Iran attacks US allies in Middle East as renewed conflict enters second week

The US conducted strikes on Iran for a third consecutive day, targeting port cities like Bushehr and Bandar Abbas, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping. In retaliation, Iran attacked Bahrain, Jordan, and two UAE-associated tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian attacks, with Bahrain accusing Iran of targeting civilians. These escalating actions threaten a return to conflict and hinder efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which the US stated it would control and charge tolls for safe passage. The article also mentions ongoing US-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

The United States conducted strikes against Iran for a third consecutive night, targeting military sites in southern Iran including Bushehr and Bandar Abbas, aiming to degrade Iran's capacity to attack shipping. In retaliation, Iran struck UAE-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one Indian national, and targeted US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait with drones and missiles. Iran also launched missiles and drones at US forces in Jordan, which shot down four missiles fired from Iran. US President Donald Trump stated a deal with Iran is possible despite the renewed fighting and reiterated demands for Gulf nations to fund US protection of shipping. The US blockade on Iran's southern ports and terminals was set to begin.

The United States has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, effective Tuesday evening GMT, following escalating exchanges with Iran. The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the blockade targets vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. CENTCOM also announced a new series of strikes aimed at degrading Iran's capabilities to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These actions come after Iranian media reported US strikes on several Iranian cities and islands, including Abadan, Mahshahr, Qeshm, and Kish. Iran's deputy foreign minister accused the US of destroying an interim peace deal, stating Tehran now has no commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding. Iran has responded with attacks on two ships in Omani waters and retaliatory strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

President Donald Trump announced that the US will reinstate a naval blockade of Iran and charge a 20 percent toll on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, framing it as reimbursement for providing security. This plan, revealed in a Fox News interview and on Truth Social, is set to begin immediately. However, experts suggest the proposal is an improvised political remark rather than a developed policy, lacking a legal mechanism for enforcement and potentially undermining the US stance on freedom of navigation. Commercial shipping companies will likely adapt to whoever can ensure safe passage, and the added toll would create further uncertainty. The UN's International Maritime Organization has stated that imposing tolls on international straits is against international law.

Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, have activated air defense systems following renewed Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. military installations. These attacks, which Iran claims hit specific facilities, occur amidst a fragile memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. aimed at halting a conflict that began in February. The renewed escalation, partly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, highlights a security dilemma for Gulf states: their U.S. military presence makes them targets, yet U.S. protection is crucial against Iranian threats. Gulf nations have invested heavily in layered air defense networks, but the sustained pressure from Iran's cheaper drones raises questions about their ability to withstand prolonged confrontations.

The US military has significantly increased attacks on Iran in recent days, marking the most intense bombardment since a memorandum of understanding last month. US fighter jets and warships have targeted hundreds of military sites and some civilian locations across at least 10 Iranian provinces, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims to have closed the Strait due to US intervention and retaliated by attacking US interests in several regional countries. US Central Command stated over 300 military targets were hit, including coastal surveillance and naval assets, but did not acknowledge striking civilian objectives. Attacks have impacted infrastructure, including port facilities and the perimeter of Iran's nuclear power plant, and have reportedly reduced electricity generation capacity.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after striking a vessel for using an unapproved route, warning of a severe response to any retaliation. US Central Command stated its forces conducted strikes to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners, following the incident involving a Cyprus-flagged container ship that sustained engine room damage and had a missing crew member. The IRGC claimed several ships disregarded warnings to correct their course. This escalation occurs amidst diplomatic efforts in Oman to discuss safe passage through the strait, and follows heightened rhetoric between the US and Iran regarding potential assassinations and reprisals.

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following an incident where a vessel was struck for allegedly jeopardizing maritime security by switching off its systems. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated the ship was brought to a halt without providing further details. In response to Iran's actions, the US military launched a new round of strikes against Iran. This US action was reportedly a consequence of IRGC forces attacking a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the strait. Iran warned of a severe response to any retaliation over the incident.

At a recent NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump exhibited a volatile performance, initially expressing anger and criticizing allies over issues like Iran and defense spending. However, he later shifted to praising the alliance and its members, including Ukraine's president. Analysts suggest this sudden change in tone may be linked to Trump's affinity for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with whom he expressed a strong relationship. The article highlights Trump's tendency to focus on individual leaders and countries rather than alliances, and notes the efforts of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in managing Trump's engagement. This unpredictable behavior has left US allies apprehensive about the consequences for the alliance.

