The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes after an alleged breach of the fragile ceasefire in the Persian Gulf. The confrontation began early this morning when US forces targeted Iranian naval positions near the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly in response to an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel. Iranian state media confirmed retaliatory strikes against US military installations in Iraq.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, urging restraint and warning of the risk of regional escalation. The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Oman, had held for six weeks before today’s events. Diplomatic sources in London indicate that the UK is seeking a unified Western response, though France and Germany have yet to comment.
The strikes mark the most serious direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran since the 2020 assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. Oil prices surged by 12% in early trading, and Gulf states have begun evacuating non-essential personnel from border areas. No civilian casualties have been reported by either side, though the US Central Command said the strikes were calibrated to minimise collateral damage.
The UN session is expected to convene within 24 hours.
