Trump Launches 80+ Strikes After Iran Ceasefire Collapses — Live Updates

Lead paragraph In a dramatic escalation of the Persian Gulf crisis, former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a second consecutive night of air- and sea-launched strikes against more than 80 Iranian military sites after declaring that last month’s fragile ceasefire is “over”. Why it matters • Oil chokepoint at stake: Several of the latest targets were radar stations and missile depots guarding the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping lane that handles roughly one-fifth of global crude exports. Energy analysts warn that any long-term disruption could send prices above $120 a barrel and jolt already-fragile inflation figures. • Regional tinderbox: Iran retaliated with ballistic-missile salvos at American facilities in Kuwait and Jordan, prompting Trump to promise that the U.S. will “finish the job if Tehran keeps firing”. Neighboring Gulf monarchies have placed air-defense units on high alert, while Israel convened an emergency security cabinet meeting. • Political calculus: The strikes come just weeks before the Republican National Convention, reviving memories of Trump’s 2019 brinkmanship with Iran. Critics accuse him of using force to project strength ahead of a bruising election rematch, a charge the former president’s campaign denies. Background The U.S. and Iran agreed to a tentative ceasefire on May 22 after a month-long drone war over Iraq and Syria. But talks collapsed when Iranian speedboats and drones harassed a convoy of U.S. oil-tankers transiting Hormuz on July 6, wounding seven American sailors. Trump responded by green-lighting Operation Guardian Sabre, a multi-phase campaign designed to degrade Iran’s coastal missile network. What Trump is saying Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, Trump insisted that “Tehran only understands strength” and warned of “many more strikes tonight, maybe tomorrow,” unless Iran withdraws its Revolutionary Guard from Hormuz islands within 48 hours. Iran’s response Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called the U.S. attacks “piracy” and vowed that “the Islamic Republic will not relinquish control of its sovereign waters.” Iranian media showed footage of what it said were Fath-360 missiles streaking toward the American-run Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, though U.S. Central Command reported only “minor damage” and no casualties. Raisi also hinted at renewed uranium enrichment “without Western inspections,” raising fresh nuclear anxieties. Global reaction • The European Union urged “maximum restraint” but stopped short of condemning Washington. • China requested an emergency UN Security Council session, warning that the conflict threatens Belt-and-Road energy corridors. • Brent crude briefly spiked 11 percent before retreating on reports that Saudi Arabia would open strategic reserves. What’s next Pentagon officials say B-2 stealth bombers are now pre-positioned in Qatar, signaling that the U.S. is prepared for a longer air campaign if diplomacy fails. Meanwhile, maritime insurers are demanding war-risk premiums of up to 5 percent of cargo value, a cost likely to filter into consumer goods worldwide. Bottom line With missile trails lighting the Gulf sky and diplomatic channels jammed, the Trump-Iran showdown has entered its most dangerous phase in years. Traders, travelers and voters alike will be watching the Strait of Hormuz over the next 48 hours—because what happens there rarely stays there.