Two US troops killed, one missing in Jordan, Kuwait facilities hit as Iran plans 'unforgettable lessons'

The UAE expresses its deep concern over the developments that the region has witnessed over the past few days, and has called for an immediate halt to the escalation and to avoid exacerbating tensions and instability in the region.

The UAE called for exercising the utmost restraint in order to avoid dangerous repercussions, and the region being pulled into new levels of violence and instability.

The UAE called for an immediate end to hostilities and a swift return to negotiations and stressed the importance of ensuring safe, uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it vital to the global economy.

The UAE emphasised that the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilian facilities in the region, including schools, universities, hospitals, desalination plants, energy facilities, transportation hubs, and residential areas constitute a flagrant and grave violation of the established principles and provisions of international law, and cannot, under any circumstances, be accepted or justified.

The USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) has transited the Arabian Sea while an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter operated nearby, as US forces continue enforcing a naval blockade against Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

As of July 18, CENTCOM said its forces had redirected five commercial vessels and disabled one vessel as part of the ongoing maritime operations.

A vessel has been hijacked after being boarded by unauthorised personnel while transiting through the Gulf of Aden, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident was reported about 65 nautical miles south of Al Mukalla, Yemen, as the vessel was travelling east.

UKMTO said military authorities reported that the vessel was manoeuvred into Somali territorial waters and reclassified the incident as a hijacking.

Authorities are investigating the incident.

UKMTO has advised vessels operating in the area to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to the maritime security agency.

Saudi Arabia has renewed its condemnation of Iranian attacks targeting civilian and vital infrastructure, including a power generation and water desalination facility in Kuwait.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Iran’s continued attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, expressing the Kingdom’s full support for the measures taken by the three countries in response.

Saudi Arabia said the attacks were violations of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness, and called for an immediate end to military escalation to protect regional security and stability.

Two US service members were killed in action in Jordan on July 17 while US Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces responded to Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks, the command said.

CENTCOM said one additional service member is currently missing in action.

Four US personnel evacuated

Four American service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan following the attacks. They have since been discharged, while other personnel assessed for minor injuries have returned to duty, CENTCOM said.

The command said further details, including the identities of the fallen service members, will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran and the United States exchanging strikes as the conflict continues to escalate across the Middle East.

Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in a new statement warns of 'unforgettable lessons' if US continues attacks.

The statement attributed to Khamenei, still unseen since the war began, was read out on state television.

He also called US President Donald Trump's signature "worthless and invalid," after an Iranian negotiator earlier Saturday said Tehran was suspending its commitments to the interim deal signed by both countries about a month ago.

The deal was aimed at permanently ending the war.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said repeated US breaches of agreements with Tehran show that the US president’s signature is “worthless and invalid”.

In a written statement, Khamenei accused Washington of failing to honour its commitments, saying past violations had undermined the credibility of any agreements reached with the United States. The statement was issued by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a phone call from Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

During the call, the two ministers discussed regional and international developments, the situation in the Middle East, and ways to strengthen ongoing efforts to achieve security, stability, and lasting peace in the region, in line with the aspirations of its peoples for development and prosperity.

The two sides also discussed a number of issues of mutual interest related to the bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as ways to enhance those ties in a manner that serves their shared interests.

• US launches seventh night of strikes on Iran: US Central Command said it targeted surveillance sites, military logistics facilities, underground weapons storage and maritime capabilities.

• Iran threatens wider offensive: Tehran warned it could resume “full-scale offensive operations” if US strikes continue.

• GCC condemns Iran attacks: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi accused Iran of targeting civilian infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, calling the attacks “war crimes”.

• Kuwait reports infrastructure damage: Kuwait said Iranian strikes hit a power and water plant and an oil facility, causing injuries and damage.

• Kuwait, Jordan targeted: Iran said it struck US military-linked sites in Kuwait and Jordan. Jordan said it intercepted 10 Iranian missiles with no casualties or damage.

• Bahrain intercepts attacks: Bahrain said its air defence systems thwarted Iranian attacks after air raid sirens sounded across the country.

• Strait of Hormuz tensions rise: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed two oil tankers hit mines in the strait, a claim denied by the US military. The Guards said four ships attempting to transit the waterway were stopped.

