• The US strikes Iran for a second day following a drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the worst military escalation since the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) more than a week ago.
• US President Donald Trump accuses Iran of violating the interim deal and threatens to “militarily complete the job that we very successfully started”.
  Iranian state media is reporting that the city of Sirik and Qeshm Island were targeted in the US attacks.

Strait of Hormuz tensions raise questions over US-Iran ceasefire and shipping routes

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of tensions between the US and Iran, despite a ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict.

Different transit routes have been promoted as safe for commercial shipping, while competing claims over control of the strategic waterway have raised new concerns about maritime security and the durability of the truce.

Four projectiles hit Iran’s Bandar-e Lengeh

According to the IRIB state broadcaster, four projectiles hit the city of Bandar-e Lengeh in Hormozgan province, following US attacks on the city of Sirik and on Qeshm Island.

Kuwait says responding to ‘hostile missile and drone threats’

The Kuwaiti military says the country’s air defences are responding to “hostile missile and drone threats”.

Iran trying to preserve leverage in talks with US by maintaining control of strait

There hasn’t been any statement released by Iranian officials, neither by the army nor the government.

However, state TV is reporting that several projectiles hit telecommunications towers.

There have been two districts hit, the city of Sirik and Qeshm Island.

There is a pattern. Since the memorandum of understanding was signed in Switzerland last week, this is the second time these two parties are engaging militarily, and that is raising concerns and questions about the future of the memorandum, and also about the future of the ongoing negotiations.

There is a dilemma here now for both countries.

For the United States, keeping the Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for global stability, for the price of oil, and, of course, to diminish tensions that are rising in the Gulf countries as well.

For Iran, on the other hand, the Strait of Hormuz is almost the only leverage that Iran has in the ongoing negotiations. And Iranians believe if they allow the country to be bypassed, then they’re going to lose their biggest leverage, and it’s going to significantly weaken the Iranians’ hand at the negotiating table.

That’s why they’re saying they are ready to fight to preserve their control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Oman condemns drone strike on Bahrain

Oman has joined other Gulf neighbours in condemning an alleged Iranian drone strike on Bahrain on Saturday.

The government says it is “reaffirming its full solidarity with [Bahrain] in all that serves to safeguard its security, the safety of its territories, and the protection of its sovereignty, and renewing its total rejection of all acts that would undermine the security and stability of the region”.

Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE condemned the strike earlier.

The report comes as Bahrain activated air raid sirens for a second day as the US and Iran exchanged tit-for-tat attacks in their worst escalation since the signing of an MoU more than a week ago.

Reminder:

The renewed clashes is caused by Oman as it made a miscalculation by opening a new transit route without Iran's consent, while Muscat partner with Iran in a new transit administration in the Hormuz

Oman's offered the new transit route to IMO while it knew that Iran would act against any vessel that tries to transit the Hormuz via any alternative route. Muscat brought the IMO in danger.

But there is a hidden problem between Iran and the US. It is the way how they interpret the MoU, which causes tit-for-that attacks on each other.

The problem is a detail in Article Five of the MoU, where it is stated that Iran will “make arrangements” for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. But it was Oman who did with IMO and without Iran's consent.

Now, this prompts the question "Is Oman's unilateral action, so without Iran's consent, a move by the US?"

IRGC says targeted US forces in Bahrain and Kuwait

Iran’s IRNA and Tasnim news agencies have shared a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), confirming the attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain.

The IRGC said its navy and air force launched ballistic missiles and drones at the US Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait and the US Fifth Naval Fleet at Port Salman in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

The statement said the attacks were in response to the US bombing of five coastal locations in Iran.

Trump’s threat raises new concerns of further escalation

President Trump is saying that the strikes were carried out because it was Iran that has violated the ceasefire again.

He said that US aircraft targeted Iranian missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar facilities. This is very much consistent with the message published by US Central Command, saying that the US military had conducted strikes in direct response to overnight drone attacks by Iran against a Panama-flagged tanker, the MT Kiku, which was carrying more than 2 million barrels of oil.

One of the most significant parts of this social media post by Trump is this threat, this warning, that there may come a time when the United States is “no longer able to be reasonable” and would be forced to militarily “complete the job”.

That’s similar to language and rhetoric that Trump has publicly used in the past.

