Strikes push US-Iran tensions toward a fragile de-escalation cliff

US forces conducted widespread strikes on Iran in response to attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to retaliate and raising doubts about a 60-day de-escalation MoU as Washington reimposes oil sanctions. President Trump questioned the MoU at a NATO summit, while regional and Western allies urged restraint; with the peace talks in flux, both sides signaled possible de-escalation or further confrontation, risking a broader flare-up just as diplomacy was underway.