#USEndsLatestStrikesOnIran US Ends Latest Strikes on Iran as Regional Tensions Escalate

Washington's military campaign enters seventh night as fragile June truce shows signs of collapse

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) concluded its latest wave of strikes against Iran on Friday evening, marking the seventh consecutive night of military action in the escalating conflict . The strikes, which ended at 9:30 PM US Eastern Time, targeted Iranian military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities, and maritime capabilities .

Latest Military Developments

The ongoing US campaign follows Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Washington has cited as justification for the military response . CENTCOM reported that US forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities "to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners" .

Iran has responded with retaliatory attacks against US military installations across the region. The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan . Jordanian air defenses reported intercepting at least eight missiles launched from Iran on Thursday .

Fragile Truce Under Severe Strain

The current escalation has placed the June 18 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — brokered by Pakistan — in jeopardy. The 14-point agreement was intended to establish a ceasefire framework and pave the way for broader negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief .

US President Donald Trump has reportedly notified Congress that military operations against Iran have resumed, suggesting the ceasefire framework is effectively suspended . Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has stated that Iran sees no reason to return to talks as long as Washington continues its military campaign .

Competing Visions for the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains the primary flashpoint. Iran's IRGC announced the strait would remain closed "until further notice" to protest US interference . In response, CENTCOM announced it would resume blockading maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports .

Shipping data shows significantly reduced traffic through the vital waterway, with only nine vessels crossing on Wednesday compared to 13 on Monday, according to data from shipping tracker Kpler .

Regional and Global Implications

Pakistan, which helped mediate the June agreement, has urged both sides to halt attacks and resume technical-level talks . However, analysts warn the situation has reached a critical juncture, with both sides appearing to use military action to strengthen their negotiating positions .

"The negotiation path is the only way," Omar al-Hassan, a former Arab League ambassador to Britain, told Xinhua, warning that the confrontation has harmed regional stability and broader Arab world interests .

Oil prices have climbed amid the renewed tensions, with Brent crude rising over 5% following the US decision to revoke Iran's oil sanctions waiver . The US Treasury has given Iran until July 17 to wind down oil-related transactions .#GUSDYieldRisesto3.8% #TSMCQ2NetProfitSurges77% #GUSDYieldRisesto3.8% #ETHStandsAbove1900