From March to July, what’s changed in US-Iran fighting is the stakes and target focus. After a ceasefire and a June memorandum, hostilities resumed with Iran again striking shipping and the US responding with strikes designed to reduce Iran’s ability to attack the Strait of Hormuz. Leaders publicly suggested the truce was near collapse, including threats to broaden operations. The cycle now looks less like gradual pressure and more like rapid retaliation, with officials warning the exchange could continue unless violations stop.