US-Iran War LIVE: Sirens Wail in Gulf After Iran Strikes US Bases While Lebanon’s President Launches Historic US Visit
The US carried out strikes against Iran after two American soldiers were killed in Iranian attacks in Jordan. President Trump lamented the deaths and reaffirmed opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Khamenei, dismissed Trump's authority and accused the US of breaching last month’s MoU.
- World News
- 15 min read

US-Iran War LIVE: The US conducts fresh strikes on Iran following the deaths of two American soldiers due to Iranian attacks in Jordan. US President Donald Trump stated that the fatalities were “a very sad thing,” emphasizing that “we will never allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon.”
The US Department of State issued a global travel caution for Americans, highlighting heightened tensions in West Asia and advising increased caution, particularly in the region, due to the complex security environment and potential for escalation.
US forces conducted airstrikes on Iran's IRGC, targeting its capability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliating for attacks that killed two American service members. The operation, ordered by President Trump, aimed to punish those responsible.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declares Trump’s signature is “invalid and worthless” and alleges that the US has continuously violated the memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed upon last month.
Kuwait’s national oil firm reports that one of its primary facilities was targeted in an Iranian attack, while Iraqi media indicate that the US consulate in Erbil has engaged air defenses due to drone assaults.
Follow this live blog for real-time updates.
Casualties Mount as Iran-US Conflict Escalates in Fight for Strait of Hormuz
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has experienced a severe escalation following a targeted strike on a base in Jordan. The attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers, left one missing, and required hospital treatment for four others. This latest incident adds to a growing toll since the war broke out on February 28; to date, 16 US service members have been killed and more than 430 have been wounded.Meanwhile, the human cost on the Iranian side continues to rise. Iranian authorities reported on Sunday that the latest wave of US airstrikes, which began earlier this month, has killed at least 50 people and wounded 517 others.While Iran has withheld specific details regarding its overall material and infrastructure losses, the American campaign has now entered its eighth day. Both nations remain locked in a high-stakes struggle for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global maritime bottleneck that handles one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas during peacetime.
Iran Claims It Shot Down US 'LUCAS' Drone
Iran's military announced that its navy's air defense systems intercepted and shot down a US "LUCAS" drone in the southern region of the country. State-run news agency IRNA supported the claim by publishing a photograph displaying what appears to be the aircraft's wreckage. According to Iranian military officials, the LUCAS drone is a low-cost, uncrewed system built for one-way strike missions, and they allege that the United States began deploying these specific drones against Iran earlier this year.
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US Missile Strikes Near Iraqi Borders, Reports Iranian Media
According to Iranian media the US has carried out a missile strike on the outskirts of the Abadan on Sunday evening local time. Abadan is located in Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran, and it is also near the international borders with Iraq. There were no casualties as a result of the attack, Valiollah Hayati, a deputy governor for the province, told Iran’s national broadcaster IRIB. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency also reported the strike, citing the Khuzestan government.
Landmark Diplomatic Visit: Lebanese President Arrives in Washington for Talks with Rubio and Trump
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has arrived at the US State Department to begin a series of high-level meetings, starting with talks alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to the Lebanese presidency, Aoun is also slated to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The trip represents a significant diplomatic milestone, marking the first time a Lebanese president has visited the U.S. capital since 2009. The historic meeting takes place against the backdrop of ongoing, U.S.-supported direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel
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Iran Targets U.S. Assets in Kuwait Amid Wider Gulf Aerial Attacks
Following an wave of Iranian retaliatory strikes that triggered air raid sirens in Kuwait and Bahrain, both Gulf militaries confirmed they are actively responding to the threat. The regional escalation includes a direct drone assault by the Iranian army against two US bases in Kuwait, specifically targeting the Ali Al Salem Air Base's Patriot radar systems and an ammunition depot at Camp Udairi.
Iran Announces Execution of 2 Antigovernment Protesters
Two men convicted of killing four Iranian police officers in violent unrest during antigovernment protests in the central city of Isfahan in January have been executed, according to the judiciary-linked news agency Mizan.
Iran Hits Out USA For Attacking On Under-Construction Nuclear Plant
Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation condemned the strike of the USA on their under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant, calling it a "crime against international law", says Mehr News Agency.
Airport and seaport of Jordan evacuated due to 'credible threat', US embassy says
The international airport and seaport in Aqaba in southern Jordan was evacuated because of a "specific and credible threat", the US embassy said on X on Sunday. "We strongly advise all Americans to refrain (from) travelling to either the airport or seaport. Continue to follow all Jordanian authorities’ security directives," the embassy said.
