The US conducted strikes in Iran for the second consecutive day targeting Iranian military infrastructure in response to a drone attack on the oil tanker Kiku. This escalation tests a preliminary peace agreement signed on June 17, with both US President Trump and Iran’s IRGC issuing threats and warnings of retaliation. Conflicting interpretations of a recent memorandum of understanding regarding the Strait of Hormuz and regional security agreements are contributing to the heightened tensions.

• US forces conducted strikes in Iran targeting military surveillance, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage, and minelayer capabilities.
• The strikes were a direct response to an Iranian drone attack on the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Kiku.
• President Trump threatened Iran with non-existence if hostilities continued, while Iran’s IRGC promised a ‘crushing response’.
• Bahrain and Kuwait reported their air defenses were intercepting projectiles following the strikes.
• Iranian media described the strikes as a breach of a recently signed memorandum of understanding, with officials warning of swift retaliation.
• Disagreements persist between the US and Iran regarding fees and designated routes for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran has also demanded Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a separate agreement that has faced rejection from Hezbollah.