Lebanon and Iraq forge closer ties with US amid regional strain
Lebanon and Iraq deepen US ties through high-level diplomacy and major trade deals amid Middle East tensions.
Event / Conflict
US-Iran Military Escalation July 2026
Unprecedented exchanges of airstrikes between the US and Iran on July 18, 2026, following the failure of a June 17 peace protocol. The US conducted its seventh consecutive night of bombing Iranian military targets, while Iran retaliated with strikes on Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. Iran threatens further offensive action if bombing continues. Kuwait suffered infrastructure damage; Jordan and Bahrain intercepted missiles. Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues, driving oil prices higher. Regional instability affects Lebanon ceasefire talks and Iraq's partnerships.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Jul, 12:48 UTC
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What happened
Iran retaliates with strikes on Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain military targets
The Iranian military announced strikes on multiple military targets in response to US airstrikes: Al-Adiri military camp and Ali Al-Salem base in Kuwait; Al-Azraq air base in Jordan; and Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain. Iran accused the US military of using these installations to attack Iranian territory.
Revolutionary Guards warn countries hosting US military forces of retaliation
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that countries providing their territory to US military forces for attacks against Iran must prepare to receive corresponding responses. They advised activating civil defense units to protect citizens and move them away from potential targets.
Iran claims to have stopped four ships and two tankers in Strait of Hormuz
The Revolutionary Guards announced on July 18 that they stopped four ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without authorization using combined missile and drone operations. Iran also claimed two tankers struck mines in the strait. The US Centcom denied these claims as false.
Revolutionary Guards vow continued strikes until Strait of Hormuz stabilizes
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that strikes would continue until calm returns to the southern coast and the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has largely halted.
Jordan intercepts and destroys ten Iranian missiles
Jordan's air defense systems intercepted and destroyed ten Iranian missiles targeting Jordanian territory. The operation resulted in no casualties or material damage, according to a Jordanian military official.
Lebanese President travels to Washington for talks with Trump
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun departed Beirut on Saturday morning for Washington to meet with Donald Trump on July 21, following negotiations between Lebanon and Israel that concluded on Wednesday in Rome. Aoun was also scheduled to meet with several US officials regarding Lebanon's situation and means to consolidate the ceasefire, particularly in the south, and discuss Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
Iranian military advisor threatens total offensive if US strikes continue
Mohsen Rezaï, military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, threatened that Iran would enter a phase of total offensive if US airstrikes continue beyond two to three days. He also stated that Iran would no longer limit itself to retaliation and that no border would be safe.
Kuwait's second power and desalination plant attacked by Iran
Kuwait announced that a second power generation and water desalination facility was attacked by Iran, causing a fire and requiring shutdown of multiple production units. This followed a similar attack the previous day on another facility that also caused damage.
Hostilities resume in Middle East after July 7 Iranian naval attacks
Clashes resumed on July 7 following Iranian attacks on ships in the Gulf. Subsequent strikes have been unprecedented since the April ceasefire that followed February 28 Israeli-American bombardments on Iran.
Iran-US peace agreement signed on June 17 fails to prevent escalation
One month after Iran and the United States signed a peace protocol agreement on June 17 intended to open a period of peace negotiations, escalation continues in the Middle East with daily exchanges of strikes and ongoing maritime incidents.
US conducts seventh consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran
The US Central Command (Centcom) conducted airstrikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night on July 18, targeting surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons depots, and maritime assets. The strikes did not mention civilian targets, according to Centcom.
Iranian airstrikes kill three and wound eight in Hormozgan province
US airstrikes in Hormozgan province in southern Iran resulted in at least three deaths and eight injuries. The strikes also targeted two bridges and one road tunnel, according to Iranian official agency Irna. Additional strikes hit cities including Ahvaz, Bouchehr, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm island, Lar, Darab, and Yazd.
Bahrain reports interception of Iranian aerial attacks
Bahrain's air defense systems intercepted several Iranian aerial attacks. Air raid sirens were activated multiple times, and Iranian explosive drones targeted hangars and parking areas used by US aviation on Sheikh Isa base, according to Iranian state television.
Iraq signs 48 agreements with US companies, mostly petroleum-related
Iraq signed 48 agreements and partnerships with American companies, primarily in the petroleum sector, during Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit to the United States. Al-Zaidi, a former businessman who came to power with US presidential support, is facing pressure to disarm Iraqi armed groups with Iranian ties accused of hundreds of attacks on American infrastructure in Iraq since the start of Middle East conflict.
Iran maintains blockade of Strait of Hormuz affecting global oil trade
The Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global hydrocarbons transited before Middle East conflict, remains blocked by Iran for more than a week following resumption of hostilities with the US. The US has reimposed a blockade of Iranian ports in retaliation.
Oil prices surge amid Middle East escalation
Crude oil prices increased sharply on July 17 in response to intensifying Middle East conflict. Brent crude for September delivery rose 4.60% to $88.10 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate for August delivery increased 4.48% to $82.49 per barrel.
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2 alternative perspectives
Peace Deal Collapses as Diplomatic Breakdown Triggers Middle East Escalation
Iran-US peace deal collapsed within weeks as naval attacks resumed, triggering military escalation.
Iran's Strait Blockade Tightens Global Energy Supply Chain
Iran's Strait blockade restricts oil trade and drives energy prices higher.
US and Iran Exchange Strikes Across Gulf Region
US and Iran exchange strikes across the Gulf region, with Iran targeting multiple allied countries.