Is the Iran ceasefire over? What the latest US attacks tell us

A wave of US strikes represent the gravest test yet of the fragile truce. Here’s what happened, what officials are saying and whether the deal can survive Middle East crisis – live updates The US has launched a wave of strikes across southern Iran for a second consecutive day. Although there have been several breaches since a ceasefire was agreed between the two sides in April, the attacks this week – launched after the downing of a US helicopter over the strait of Hormuz – represent the most serious and extensive breakdown of the truce to date. The US president, Donald Trump, has raised the prospect of further attacks on the country, while his defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, has told reporters if strikes “have to happen [Friday] night, they will be strong and they will be clear”. Continue reading...