It’s very strong language, and it suggests that the White House is trying to send a deterrent message here to Iran, saying to stop these attacks or else Iran could run the risk of further and more broad military action.

This raises fresh questions, fresh concerns, over the possibility of escalation and whether this fragile ceasefire can continue to hold.

IRGC says any ‘enemy aggression’ will be met with ‘crushing response’

The IRGC reiterated that, under the US-Iran interim deal, “the arrangements for controlling traffic in the Strait of Hormuz” are with Tehran.

“And from now on, violating ships will be dealt with more forcefully than in the past,” it said.

The IRGC also warned that “any possible enemy aggression, under any pretext” – such as the US attacks carried out over the past few days – will be met with “a crushing response”.

Violating the ceasefire contravenes the MoU, “and will result in a complete halt to the processes”, the statement added.

US military says it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian ‘military targets’

CENTCOM says the strikes were carried out by US fighter jets “at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz”.

It also shared a grainy, black-and-white video on social media, showing some of the apparent attacks.

"But Iran’s IRGC said the US bombed five coastal locations in the country in its latest round of attacks.

We know this kind of claims from the Israeli war belligerent, which they post on social media to "inform" the public what they have achieved, not what they have done.

Iran says US violating MoU by trying to set a ‘different corridor’ in Strait of Hormuz

Abas Aslani, a senior research fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies, says the US and Iran are both trying to assert their vision of what a new transit system for the Strait of Hormuz should look like.

“Tehran believes that the US is violating the terms of the MoU by trying to determine a different corridor for the transit of the vessels and tankers that were supposed to go through a determined pathway,” he said.

He noted Iran has been holding talks with Oman “to set the new arrangements”, and was planning to talk to regional countries, too.

“But the US wants now to pressure regional countries and to use force to pressure Iran in order to change the current status quo in the Strait of Hormuz, and bring it back to the pre-war situation, and Iran is insisting that this cannot return to the previous status quo [and that] a new reality and a new strait has been born,” Aslani said.

“So that’s why we are seeing that the two sides are flexing muscles in relation to the strategic assets for Iran. This is very significant because abandoning such a strategic leverage could pose existential risks for the country,” he added.

"...by trying to determine a different corridor for the transit..."

Why is Iran blaming the US, not Oman?

Oman and Iran are planning to administer the Strait of Hormuz jointly.

However, ...

The renewed clashes is caused by Oman as it made a miscalculation by opening a new transit route without Iran's consent, while Muscat partner with Iran in a new transit administration in the Hormuz

Oman's offered the new transit route to IMO while it knew that Iran would act against any vessel that tries to transit the Hormuz via any alternative route. Muscat brought the IMO in danger.

But there is a hidden problem between Iran and the US. It is the way how they interpret the MoU, which causes tit-for-that attacks on each other.

The problem is a detail in Article Five of the MoU, where it is stated that Iran will “make arrangements” for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. But it was Oman who did with IMO and without Iran's consent.

Now, this prompts the question "Is Oman's unilateral action, so without Iran's consent, a move by the US?"

Tehran residents fear return to war after US-Iran confrontation

The latest confrontations between the US and Iran have highlighted the fragility of their agreement.

Iran sees Strait of Hormuz ‘as leverage’ to stop repeated US attacks

Abas Aslani, the Tehran-based political analyst, says Iran has made clear it cannot abandon its “strategic leverage” in the Strait of Hormuz because that will open the country up to further attacks.

“Iran sees [the strait] as leverage… to stop the repetition of any new round of aggression against the country,” Aslani said.

The Trump administration is trying to change the situation in the key Gulf waterway “by force”, Aslani added, something that “is unacceptable for Tehran”.

How did the latest US-Iran attacks begin?

• June 23: Oman provides UN's body IMO an safe route through its part of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The UN announces two new routes to evacuate stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz, through Iranian and Omani waters. Iran rejects the plan, saying it was announced without consultation.
• June 25: The Taiwanese-operated Ever Lovely is struck off the coast of Oman by a suspected Iranian drone, causing some damage but no injuries to the crew.
• June 26: The US bombs Iran, accusing it of violating the MoU by attacking the Ever Lovely. The US military says it struck Iranian missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar positions.
• June 27: The IRGC says it responded with attacks on US forces in the region, while Bahrain says several drones targeted its territory.
  • The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations says another ⁠tanker was struck by an “unidentified projectile” ⁠⁠in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • US Central Command says it launched a second wave of strikes, targeting Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities.
• June 28: Iran launches retaliatory attacks on US forces in Bahrain and Kuwait, and says that any “enemy aggression” will be met with a “crushing response”.

