The US-Iran ceasefire crumbles as fresh strikes rock the Middle East, with both sides exchanging fire and the region teetering on the brink of renewed conflict. The US has been deliberately striking and then pausing to avoid escalation, maintaining a target list as leverage. Iran's state-run media has claimed military sites in two cities were targeted by several strikes on Thursday evening, but the US has not confirmed it was responsible for the most recently reported attacks. Diplomacy continues, with Pakistan and Qatar working to bring the two countries back to the negotiating table. The funeral of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has concluded, with his son and successor, Mojtaba, notably absent from public events. The US and Iran are engaging in technical negotiations on nuclear issues, but President Donald Trump has launched a fresh round of retaliatory strikes against Tehran. The situation is dynamic, with strikes potentially resuming if needed. The US has struck Iran at least 170 times in two days, targeting locations including the perimeter of a nuclear power plant and a pier for fishing boats. Iranian state media has released images of damaged boats, and US fighter jets have been preparing for potential strikes. The Strait of Hormuz has seen a dramatic drop in traffic, with only 13 commercial vessels transiting in the past 24 hours, compared to the usual 110. GPS interference has also been observed, with spoofing technology used to redirect GPS-reliant munitions. The US and Iran's continued conflict raises questions about the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the potential for further escalation. The region remains volatile, with the potential for a deeper crisis.
