US, Iran exchange fresh military strikes since signing Switzerland peace accord

The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes after Washington accused Tehran of attacking a commercial cargo ship, raising concerns about the future of a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

US Central Command said its forces targeted Iranian missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar positions. It described the strikes as “a powerful response to yesterday’s attack on a commercial ship that was transiting the Strait of Hormuz” and said Iran’s actions were “unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces” that “clearly violated the ceasefire”.

Iranian state television reported that an explosion was heard at Taherouyeh pier in the southern port city of Sirik. According to an informed military source, the blast was caused by a projectile hitting the area.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump condemned what he called an Iranian drone attack on the cargo ship, saying, “Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our ceasefire agreement.” US Vice President JD Vance also warned that “violence will be met with violence” if Iran launched more attacks.

Soon afterwards, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they had carried out strikes on US sites in the Gulf in response to the American attacks. They warned, “If the aggression is repeated, our response will be broader than this.”

The latest exchange has increased concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil and gas supplies. Iran has warned ships not to use the waterway without permission, although many vessels continue to pass through using routes along Oman’s coast.

Despite the renewed tensions, oil prices fell as markets remained hopeful that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would continue without major disruption.

Meanwhile, Israel, Lebanon and the United States signed an agreement aimed at creating a framework for peace along the Israel-Lebanon border. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the deal “begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security” but added that more work remained.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the agreement, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described it as a “first step” toward allowing civilians to return home. However, Hezbollah opposed the deal, with supporters protesting in Beirut and party officials warning that it could undermine broader regional peace efforts.

At the same time, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said any final agreement between the US and Iran must include strict inspections to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. While Iran says its nuclear programme is peaceful, Grossi stressed that “intentions are not enough” and that a strong verification system would be needed.