time of Iran’s attack,” Centcom said on X. The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire. Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behaviour undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor," it added.

The US military said the strikes were a powerful response to yesterday's attack on a commercial ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, adding that it remains vigilant to ensure the agreement with Iran is fully observed. &nbsp;

US strikes Iran in 'powerful response' to drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz

Movement through the Strait of Hormuz has been halted after a cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile near Oman's coast. The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused the evacuation of over 11,000 stranded sailors while security assessments continue.

US-Iran War: Fresh Strike Rocks Hormuz as Peace Talks Continue

The US and Iran are heading towards a peace deal as the first round of negotiations between the delegates of both the countries to end the war that started after US and Israel launched a joint airstrike on Iran on February 28 that killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ended in Switzerland last week on a "good" note.&nbsp;Now the focus in US is likely to turn towards the cost its country bared in the war against Iran. According to Center for Strategic and International Studies the cost of US' &nbsp;“Operation Epic Fury” is around $40 billion ($34 billion to $42 billion).&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-trump-administration-to-end-protections-for-350-000-haitians-6-000-syrians-1782401174812">US Supreme Court allows trump administration to end protections for 350,000 Haitians, 6,000 Syrians</a>&nbsp;<h2>It divided the war costs in four phases:</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>The first was deployment that took place over several weeks in the region</li><li>Second consisted of the expensive missiles used to attack ground targets and defend against Iranian attacks. This lasted for 5 days</li><li>In the third phase, missile and drone attacks by Iran dropped by about 90 percent. US gained air superiority and ground attacks transitioned to short-range—and much less expensive—munitions</li><li>The fourth and the last phase is when the costs declined due to ceasefire. However there was no complete halt of action as periodic skirmishing were reported</li></ul>According to Center for Strategic and International Studies the &nbsp;Department of Defence (DOD) first cited $25 billion and later $29 billion in war costs but acknowledged that those numbers were incomplete. The estimate of DOD did not include base damage, which is the reason for higher estimate by CSIS.&nbsp;While the AEI took both the estimates under consideration and put the war costs between $31 and $41 billion.&nbsp;US forces fired many expensive missiles that formed the largest part of the war expenses estimated at a whopping $26.1 billion. &nbsp;

US forces fired many expensive missiles that formed the largest part of the war expenses estimated at a whopping  $26.1 billion.

The US and Iran are heading towards a peace deal as the first round of negotiations between the delegates of both the countries to end the war that started after US and Israel launched a joint airstrike on Iran on February 28 that killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ended in Switzerland last week on a "good" note. Now the focus in US is likely to turn towards the cost its country bared in the war against Iran. According to Center for Strategic and International Studies the cost of US' “Operation Epic Fury” is around $40 billion ($34 billion to $42 billion). ALSO READ: US Supreme Court allows trump administration to end protections for 350,000 Haitians, 6,000 Syrians It divided the war costs in four phases: The first was deployment that took place over several weeks in the region Second consisted of the expensive missiles used to attack ground targets and defend against Iranian attacks. This lasted for 5 days In the third phase, missile and drone attacks by Iran dropped by about 90 percent. US gained air superiority and ground attacks transitioned to short-range—and much less expensive—munitions The fourth and the last phase is when the costs declined due to ceasefire. However there was no complete halt of action as periodic skirmishing were reported According to Center for Strategic and International Studies the Department of Defence (DOD) first cited $25 billion and later $29 billion in war costs but acknowledged that those numbers were incomplete. The estimate of DOD did not include base damage, which is the reason for higher estimate by CSIS. While the AEI took both the estimates under consideration and put the war costs between $31 and $41 billion. US forces fired many expensive missiles that formed the largest part of the war expenses estimated at a whopping $26.1 billion.

US forces fired many expensive missiles that formed the largest part of the war expenses estimated at a whopping &nbsp;$26.1 billion.

How much did 'Operation Epic Fury' cost US as end of war with Iran looks closer?

A political firestorm has erupted between Italy and NATO following comments made by Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the use of Italian bases during the U.S.-led "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran. 

Italy Challenges Rutte's Claims On Allowing US Air Operations

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