US and Iran swap strikes as ceasefire hangs by a thread

Skip next section US attacks render ceasefire ‘practically meaningless’ — Iran
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
US attacks render ceasefire ‘practically meaningless’ — Iran
The US carried out missile strikes on Iran overnight into ThursdayImage: U.S. Central Command/REUTERS
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the latest US strikes on the country, saying they constituted a disregard for a ceasefire in place since April 8.
In a statement, the ministry said “the illegal and criminal attacks perpetrated by the United States in recent hours not only constitute a flagrant violation … but also render the ceasefire practically meaningless.”
It added that the “responsibility for the extremely serious consequences of this criminal act lies with the leaders of the United States.”
The US carried out strikes on what officials said were some 20 sites in Iran overnight after US President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations.
Both Pakistan and Qatar, which have been acting as mediators between Washington and Tehran, have, however, indicated that peace negotiations were still going on behind the scenes despite the new flare-up in hostilities.
The strikes took place while a Qatari delegation was in Tehran for discussions that a diplomatic source said were “conducted in coordination with the United States.”
https://p.dw.com/p/5FBja
Skip next section Germany willing to take part in peaceful Hormuz mission — Merz
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
Germany willing to take part in peaceful Hormuz mission — Merz
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global chokepoint for oil and gas transportImage: REUTERS
Germany continues to be prepared to take part in any naval mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict between the US and Iran has ended, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday.
Berlin remained committed to the idea if the necessary conditions are fulfilled, he told lawmakers.
“Until then, we are committed to a diplomatic solution to the conflict,” he added.
Merz’s comments come as Iran said it had completely closed off the vital transport waterway following renewed strikes by the US.
The US Central Command has denied Iran’s claim, saying commercial traffic is continuing to flow through the strait.
Germany’s military, the Bundeswehr, has been preparing since May for an operation in the Strait of Hormuz that could include minehunter vessels.
Iran war drives up German road construction costs
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
https://p.dw.com/p/5FBcj
Skip next section Three injured in overnight US strikes — Iranian media
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
Three injured in overnight US strikes — Iranian media
US strikes in Iran overnight to Thursday have injured three people in Tehran province, according to local media.
The Mehr news site said all three had been hospitalized, citing emergency services.
The US said it had attacked surveillance and communications facilities as well as air defense systems in what was the second wave of attacks this week.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FBQL
Skip next section US strike kills 3 Indian sailors
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
US strike kills 3 Indian sailors
A US strike on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman has killed three Indian sailors, New Delhi’s shipping minister said on Thursday.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” Sarbananda Sonowal said in a statement on X.
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” he said.
India’s Foreign Ministry has summoned a top US diplomat in New Delhi over the incident to lodge “a strong protest.”
The US military carried out the strike as part of its naval blockade of Iranian ports, during which it is stopping vessels suspected of attempting to transport Iranian oil.
It said the vessel was fired upon after the crew defied instructions,
The strike on the Settebello on Wednesday is the second reported US attack on a merchant vessel with predominately Indian crew this week.
On June 8, Omani authorities airlifted 24 Indian sailors off the MT Marivex after a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FBJ2
Skip next section Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed, US denies it
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed, US denies it
Iran’s top military command has said the Strait of Hormuz is now completely closed after the latest round of US strikes.
Any ship seeking to traverse the economically important passage will be attacked, Iran said.
Iranian media reported that two “violating ships” trying to go through the Strait of Hormuz had been hit after the Iran military announcement.
The US rejected the claim and said: “Commercial ships are continuing to transit in and out of the Strait of Hormuz tonight.”
When the US and Israel started their offensive against Iran in late February, Iran largely brought shipping through the waterway, a vital transport route for oil, gas and fertilizer, to a standstill through threats and attacks on vessels.
Although Tehran insisted the waterway had not been closed to traffic, shipping companies had to coordinate with Iranian authorities and use a corridor near Iran’s coastline. Iran also imposed high transit fees.
The US military has been guiding some ships surreptitiously through the strait, officials have said, but the volume of shipping getting through is far below the pre-war level of some 3,000 vessels per month.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump claimed on social media he had authorized such a “secret mission” since last month to allow more than 100 million barrels of oil to reach the open market through the strait.
