The latest exchange of fire between the US and Iran raises the question: at what point does a ceasefire cease to be one? American forces say they intercepted Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz before striking Iranian radar installations.

Tehran responded with missiles and drones aimed at Gulf states hosting US forces. Both sides accuse the other of violating the truce that was supposed to halt the conflict in April, yet neither appears willing to abandon negotiations altogether.

Ceasefires are meant to reduce tensions and create space for diplomacy. When military exchanges become a recurring feature, that distinction begins to lose meaning. The danger is not only the violence, but the gradual erosion of confidence that disputes can still be resolved at the negotiating table.

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