The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appears to be at risk after President Donald Trump launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Iranian targets. The US military confirmed it carried out strikes on Monday in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The action comes despite recent claims that a peace deal was close to being finalised.
US Self-Defence Strikes
US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the strikes were conducted in self-defence to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. He emphasised that the US was exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire. The strikes hit an area near the port city of Bandar Abbas, which houses a military port on the Strait of Hormuz and a dual-use airport.
Iran's Response
Tehran has condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of the ceasefire and vowed to retaliate. Iran's foreign ministry labelled the US action as terrorist and stated that it would leave no act of aggression unanswered. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have shot down a US drone and fired at a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace, though the timing of these incidents remains unclear.
Ceasefire in Jeopardy
The ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, has been in place since April 8, with both sides reportedly making progress towards a negotiated settlement. However, the latest strikes have cast doubt on the durability of the truce. China, a key ally of Iran, has urged all parties to honour their commitments to the ceasefire and resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue.
President Trump had previously indicated that a peace deal with Iran was largely negotiated, following discussions with Gulf allies, Israel, and a Pakistani mediator. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, since the war began.
