The temporary peace in the Middle East has come to an abrupt end, with fresh military exchanges between the United States and Iran pushing the region back toward a major conflict. Just weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached with Iran and declared that “peace had returned” to the region, large-scale military operations resumed, triggering fresh instability across the Gulf.
The latest escalation came as Iran was holding funeral ceremonies for its former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the ceremonies, the United States launched a series of airstrikes targeting key Iranian military installations, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance networks, command centers, radar sites, and anti-ship missile facilities. According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), more than 80 military targets were struck in what officials described as one of the largest operations against Iran in recent years. The U.S. also claimed that around 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast attack boats were destroyed during the operation.
Iran responded with retaliatory missile and drone strikes, targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had launched attacks against 85 American military facilities, including the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Iranian officials also claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone near Bushehr, although independent confirmation of these claims has not been released.
Following the renewed hostilities, President Trump announced that the temporary ceasefire with Iran was effectively over. Speaking during the NATO Summit in Turkey, Trump accused Iran’s leadership of repeatedly backing away from agreements and questioned Tehran’s willingness to pursue diplomacy. He said the United States remained open to negotiations but warned that Iran could not be trusted if it continued its current course.
Iran strongly condemned the renewed U.S. military action, accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the era of intimidation was over and declared that Iran would not surrender under American pressure. Tehran vowed to continue defending its sovereignty and warned of further retaliation if attacks continued.
The renewed conflict has rattled global financial markets. Brent crude oil prices surged by nearly 6%, reaching around $78.56 per barrel, amid fears of disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes. The sharp rise in crude prices also triggered heavy selling in Indian equity markets, with the Sensex falling more than 1,600 points and the Nifty slipping below the 24,000 mark. Analysts warned that higher crude prices could significantly increase India’s import bill, as the country imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements, potentially putting additional pressure on inflation and economic growth.