See previous comment

No US casualties after Iranian attacks, official says

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, has told Reuters that no US casualties, major impacts, or damage to US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait have been reported as of yet, but the situation is still unfolding.

The Reuters report comes after the IRGC claimed attacks on the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait and the US’s Fifth Naval Fleet at Port Salman in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

IRGC ‘clearly warning’ US of a ‘halt to MoU’ if attacks continue

The statement is quite similar [to previous ones], but in a stronger language, with an emphasis on the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.

They’re saying that, according to the MoU, arrangements for controlling passage in the Strait of Hormuz are with Iran, and from now on, stronger action will be taken against violating ships. And that if the US continues its aggression, Iran is going to respond much more harshly, and the US is going to receive a crushing response.

So the emphasis, like in yesterday’s statement, focuses on the fifth clause of the MoU, which is about the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC is saying that the fifth clause is simply authorizing Iran’s control over the strait.

At the end of the statement, there is a firm warning: The IRGC is saying that the enemy – the United States – should know that violating the ceasefire is against the first clause of the MoU and will lead to a complete halt to the process.

It is clearly warning the United States that if these attacks continue, the MoU and the ongoing negotiations are going to come to a halt.

What does the US-Iran MoU say on Strait of Hormuz?

Iran claims that the MoU with the US gives it control over transit in the Strait of Hormuz. It warns that any ships that use the waterway without its permission will be “dealt with more forcefully”.

So, what does Article 5 of the MoU say?

• “Upon the signing of this MoU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa.
• “The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start and, considering the need for removing the technical and military obstacles and de-mining by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be instated within 30 days.
• “The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.”

1. Iran will make arrangements: but it was Oman which already did by providing IMO an safe route, while Muscat is not a signatory to the MoU.
2. ...traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start... which the US appears to try to enforce via Oman.

Has there been any kind of direct communication between US and Iran?

There is a cycle, a pattern emerging of tit-for-tat strikes, and of a blame game.

But as of now, there has been no clear confirmation as to whether US officials are in direct communication with their Iranian counterparts.

US Vice President JD Vance had said, just on Friday, that if there were any concerns or disputes regarding the MoU that was signed recently, Iran should “pick up the phone”.

The messaging, the signaling here is very clear: If there is a dispute or a question, the preference by US officials is for this to be conducted through the appropriate diplomatic channels and not through military escalation.

So, publicly, the US is framing this latest round of attacks as a direct response to what they are saying is Iran’s violation of the ceasefire, but not in any way related to this current track of negotiations with Iran.

"...the preference by US officials is for this to be conducted through the appropriate diplomatic channels and not through military escalation."

The move by Oman on June 23, 2026, looks suspiciously an act to escalate 'on behalf of the US' under the Omani pretext of "abiding to international law."

IRGC Navy says US bases ‘will experience hell in these days’

The IRGC’s Navy command has also issued a statement on the escalation with the US.

It said the US’s attack on the city of Sirik “does not solve the mystery of our dominance over the strait, but our firing at the violators reminds the rest of the vessels of the clear path of passage”.

“The American bases in the region are a separate matter. They will experience hell in these days,” it added.

US ‘trying to find its way out of MoU, while obliging Iran to its end of terms’

Hassan Ahmadian, an associate professor at the University of Tehran, says the attacks could set off a domino effect of strikes between the US and Iran.

“I think we’re up for escalation because, obviously, the Iranians will retaliate,” he said.

Ahmadian argued that Article 5 of the MoU says that “Iran will make the arrangements for the safe passage of commercial ships” for 60 days, and afterwards, it will be “Iran and Oman that will make the arrangements”.

“And now, the United States wants different arrangements in place as opposed to the MoU that it itself signed,” he said. “What we see is the United States trying to find its way out of this memorandum of understanding, while obliging Iran to its end of the terms.”

The US has done the same in Lebanon by brokering a new framework agreement, he said.

Ahmadian added that the Iranians “will not let go of this”.

“They want only commercial ships to pass through the strait, so any ship that doesn’t coordinate might be a military one, might carry military stuff. The Iranians do not want this,” he said.

