US and Iran Exchange Strikes Despite Islamabad Ceasefire

The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes between June 28 and June 29, 2026, endangering the 14-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18. The hostilities began with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launching missiles and drones at U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The U.S. responded with retaliatory strikes inside Iranian territory following an oil tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

These clashes occur amid a broader regional volatility, including Israeli strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The Islamabad MoU was designed as a 60-day framework to negotiate Iran's nuclear program and allow the resumption of oil exports. Despite the violence, U.S. officials state that diplomacy remains on track and no meetings have been canceled.

Pakistan, serving as a key mediator, coordinated with the European Union and Saudi Arabia to urge adherence to the ceasefire. Diplomatic talks are scheduled to resume on Tuesday. Observers note that while Iran is incentivized by potential sanctions relief and frozen assets, the U.S. aims to avoid a full-scale war. Some reports suggest the diplomatic alignment between the U.S. and Pakistan may be influenced by business ties between the Trump family and Pakistani officials via World Liberty Financial.