• Lebanon president heads to US: President Joseph Aoun travelled to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump on strengthening the ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese areas.

• Hezbollah holds mass funeral: Hezbollah buried 44 people in southern Lebanon’s Majdal Selm, including 39 fighters and four civilians killed in recent fighting with Israel.

• Bahrain, Qatar intercept missiles: Both countries earlier reported intercepting incoming missile threats amid the regional escalation.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity has thanked citizens and residents for reducing electricity consumption, saying their cooperation helped the country overcome the strain experienced by the power system over the past two days.

Ministry spokesperson said the public’s commitment to conserving electricity enabled the ministry to navigate a difficult period for the national grid yesterday and today.

The ministry added that the widespread response reflected a high level of public awareness and a strong sense of national solidarity, with many people encouraging energy-saving measures across social media platforms.

Kuwait’s Fire Force said firefighting teams have brought under control two fires that broke out at separate sites following strikes linked to what it described as “criminal Iranian aggression”.

Fire Force spokesperson Brigadier General Muhammad Al-Ghareeb said one of the incidents resulted in injuries to several firefighters and an oil sector worker after the site came under renewed attack while teams were battling the blaze.

The affected sites were brought under control, and firefighting operations continued to ensure safety and contain the impact of the attacks, according to state news agency KUNA.

Three US air strikes targeted areas near Sirik in Iran’s Hormozgan province on Saturday, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.

Mehr reported that the latest strike took place at 16:40 local time (13:10 GMT).

Hormozgan Governor said no civilian casualties had been reported following the strikes.

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), today condemned in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, alongside the targeting of infrastructure and civilian facilities, which resulted in the injury of a number of civilian workers in the State of Kuwait.

"Iran's actions constitute a highly dangerous escalation, a grave violation of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, as well as war crimes requiring international accountability and prosecution, given the deliberate targeting of infrastructure and civilian facilities in flagrant violation of all international norms and conventions, and a persistent determination to destabilise regional security and stability," he underlined.

Moreover, he stressed that the GCC stands as one with Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, supporting all measures they take to protect their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while expressing his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured individuals in the State of Kuwait."

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has accused the United States of restarting the conflict in violation of the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two sides.

In a social media post, Moghadam said the US had interpreted the MoU “contrary to its terms” and sought control over parts of the Strait of Hormuz after failing to achieve its objectives through military action.

He said Iran had rejected what he called an “arbitrary interpretation” of the agreement, which he claimed violated the MoU reached after months of mediation by Pakistan.

Moghadam said the 14-point MoU had paved the way for continued talks over six months, but accused Washington of launching renewed military action and damaging infrastructure.

He called on the international community to condemn what he described as an “aggressive and reckless act”.

The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned recent Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan on Saturday, saying strikes on civilian infrastructure amounted to "war crimes".

"Iran's actions constitute a highly dangerous escalation, a grave violation of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, as well as war crimes requiring international accountability and prosecution, given the deliberate targeting of infrastructure and civilian facilities," Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said, in a statement.

Passenger train services have resumed from Iran’s southern Bandar Abbas railway station, two days after US strikes damaged railway lines in the area, Iranian state media outlet IRIB reported.

The resumption follows repair work to restore rail operations at the key transport hub near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has suspended its commitments under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) after accusing the United States of violating the agreement, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said.

Gharibabadi said the US had “violated and suspended all its commitments” under the Islamabad MoU, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.

He added that Tehran had also halted implementation of its commitments and was focused on defending the country as US attacks continue.

The move marks the first time Iranian officials have officially said the country is no longer implementing any clauses of the MoU, following repeated accusations from Tehran that Washington breached the agreement.

The UAE Public Prosecution has expanded its investigation into a false report claiming explosions were heard in central Dubai.

Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said authorities have questioned the reporter and summoned those involved in preparing, approving and publishing the report to examine compliance with legal and professional verification standards.

The investigation will determine responsibility and any required legal action. The report’s withdrawal and subsequent apology by the news agency do not affect the ongoing probe, the Attorney-General said.

Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Subaih Al Mukhaizeem visited the site of an incident at a power generation and water desalination station on Saturday to review emergency response efforts.

The ministry said the minister, accompanied by Undersecretary Dr Adel Al Zamel, inspected the response operations carried out in coordination with the Kuwait Fire Force and security authorities.

