Trump declared the US-Iran memorandum of understanding “over” after American forces targeted more than 80 Iranian military sites in retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
BY PC Bureau
July 8, 2026: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran is actively plotting to assassinate him, dramatically escalating his rhetoric as the United States and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes that have pushed their fragile ceasefire to the brink of collapse.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump alleged that he remains a primary target of Iran’s leadership, accusing Tehran of seeking to eliminate America’s top political leadership.
“They want to take out the US leader. I’m on every single one of their lists. So far, I’ve had a bit of luck, but maybe it won’t last. They’re evil and sick people, and we must get rid of this cancer,” Trump said.
The remarks came hours after Trump declared that the recently signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), which had temporarily halted hostilities, was effectively “over” following a fresh wave of American airstrikes against Iranian military targets.
US Launches Largest Military Operation Since Ceasefire
The latest confrontation began after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a large-scale operation targeting Iranian military infrastructure along the Persian Gulf coast.
According to CENTCOM, American forces carried out precision strikes against more than 80 military targets, including Iranian air defence systems, coastal surveillance radars, anti-ship missile batteries, drone launch sites, command-and-control centres, logistics facilities and more than 60 fast attack boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Pentagon said the operation was launched “to impose heavy costs” on Iran following attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes.
US officials accused Tehran of attempting to intimidate international shipping and threaten freedom of navigation through the narrow waterway, which carries nearly one-fifth of global seaborne oil exports.
Washington also tightened restrictions on Iranian oil exports, saying the measures were intended to further weaken Tehran’s ability to finance military operations.
Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran
Iranian media reported multiple explosions across southern Iran following the US strikes.
Among the locations hit were Bandar Mahshahr, where Iranian authorities confirmed an IRGC member was killed, and Bushehr, home to Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant and several key military installations.
Additional explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island, all of which host important naval and missile facilities overlooking the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of international law and accused Washington of deliberately sabotaging diplomatic efforts.
Iran Retaliates with Missile and Drone Attacks
Tehran responded within hours by launching missile and drone attacks against US-linked military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later confirmed the retaliatory operation, describing it as a proportionate response to American aggression.
Kuwaiti authorities said their air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 drones before they reached their intended targets.
The country’s Ministry of Electricity reported temporary power disruptions after falling missile debris damaged transmission lines.
In neighbouring Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, authorities activated missile warning sirens several times and instructed residents to immediately seek shelter.
No major casualties have been officially confirmed.
JUST IN: President Trump says the Iranian regime is bolstering its efforts to take him out after the U.S. eliminated their leaders.
“They had leaders, they’re gone, and they had another set of leaders, they’re gone now.”
“And you know what, I may be gone, too, because I’m their… pic.twitter.com/yXCzY0gjgr
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 8, 2026
Growing Pattern of Escalation
Military analysts note that the latest exchange closely mirrors the pattern witnessed during the previous round of fighting in late June.
On that occasion, attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz triggered US airstrikes against Iranian military facilities, which were followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks on American military assets across the Gulf.
The renewed cycle of retaliation has heightened concerns that both countries are becoming locked into an escalating tit-for-tat conflict with diminishing prospects for diplomacy.
Strait of Hormuz at Centre of Crisis
The latest confrontation has once again focused global attention on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically vital maritime chokepoints.
Approximately 20% of global seaborne crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with international markets.
Repeated attacks on commercial shipping have already prompted shipping companies to review transit routes, while insurers have reportedly raised war-risk premiums for vessels operating in the region.
Energy analysts warn that any prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait could significantly increase global oil prices, disrupt supply chains and intensify inflationary pressures worldwide.
Although the waterway remains open, continued missile attacks, drone strikes and naval confrontations have substantially increased operational risks for commercial vessels.
READ: Trump Declares US-Iran Ceasefire ‘Over’ After Fresh Strikes
Diplomatic Prospects Fade
Before the latest exchange of strikes, Washington and Tehran had been expected to resume negotiations after the burial of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Those talks were expected to address reopening the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted commercial traffic, easing sanctions and reviving discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire agreement is “over,” coupled with the latest military exchanges, has cast serious doubt over whether those negotiations can proceed.
With military forces across the Gulf on heightened alert and both governments adopting increasingly confrontational positions, analysts warn that the region is entering one of its most dangerous periods since the conflict began earlier this year, with the risk of a broader regional war continuing to rise.
