The United States has carried out strikes across southern Iran for a second consecutive day, marking the most serious breakdown yet of the fragile truce agreed in April. The attacks follow the downing of a US helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz and represent the gravest test the ceasefire has faced so far.
US President Donald Trump raised the prospect of further attacks, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that if strikes “have to happen … they will be strong and they will be clear”. However, in a sudden shift, Trump said he would cancel the planned strikes because Washington and Tehran were on the verge of signing a peace deal approved by other regional powers, crucially including Israel.
Trump has repeatedly said that the two sides are close to an agreement, but none has materialised. Observers will be watching carefully to see whether other parties confirm his latest claim.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency cautioned that “until a potential understanding is announced by Iran, any news from Trump on this matter should be dismissed”. The coming days will reveal whether the ceasefire can survive this significant test.
