U.S.-Israeli Military Actions Against Iran: A Cease-Fire Under Strain

On February 28, 2026, President Donald Trump outlined U.S. war goals against Iran in an eight-minute video, stating, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” However, there is no evidence indicating that Iran posed an urgent danger to the United States. Following the initiation of U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, a tenuous cease-fire was established, yet it has faced significant challenges.

New York Times

The cease-fire, mediated with assistance from Pakistan, was announced as a two-week truce. However, confusion over its terms has led to continued hostilities. Iran claims that the cease-fire includes Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts it does not. The Israeli military has conducted extensive airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting over 100 sites linked to Hezbollah, resulting in at least 182 fatalities and around 900 injuries, marking one of the deadliest days of the conflict.

New York TimesNew York Times

In the Persian Gulf, Iranian missile and drone attacks persisted even after the cease-fire was declared. Reports indicate that Kuwait experienced 28 drone attacks, while the United Arab Emirates engaged 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drone assaults. Saudi Arabia intercepted nine drones during this period.

New York Times

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the U.S. must choose between diplomacy and continued proxy warfare. Iranian state media reported that the Strait of Hormuz had been “fully closed,” although some ships were allowed to pass under Iranian coordination. Iran also accused the U.S. of violating the cease-fire due to Israel's ongoing military actions in Lebanon.

New York TimesNew York Times

The U.S. has insisted that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a condition of the cease-fire. However, since the truce began, only a few merchant ships with dry cargo have been recorded passing through, with no oil tankers crossing, according to Kpler, a global ship-tracking firm.

New York Times

Critics of the U.S.-Israeli military strategy argue that the ongoing strikes and the lack of clarity regarding the cease-fire terms undermine the potential for a peaceful resolution. The situation has drawn condemnation from various international observers who express concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly in Lebanon.

New York Times

There are discrepancies regarding the terms of the cease-fire, particularly its applicability to Lebanon. While Iran asserts that Lebanon is included, Israel maintains that it is not. Additionally, the status of the Strait of Hormuz remains unclear, with conflicting reports about its operational status for maritime traffic.

New York Times

• “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” — President Donald Trump

New York Times

• “The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the United States would have tochoosebetween diplomacy and continued war by proxy.” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister

New York Times

• “a stop on the way to achieving all of our objectives.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

New York Times

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic negotiations shaping the future of U.S.-Iran relations.

New York Times