On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Iran escalated its military actions in the Middle East, two weeks after its conflict with the United States reignited. Sirens sounded in Bahrain following reported Iranian attacks, while Jordan announced it intercepted two waves of missiles and drones without casualties or damage.
Iran's Yemeni allies, the Houthis, declared intentions to blockade Saudi Arabia's ports, potentially disrupting global energy markets further after Iran's blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, details on how the Houthis would enforce this blockade remain unclear, and oil markets showed slight easing despite the threat.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported stopping two "non-compliant oil tankers" attempting to pass through the Hormuz Strait, which Tehran has blockaded in retaliation for a US-Israeli attack on February 28 that initiated the current war.
The Iranian military also claimed to have targeted US assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including air defense systems, radar installations, and administrative buildings. Bahrain's interior ministry urged citizens and residents to remain calm and seek the nearest safe locations following the interceptions.
Jordan's military confirmed intercepting five Iranian drones and three missiles during the two waves of strikes.
The United States responded on Monday with a new series of attacks against Iran, aiming to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping" in the Strait of Hormuz, following the deaths of at least three US soldiers in recent days. The Pentagon reported nearly 100 US service members wounded since the conflict resumed on July 7, mostly with minor concussions.
Meanwhile, Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni was in Islamabad for a two-day visit, scheduled to meet with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir.
Notable Quotes
- "The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," said Bahrain's interior ministry.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had stopped two "non-compliant oil tankers" attempting to transit Hormuz.
- "With this radar sweep, the enemy should prepare for even more decisive and powerful waves of drone and missile attacks," an Iranian source stated.
- The US described its attacks as "designed to further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping."
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian commented on the conflict's escalation, noting it had become more intense.
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