“There’s a logic behind Iran insisting that safe passage should be arranged by them, and there should be only commercial ships for the two months. So, I don’t see the Iranians stopping. I see them actually escalating if the United States is to continue to escalate.”

“Iran and Oman that will make the arrangements”.

See previous comments about Oman.

Bahrain condemns Iranian attacks as ‘dangerous escalation’

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry has expressed its “strongest condemnation” of Iran’s latest ballistic missile and drone attacks, saying they violate the Gulf nation’s sovereignty.

In a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency, the ministry said the strikes also undermine “opportunities for de-escalation and stability in the region”.

It called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to address the situation in hopes of “putting an end to this ongoing aggression and holding its perpetrators accountable”.

The ministry added that Bahrain “affirms its full legitimate right to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity in accordance with international law, and holds the Iranian regime fully responsible for any escalation resulting from its continued aggression”.

See previous comments about Oman.

Democratic lawmaker says US strikes on Iran violate war powers resolution

Ro Khanna, a Democratic congressman, says the US military’s strikes on Iran “are a blatant violation of the War Powers Resolution” that Congress passed this week.

“Trump must stop this war now — or we will take him to court to compel him to do so,” he added.

The War Powers Resolution passed the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 50-48 after a similar measure passed in the House of Representatives on June 3.

It “directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran”, and stipulates that Trump would only be allowed to use further military force against Iran only if “explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific congressional authorization”.

Iran condemns ‘brutal’ US attacks as violation of ceasefire

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly” condemned the latest US strikes on the country’s southern coast, calling them “brutal attacks” that violate the ceasefire outlined in their MoU.

The ministry said the strikes demonstrate that the US “does not place the slightest value on its commitments”, adding that “breaking promises is part of the nature of this regime”.

It also emphasized Iran’s determination to defend its “national sovereignty and territorial integrity” against what it described as “US military aggression”.

See previous comments about Oman.

Iran’s Araghchi traveling to Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left for an official visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

In a post on Telegram, Araghchi said he would meet with senior Iraqi officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, among other issues.

Iran accuses NATO of ‘complicity’ in US war: What role did EU nations play?

Since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, Trump has been critical of European allies for their lack of support for the military campaign against Tehran.

On Wednesday, Trump voiced his frustration during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

“I was disappointed with Italy. I was disappointed with the UK, Germany, and France. We were disappointed with most of them. Spain is a horror show,” Trump said.

Rutte pushed back, highlighting Europe’s involvement in the conflict in subsequent media interviews in an apparent bid to placate the Trump administration. He said that “ally after ally” had made their bases available to the US military during the war – remarks that revealed European nations had, in fact, provided logistical support, with only “isolated cases” of non-cooperation.

Trump had declared war on Iran on February 28th, which has made the United States a war belligerent.

International law is clear: NATO countries United Kingdom, Germany and Italy have made themselves co-belligerents of the US as the war belligerent, therefore bearing responsibility under the state responsibility laws, as logistical and technical support are activities for the preparation of US attacks on Iran from these member states' soil. They are contributions to aggression and violence in the act of war by the US, which is a violation of the UN Charter.

It is weird to see that Trump has been disappointed with the UK, as the world could have seen loaded US B-1 long range bombers taking off from a British airbase and from the British San Diego island.

Kuwait condemns ‘Iranian aggression’ against the country

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its “strongest denunciation of the repeated heinous Iranian aggressions” against the country, saying the attacks were a “flagrant violation of its sovereignty”.

The ministry also warned that such attacks undermine ongoing regional and global efforts at de-escalation and “represent a direct challenge to the international will supporting this path”.

It also said the state of Kuwait “reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, preserve its security and stability, and protect its people and the residents on its territory”.

As we’ve been reporting, Iran claimed attacks on Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Base, saying it was targeting US forces, after CENTCOM bombarded Iran’s coastal region, citing assaults on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

What has been commented about NATO member states addresses also the Gulf states, in particular Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait.

Bahrain says residential building damaged in Iranian attack

The Interior Ministry says a residential building has been damaged in the Muharraq area, adding that there were no deaths due to the incident.

“The relevant authorities are taking the necessary measures at the site,” it added.

Kuwait army says it intercepted two ballistic missiles

The ballistic missiles detected in the Kuwaiti airspace in the morning “were intercepted and dealt with in accordance with approved operational procedures”, a military statement says.

