May 25-26, 2026 – US strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and boats, Iran threatens to retaliate

Key developments

• Iran warns US: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to retaliate after the US carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” on Iranian missile launch sites and boats around the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC also claimed that 25 vessels, including oil tankers, transited Hormuz during the “last day and night.”

• War negotiations: The US and Iran are working toward a memorandum of understanding, but disputes over language concerning Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions have held up a deal.

• Web access: Internet activity in Iran has been partially restored following a monthslong blackout, according to watchdog NetBlocks.

• In Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes killed 31 people in Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanon’s health ministry said, marking one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire in the country took effect in April. It comes as Israel began ground operations north of its self-declared military security zone in southern Lebanon, an Israeli military official said.