Middle East ceasefire on edge as US-Iran tensions flare

Fresh violence and military exchanges in the Middle East have raised fears that an already fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran could collapse

Fresh violence and military exchanges in the Middle East have raised fears that an already fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran could collapse.

The ceasefire, which came into effect in early April after weeks of conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has been under growing strain. The agreement was intended to stabilise the region and ease tensions around key energy routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

On Friday, the situation escalated again when US forces reported targeting Iranian radar installations after intercepting drones approaching the strategic waterway. The US military said the strikes were carried out to protect maritime traffic and prevent further attacks.

Shortly after, air raid sirens were heard in Kuwait and Bahrain, both US allies in the Gulf region. Explosions were also reported in parts of the area, according to correspondents on the ground.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard later claimed responsibility for missile strikes targeting what it described as enemy positions in the region. The group said the action was in response to what it called US aggression against Iranian territory.

US Central Command stated that several missiles were launched toward Kuwait and Bahrain. It confirmed that most of them were intercepted, while one did not reach its target. Officials also denied Iranian claims of damage to US military facilities.

Tensions had already been rising due to repeated incidents involving drones and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. Both sides have accused each other of provocation, further complicating diplomatic efforts.

At the same time, diplomatic channels remain partially open. The United States has continued issuing visas to Iranian football players for participation in the upcoming World Cup, a move seen as a rare sign of cooperation despite the conflict.

However, disagreements remain over travel permissions for members of Iran’s technical staff, with reports suggesting delays and additional scrutiny in the visa process.

Military exchanges earlier in the week included US strikes on Iranian coastal radar sites, which Washington described as defensive actions against imminent threats. Iran has condemned these strikes and vowed retaliation.

Regional security concerns have also widened beyond the Iran-US confrontation. Gulf countries have increased alert levels following recent incidents involving missile and drone activity.

The conflict has also created diplomatic friction across the region, with Lebanon calling for an end to external interference in its internal affairs. Lebanese officials have urged all sides to avoid turning the country into a battleground for regional disputes.

Iranian officials, however, have defended their regional stance, arguing that ongoing conflicts in neighbouring countries are interconnected and cannot be viewed separately from broader tensions with Western powers.

Despite ongoing talks aimed at de-escalation, no breakthrough has been achieved. Analysts warn that continued strikes and counter-strikes could push the region closer to a wider confrontation.