**US and Iran Trade Strikes as Ceasefire Comes Under Growing Strain**
**Published: July 13, 2026**
In a significant escalation of hostilities, the United States has launched a series of airstrikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Iranian forces across the Gulf region. This exchange of military strikes further jeopardizes a fragile ceasefire that had been established earlier this year.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that in the early hours of Monday, US forces targeted multiple locations across Iran, striking dozens of sites. The operation included the use of fighter aircraft, naval vessels, one-way attack aerial drones, and for the first time, one-way attack sea drones. CENTCOM stated that the strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s military capabilities, specifically targeting military air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats. The operation was framed as a necessary measure to protect international shipping routes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In response, Iranian officials reported that the US strikes affected eight cities in Khuzestan province, resulting in the death of one security guard and injuries to four individuals at a water station in Mahshahr. Shortly after the US attacks, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched retaliatory strikes on US military installations in several Gulf nations. The IRGC claimed responsibility for targeting a long-range air surveillance radar in Bahrain, a vessel detection radar system in Oman, and a US Army missile base in Kuwait, asserting that significant damage was inflicted, including the destruction of two missile launchers.
The situation prompted Bahrain to issue alerts to its residents, advising them to remain calm and seek safety. Meanwhile, Jordanian authorities reported intercepting four missiles that had entered their airspace from Iran.
This latest round of military engagement follows a separate series of US strikes on Saturday, where approximately 140 targets across Iran were hit in retaliation for previous IRGC attacks on commercial shipping and Iran's announcement regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing military actions come amidst a backdrop of a Memorandum of Understanding reached between Washington and Tehran in mid-June, which aimed to extend an earlier ceasefire and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the agreement appears increasingly fragile as tensions escalate.
The conflict, which erupted on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian positions, has seen the Strait of Hormuz become a focal point of contention. This strategic waterway is crucial for global energy exports, with about 20 percent of the world's oil passing through it prior to the onset of hostilities. US President Donald Trump has been vocal about his desire to lower oil and gas prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, while Iran insists on maintaining control over shipping traffic in the region.
Recent shipping data from Kpler indicates that vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to its lowest level in five weeks, reflecting the heightened risks associated with navigating the area. The ongoing military exchanges and the breakdown of diplomatic efforts signal a troubling trajectory for peace in the region.
Despite Trump’s declaration last week that the ceasefire was over, he later indicated that both sides had agreed to continue discussions. However, the recent strikes have cast doubt on the viability of any potential negotiations, leaving the situation precarious as both nations navigate a complex landscape of military and diplomatic challenges.