Emergency teams contained and extinguished the fire after six hours of firefighting operations, while technical teams began assessing the damage and working on the rehabilitation of affected facilities.

Al Mukhaizeem praised the efforts of firefighting, engineering and technical teams, highlighting their swift response. He said repair work would continue until damaged units are restored to service while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has activated its emergency siren system and urged citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location.

In a post on X, the ministry said: “The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.”

The alert comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing security developments in the Gulf.

Iran’s Health Ministry said US attacks since July 6 have killed at least 50 people and injured more than 500 others.

Health ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said those killed included five women and two children under 18. He added that 32 women and 18 children were among the injured.

Kermanpour said 28 surgeries had been carried out, 460 people discharged, and 37 patients remain hospitalised.

Kuwait Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah held a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday to discuss the latest regional developments.

According to Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides reviewed the ongoing escalation, its impact on regional stability, and efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

The discussions also focused on containing the situation and strengthening diplomatic efforts to support regional security and stability, the ministry said.

The call comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with countries continuing diplomatic engagements to address the ongoing crisis.

The United States has increased its fleet of refuelling aircraft in Israel as part of adjustments to its military posture in the Middle East, an Israeli military official said, according to CNN.

The move comes amid renewed waves of US strikes on Iran following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

Israel has not taken part in the latest US strikes on Iran, despite its earlier involvement in "Operation Epic Fury". Iran has also not launched any attacks on Israel during the latest escalation.

The US has stationed some of its tanker aircraft at Israeli Air Force bases in coordination with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The decision was made to minimise disruption to civilian air traffic and address operational requirements, the official said.

The IDF is working to support the deployment of US forces in Israel while ensuring its own aviation requirements and operational needs are maintained, the official added.

The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the renewed hostile attacks by Iran targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with missiles and drones.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that these hostile attacks constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly nations and a threat to their security and stability.

Kuwait has strongly condemned the Iranian attack targetting its territory after a power generation and water desalination facility was struck on Saturday, accusing Tehran of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure and warning that it reserved the right to defend its territory.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the latest strike targeted another electricity generation and water desalination station, calling it part of a "systematic aggressive approach" against vital civilian facilities.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said one of its vital oil sector sites came under repeated Iranian attacks on Saturday morning, resulting in a number of injuries and significant material losses, according to KUNA.

The corporation said the injured were provided with medical assistance and that the site was evacuated as a precaution. It added that the response to the attack is being coordinated with relevant state authorities.

The US Embassy in Kuwait has renewed its security warning to American citizens, urging them to reconsider travel to or through the Middle East as regional tensions persist and the risk of sudden escalation remains.

In a security alert issued through its consular affairs channel, the embassy said the regional security environment remained complex and could change without warning.

It advised Americans already in the Middle East to exercise heightened caution and closely follow news reports for developments that could affect their safety or travel plans.

Kuwait's General Firefighting Force said it is currently dealing with two fires that broke out in separate locations after being targeted in what it described as "criminal Iranian aggression." According to KUNA, the first incident left a number of firefighters and one worker injured while combating the blaze, prompting the evacuation of the site. The injured were transported to receive necessary medical assistance.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday left Beirut for Washington, where he is expected to meet Donald Trump, the Lebanese presidency said, after talks between Lebanon and Israel wrapped up in Italy.

Aoun will hold discussions "with several American officials on the situation in Lebanon and ways to strengthen the ceasefire", particularly in Lebanon's south, as well as on "the withdrawal of Israel from the Lebanese regions it occupies", the presidency said.

Reuters has retracted a July 16 report claiming witnesses heard booms in Downtown Dubai, acknowledging that the story did not meet its editorial standards and that it could not determine where the sounds came from or what significance, if any, they carried.

In a statement dated July 17, Reuters said the Dubai-datelined story, headlined "Booms heard in UAE's downtown Dubai, witnesses say," failed to offer the context needed around the origin of the sounds before publication. The news agency said it regretted running the piece in its original form.

Iraq signed 48 agreements and partnerships with American companies, many in the oil sector, during a visit to the US by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, his office said Saturday.

Oil-rich Iraq has been trying to move past decades of war and unrest, but still suffers from poor infrastructure, failing public services, mismanagement and endemic corruption.

