Article #79969

Sixth day of fighting threatens to turn into all-out war and casts serious doubt on peace deal struck last month

• Chaos and confusion bring US no closer to resolution on strait of Hormuz

• Middle East crisis live – latest updates

The US has intensified its attacks on Iran, hitting targets near Tehran and striking a ship it accused of trying to break its blockade, while Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at US allies in the region.

Six consecutive days of back-and-forth attacks threaten to pull the region back into a total war and cast serious doubt about an interim deal reached last month meant to achieve a permanent peace.