Hyderabad, July 13 -- Monday, July 13, marked the 26th day since Washington and Tehran signed their memorandum of understanding and the 135th day of the conflict, as fresh US strikes, explosions in southern Iran and renewed warnings from both sides signalled another escalation.

US launches fresh strikes

The United States carried out a fresh round of strikes against Iranian military targets, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the operation was aimed at reducing Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CENTCOM, US forces targeted Iranian missile systems, air defence positions and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) patrol boats. The command said American forces remain deployed ...