Tehran: Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over and warned of further military action. Speaking during the NATO summit on Wednesday, Trump said the United States could launch another major strike on Iran, signaling a renewed phase in the conflict.

The ceasefire, which had taken effect last week after months of fighting that began in February, unraveled following Trump's announcement. Since then, US forces have resumed airstrikes on several Iranian cities, including Konark and Chabahar. Earlier on Tuesday, the US military also carried out strikes on more than 80 Iranian military installations.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest military operation was launched in response to Iran's reported attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Addressing NATO leaders, Trump said, "We hit them very hard last night and we will probably hit them again tonight. Iran is putting pressure on the Middle East, but that will not happen again."

Iran Claims Responsibility for Strait of Hormuz Attack
Iran said it targeted three ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, causing them to catch fire. Iranian authorities claimed the vessels were attacked because they had failed to follow designated navigation routes through the strategically vital waterway.

Bahrain Issues Security Warning
The renewed conflict has also heightened tensions across the Gulf region. Bahrain's Interior Ministry activated warning sirens and urged citizens and residents to remain calm while moving to designated safe areas amid fears of possible Iranian retaliation.

Bahrain hosts one of the largest US military bases in the region, making it a potential target if hostilities continue to escalate.

Iran Files Complaint at the United Nations
Following the US airstrikes, Iran submitted separate letters to the President of the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, condemning the attacks as violations of its sovereignty.

According to Iran's ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, the United States had carried out a large-scale military assault that violated the UN Charter and international law.

Railway Bridge Reportedly Destroyed
Iran's state-run IRIB news agency reported that US airstrikes struck a railway bridge near the city of Akkala in Golestan Province. The report said seven bombs hit the Ak Teke Khan bridge at around 1:30 a.m. local time, damaging railway infrastructure.

Meanwhile, CNN, citing a US official, reported that Trump authorized the strikes while attending the NATO summit after becoming angered by Iran's attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil Prices and Global Markets React
The collapse of the ceasefire triggered immediate reactions in global financial markets. Brent crude oil prices climbed 5.8 percent to US$78.43 per barrel amid concerns over disruptions to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

European stock markets also fell sharply, with the FTSE 100 declining 1.66 percent, the Stoxx Europe 600 dropping 1.61 percent, Germany's DAX falling 2.3 percent, and France's CAC 40 losing 2.18 percent, reflecting growing investor concerns over the widening conflict.