Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة وإيران تتبادلان الهجمات رغم جهود وقف إطلاق النار المستمرة
Iranian and US forces have continued to exchange strikes despite a ceasefire that was announced on April 8. This escalation has raised fears that the fragile truce could collapse as mediation efforts continue in Doha. According to Al Jazeera, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it carried out new strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to place naval mines. These actions were described as being in “self-defence” to protect US troops from Iranian threats.
On the Iranian side, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it had downed a US drone and fired at another drone and a jet that entered Iranian airspace. Iran maintains it has the “legitimate and definite” right to respond to any violations of the ceasefire, reflecting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
The ceasefire was initially established after 40 days of conflict, during which significant casualties were reported on both sides. At least 3,468 people in Iran, including many civilians, were killed in US-Israeli attacks since February 28, while the US military confirmed 13 combat-related deaths across the region. Despite the ceasefire, military flare-ups have continued, underscoring the deep mistrust between the two countries.
Since the ceasefire, multiple incidents have strained the situation further. On April 10, Kuwait accused Iran of drone attacks violating its airspace. Subsequently, the US announced a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Iran condemned as “illegal”. Attacks at sea escalated with Iranian forces firing on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and the US seizing an Iranian container ship. Throughout May, incidents continued, including missile attacks on the UAE and drone strikes near critical infrastructure, raising concerns over regional stability.