Kuwait Says It is Intercepting Iranian Missiles, Drones
US-Iran War LIVE: The Kuwaiti Army's General Staff reports air defenses responding to missile and drone attacks due to "sinful Iranian aggression," clarifying that any explosions are from intercepting these hostile threats.
Fresh US Strikes Reported on Iran's Qeshm Island
US-Iran War LIVE: US fighter jets have conducted airstrikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, resulting in explosions and the deployment of emergency teams to assess damage and casualties. The strikes follow the killing of two US troops, escalating regional tensions significantly.
US Completes 8th Consecutive Night of Strikes Against Iran
US-Iran War LIVE: On July 18, U.S. Central Command conducted strikes against Iranian military facilities, targeting coastal surveillance, air defense, maritime capabilities, and missile storage. The actions followed attacks on U.S. personnel in Jordan. Over 50,000 U.S. troops remain vigilant and prepared across the Middle East.
'Very Sad Thing': Trump on Deaths of Two Us Service Members in Jordan After Iranian Strikes
US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump expressed condolences over the deaths of two American service members in Jordan due to Iranian strikes. He described the incident as "very sad," highlighting the risks faced by those serving in the military.
Iran No Longer Bound by 14-Point MOU After US Military Action, Says FM Spokesperson
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced that Tehran no longer feels bound by the 14-point MoU with the US, citing US violations and military escalation against Iran. He stated that the agreement was based on mutual commitments, and Washington's actions have shifted Iran's stance on the accord.
US Launches 'New Airstrikes' on Iran to 'Swiftly Punish' IRGC After Strikes in Jordan Killed Two
US-Iran War LIVE: US forces conducted airstrikes on Iran's IRGC to diminish threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliate for attacks that killed two American service members. CENTCOM stated the strikes were directed by President Trump to punish responsible IRGC forces.
Two US Service Members Killed, One Missing in Jordan After Iranian Strikes, Says CENTCOM
US-Iran War LIVE: US CENTCOM reported two service members were killed and one is missing in Jordan due to Iranian strikes on military assets at Al-Azraq Air Base while defending against ballistic missiles and drones on July 17.
Iran Renews Attacks on Gulf States
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran launched renewed attacks on U.S. Gulf allies on Saturday after a seventh straight night of U.S. strikes targeting Iranian military sites, escalating the war a week after a fragile ceasefire collapsed. Kuwait's desalination plant was hit and airport operations suspended, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed strikes on U.S. facilities at Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and also targeted a U.S. combat aircraft site and intelligence centre in Bahrain, state media reported.
Iran Warns Countries Hosting US Forces to Prepare for 'Corresponding Response'
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued an explicit warning to nations hosting American troops, stating that they must prepare for a "corresponding response" amid escalating regional conflicts, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
The military wing demanded that these host nations "activate their civil defence units to protect their citizens and move them away from potential military targets", accusing regional governments of allowing their territories to be used as launchpads for aggression against Iran.
Kuwait Airways Reschedules Most Flights Following Airport Shutdown Amid Iranian Attack
US-Iran War LIVE: Kuwait Airways has rescheduled the majority of its flights after temporarily halting operations at Kuwait International Airport on Saturday, 18 July 2026, due to hostile missile and drone strikes linked to the Iranian attack.
In a post on X, 'The airline urges all passengers to regularly check their flight status, as notifications and text alerts will be sent to the phone numbers registered with their bookings…,' they stated.
US Warns Americans to Reconsider Middle East Travel Amid Rising Tensions
US-Iran War LIVE: The US State Department advises caution in the Middle East due to escalating tensions. It recommends Americans reconsider travel, stay vigilant, and monitor news for updates. Those already in the region should remain cautious and verify flight schedules with air carriers due to the complex security environment.
Jordanian Military Says Its Air Defences Intercept 10 Iranian Missiles
US-Iran War LIVE: Jordan's air defense networks intercepted and destroyed 10 Iranian missiles violating airspace, using tactical measures to ensure sovereignty and public safety during Saturday morning's operation.
'Sinful Iranian Aggression': Kuwait Air Defence Systems Engage Wave of Hostile Missile, Drone Attacks
US-Iran War LIVE: Kuwaiti air defense systems are intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks, attributed to "sinful Iranian aggression." The army reassures citizens that loud explosions are due to successful interceptions and urges calm while advising adherence to safety protocols amid ongoing threats.
