Tensions between the United States and Iran have flared again despite a recently signed 14-point interim peace agreement. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could cease to exist “on the world map” if Washington is forced to end the conflict militarily.
The truce had followed an understanding under which Iran agreed to allow international commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Days later, the International Maritime Organization, with support from the US Navy, announced plans to widen shipping lanes in the waters near Oman.
Amid these developments, a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz region was attacked, with the report attributing the strike to Iran. The incident was followed by missile attacks by the US on Iran and by Iran on US military bases in West Asian countries, with exchanges continuing for a second day.
In a social media post, Trump said Iran had violated the ceasefire by attacking ships and claimed US patience had limits. He added that if the conflict had to be concluded by military means, Iran would no longer remain as a country.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded online, warning that what he called Washington’s irresponsible actions would push every American family into a “living hell.” He also accused Trump of following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directives, saying it would set the wider region ablaze.
