Tensions flared again between the U.S. and Iran as American forces conducted 'self-defense strikes' on missile sites and naval vessels in southern Iran, targeting boats allegedly attempting to lay sea mines. Iran condemned the attacks as a 'grave violation' of a fragile ceasefire, with its Foreign Ministry vowing no act of hostility would go unanswered. The strikes came amid ongoing peace negotiations in Doha, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf are meeting with mediators. Despite the escalation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal remains possible within days, echoing President Trump’s stance of 'good deal or no deal.'

The conflict has disrupted global shipping, with the Strait of Hormuz still blocked, causing energy prices to remain volatile. White House officials, including Kevin Hassett, predict a sharp drop in oil prices once the strait reopens. Domestically, Iran announced a partial restoration of internet access after an 88-day nationwide blackout—the longest in modern history—initially imposed during anti-government protests and extended with the war's outbreak on February 28.

Regional spillover continues, with an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon killing at least 11, including children, as Hezbollah and Israel trade attacks. Iran executed a man accused of spying for Israel, and its Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirmed anti-American rhetoric during Eid al-Adha. Meanwhile, China urged all parties to respect the ceasefire, and Qatar denied reports it offered Iran $12 billion to secure a peace deal.