That claim could not be immediately verified independently, and the figure given by Trump roughly equals just five days of oil shipments through the waterway before the war began.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FB0a
Skip next section Kuwait reopens airspace
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
Kuwait reopens airspace
Kuwait has reopened its airspace to commercial traffic after Iranian attacks prompted a temporary closure, the Gulf country’s civil aviation body said.
“Air traffic in Kuwaiti airspace has returned to normal,” the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
During the closure, flights were diverted to alternative airports.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAvj
Skip next section What are the latest events in the Mideast conflict?
Published 06/11/2026Published June 11, 2026last updated 06/11/2026last updated June 11, 2026
What are the latest events in the Mideast conflict?
The US carried out strikes on Iran overnight to Thursday after President Donald Trump said the Islamic Republic would have to “pay the price” for stalled peace negotiations.
Iran has responded with attacks on regional neighbors.
Here is a rundown of recent events:
- US CENTCOM said it hit new targets in Iran overnight to Thursday in response to Tehran’s “continued aggression.
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in response
- Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace due to fresh Iranian attacks
- The US Embassy in Jordan issued a “shelter in place” warning amid reports of missiles in Jordanian airspace
- UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for deescalation as the US and Iran continue to carry out attacks.
Middle East fears Iran-Israel fighting could become new norm
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAus
Skip next section US Embassy in Jordan issues warning
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
US Embassy in Jordan issues warning
The US Embassy in Jordan said in a statement on its website that “reports indicate missiles, drones, or rockets are in Jordanian airspace. Seek overhead cover and shelter in place immediately. Remain indoors and pay attention to local announcements and alerts.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it targeted key military facilities at Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan with 12 ballistic missiles.
Al-Azraq base hosts US forces and aircraft.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAvN
Skip next section Kuwait temporarily closes airspace due to Iranian attacks
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
Kuwait temporarily closes airspace due to Iranian attacks
Kuwait has temporarily closed its airspace due to Iranian attacks.
Flights have been diverted.
Earlier, the Kuwait military said its air defense systems were engaging hostile aerial targets. Iran had said it is targeting US military facilities in Kuwait.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAvL
Skip next section Bahrain sounds sirens again as Kuwait reports new attacks
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
Bahrain sounds sirens again as Kuwait reports new attacks
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior again said sirens are sounding the Gulf Arab country.
“Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the ministry repeated.
Kuwait also said its air defense systems are responding to fresh attacks.
Iran had earlier said it is targeting US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAvK
Skip next section IRGC says it targeted US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
IRGC says it targeted US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it attacked US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to the latest round of US strikes on Iranian territory.
“During two waves of operations, eighteen important targets belonging to the US Army,” (were hit) at the Ali Al Salem and Ahmed Al Jaber air bases in Kuwait, the IRGC said.
The Iranian military also said it attacked the “Sheikh Isa Air Base” in Bahrain.
It’s unclear what damage has been done in the latest Iranian attacks.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAvJ
Skip next section CENTCOM says US strikes on Iran ‘completed’
06/11/2026June 11, 2026
CENTCOM says US strikes on Iran ‘completed’
The US military said its latest round of “self-defense” strikes on Iran have been “completed.”
“CENTCOM forces launches strikes on Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran. US Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy assets fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters,” the military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.
“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” the statement added. “US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.”
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAv8
Skip next section Welcome to our coverage06/11/2026June 11, 2026
Welcome to our coverage
You join our coverage on the current Middle East conflict as renewed attacks by the US and Iran seem to threaten a return to all-out war after a slight respite afforded by an April 8 ceasefire.
The flare-up in hostilities has dampened hopes that the war, triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February, will end anytime soon.
Several of Iran’s regional neighbors hosting US bases have also been targeted as Tehran responds to the latest wave of US strikes.
Meanwhile, the Iran and the US both gave conflicting claims on the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran claiming the vital global transport route for oil and gas is closed, while the US military said commercial traffic is transiting the strait.
We invite you to read here to stay abreast of the latest developments in a conflict that has repercussions for the entire world.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FAun




