Ceasefire under strain as U.S.-Iran clashes escalate and talks stall

U.S. forces said they shot down Iranian missiles and drones and conducted self-defense strikes after what it called attempted attacks, as Iran fired missiles at regional neighbors that largely failed or were intercepted and attacked U.S. bases in the region; the IRGC also targeted a U.S. vessel and a Gulf-area base, while Gulf states reported drone incidents as tensions flare. Washington and Tehran remain at odds over a pause to the war, with Iran reportedly reviewing a U.S. proposal even as Trump says talks are ongoing, leaving the situation volatile and markets cautious.