The army said there was no material damage or casualties caused by the incident.

The Foreign Ministry said it “expresses its condemnation and denunciation of … in the strongest terms the recurrence of Iran’s heinous aggression against the state of Kuwait, the latest of which was at dawn today, in a flagrant violation of its sovereignty”.

Pakistani and Bahraini ministers discuss ‘evolving’ regional crisis

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has held talks with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdulatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, by phone.

That’s after Bahrain said it had intercepted a number of missiles and drones from Iran.

Dar described the situation in the Middle East as “evolving” since the signing of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 18.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to “promote dialogue and diplomacy for achieving peace and stability in the region and beyond”.

Iran, US have ‘no interest in total escalation’

Wolfgang Pusztai, a Vienna-based defense analyst, says while fighting between Iran and the US has restarted “for the time being, I think it is still controllable”.

“But the fact is Iran still insists on the control of the Strait of Hormuz. On the other side, the United States and the Arab states insist on the freedom of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In order to underline its point of view, Iran has now twice attacked ships, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise that the US retaliated,” Pusztai said.

“But the scale of the retaliation of Iran and also the scale of the American attacks doesn’t really indicate that both sides are for full escalation. So to me it seems to be there is still a chance for a peaceful settlement of this question.”

He added: “Of course, each and every strike is regrettable. Each and every damage, especially on civilian facilities, is regrettable. No doubt about it. But the number of missiles and cruise missiles launched by Iran … indicates they have for the time being no interest in total escalation,” he said.

Iran is aware if it attacks more targets in the Gulf states and causes casualties or severe damage, it could draw the Arab nations fully into the war, he added.

“Let me stress right now, we have a confrontation between the United States and Iran only, and this might make it easier for the Arab Gulf states to defend themselves more efficiently.”

Iranian, Iraqi ministers hold press conference in Baghdad

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met with Fuad Hussein, his Iraqi counterpart, in the Iraqi capital.

The two ministers are currently giving a press conference in Baghdad.

“The war is still ongoing in the region in another form, and there are military skirmishes on the edges of the Strait of Hormuz,” Hussein told reporters.

“Ending the war in the region is a priority for all of us. The security of the region must be the responsibility of its people. The region can protect itself in several ways, and we call for holding a meeting for the Gulf states, Iraq, and Iran.”

Iraq’s foreign minister stressed in the meeting with Araghchi the importance of opening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the naval blockade.

The visit tackled “regional and bilateral issues”, including coordination for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies at Iraqi shrines, according to a statement on Araghchi’s Telegram channel.

Iran’s foreign minister thanks Iraq for ‘support’ during war

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is speaking at a news conference with his Iraqi counterpart.

“The people and government of Iraq have always extended their support during the war. They have always supported the Iranian people, who were victims of the Israeli-American aggression,” Araghchi told reporters.

“The Iraqi people have always supported their Iranian brothers.”

Iran solely controls Hormuz Strait over the next 30 days: Araghchi

Iran’s foreign minister, during a visit to Iraq, says the Strait of Hormuz remains under total Iranian control.

“I have briefed my counterpart on the latest outcomes of the war imposed on Iran, and also the developments with respect to the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States,” said Abbas Araghchi.

“The Strait of Hormuz remains under the total oversight and management of Iran through the 30 coming days, and after all obstacles are removed, the total capacity of the waterway will be restored. This is what we are working on,” he added.

“This responsibility rests on the Islamic Republic of Iran. There is no other party or state in this respect. This is totally clear under the memorandum of understanding, and any intervention or any unilateral action will result in exacerbating the situation and also delay the reopening of the strait.”

Iraqi minister after meeting with Iran FM

• We do not support expanding the scale of the war in the Gulf, and we are against attacks on Iran.
• It is regrettable the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a neighboring country, has become the target of war and aggression.
• In the past, Iraq played an important and influential role in mediating and bringing together the different views of Tehran and Washington.
• Unfortunately, the developments ultimately ended up at this stage of war.
  We believe problems should be resolved solely through negotiations.
• We emphasize the need to implement the understandings of the parties to open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the maritime blockade on Iran.

Iran’s Araghchi urges US to push Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says all aspects of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the United States must be honored, including the clauses on Lebanon.

