US intensifies attacks on Iran as Tehran hits back at Gulf states

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

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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

The back-and-forth attacks, which have reached their sixth consecutive day, 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.