US and Iran trade strikes for second night in a row after Trump declares ceasefire 'over'

July 9, 2026

Following President Trump's declaration that the ceasefire with Iran is over, the US and Iran have exchanged military strikes for two consecutive nights. The US military conducted attacks on approximately 90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems and infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in 14 Iranian deaths and 78 injuries according to Iranian health authorities. Iran retaliated by launching strikes against American military installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, while condemning the US attacks as war crimes that damaged civilian infrastructure including railway bridges connecting Tehran to Mashhad.

Who is affected

14 people killed and 78 people injured in Iran (47 remain hospitalized)
US military personnel at bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar
Civilian populations in Iranian coastal cities including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask, Konarak, Chabahar, and Abu Musa island
Residents of Manama, Bahrain, and Kuwait who experienced explosions and missile attacks
Commercial shipping companies and seafarers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz
Gulf nations including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar

What action is being taken

The US military is conducting strikes on Iranian military targets, air defense systems, and logistics infrastructure
Iran is launching retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar
Kuwait is intercepting Iranian missiles and drones
Ships are traveling through the Strait of Hormuz via reduced southern and northern routes
Iranian authorities are preparing for the burial of late supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Mashhad

Why it matters

This escalation represents a breakdown of the recent ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, demonstrating the fragility of diplomatic progress in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes, and the dramatic reduction in vessel traffic from 130 ships daily to single digits threatens international energy markets and global commerce. The cycle of strikes and counter-strikes risks drawing Gulf nations deeper into conflict and has severe consequences for both military personnel and civilian populations. The situation also impacts commercial shipping operations and the safety of thousands of seafarers, creating economic uncertainty and humanitarian concerns.

What's next

The late supreme leader Ali Khamenei is due to be buried at a funeral service on Thursday in Mashhad
Iran's IRGC has indicated that overnight strikes represent the "first phase of the punitive response," suggesting additional retaliatory actions are planned

Read full article from source: BBC