“Regrettably, the Zionist entity continues its air strikes on Lebanon,” Araghchi said in Baghdad, adding that the MoU was also accepted by Israel.

Washington “should live up to its responsibility and force” Israel to end its attacks on Lebanon to end the war, he said.

Araghchi also called on Washington to push Israel to withdraw from the areas it has been occupying in Lebanon. “This was the first clause of the MoU,” he noted.

Lebanon’s Aoun condemns attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait

The Lebanese president says, “These escalatory acts constitute a flagrant violation of state sovereignty and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region.”

A statement released by his office said Aoun viewed the ongoing attacks within the framework of undermining “all regional and international efforts and initiatives aimed at halting the war and containing the tensions”.

The situation “necessitates urgent action by the sponsors of the US-Iranian memorandum of understanding and the international community”.

The president also affirmed Lebanon’s “full solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait”.

Iran calls for ‘security framework’ with Gulf countries

Iran’s foreign minister has called for the establishment of a security framework with Gulf nations after Iranian strikes against US bases in the Middle East in retaliation for US attacks.

“We should reach a new framework that includes all countries in the region and without the presence or interference of any country from outside the region,” Abbas Araghchi said at a news conference on a visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Bahrain and Kuwait both say Iran hit them with drone and missile fire overnight after new US air attacks on Iran.

IRGC warns it will ‘respond even more forcefully’

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has pledged to meet any US attacks with a more forceful response as tit-for-tat strikes continue in the Gulf.

“As we predicted, the enemy is an enemy that breaks its commitments, is deceitful, and cannot be trusted. At any moment, at any stage of the negotiations, it may take certain actions,” IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebi told state-run SNN TV.

“Whatever action the enemy takes in this regard, we have responded to it, and we will respond to it. We repeat: If the enemy breaks its commitments and violates the ceasefire, we will respond more strongly than before, and we stress we will respond even more forcefully. We regard such moves by the enemy as natural because we know the enemy’s nature,” Mohebi said.

Iraq offers to mediate tensions between GCC countries, Iran to restore regional stability

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein that Iraq has just offered to mediate between the eight countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council plus Iran and Iraq to defuse tensions and reinstate stability in the region.

Iraq was one of the most affected countries because of the US-Israel war on Iran, and also because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq turned into a secondary battlefield during the military campaign.

Hussein spoke with his counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, about several issues. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted Iraq economically. Iraq relies mostly on oil that transits through the strait for more than 95 percent of national revenue.

Araghchi’s visit also includes arrangements for the funeral of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to be held in early July in Najaf and Karbala provinces in central Iraq, which are homes to holy shrines for Shia Muslims across the world.

It comes at a crucial moment, as the US-Iran memorandum of understanding is so precarious and shaky. Araghchi is demanding that the US adhere to its terms, particularly Article 1 pertaining to the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities on all fronts, namely in Lebanon.

He also reiterated Iran’s objection and condemnation of repeated US attacks on Iranian military and port facilities in southern Iran.

Iran and Iraq plan slain ayatollah’s funeral arrangements

Iranian authorities are expecting huge crowds of up to 20 million people at mourning ceremonies and the burial of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli air strike in late February.

The ceremonies are set to begin on July 4 in Tehran and the pilgrimage city of Qom. The burial is to take place on July 9 in Khamenei’s birth city of Mashhad in the northeast of the country, Mehr news agency reported, citing unnamed officials.

Authorities are working with the police and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to ensure a smooth running of events, according to Mehr.

A ceremony is also reportedly planned at a Shia shrine in Karbala, Iraq; however, this has not yet been confirmed.

Khamenei was 86 when he was killed at his official residence in Tehran during the first wave of Israeli and US attacks on February 28. His funeral was originally scheduled for much earlier, but was repeatedly postponed for security reasons, partly because the entire political leadership would be in attendance.

Qatar slams ‘repeated Iranian attacks’ on Bahrain and Kuwait

Qatar considers the Iranian missile-and-drone attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the two countries and a flagrant breach of the rules of international law”.

The Foreign Ministry “stresses the need to spare the region the consequences of unjustified attacks, to continue on the path of dialogue and diplomacy, to reduce escalation, and to build on the gains achieved within the framework of the memorandum of understanding in a way that contributes to consolidating security and stability at the regional and international levels”, a statement said.

