U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes After Peace Deal Collapses

A preliminary peace agreement between the United States and Iran collapsed less than a month after its signing, leading to a renewed military conflict focused on the Strait of Hormuz. The collapse followed Iranian attacks on commercial ships utilizing a U.S.-established alternative route along the coast of Oman. In response, the U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, revoked oil export waivers, and launched a campaign of airstrikes spanning six consecutive nights starting July 15, 2026.

U.S. Central Command targeted military assets and infrastructure in Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and Semnan, including airports, bridges, and railway stations. One controversial strike near the Shahid Baghaei children's cancer hospital in Ahvaz forced the emergency evacuation of 211 chemotherapy patients. U.S. forces also disabled the oil tanker Belma while it attempted to reach Kharg Island. Iranian authorities report at least 38 deaths and over 400 injuries from these operations.

Iran retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles and Arash suicide drones targeting U.S. facilities in Jordan, as well as assets in Bahrain and Kuwait. Iranian officials warned they would destroy regional energy infrastructure if the U.S. proceeded with threats to knock out power plants. While President Donald Trump suggested a peace deal remains possible and noted the release of detained citizen Dena Karari, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated it has no plans for negotiations and no longer considers itself bound by the previous memorandum of understanding.