TEHRAN (Realist English). On June 28, a senior US administration official stated that all drones and missiles launched by Iran during the wave of attacks late on June 27 had failed to reach their targets.
According to the official, “all drones and missiles launched by Iran were shot down, intercepted or failed to reach their intended targets.”
Despite this statement, the escalation between the two countries continues for the third consecutive day, and the fragile truce reached on June 17 with Pakistan’s mediation is under threat of collapse.
Timeline of June 27–28: From Tanker Attack to Exchange of Fire
The escalation of June 27–28 began with an Iranian drone attack on the tanker M/T Kiku under the Panamanian flag, carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil. The vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz — a strategically vital maritime corridor through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the tanker suffered damage to its bridge; the crew was unharmed.
In response to the attack, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) struck ten Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz area and on Qeshm Island.
The targets included military reconnaissance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence facilities, drone storage sites and mine‑laying vessels. The command stated that the strikes were a “direct response to ongoing Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.”
Iran, in turn, announced retaliatory strikes against US‑affiliated targets in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its attacks “destroyed eight important US military facilities” at Ali Al‑Salem Air Base in Kuwait and at the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain.
Air raid sirens sounded again in Bahrain on June 28.
Iranian Strikes: What Is Known About the Failures
According to US officials, Iranian missile and drone attacks did not achieve their objectives. CENTCOM reported that two Iranian missiles launched at Kuwait fell short or broke up in flight, while three missiles fired at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by US and Bahraini air defence forces.
Bahrain, however, confirmed that its territory was attacked by “a number of ballistic missiles and drones.” The kingdom’s Interior Ministry reported damage to a residential building in the Muharraq Governorate; there were no casualties. Bahraini authorities called the incident a “dangerous escalation” and a “systematic aggression” against the kingdom’s sovereignty.
US Position: Trump Threatens to ‘Finish the Job’
President Donald Trump confirmed that he had ordered new airstrikes on Iran. On Truth Social, he wrote: “US aircraft have just struck Iranian missile and drone depots, as well as coastal radar stations, for violating the Ceasefire Agreement, AGAIN!”
Trump also threatened Tehran: “There may come a time when we can no longer be reasonable and will be forced to finish the job militarily. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”
Despite the escalation, a US administration official stated on June 28 that technical negotiations with Iran on implementing the memorandum “are continuing as scheduled” and “nothing has been cancelled.” Deconfliction channels remain active.
Iran’s Position: ‘Managing the Ceasefire’
Tehran accused the US of violating the “Islamabad Memorandum.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the US strikes a “clear violation” of the ceasefire regime. The IRGC warned that “this will lead to a complete halt of all diplomatic processes.”
The head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, Ebrahim Azizi, stated that “the US attacked Iran in the midst of negotiations,” calling it a “reckless violation of the ceasefire.”
Iran insists that the memorandum gives it the right to control shipping in the strait. The IRGC has warned that vessels using routes not authorised by Tehran will face “tougher measures.”
Impact on Shipping and the Region
The Strait of Hormuz remains a high‑risk zone. The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) has raised the threat level. Iran is warning vessels not to enter or leave the Persian Gulf through the strait without permission. Despite this, commercial shipping through the strait continues partially.
The escalation is taking place against the backdrop of the implementation of the “Islamabad Memorandum” — a 14‑point agreement signed on June 17. The document obliged Iran to “make maximum efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels without charging fees for 60 days.”
However, each side accuses the other of violating the agreements. As Reuters notes, “the exchange of strikes between Washington and Tehran risks spiralling out of control.”