The ministry reiterated Qatar’s “full solidarity” with Kuwait and Bahrain.

UAE condemns Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait

The United Arab Emirates has joined regional condemnation over Iranian drone and missile strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait.

In a statement, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attacks “a blatant violation of sovereignty” of the Gulf states and a threat to “security and stability”.

Iran’s top diplomat warned any attempt to bypass the Strait of Hormuz routes agreed with the US would “increase tensions” in the Middle East as the countries traded attacks and accusations of violating a fragile ceasefire.

Gulf nations warned about supporting US military moves

Mostafa Khoshcheshm from the University of Tehran says Iran has repeatedly warned neighboring nations about lending military support to the US from their territories.

“Iran has given time and the chance to the Persian Gulf littoral states to stop US enmity and US hostile moves from their countries. Right now as I’m talking to you, there are more than a dozen US tanker planes in these countries, and the United States is still using these territories as a platform to attack Iran,” Khoshcheshm said.

“They have been rebuilding some of the airstrips, and that’s also in violation of the ceasefire since the two sides should have stopped all hostile moves against each other.”

He also said that, under international law, Iran has the right to control part of the Strait of Hormuz as it sees fit.

“We are talking about a ceasefire agreement after a war. So here we are not talking about anything else, according to that MoU the US has very explicitly violated,” Khoshcheshm said.

Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait ‘flagrant violation of sovereignty’: Jordan

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry has condemned the “brutal Iranian attacks” on the two Gulf countries, calling them also “a threat to their security and stability, and the safety of their territories”.

“[The attacks are] a dangerous escalation, and a blatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter,” it added.

The ministry expressed “Jordan’s absolute solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain and the sisterly State of Kuwait”.

Trump sends message the US ‘ready to increase military pressure again’

US President Trump continues to make threatening statements against Iran but one analyst says he shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

“There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.

Wolfgang Pusztai, a defense analyst and former military attaché for Austria, said that Trump “is not only serving Iran and the international audience but also his domestic audience with his statements. He’s using these rather strange kind of arguments so I would not take all this literally”.

“I would say this kind of threat is quite typical for the American president. He’s well aware additional military pressure, some additional strikes, will not hurt Iran that much,” said Pusztai.

Trump is sending a message the US is “ready to increase the military pressure again and is probably also ready to renew the blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz, he added.

“There is certainly a risk that the Gulf states are getting dragged back into this,” Pusztai said.

Pakistan urges ceasefire deal to be observed

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief.

The two diplomats “reviewed the rapidly evolving regional situation”, according to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

Kallas “appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts culminating in the signing of the Islamabad MOU, but she expressed serious concerns about the recent ceasefire violations”, it said.

Dar “emphasised the necessity for all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement”.

GCC ‘strongly condemns’ Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait

Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), says the strikes “undermine international and regional efforts aimed at establishing security and peace and resolving the crisis”.

“Treacherous attacks constitute a direct threat to the security, stability and safety of citizens and residents on the lands of Bahrain and Kuwait, and a clear violation of the rules of international law and the charter of the United Nations,” a statement quoted him as saying.

“The GCC affirmed its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait to strengthen their security, safeguard their sovereignty, and preserve the integrity of their territories,” he added.

‘Lack of trust’ threatens negotiations between US and Iran

An Iranian academic says a lack of trust could lead to the collapse of the negotiations between the US and Iran before the end of the 60-day “ceasefire” period.

Mostafa Khoshcheshm, professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Tehran, said he doubts there will be a deal at all because “it is clear that the [US] just wanted to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, nothing beyond that”.

Khoshcheshm says Iranian negotiators are wary about whether the US will keep up its end of the bargain, given past experience. “We’ve been in talks with them, and the result was the JCPOA, but Donald Trump tore it apart. We were in talks with them last year twice, and they bombed the negotiating table.”

He questioned the conduct of US President Trump. “Threatening Iranians very much and very badly, saying that he will obliterate Iran”, is not building trust, he said.

“As a matter of fact, top Iranian officials and negotiators have always stressed that they are in talks with the US with total distrust of the United States,” Khoshcheshm said.

The US has violated the ceasefire repeatedly, and it will be “very hard work, if not impossible”, to build Iranians’ confidence in negotiations, he added.

Italy calls for restraint after Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, denounced Iran’s latest attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, warning that further escalation could undermine recent diplomatic efforts.

