US Strikes Iran for First Time Since Ceasefire Framework

The United States conducted direct military strikes inside Iran for the first time since a fragile ceasefire framework began taking shape earlier this month, targeting missile launch sites and mine-laying boats near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials condemned the overnight attacks as a "gross violation" of the ceasefire and warned that any further strikes would trigger a response. US Central Command subsequently denied reports that American forces had resumed naval escorts of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that "Project Freedom has not resumed." Meanwhile, Israel significantly escalated its ground operations in Lebanon, pushing forces beyond the Israel-announced "Yellow Line" that extends approximately 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his military to intensify attacks on the Iran-backed Hezbollah group to "crush" it, as Israeli forces clashed with militants along the strategic Litani River and struck the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh. The Israeli military also issued evacuation warnings for 19 villages and targeted the newly appointed chief of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, Mohammed Odeh, just days after his predecessor was killed in a similar strike. Regional diplomatic efforts continued as the leaders of Iran and Qatar discussed de-escalation efforts in a phone call, with Qatar's emir urging preservation of regional security and stability. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted Afghanistan's trade routes and humanitarian aid supplies, while Dutch airline KLM cancelled flights to Dubai through August and to parts of Saudi Arabia through July. Iranians greeted the partial restoration of internet access following an 88-day nationwide blackout with skepticism, according to CNN. President Trump, who had been expected to host Lebanese and Israeli delegations at Camp David for peace talks, shifted discussions to Washington amid the escalating tensions.