On July 8, 2026, US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran "over" amid renewed military strikes in the Persian Gulf. Trump described dealing with Tehran as a "waste of time" and labeled Iranians as "liars," "scum," and "sick people."

The US military, through US Central Command, conducted strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets, including air defense systems, command and control networks, and over 60 small boats used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz. These "powerful" strikes were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the vital waterway.

In retaliation, the IRGC announced missile and drone attacks on 85 US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, also shooting down an MQ-9 drone. Bahrain activated air sirens urging residents to seek safety, and Kuwait reported responding to missile and drone attacks.

Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's civilian infrastructure, including electric plants, desalination facilities, and Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub handling about 90% of Iran's oil exports. He indicated the US might seize Kharg Island, a threat reiterated throughout the conflict.

The interim ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was intended to allow 60 days of negotiations toward a permanent agreement. However, indirect talks in Qatar recently stalled with no progress. Pakistan urged all parties to uphold their commitments under the MoU and exercise restraint.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) began evacuating over 11,000 seafarers stranded in the region due to the conflict, with nearly 6,000 still unable to safely depart the Persian Gulf. According to UN figures, at least 14 seafarers have been killed in attacks since the war began.

While Trump indicated the war might not escalate to all-out conflict, he emphasized readiness for further military action and continued discussions with negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The situation remains tense, with calls from the UN secretary-general for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate.

Sources