The United States and Iran have engaged in a second day of retaliatory attacks, escalating tensions and jeopardizing a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Following US strikes on approximately 90 Iranian military targets, Iran stated it attacked US military-linked sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The US Central Command reported its strikes targeted Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran claimed its actions were in response to the US bombardment. These exchanges threaten to undermine the MoU brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, which sought to de-escalate conflict and address broader issues between the two nations.

The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, targeting approximately 90 military sites and port facilities, in retaliation for Iran's recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. U.S. President Donald Trump stated these strikes were to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation and warned of further escalation if shipping attacks continue. Iranian state media reported explosions in various locations, including near the Bushehr nuclear power plant and port cities. Trump declared the interim ceasefire agreement "over" but allowed negotiations to continue, while Iran's deputy foreign minister viewed his remarks as an admission of policy failure. These escalating actions have raised fears of a renewed conflict and caused oil prices to surge.

The US launched airstrikes against Iran, killing at least 14 people, in retaliation for Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by striking Gulf countries, marking the most intense exchange of fire since a ceasefire extension. These tit-for-tat strikes occurred after President Trump declared a memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire "over." The US stated its strikes targeted approximately 90 sites to degrade Iran's capacity to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran accused the US of war crimes, citing attacks on bridges and infrastructure. The escalating conflict has raised concerns about the breakdown of the ceasefire and the prospects for ongoing negotiations between the two nations.

The United States conducted a second night of air attacks on Iran, targeting military sites in Tehran and southern cities. These strikes, which killed at least 14 people, were a response to Iran's earlier attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the aim was to degrade Iran's ability to attack shipping. Despite the escalation, neither side has officially ended an interim peace agreement, though President Trump suggested it was "over." The tit-for-tat strikes have significantly slowed shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, trapping thousands of sailors. The attacks occurred during the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Following deadly US attacks on Iran that reportedly killed at least one person and caused power outages, sirens sounded across Bahrain and Kuwait, with warnings also issued in Qatar. In Qatar, residents were advised to stay indoors and away from windows until the danger passed. Kuwait's defense ministry reported intercepting drones and missiles, urging citizens to take precautions and noting that any explosions were due to these interceptions. Bahrain's interior ministry also issued an alert. Countries in the Gulf region are preparing for potential retaliatory attacks, as is common after US strikes on Iranian targets. Iran claims to be targeting the sources of attacks on its territory, a stance that has caused contention and anger in Gulf nations who state they are not involved in the conflict.

The US military conducted strikes on Iran for a second consecutive day following President Trump's declaration that an interim agreement to end the war was "over." These strikes targeted three locations across Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Bushehr province, in retaliation for Iran's earlier attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command confirmed the actions were aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation. The escalation follows an exchange of fire after Iran targeted merchant vessels, and the US also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil exports. The strikes occurred as Iran was preparing to bury its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The United States launched over 80 strikes on Iran in response to Tehran's attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump stated the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran is "over," though he might allow peace talks to continue. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have retaliated by targeting US assets in neighboring countries. Both nations accuse each other of violating the June MoU, which initiated a 60-day peace negotiation process. The strikes, which targeted Iranian air defense systems, command and control networks, and small boats, represent the largest US attacks since April. Iran's actions were reportedly in response to ships ignoring warnings to change direction while transiting the strait.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire with Iran was "over." Speaking to reporters at the Nato summit in Ankara, Trump stated he no longer wished to engage with Iran, calling further dealings a "waste of time" and labeling Iranian representatives as "liars." This declaration followed fresh US military strikes on the Islamic Republic. While Trump suggested that US representatives could continue negotiations, he expressed skepticism about any productive outcomes, implying that such talks would be futile.

President Trump expressed frustration with Iranian negotiators, accusing them of dishonesty and cheating, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has emerged as a dominant force in Tehran. Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, authority in Iran has become dispersed, with the IRGC holding significant power, making it unclear if negotiators can commit to an agreement. Experts suggest Iran's leadership believes escalation is essential for survival, using regional instability to gain leverage and distract from domestic issues. This fractured power structure in Tehran raises concerns for Washington, as different factions may have conflicting interpretations and willingness to implement any deal.

