The United States and Iran exchanged another round of military strikes overnight after President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire between the two countries “over,” raising fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East.

U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out a second day of airstrikes against roughly 90 targets across Iran, saying the operation was intended to further reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran responded by launching attacks against U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, escalating tensions across the Persian Gulf. The strikes prompted security alerts in several U.S. allies, including Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Speaking at the conclusion of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said he no longer considered the ceasefire in effect and warned that additional U.S. military action against Iran remained possible. He also announced the United States was reimposing its naval blockade.

The president expressed skepticism about returning to negotiations with Tehran, describing further talks as “a waste of time” and signaling that military pressure would continue.

The latest exchange follows Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes, which U.S. officials cited as a key reason for the renewed strikes.

The escalating conflict has cast doubt on prospects for a negotiated settlement and renewed concerns about the security of global energy supplies and the potential for a broader regional war.

The latest developments mark a significant setback after earlier efforts to halt hostilities, with both Washington and Tehran accusing each other of violating the terms of the now-collapsed ceasefire.

Source: NBC