It is in urgent need of an economic boost, especially after losing revenue due to a halt in oil exports caused by the Middle East war.

Bahrain's army said its air defences repelled on Saturday a wave of Iranian attacks, as an AFP journalist in Manama reported hearing blasts after sirens sounded.

"Air defence systems thwarted" the attacks, the army said in a statement, adding that they "intercepted and destroyed a number of treacherous Iranian aerial assaults".

Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity and Water reported, according to KUNA, that a fire broke out at one of the country's power stations and water desalination plants as a result of what it described as "criminal Iranian aggression" today. The ministry said the incident necessitated precautionary operational measures to preserve the safety of the station and ensure the stability of the electrical system.

Kuwait Airways announced it is rescheduling most of its flights due to the airspace closure on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The airline urged passengers to stay updated on their flight status, noting that notifications and text messages will be sent to the phone numbers registered with their bookings.

• US strikes: CENTCOM completed a seventh night of strikes on Iran, hitting surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, weapons storage, and naval targets.

• Tanker claim disputed: Iran's Revolutionary Guards said two tankers hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz; CENTCOM denied it. Guards also said they blocked four more ships.

• Gulf states hit: Iran struck US-linked sites in Kuwait (Al-Adiri camp, Ali Al-Salem base) and Jordan (Al-Azraq fuel tanks).

• Kuwait/Jordan respond: Kuwait intercepted incoming threats after reporting damage to a power plant and 7 wounded soldiers. Jordan downed 10 missiles, no casualties.

• Bahrain targeted: Iran said it hit a US-linked air base; Bahrain sounded air raid sirens. Bahrain and Qatar earlier intercepted missiles.

• Casualties: Iran reports 3 killed, 8 wounded in Hormozgan Saturday; 8 killed, 20 wounded reported Friday.

• Central Iran blasts: Explosions heard in Yazd and southern provinces.

• Iran threatens escalation: Official warns of "full-scale offensive operations" if strikes continue.

• UN reaction: Guterres calls strikes on civilian infrastructure "unacceptable."

• Iran's grid strained: Citizens urged to cut electricity use.

• Oil markets: Brent crude above $88/barrel amid Hormuz disruption.

• Iraq: Drone strike kills 9 Iranian Kurdish opposition members; group blames Iran.

Kuwait's countrywide alarm sirens sounded for the fourth time, according to KUNA, as the country continues to face intermittent missile and drone threats amid the ongoing regional escalation.

The Iranian army said on Saturday that it had targeted an air base in Bahrain used by the United States in response to American strikes, according to Iran's state broadcaster.

Attack drones targeted "aircraft shelters and parking areas, fuel storage tanks of the US military at Sheikh Isa Air Base, as well as several connecting bridges in Bahrain," the army said, adding that the base in southern Bahrain is "one of the most important operational and logistical centres" for the US military in the region.

Jordan's army said on Saturday it had shot down 10 Iranian missiles with no casualties or damage, as Tehran retaliated against American strikes by pressing attacks on US allies. 

"Air defense systems... intercepted 10 Iranian missiles that had entered Jordanian airspace and were targeting the Kingdom's territory (which) were intercepted and shot down," the army said in a statement, adding that there were no casualties or material damage.

Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced that warning sirens have been activated across the kingdom, urging citizens and residents to remain calm, head to the nearest safe location, and follow updates through official channels.

Jordan's Armed Forces said their air defenses intercepted and shot down 10 Iranian missiles targeting the Kingdom's territories, with the interception operation resulting in no human injuries or material damage. Royal Engineering Corps units have begun work at the shrapnel impact sites to handle and secure the debris in line with established technical and security procedures.

The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces announced early Saturday that its air defense systems are actively engaging missile and drone threats entering the country's airspace, describing the situation as part of the "ongoing treacherous Iranian aggression." The military clarified that any explosions residents may hear are the result of interception operations against hostile missiles and drones, and it urged the public to follow safety instructions from relevant authorities.

Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced in that it had activated warning sirens.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry said, "The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place, and to follow updates through official channels."

The US military said it had concluded strikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night Friday, adding that it had hit several targets aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities.

"US Central Command (CENTCOM) hit surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities," the military said in a post on X.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday that two oil tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz hit mines and exploded, a claim disputed by the US military.

