WASHINGTON/TEHRAN, June 27 (Alliance News):A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran came under serious strain after both sides exchanged military strikes, raising fears of a wider escalation in the Middle East conflict as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further confrontation.
The United States said it carried out strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar positions after accusing Tehran of attacking a commercial cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command said the military operation was a response to what it called “unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces,” claiming the incident violated the ongoing ceasefire arrangement.
The US described the strikes as a direct response to an attack on a commercial ship travelling through the strategic waterway, which is responsible for handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.
US President Donald Trump condemned the reported attack, calling it a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement, while Vice President JD Vance warned that any further attacks would face a strong response.
“Violence will be met with violence,” Vance said in a statement on social media.
Iranian state media later reported explosions near Taherouyeh pier in the southern port city of Sirik, saying a projectile had struck the area. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted US positions in the Gulf region in retaliation for American strikes.
The IRGC warned that any repeated aggression would result in a broader response.
The latest exchange has increased uncertainty over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route. Iran has warned vessels against entering or leaving the Gulf through the waterway without approval, while shipping activity has continued under heightened security concerns.
Despite the military tensions, global oil markets reacted cautiously, with crude prices falling as traders remained hopeful that shipping traffic through Hormuz would continue recovering. The waterway normally carries around one-fifth of global oil and gas exports.
The United Nations maritime agency said an evacuation operation had previously helped release more than 100 vessels and thousands of sailors trapped by the crisis, but the mission was suspended following the latest attack.
Meanwhile, diplomatic developments continued on another regional front as Israel and Lebanon signed a US-backed framework aimed at reducing tensions along their border.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement represented the beginning of a process toward long-term peace and security, though he acknowledged significant challenges remained.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, describing it as a setback for Iran’s regional influence. However, Hezbollah criticised the agreement, warning that it could undermine broader diplomatic efforts and increase internal tensions in Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the framework a first step toward restoring stability and allowing displaced civilians to return under state authority.
Separately, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said any final US-Iran agreement must include strong verification measures to ensure Iran’s nuclear programme remains peaceful.
Grossi said Tehran’s assurances alone were insufficient and that a reliable inspection system would be necessary once conditions allow.
Iran’s nuclear programme remains one of the biggest challenges in negotiations, with disagreements continuing over international access to nuclear facilities and the management of enriched uranium stocks.
The latest military exchanges have complicated efforts to transform the ceasefire into a lasting settlement, leaving regional security and global energy markets facing renewed uncertainty.