Iran Targets US Bases, Drone Depot Across Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain After 7th Night of CENTCOM Strikes
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran announced on Friday that it has launched drone strikes against US military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain in retaliation for ongoing US attacks. The Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported these actions as part of the 14th phase of "Operation Lightning."
US Plans to Send Additional Refuelling Aircraft to Israel Amid Possible Expansion of Iran Ops: Axios
US-Iran War LIVE: The Trump administration plans to send more military refuelling aircraft to Israel as it contemplates a broader military campaign against Iran. Following a Situation Room meeting, options include strikes on Iranian energy and civilian infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and the underground Pickaxe Mountain site, suspected of development.
Mojtaba Khamenei's Aide Warns of 'Full-Scale Invasion, Annihilation'
US-Iran War LIVE: Tehran's military advisor Mohsen Rezaee warned of a potential "full-scale invasion and annihilation" by Iran if the US continues its military operations following a collapsed agreement. He stated diplomacy has ended, and further attacks could escalate conflict beyond retaliatory actions.
38 Killed, Over 400 Injured in US Strikes Targeting Civilian Infra in Iran, Reports State Media
US-Iran War LIVE: US strikes have killed at least 38 people and injured over 400 across several Iranian provinces, targeting civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities. Affected areas include Hormozgan, Bushehr, Sistan and Baluchestan, Khuzestan, and Lorestan, with casualties including women and a minor.
US Forces Continue 'Round of Strikes' Against Iran for Seventh Consecutive Night
US-Iran War LIVE: US forces conducted military strikes against Iran for the seventh consecutive night, aiming to degrade its military capabilities. The US Central Command announced the operation took place at 3 p.m. ET, emphasizing the continuation of efforts directed by the Commander in Chief.
US CENTCOM Confirms Destruction of Chabahar Port Surveillance Tower in Iran
US-Iran War LIVE: CENTCOM confirmed it destroyed a surveillance tower at Iran's Shahid Kalantari Port in Chabahar, part of an IRGC monitoring network for commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman. The operation occurred on July 16 as part of U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure. The facility had been used for decades to track vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Kuwait Says Water Desalination Plant Damaged in Iranian Attacks
US-Iran War LIVE: Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity reported an Iranian attack on a power and desalination plant, causing fire and damage. Firefighting teams controlled the blaze, and repairs are ongoing. The ministry urged citizens to conserve electricity during the recovery.
Iranian Media Denies Iran-US Prisoner Exchange, Says 'No Evidence' of Any 'Spy Release'
US-Iran War LIVE: Iranian state media Press TV stated there is "no evidence" of a prisoner exchange with the US, denying claims of an American detainee or alleged spy being released. Investigations reportedly found no support for the exchange claims, reaffirming that no spy has been released recently by Tehran.
Tehran Restricts Trains From Bandar Abbas After US Attacks
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran is limiting train departures from Bandar Abbas due to US strikes in Hormozgan. Passengers are advised to use intercity buses to reach Fin station for their trains, reports Tasnim.
Iranian Strikes Kill 8 Iranian Kurdish Fighters in Iraq
US-Iran War LIVE: An official reported that eight Iranian Kurdish fighters were killed in a missile attack on their headquarters in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. The Komala party attributed the attack to Iran, which has previously targeted Kurdish groups in the region.
UK Police Charge Man Over Iran-Linked Spying Offences
US-Iran War LIVE: British police charged 39-year-old Vahid Aberi, from Liverpool, with assisting Iran's intelligence service, amid ongoing incidents related to Tehran under UK National Security laws. Searches were conducted at addresses in Birmingham and Liverpool following his arrest.
Tanker Hit By Unknown Projectile Off Oman’s Coast, UKMTO Says
US-Iran War LIVE: A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile near Khasab, Oman, on Thursday. The crew is safe, and there was no reported environmental damage, according to UKMTO.
CENTCOM Says US Marines Boarded Vessel in Gulf of Oman, Redirects 3 Others Enforcing Blockade
US-Iran War LIVE: CENTCOM announced that US Marines executed a verification boarding on M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman, part of the US naval blockade enforcement against Iran. Three additional commercial vessels were redirected during the operation, as stated in a post on X.
Iran Army Warns of Strikes on US Infrastructure in West Asia, Cites Hormuz Threat Due to American Presence
US-Iran War LIVE: A senior Iranian military spokesperson warned of potential attacks on US infrastructure in West Asia if Iranian assets are targeted, blaming American forces for insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz. Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi emphasized that the US and Israel have "no right" to be in the region.
Trump Claims US is 'Winning Big in Iran', Says 'Fruits' of Military Effort 'Very, Very Shortly'
US-Iran War LIVE: US President Donald Trump claimed the US is "winning big" in Iran, asserting Americans will soon see the benefits of military efforts. During a primetime address, he emphasized protecting election integrity and noted the US military's strength, asserting that current circumstances necessitated military action, despite his preference to avoid it.
Iran Strikes US Military Assets in Bahrain With Drones After Washington's Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran's Army announced drone attacks on US military assets in Bahrain, responding to American strikes that killed three civilians in Iran. The operation, dubbed "Operation Lightning," targeted US helicopters and P-8 reconnaissance aircraft at the Sakhir base using Arash drones, according to state media.
Qatar Says Iranian Missile Attack Thwarted, Child Injured
US-Iran War LIVE: Qatar’s defense ministry reported thwarting an Iranian missile attack on Friday, injuring a child from shrapnel during interception. The interior ministry confirmed the child's medical treatment, while witnesses noted explosion sounds and a government security alert in Doha.
Iran Tells Houthis to Close Red Sea Gateway if US Hits Power Network
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran has urged Yemen's Houthi movement to be prepared to disrupt the Red Sea oil route if the U.S. targets Iranian infrastructure, raising significant concerns for global energy supply, according to multiple sources.
Three Killed, Several Injured After US Strikes Target Civilian Infrastructure in Iran, Says State Media
US-Iran War LIVE: Three people were killed and several injured in US strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran, following heightened tensions after the collapse of a 14-point agreement. Iran's state media reported multiple strikes in Hormozgan province, including attacks on bridges near Kohourestan and a neighborhood in Bandar Abbas, resulting in casualties and ongoing military operations.
White House Says Iran 'Very Much Continues' Talks With Washington, Wants to 'Make a Deal' Despite US Strikes
US-Iran War LIVE: The White House stated Iran is still in talks with the US and seeks an agreement, despite recent US strikes against Iranian targets. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Iran's ongoing communication, attributing their willingness to negotiate to setbacks caused by US military actions due to violations of a prior understanding.
US Forces Continue 'Wave of Strikes' Against Iran for Sixth Consecutive Night
US-Iran War LIVE: US forces executed renewed military strikes on Iran for the sixth consecutive night, intensifying tensions after the collapse of their 14-point agreement. CENTCOM stated the strikes aimed to diminish Iran's military capabilities, given Tehran's threat to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as claimed by Washington.
Iran Condemns US Strikes as 'War Crimes', Warns Gulf Neighbours Against Allowing Territorial Access
US-Iran War LIVE: The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned US military strikes as brutal war crimes violating international law and the UN Charter. They warned neighboring countries along the Persian Gulf of their obligations to prevent their territories, airspace, and waters from being used for US military actions.
Lebanon Moves To End Hezbollah's Military Arm, FM Youssef Raggi Calls It 'Sovereign Decision'
US-Iran War LIVE: Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi asserted that the decision to end Hezbollah's military presence is a sovereign matter for Lebanon. Speaking at the French Senate, he emphasized the country's commitment to state authority, rejecting duality and declaring that weapons and decisions should solely fall under state control, as reflected in his post on X.
'You've Got to Be Willing to Talk': JD Vance Defends US Diplomacy With Iran Amid Renewed Hostilities
US-Iran War LIVE: US Vice President JD Vance advocated for ongoing diplomacy with Iran amidst renewed tensions, stating that military action alone won't resolve the conflict and that negotiations are crucial for addressing security issues in the Strait of Hormuz. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Vance expressed frustration with those opposing dialogue with Tehran and acknowledged stalled negotiations due to disputes, contrasting President Trump's view that talks are futile.
Iran Claims Strikes on US Military Facilities in Jordan, Kuwait During Ongoing Operations
US-Iran War LIVE: Iran announced drone and missile strikes on US military facilities in Jordan and Kuwait, claiming retaliation for recent US actions on its territory, per state broadcaster IRIB. These operations include 'Operation Lightning' from the Iranian Army and 'Operation Nasr 2' from the IRGC. The Iranian Army reported targeting communication systems and fuel tanks at Al-Azraq base in Jordan, viewed as a key command center for US forces in West Asia.