Iran has condemned new United States airstrikes in southern Iran, describing the operation as a “gross violation” of a fragile ceasefire agreement that has largely held since April, according to reports from international media.
The Iranian foreign ministry said it holds the United States fully responsible for the consequences of what it called “aggressive and unjustified actions” in the Hormozgan region, which borders the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
The escalation follows a statement by the United States Central Command, which confirmed that it had carried out what it described as “self defence strikes” targeting Iranian missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines in southern Iranian waters. The strikes, according to US officials, were intended to protect American forces operating in the region.
Iranian authorities, however, rejected that justification, insisting that the attacks undermine ongoing ceasefire arrangements and risk reigniting broader conflict. The foreign ministry warned that Tehran would “not leave any aggression unanswered,” signalling potential retaliation if hostilities continue.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one fifth of global oil supplies pass. Any disruption in the waterway has historically triggered volatility in global energy markets, raising concerns about supply security and price stability.
State-linked Iranian media reported that explosions were heard near Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city that also hosts a key Iranian naval base. Local officials were said to be investigating the incidents. The United States military has not publicly confirmed the exact locations of the strikes but indicated that they were conducted in southern Iran.
Additional claims from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps suggested that Iranian forces had engaged US military assets, including reports of a drone being downed and a fighter jet being fired upon after allegedly entering Iranian airspace. These claims have not been independently verified.
The latest exchange unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at extending the current ceasefire and preventing a full return to open conflict. Negotiations involving international mediators, including regional actors, have reportedly focused on establishing a longer-term framework for stability, including discussions around sanctions relief, frozen assets, and Iran’s nuclear programme.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that while a deal remains possible, negotiations are delicate and may take time. Meanwhile, political signals from Washington have been mixed, with officials alternating between optimism about progress and caution about unresolved issues.
One of the key sticking points in the talks reportedly involves Iran’s demand for the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets held abroad. Another major concern is the future of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, which Western governments argue could pose a nuclear proliferation risk, while Tehran insists its programme is strictly for civilian energy purposes.
The conflict between United States and Iran has seen periodic escalations since the outbreak of hostilities in February, including military strikes, counter strikes, and diplomatic breakdowns. A ceasefire reached in April temporarily reduced large-scale attacks, but sporadic incidents have continued to strain the agreement.
Energy markets have been particularly sensitive to developments in the region, with analysts warning that any sustained disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could lead to sharp increases in global oil prices. The waterway remains one of the most strategically important chokepoints for global trade.
Diplomatic observers say the latest strikes risk complicating already fragile negotiations. While both sides have signalled willingness to continue talks, mutual accusations and military actions have repeatedly undermined trust.
For now, the situation remains volatile, with no clear indication whether the ceasefire will hold or collapse into renewed confrontation. International actors continue to call for restraint as the region braces for possible further escalation.
