US-Iran tensions flare as 60-day ceasefire expires around Strait of Hormuz
Middle East tensions escalated after the US-Iran ceasefire expired, sparking military confrontations around the Strait of Hormuz, missile interceptions in Dubai, and naval strikes.
Military tensions across the Middle East escalated following the expiration of the 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, established under the Islamabad memorandum.
The standoff centers on the Strait of Hormuz, where US President Donald Trump asserted American control over the strategic waterway, while Tehran leveraged its maritime presence to demand sanctions relief and the release of frozen overseas funds.
Regional hostilities intensified concurrently. Air defenses in Dubai intercepted two Iranian missiles, and Houthi forces launched fresh strikes against Yemen's port of Al Makha. In the Gulf of Oman, US military forces opened fire on the container ship Vela Nova after accusing it of attempting to breach transit restrictions. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cited Israel as the primary obstacle to the pact, as reports surfaced alleging Iranian bounties on American soldiers.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, Shipping Italy