U.S., Iran have blown past red lines as they lurch back toward all-out war
A preliminary peace deal between the U.S. and Iran has collapsed following renewed military hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz. Both nations have crossed established red lines, increasing the risk of a full-scale conflict that could destabilize global energy markets.
Why it matters
The escalation threatens the stability of a critical global maritime chokepoint, potentially causing significant disruptions to international oil and gas supplies.
A week after the United States and Iran signed a preliminary deal aimed at ending the war, an Iranian drone slammed into a cargo ship sailing through the Strait of Hormuz .
There were no casualties or major damage, but the June 25 attack set off a chain of hostilities that would put the two countries on a path back toward all-out war less than a month after they agreed to stop fighting.
Each strike and counterstrike chipped away at the pillars of the agreement, which has now collapsed, though there are still efforts to salvage it. Red lines set by both sides have been crossed. A return to full-scale war that would further destabilise West Asia and disrupt the world economy appears increasingly likely.
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