“I express my strongest condemnation for the new Iranian attacks that struck Bahrain and Kuwait in recent hours, to which the Italian government extends its full solidarity,” Tajani said on X.

“It is essential to avoid any escalation that could jeopardise the understandings painstakingly reached.”

Tajani also reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation.

“Italy reiterates its commitment to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to achieving a Middle East of peace and stability as quickly as possible.”

Iranian supreme leader calls for prosecution of US-Israeli leaders for war crimes

Iran’s supreme leader is calling for American and Israeli leaders to be tried for war crimes.

Summary of Mojtaba Khamenei’s statement on X:

• He described the pursuit of justice for crimes committed against Iran in 2025-26 as “one of the most important legal, judicial issues now affecting the Iranian nation”, pointing to violations by “international criminals, global arrogant powers and aggressors”.
• He highlighted harm inflicted on Iranians during the “imposed wars”, including “child killings and war crimes in Minab and Lamerd”, attacks on medical centers, and physical and psychological damage that must be prosecuted in domestic and international courts.
• He also cited the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as among “thousands of major legal cases” requiring pursuit.
• “These criminals must be seized by the collar and brought to justice for their criminal deeds,” he said.
• Confessions and “brazen boasting” by leaders of the “US-Zionist enemy” amount to “indisputably an admission of crime”.
• The investigation of crimes from both wars has been “entrusted to the competent authorities” and will help “prevent the recurrence of such crimes”, he said.

Fragile Iran–US ceasefire tested by Tehran’s actions

Former US Ambassador Barbara Leaf says the Iran-US memorandum of understanding remains in an “exceptionally fragile state”, arguing that recent tensions were triggered by Tehran’s actions in the Gulf.

Leaf said Iran first launched “rhetorical verbal attacks on Oman” for assisting the passage of ships, before Tehran decided to attack a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

The former US assistant secretary of state said the ceasefire deal explicitly recognises Muscat’s contribution to maritime security. “It is nonsense that Iran should have control over Omani sovereign waters, let alone what passes through them,” she said.

Leaf also criticized Iranian messaging about the strategic waterway saying Tehran began signaling after the agreement was signed that it would “control the future of the strait”.

“No one in the world agrees with that stance,” she said.

While acknowledging the agreement’s language is “very broad” and “very vague,” Leaf said mediators used it to end the military phase of the conflict and open the door for longer-term negotiations, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.

Reminder:

The renewed clashes is caused by Oman as it made a miscalculation by opening a new transit route without Iran's consent, while Muscat partner with Iran in a new transit administration in the Hormuz

Oman's offered the new transit route to IMO while it knew that Iran would act against any vessel that tries to transit the Hormuz via any alternative route. Muscat brought the IMO in danger.

But there is a hidden problem between Iran and the US. It is the way how they interpret the MoU, which causes tit-for-that attacks on each other.

The problem is a detail in Article Five of the MoU, where it is stated that Iran will “make arrangements” for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. But it was Oman who did with IMO and without Iran's consent.

Now, this prompts the question "Is Oman's unilateral action, so without Iran's consent, a move by the US?"

US trying to ‘squeak out of strategic defeat’

The war on Iran is “probably the true bookend to that idea that America can’t be beat”, argues Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago.

Pape says that the US is now trying to “squeak out” of the stipulations of the deal signed with Iran.

Iranians have no trust towards Americans

The Iranian people accuse the US of committing crimes against Iran and of waging a war.

They do not really distinguish between the actions of Congress and those of the US president. Instead, they simply conclude that the Americans are committing crimes against Iran and that Iran can only be expected to defend itself under such circumstances.

As a result, there is no trust. There is a constant expectation that the war could resume at any moment.

In particular, recent signals since the signing of the MoU are being interpreted here as reinforcing those concerns.

Qatari citizen killed from shrapnel due to ‘military operations’

Qatar’s Interior Ministry says a Qatari national was killed ⁠after sustaining injuries from shrapnel due to “military operations ⁠in the area” after a vessel carrying him and another person went missing.

“Search operations confirmed that a Qatari citizen was martyred after sustaining injuries from shrapnel resulting from the military operations in the area,” the ministry revealed in a post on X.

According to the ministry, the Maritime Search and Rescue Team located the missing vessel in the early hours of Sunday.