Despite Ceasefire Since April, U.S. and Iran Continue Strikes Against Each Other
Caolán Magee
Despite a temporary ceasefire in effect since early April, U.S. and Iranian forces have continued exchanging attacks, raising fears that the fragile truce could collapse at any moment. The latest strikes on May 26-27, including U.S. strikes in southern Iran and Iran's downing of a U.S. drone, underscore the persistent volatility in the Persian Gulf region.
Iran and the U.S. continue to trade strikes despite a ceasefire in place since April, escalating tensions across the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and fueling concerns that the fragile truce could break down amid ongoing mediation efforts in Doha.
On May 26, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had launched new strikes into southern Iran, targeting missile launchers and vessels allegedly attempting to lay naval mines. CENTCOM described the attacks as "self-defense" actions to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.
A day later, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it shot down a U.S. drone and fired on a fighter jet and another drone that violated Iranian airspace. Iran also asserted its "legal and clear" right to respond to any violations of the ceasefire.
Since the temporary ceasefire was announced on April 8, Iran has continued to control maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — which carries one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas in peacetime — while U.S. forces enforce a corresponding blockade on Iranian ports. Negotiations for a long-term ceasefire remain ongoing, but repeated flare-ups of fighting underscore deep mutual distrust, with both Iran and the U.S. jostling for advantage amid a back-and-forth of peace proposals.
Timeline of events since the ceasefire
April 8: Ceasefire announced after 40 days of war
The U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran starting February 28, amid ongoing Washington-Tehran negotiations via intermediaries, accusing Iran of developing nuclear weapons. The U.S. and Israel provided no evidence to support the claim; Iran continues to deny it. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel as well as U.S. military and infrastructure targets across the Gulf and broader Middle East.
On April 8, after Pakistani mediation, both sides agreed to a two-week pause in hostilities to allow further talks. National delegations met in Islamabad on April 11-12 but failed to reach a broader agreement, with draft proposals exchanged via Pakistani mediators to end the conflict. The ceasefire was extended to allow further exchanges of proposals.
According to Iran's Health Ministry, at least 3,468 people — from eight months to 88 years old — have died in U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran since Feb. 28, including seven infants, 376 children and 496 women. At least 26 Israelis were killed and 7,791 wounded in Iranian attacks, while the U.S. military confirmed 13 soldiers killed across the region. Many also died in Gulf states. Lebanon was the region's hardest hit, where despite the ceasefire, Israel continued attacks amid its ground invasion. Over 3,200 people have died there.
April 10: Kuwait accuses Iran of drone attack
The ceasefire immediately came under strain when Kuwait said seven drones entered its airspace on April 10 and accused Iran and affiliated armed groups of carrying out the attack. Kuwait's foreign ministry condemned the violations of its sovereignty and airspace. The U.S. State Department accused Iranian-backed armed groups in Iraq of launching attacks from Iraqi territory. Iran denied any involvement.
April 12: U.S. naval blockade heightens tensions
Four days into the ceasefire and after direct talks in Islamabad failed, the U.S. announced a naval blockade targeting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, citing Iran's continued benefit from oil exports while the Strait of Hormuz was virtually closed to other shipping. The blockade formally took effect the next day, though Washington said vessels headed to non-Iranian ports would be allowed passage. Iran condemned the move as "illegal" and warned Gulf ports would not be safe if Iranian ports were threatened.
April 18-22: Ship seizures and sea attacks
On April 18, Iranian forces fired on two Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, saying they lacked permission to pass. Maritime tensions escalated on April 20 when U.S. forces seized an Iranian container vessel near the Gulf — a move Tehran called an "act of piracy." CENTCOM and President Donald Trump said the Iran-flagged Touska ignored orders to leave a transit route through the Strait. On April 22, the IRGC fired on three ships and seized two foreign-flagged container vessels under Panama and Liberia flags, saying the ships lacked transit permits.
May 4: Iran accused of striking UAE oil refinery
The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of launching missiles and drones at the country, causing a fire at an oil refinery in Fujairah and injuring three Indian nationals. The UAE said its air defense intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles and 4 drones launched from Iran. Abu Dhabi condemned the "unprovoked" attacks on civilian infrastructure. Iran warned commercial vessels against accepting U.S. escort and threatened to strike any that entered the Strait. Trump abandoned a tanker escort effort after one day.
May 14: Commercial ships targeted again
An Indian cargo vessel carrying livestock from Africa to the UAE sank off the coast of Oman, while the UK Maritime Trade Office reported "unauthorized persons" boarding another vessel near Fujairah and steering it toward Iran. India condemned the attack, saying commercial shipping and civilian seafarers continue to be targeted despite the ceasefire.
May 17: Drone attack near UAE's Barakah nuclear plant
A drone strike caused a fire in the perimeter of the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, sparking fears of a new regional escalation. Abu Dhabi authorities said the blaze broke out at a generator outside the inner perimeter. The UAE did not specifically blame Iran but said the drone was launched from the "western border."
Same day, May 17: Saudi Arabia intercepts drones
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted 3 drones launched from Iraqi airspace and would take "necessary operational measures" if any attempt to violate its sovereignty occurred.
Negotiations continue amid distrust
Diplomatic efforts to reach a broader peace agreement are ongoing. Senior Iranian officials traveled to Qatar this week for talks aimed at ending the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, with discussions focusing on the release of Iran's frozen assets. Iran is also seeking the lifting of sanctions on oil and petrochemical exports during a proposed 60-day period to hold negotiations on its nuclear program. A subsequent 30-day timeline would see the U.S. lift its blockade on Iranian oil ports while Tehran restores commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran also seeks guarantees related to the ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel continues to attack and occupy towns and villages in the south. Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly trying to tie the talks to an effort to get Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Analysts say any deal remains politically sensitive, with deep mistrust persisting as all sides seek leverage to secure an agreement they can present domestically as a victory.
