US forces carried out strikes on Iran for a seventh consecutive night on Friday, July 17th, 2026. According to a statement posted to X by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation involved fighter jets, drones, and warships targeting surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities.

"CENTCOM continues to hold Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction while fully enforcing a naval blockade against Iranian ports," the military stated.

In response, Iran's Fars state news agency reported that Iranian forces attacked US allies and bases in the region, including the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait and several communication sites in Bahrain. On Saturday morning, Kuwait's army announced that local air defenses were facing "hostile missile and drone attacks." Jordan's military also reportedly intercepted 10 Iranian missiles early on Saturday.

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas transit chokepoint, remains at reduced levels amid the ongoing conflict. The Strait has been a central flashpoint between Washington and Tehran, with Iran effectively closing the waterway following the outbreak of conflict in February 2026, causing instability in energy markets.

Earlier in June, the US and Iran had seemingly agreed to a memorandum of understanding to reopen the passage and cease hostilities. Under this provisional agreement, the US would remove its naval blockade of Iran, while Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirm its commitments. However, renewed fighting has caused peace talks to falter. The memorandum had given both sides 60 days to reach a final deal.

Sources

Euronews