"An hour ago, two oil tankers, which were trying to pass through the minefield south of the Strait of Hormuz by deceptive American intelligence agencies, exploded and caught fire," the Guards said in a statement published by state news agency IRNA, without identifying the tankers.

"To protect their capital and, more importantly, their lives, the sailors should not be deceived and enter the minefield," they said.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a brief denial, saying on X, "Like most IRGC claims, this is false."

Iran's army said it struck US military targets in Kuwait and Jordan in response to American attacks, according to a statement carried by the Iranian state broadcaster on Saturday.

In Kuwait, Iranian forces targeted an ammunition depot in the Al-Adiri camp, the headquarters buildings and ammunition depots in the Ali Al-Salem base and several communication bridges.

In Jordan, fuel tanks at the Al-Azraq base were also targeted, the state broadcaster said on Telegram.

US attacks killed three people and wounded eight in the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan, state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.

"The deputy political, security and social affairs governor of Hormozgan announced the martyrdom of three people and the injury of eight people following enemy attacks on some parts of Hormozgan province this morning," IRNA said on Telegram.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they had "stopped" four ships trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

"In the past hours, four violating ships with the support of the terrorist US army were trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and all four ships were stopped in place during a combined missile and drone operation," the Guards said in a statement carried by the state broadcaster.

Five explosions were heard in the early hours of Saturday in Yazd, in central Iran, the state news agency IRNA reported, after the US military announced a seventh night of strikes against the country.

Another Iranian news agency, Mehr, reported that explosions were heard "in several provinces in the south" of Iran.

Since dawn today, Kuwaiti Armed Forces have detected ballistic missiles and hostile drones within Kuwaiti airspace, which were intercepted and dealt with.

The ministry of defence added that the Iranian aggression targeted a number of facilities and camps belonging to the Kuwaiti Army using hostile drones, resulting in injuries to several personnel of the Kuwaiti Land Forces while carrying out their duties. The injured received the necessary medical care and treatment, and their condition is stable.

A number of vital civilian facilities were also targeted, including one of the country’s electricity generation and water desalination plants, causing a fire and damage to several facilities and power generation units at the site. The attack also led to power outages in several areas across the country, resulting in material damage but no reported casualties.

The Armed Forces affirmed that they continue to carry out their duties and responsibilities with high efficiency, maintaining full readiness and taking all necessary measures to protect the country’s sovereignty, security and stability, in coordination with the relevant authorities, to ensure the safety of citizens and residents

US military launched a round of strikes against Iran for the seventh consecutive night.

In a post on X, US said strikes are designed to continue degrading Iranian military capabilities at the Commander in Chief's direction.

Tehran is ready to resume "full-scale offensive operations" if US strikes against it continue for another two or three days, a senior military advisor to Iran's supreme leader warned Friday.

"Iran will no longer limit itself to retaliatory, like-for-like responses ... and no political border will be safe," Major General Mohsen Rezaei said, according to the Iranian news agency IRIB.

Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that the three individuals killed while crossing the bridge were “completely innocent.”

“We will never allow their pure blood to be trampled upon”, Abbas Araghchi said on his official Telegram account.

“We will defend every inch of this land until our last breath.”

Firefighters have managed to extinguish two fires erupted at two different sites, south of the country, after they had been targeted by Iran attacks, according to Kuwait Fire Force Spokesman Colonel Mohammad Al-Ghareeb.

He noted that the incident caused damage, with no casualties.

Day 138: Gulf faces fresh attacks as Trump signals diplomacy

Day 137: Dubai rebuts false explosion reports

Day 137: Iran says it is no longer bound by parts of US ceasefire deal

Day 136: 2 UAE tankers hit, US to resume Iran blockade

Day 135: US military launches another round of Iran strikes

Day 134: Strait of Hormuz tensions flare after ship attack

Day 133: US swaps strikes with Iran while keeping nuclear talks alive

Day 132: Israel vows stronger military action against Iran

Day 131: Trump tempers fury to end NATO summit on high note

Day 130: Iran reports explosions on sites around Hormuz Strait

Day 129: Body of Khamenei arrives in Qom ahead of procession

Day 128: Massive turnout at Khamenei funeral