The United States and Iran exchanged fresh strikes on Tuesday in the most significant test of their fragile ceasefire since a peace deal was signed three weeks ago, as NATO leaders gathered in Turkey for a high-stakes summit.
The US launched waves of strikes on more than 80 military targets across Iran as “punishment” for attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz, according to an American official. The US also reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil sales in retaliation.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched strikes at 85 US military sites across Bahrain and Kuwait. Iran’s military also said it launched a drone attack on an air base in Bahrain that hosts US forces, according to state media.
Oil prices surged following the strikes and sanctions, raising concerns about global energy markets.
President Donald Trump spent part of his time in Turkey on Tuesday conferring with top advisers about a response to Iran’s targeting of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Ahead of a leaders dinner hosted by President Erdogan, Trump huddled with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to formulate the response.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also conferred with Trump on reversing a sanctions waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil.
Trump has been frustrated at Iran’s violations of the Memorandum of Understanding, which he signed exactly three weeks ago. Iran has also accused the US of repeatedly breaching the agreement.
At the dinner, amid courses of Turkish specialties, Trump held a private conversation with NATO chief Mark Rutte. The next morning, Rutte said the military action was “absolutely necessary” as he entered the high-stakes NATO summit.
NATO’s chief also touted increased defence spending, a major focus for President Trump. Denmark’s leader, meanwhile, reiterated that Greenland is “not for sale” after Trump again said the island “should be controlled by US.”
