US military conducts new strikes on Iran as ceasefire collapses amid rising tensions

The United States military has launched a new wave of strikes on Iran on July 8, 2026, following a series of escalating conflicts that threaten to reignite full-scale war. This latest military action targeted eastern Iranian cities, including Iranshahr, Bandar Abbas, Konarak, Chabahar, and Bushehr, just a day after previous attacks.

Details of the US Strikes on Iran

According to the Central Command (CENTCOM), the recent strikes aimed to degrade Iran's capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. A total of 90 Iranian military targets were reportedly hit, including air defense systems, missile storage sites, and naval capabilities.

One notable incident involved an attack on the Iranshahr airport, resulting in the death of a firefighter, as reported by the state news agency IRNA. Iranian officials claimed that the strikes also affected a maritime control tower and a railway bridge in Aq Qala.

Iran's Response to US Military Actions

In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced attacks on two US bases in Kuwait and two in Bahrain. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, warned of a significant response, stating, “Wait for the hard slap by Iranians.”

The US military's actions were described as a response to prior Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM reporting over 80 targets hit in a previous round of strikes. These earlier attacks resulted in the deaths of eight service personnel from the US air force and navy.

Ongoing Tensions Over the Memorandum of Understanding

The recent military escalations come amid accusations from both the US and Iran of violating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in mid-June, which aimed to end hostilities and lift the US naval blockade on Iran. The MoU specified that Iran would ensure safe passage for commercial vessels for 60 days, but the interpretation of this clause has led to conflicting views.

Iran maintains that it holds sole responsibility for determining arrangements for safe passage, a stance that has justified attacks on unapproved vessels. Former Pentagon official David Des Roches noted that Iran's actions are an attempt to redefine the norms of maritime security in the region.

As tensions rise, US President Donald Trump stated, “We just hit them very hard, and I say we hit them 20 to 1,” suggesting an aggressive military stance while also indicating he does not foresee a return to war. However, he cautioned that any future conflict would be resolved quickly.

In light of these developments, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that the Strait of Hormuz would only be open under “Iranian arrangements,” emphasizing the ongoing standoff between the two nations.