United States intensifies Iran attacks after NATO summit

The United States, together with Israel, launched a joint military operation against Iranian targets on 28 February. The campaign expanded after the NATO summit, with a three‑stage strike on 1 July that hit more than 300 sites in six Iranian cities and, in the following ten days, 95 locations in the Hormuzgan province.

Washington also pursued diplomatic steps, agreeing to a ceasefire on 8 April to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and signing a memorandum of understanding on 14 June to frame negotiations for the next 60 days. The escalation has been framed by U.S. officials as necessary to control energy exports and counter Iranian influence, while critics linked it to arms‑industry interests and rising defense spending commitments discussed at the NATO meeting.