US-Iran ceasefire collapses as strikes and diplomacy intensify

Iranian attacks on US infrastructure in Gulf states erode a three-week-old truce, while Qatari mediation and Trump's ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz signal a…

US-Iran ceasefire collapses as strikes and diplomacy intensify — Iranian armed forces launched attacks on US military infrastructure in Gulf states on Thursday, following US strikes on Iran's southern coastal and eastern provinces, further eroding a three-week-old ceasefire.[^1] US Central Command said its forces had struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, and missile and drone storage sites.[^1] US President Donald Trump declared the truce "over."[^1] A Qatari delegation visited Iran on Friday in what is believed to be an effort by Doha to consolidate its role as a mediator.[^2] Qatar has been in talks with the US and Iran to de-escalate the current crisis.[^2] Trump said that mediators continue efforts to halt attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, hoping to create conditions for resuming negotiations with Tehran.[^2] Meanwhile, the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran and IRGC-linked entities following the attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.[^3] Trump also called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reduce tensions with Israel.[^4] Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ankara is not interested in open confrontation with Israel but criticized the Netanyahu government.[^4] The US insists Iran commit to stopping attacks in Hormuz, and an ultimatum has been delivered: 'Declare the Strait Open or Pay the Price.'[^5] IDF faces personnel crisis as Qatar blocks Iron Dome deal — An infantry unit commander told Kan News this evening that from a platoon of 40 soldiers, only five remain.[^1] The disclosure comes as the Israeli occupation army has begun a widespread reduction in reserve soldier call-ups, with numbers expected to drop from about 60,000 to nearly 50,000, days after reports of a financial crisis.[^2] Field commanders say that in some platoons only six or seven fighters remain, underscoring the depth of the personnel shortage.[^3] Meanwhile, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which holds 17% of Volkswagen's voting rights, blocked a deal between Volkswagen and Israeli defense firm Rafael to produce Iron Dome components at a German plant.[^4] The veto, r