For a second day in a row, the United States has launched strikes on Iran, once again citing an attack against a commercial vessel as a motivation.Saturday’s renewed attacks are the latest indication that a Middle East ceasefire, established as part of a June 17 memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, might be at breaking point.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listIn a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which directs military action in the Middle East, explained that the latest attacks came “at the Commander in Chief’s direction”.“CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping,” the command centre wrote.“U.S. military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities.”Explosions were reported in southern Iran, around the village of Tahrui, near the port of Sirik, which was also the focal point of Friday’s US attacks. State media also indicated that Qeshm Island had been hit.In a social media post less than two hours after the strikes began, US President Donald Trump warned that Saturday’s attacks could be a precursor to more intense fighting, should Iran fail to comply with Washington’s expectations.He criticised Iran for repeatedly violating the ceasefire memorandum, an accusation both sides have traded.“It is very possible that they will never learn,” Trump wrote.“There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced …
