On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Iran launched renewed attacks on US Gulf allies after a seventh consecutive night of US strikes targeting Iranian military sites, including logistics infrastructure. This escalation comes one week after a fragile ceasefire agreement between the two sides collapsed.

Both Iran and the US have also targeted shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway responsible for one-fifth of the world's oil supply. The US claims it is enforcing a naval blockade, while Iran states it has targeted vessels violating its navigation rules in the strait. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported stopping four vessels through a combined missile and drone operation for violating these rules.

The US military's Central Command announced it concluded its latest round of attacks by targeting surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities. "US forces employed fighter aircraft, aerial drones, and warships in addition to other assets," the Central Command said in a statement. It also noted that more than 50,000 American service members are operating across the Middle East and remain "vigilant, lethal and ready."

Iranian media reported several missiles struck power facilities and desalination pumps in the southern Iranian city of Jask, citing a local official. Meanwhile, authorities in Kuwait stated that one of the country's power generation and water desalination stations was hit in an Iranian attack, causing damage, a fire, and disruption of numerous electricity generation units.

The ongoing conflict has driven oil prices up more than 4% to their highest level in over a month, increasing political pressure on US President Donald Trump and his Republican Party ahead of the November congressional elections. Washington and Tehran continue to test the limits of escalation, raising concerns about a potential return to full-scale war.

Sources