Arabic version: تواصل الولايات المتحدة الضربات الجوية على إيران بعد الهجوم بالطائرات المسيرة على الناقلة

The United States has launched a second consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, responding to an attack on a commercial vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This escalation raises concerns about the fragility of a ceasefire established between the two nations on June 17.

According to Al Jazeera, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the latest strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including surveillance systems and drone facilities. The attacks were ordered by the Commander in Chief and followed a drone strike on the Panama-flagged tanker Kiku, which was reportedly struck by a “one-way attack drone” while carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil.

The Kiku incident, which occurred early on Saturday morning at about 4:30am Eastern US time, mirrored a similar attack on another vessel, the Ever Lovely, the previous day. Both incidents prompted swift military responses from the US, indicating a breakdown in the ceasefire agreement that aimed to halt hostilities and enable safe maritime passage in the region.

CENTCOM emphasized that the ongoing military actions were a direct response to Iranian aggression against commercial shipping. The situation remains tense, with both nations exchanging fire and accusations of violating the ceasefire terms. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil supply, and continued fighting could disrupt maritime traffic and elevate oil prices further, complicating diplomatic efforts.

Experts warn that the current cycle of retaliatory strikes could escalate tensions, undermining any potential for a peaceful resolution. The complexities of the ceasefire agreement, particularly differing interpretations of maritime control, add to the uncertainty surrounding future negotiations between the US and Iran.