US attacks Iran as Houthis allow Chinese ships to pass: What’s the latest?

The United States conducted its thirteenth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, targeting military command centers, drone storage, and communication networks. Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, with some resulting in casualties. Iran, in turn, claimed to have used drones to strike fuel storage tanks and facilities at military bases in Bahrain and Jordan. Shipping disruptions continue, with tanker crossings in the Strait of Hormuz reaching a two-month low. However, two Chinese supertankers successfully navigated the Bab al-Mandeb strait despite a Houthi blockade. US President Trump threatened larger strikes and using frozen Iranian assets for ship repairs, while Iran's Foreign Minister warned this sets a dangerous precedent.

The United States launched a new wave of strikes against Iran, targeting military sites and communications networks. President Donald Trump stated these attacks were in "honour" of three US soldiers recently killed in Jordan and Iraq. Iran responded with attacks in Syria and at Jordan's Aqaba airport, and Kuwait's armed forces intercepted Iranian drones. Iranian state media reported two oil tankers exploded in the Strait of Hormuz while attempting to cross, though the US Central Command disputed these claims. These actions represent an escalation of tensions in the region, with the US aiming to diminish Iran's attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will bomb and destroy one Iranian bridge or power plant for every vessel attacked by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation follows an 11th consecutive night of US air strikes targeting Iranian military command centers, maritime capabilities, and infrastructure aimed at weakening Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. The warning was issued hours before Trump was scheduled to attend the return of four US service members killed in Iranian attacks and related operations in Jordan and Iraq. Iranian media reported explosions in several provinces, with air defenses activated over Tehran.

A U.S. service member was killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday. A second service member was wounded in the incident and is receiving medical treatment. This announcement coincided with CENTCOM confirming that unidentified remains were found Sunday in Jordan during the search for a U.S. service member reported missing after a separate Iranian attack on Friday. The attack in Jordan killed two U.S. service members and injured four others who were medically evacuated and later discharged. CENTCOM is withholding further details, including the identities of the fallen and missing, out of respect for their families.

The United States conducted air strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance and air defense facilities on Saturday night, targeting capabilities of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). These strikes, the eighth consecutive night of US action, were in retaliation for an IRGC attack that killed two US troops in Jordan. In response, Iran's army stated it launched drone attacks on two US bases in Kuwait. The US aims to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and punish forces responsible for the Jordan attack. Both nations have escalated attacks in recent days, with accusations of striking critical infrastructure.

The US military launched strikes on Iran for the eighth consecutive night, targeting areas in Hormozgan province, including Sirik and Qeshm Island. US Central Command stated these strikes were in retaliation for an Iranian attack in Jordan that killed two American service members and were designed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's semi-official news agencies reported the strikes, noting no casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. In response, Iran's army reportedly targeted two US military bases in Kuwait, hitting an ammunition depot and radar systems. These actions follow weeks of escalating conflict, with both sides reporting casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent is urging the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle East amidst ongoing conflict with Iran. Kent stated on X that the U.S. should leave to avoid mass casualties and break an escalation trap, suggesting former President Trump could still frame such a move as a victory. His comments followed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcements of two U.S. service members killed and one missing in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17, and another service member killed in Iraq on July 18 during a drone ordnance detonation. Kent previously resigned from his government post, citing opposition to the Iran war and asserting Iran posed no imminent threat, attributing the conflict's start to pressure from Israel and its lobby. He believes removing U.S. forces would deprive Iran of military targets and justifications for regional disruption.

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.

Overnight, explosions were reported across Iran as the US targeted military infrastructure, including command centers and air defense sites in locations like Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island, according to US Central Command. Iranian state media confirmed explosions and triggered air defenses in Tehran. Simultaneously, Gulf allies reported drone attacks, with Kuwait's military intercepting them and Bahrain's interior ministry advising citizens to seek safety. Iran's military stated it struck US communication systems and fuel storage in Jordan. Tensions are escalating, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed. The US recently resumed a blockade on Iranian ports, leading Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to warn of further disruptions to oil and gas export routes.

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.

President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier proposal to impose a 20 percent transit fee on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This shift comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Instead of the fee, Trump stated that regional countries will make "massive" trade and investment deals with the United States in return for transit protection. He announced this change following "highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership." The article notes that several Gulf countries had already pledged multibillion-dollar investments in the US prior to the recent conflict with Iran. Trump's administration had previously opposed Iran charging fees for passage through the international waterway, citing concerns about international law.

President Trump has rescinded his threat to impose a 20% fee on cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he announced that Gulf States will pursue trade and investment deals with the United States. This decision comes as the U.S. prepares to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Centcom stated would be in effect from Tuesday. Trump indicated the Strait remains open to all traffic except Iran, asserting that oil is flowing freely due to U.S. military power. He explained his change of plan was influenced by calls from Gulf leaders, who expressed concerns about the fairness of the U.S. protecting the waterway for global use. Shipping data indicates a recent slowdown in Strait traffic and a rise in Brent Crude oil prices.

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.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased following recent attacks on vessels. On Wednesday, only 23 tankers and cargo ships transited the waterway, a sharp drop from 47 the previous week. These attacks occurred after a US-Iran deal aimed at reopening the strait, which had seen increased traffic following its signing. The incidents involved ships using a US-recommended route through Omani waters, prompting Iran to reiterate its claim that its own routes are the only safe option. The US responded with strikes on Iranian targets, accusing Iran of violating the truce, while Iran accused the US of breaching the agreement. This latest violence has caused a halt in traffic on the Omani route, with no ships using it on Wednesday.

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.

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased due to renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. Since Tuesday, no large vessels have been broadcasting their location via the US-coordinated route, and traceable crossings have "effectively ground to a halt." This decline in traffic, from approximately 130 daily transits before the conflict to just five on Wednesday, reflects a cautious posture by shipping lines amid an elevated threat environment. Iran has reported explosions following US strikes on its targets, while Iranian officials claim to have struck US military assets in retaliation for attacks on vessels in the Strait. Despite this turmoil, Brent crude oil prices have remained largely steady, though analysts anticipate upward pressure on prices as inventories dwindle.

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.