At the NATO summit in Ankara, Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with US President Donald Trump, who agreed to stay in touch after Starmer steps down. Starmer stated that maintaining this connection is part of his responsibility to the UK-US relationship. Trump thanked the UK for its defense spending contributions, placing it second over the last decade in real terms. Despite recent tense exchanges, Starmer indicated they had "got along really well" over the longer term. Starmer also declined to comment on Trump's recent criticisms of the UK and his own leadership, instead highlighting the country's improved standing. He also addressed potential future defense spending policies under a potential Andy Burnham administration.

Nato leaders at a summit in Ankara have informally agreed to avoid mentioning the World Cup to US President Donald Trump. This strategy aims to prevent irritating the president at a critical time for the alliance, as European leaders are concerned he could destabilize Nato with threats over defense spending. They are working to reassure him of their financial commitments to defense. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever indicated he would not bring up his country's victory over the US in the tournament. This comes after a previous incident where Trump asked Fifa to review a red card for a US player. The leaders are also discussing increasing defense spending, with a goal for each member to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its global economic growth forecast for 2026 to 3%, down from its previous projection of 3.1% in April. This downward revision is primarily attributed to the energy shock resulting from the Iran war, which caused Iran to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, leading to soaring oil prices. The IMF anticipates oil prices to rise by nearly 32% this year, contributing to a projected 4.7% increase in global consumer prices, stalling progress against inflation. However, the negative impact of the conflict is being partially offset by robust investment in artificial intelligence and other technologies. The IMF's forecasts are contingent on the Strait of Hormuz reopening later this month and commerce returning to normal by March of next year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its UK growth forecast for 2026 to 1%, a 0.2 percentage point increase from its April projection, making it the third fastest-growing G7 economy. This adjustment, finalized before recent Middle East hostilities, suggests the economic impact of the Iran conflict may be less severe than initially feared. The IMF's forecast for global growth remains largely unchanged at 3% for this year. While AI investment has cushioned some economic blows, the IMF warns of downside risks, including renewed conflict and a potential correction in technology market valuations. The UK's inflation rate remained steady in May, with markets anticipating limited interest rate hikes.

Oil prices surged as renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran impacted the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose above $76 a barrel for the first time in two weeks after the US launched strikes on Iran and revoked a temporary waiver of sanctions on Iranian oil. This action followed attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which US, Qatari, and Saudi officials blamed on Iran. US Central Command stated the strikes were to impose costs for targeting commercial shipping. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister described the sanctions waiver revocation as a violation of a previous memorandum of understanding and warned of decisive actions to safeguard national interests.

The US military conducted strikes against Iranian targets early Wednesday following the reported attacks on three merchant ships off Oman. US Central Command stated the strikes were intended to impose costs for targeting civilian commercial shipping in an international waterway, deeming Iran's actions unwarranted and a violation of a ceasefire. The incidents occurred on Tuesday, with three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel and a Saudi crude tanker, being struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities raised the threat level to "severe" for vessels in the area. Initial indications from a US official suggested Iran fired at two commercial vessels, though no immediate claim of responsibility was made.

The US Central Command has launched strikes against Iran, stating the action is intended to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for what it described as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire." These strikes follow reports of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar's foreign ministry holds Iran "fully responsible" for an apparent targeted attack on the vessel Al-Rekayyat, demanding Iran cease practices undermining regional security and global energy supplies. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry also stated Iran targeted the Saudi tanker Wadyan as it crossed the Strait. Despite these actions, a US official indicated that US negotiators would continue to work in "good faith" towards a final deal with Iran. A previously issued US license authorizing Iran to sell oil and petrol products will be wound down by July 17.

A liquefied natural gas tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman. The incident occurred early Tuesday and is the latest in a series of attacks on vessels in the critical waterway. Iranian television claimed the tanker ignored warnings but did not directly claim responsibility for the attack. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the projectile hit the port side of the vessel as it traveled south out of the strait. Iran has previously suggested that only its approved route through the Strait of Hormuz is safe and has been suspected of attacking ships using other routes. Talks between Iran and the United States regarding a permanent end to the war are reportedly on hold until after the burial of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in late February.

A tanker caught fire after being struck by an "unknown projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz, with reports from US officials suggesting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles at commercial ships. These attacks occurred during ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, where the Strait of Hormuz is a contentious issue due to Iran's restrictions on shipping. While marine traffic has shown resilience, vague provisions regarding the strait remain a sticking point in the talks. The incidents also follow funeral processions for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes. The exact cause of the tanker incident is unclear, with one analyst suggesting it may have strayed into an area of Iranian mine-clearing operations.