Key development: The US hit about 90 Iranian military targets overnight, Iran fired back at US bases across the Gulf, and Jordan intercepted missiles in its airspace.
Military Operations
(Update) The US launched strikes on about 90 Iranian military targets last night, marking the second consecutive night of attacks since the ceasefire collapsed. US Central Command says the strikes aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran claims they hit civilian infrastructure including railway bridges. (Al Jazeera, France 24)
Context: Trump declared the fragile ceasefire “over” yesterday and warned attacks could get “much worse.” US Central Command followed through with strikes targeting Iran’s naval capabilities in the strategic waterway. The timeline represents an escalation from Trump’s NATO summit declaration to actual military action across two consecutive nights.
Sources: Al Jazeera | France 24
(Update) Iran responded by firing drones and missiles at US-linked sites across the Gulf—Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar all reported strikes, while Jordan intercepted eight Iranian missiles. This marks a geographic expansion beyond previous exchanges. (Al Jazeera, France 24)
Context: Air raid sirens went off across multiple Gulf states after the overnight US strikes. Videos show missiles being shot down over Jordanian cities with sirens blaring. The attacks represent Iran’s broadest retaliation yet, pulling neutral and US-allied Gulf states into the conflict zone beyond direct US military installations.
Sources: Al Jazeera | France 24
Neither the US nor Iran has officially canceled the interim peace deal, even though they’re actively bombing each other. One analyst notes both sides appear stuck in a gray zone—trading blows but keeping diplomatic channels open. (Al Jazeera, France 24)
Context: Despite two consecutive nights of US strikes and Iranian retaliation across multiple countries, the interim agreement technically still exists on paper. Analysis suggests “the US and Iran don’t want a return to full-scale warfare, but neither can appear to be the loser,” creating this current limbo where escalation continues without formal war declarations.
Sources: Al Jazeera | France 24
Inside Iran
(Update) Khamenei’s funeral concluded in Mashhad after a week of massive processions, with one analyst describing it as Iran shifting “from a theocracy to a nationalistic military leadership.” The regime is using the moment to project strength amid renewed strikes. (France 24)
Context: The marathon six-day funeral wrapped up as military exchanges between the US and Iran resumed. Iran’s new leadership appears to be leveraging the funeral to demonstrate regime stability and rally nationalist sentiment, even as the country faces active military strikes. Crowds chanted revenge slogans against Trump throughout the processions.
Sources: France 24
What to watch: Whether Trump makes good on his threat that things could get “much worse”—and whether Iran’s strikes on Gulf states pull more countries into direct conflict.