US and Iran Exchange Strikes as Ceasefire Collapses

The United States and Iran have entered a phase of expanded military conflict following the collapse of a June 18 ceasefire agreement. Donald Trump officially declared the truce void on July 9, leading to a nine-night series of U.S. airstrikes that concluded on July 20. The United States Central Command targeted Iranian command centers, air defense systems, and infrastructure, including bridges, electrical facilities, and the Darkhovin nuclear power plant construction site. Recent strikes hit Bushehr and Isfahan, with the U.S. aiming to degrade Iran's ability to disrupt commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran responded by launching drones and missiles at U.S. assets and allies. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted the Aqaba airport in Jordan, the Al-Adiri camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and a special operations center in Syria. Additionally, Iranian attacks triggered air raid sirens in Manama, Bahrain, and damaged a Kuwaiti desalination plant. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated the country is now engaged in a "full-scale war."

The U.S. has reported 17 military fatalities since the conflict began on February 28, including a recent death in Iraq caused by the detonation of a downed Iranian drone. While the U.S. Department of Defense maintains that strikes will continue until Iranian capabilities are degraded, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. remains open to a diplomatic solution. Despite the hostilities, diplomatic channels via mediators such as Pakistan remain open.