'We want land invasion': Iran mouthpiece touts new missile, boasts decades of war prep

The United States has launched a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, with US Central Command stating the aim is to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities." These attacks, occurring near the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, and Bushehr, follow an exchange of strikes between the two nations. Iran's state media reported US missiles hit areas close to the Gulf island of Qeshm. The renewed hostilities have strained a preliminary deal to end the war, though the White House indicated President Trump remains open to diplomacy while holding Iran accountable for actions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz remains shut, having been blocked by Tehran in response to US-Israeli strikes.

The United States military has launched a new wave of strikes against Iran, targeting command centers, air defense sites, and missile capabilities in locations including Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb island. These actions aim to reduce Iran's ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims to have retaliated with missile and drone attacks against US military assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, reporting the interception of its projectiles by Kuwait and Jordan. Iran's Health Ministry states that at least 35 people have been killed and over 300 injured since fighting resumed last week. US Central Command confirmed the strikes concluded Wednesday evening ET.

The US disabled an unladen oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz by firing Hellfire missiles into its smokestack after it ignored warnings, as part of its blockade on Iranian ports. This action occurred during a fifth day of strikes, which also targeted coastal defenses, missile sites, and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Iran's Greater Tunb Island. Reports indicated strikes in Tehran and other locations in southern Iran. Iran responded with attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. The escalating tit-for-tat attacks come after the collapse of a ceasefire, with fears of a return to full-scale conflict. The US military stated the strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities threatening vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States conducted new strikes against Iran on Wednesday, targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the strikes began at 1900 GMT. President Donald Trump warned that attacks could expand if Iran does not return to negotiations. Additionally, the US military reported that an aircraft fired on and disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to bypass a naval blockade of Iran's ports. These actions aim to reduce Iran's capacity to disrupt maritime transit in the crucial waterway.

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 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 has conducted further attacks on Iran, with Iranian media reporting explosions in Kish, Qeshm, and Bandar Abbas. This escalation occurs amidst significant diplomatic and military tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran views the lifting of sanctions and control over the strait as crucial, with its Foreign Minister stating Iran has always been and will remain the strait's guardian. Conversely, the US President claims American authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reports being prepared for retaliatory strikes, while the US president asserts the Iranian military has been partially destroyed. Reports indicate Iran has intensified measures at the Strait of Hormuz, with ships and oil tankers being blocked or attacked.

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.

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.

Following U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) strikes against Iran, Iranian officials issued threats of retaliation. Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of Iran's Parliament, warned of a "hard slap" from Iranians, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated, "if you strike, you'll get hit." These statements came after CENTCOM announced additional strikes on July 8th to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing Iran's recent aggression against commercial shipping. CENTCOM reported striking approximately 90 Iranian military targets, following earlier strikes on July 7th that hit around 80 targets, including IRGC boats. President Donald Trump also declared the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement "over." Additionally, Kuwait and Bahrain reported intercepting Iranian drone and missile attacks.

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 military conducted strikes on Iran for a second day, following an attack on three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated that an interim agreement to end the war was "over" and that Iran was "behaving very badly," accusing them of launching drones and missiles. These renewed hostilities have led to a jump in oil prices and a lowered global economic growth forecast by the IMF, with tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reportedly halted. In Maine, Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner suspended his campaign after sexual assault allegations, prompting Democrats to select a replacement. Separately, the family of a Mexican immigrant fatally shot by an ICE agent in Texas is calling for an independent investigation into the incident.

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 US military has launched a second night of strikes against Iran, following President Trump's declaration that a ceasefire is "over." These actions, directed by President Trump, aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command stated that Iran is being held accountable for recent aggression against commercial shipping. Iran's Mehr news agency reported its air defenses engaging "hostile targets" near Bandar Abbas and explosions in other coastal areas. Both nations accuse each other of violating a mid-June memorandum of understanding that ended fighting and lifted a US naval blockade. A key dispute centers on the clause regarding safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran asserting sole responsibility for determining passage arrangements.

The United States has launched further strikes on Iran, with explosions reported in the country's south, including port cities on the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump stated these actions are retribution for Iran's alleged bombing of ships the previous day, warning of escalating consequences if such attacks recur. US Central Command confirmed the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the waterway and hold Iran accountable for recent aggression against commercial shipping. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Bandar Abbas and missile strikes on ports in Sirik and Jask. Senior Iranian officials had previously vowed an immediate response to any US attack.

The United States conducted new strikes on Iran on Wednesday in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump ordered the retaliation, stating his expectation for the military escalation to conclude swiftly and indicating a willingness for further discussions. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes were aimed at diminishing Iran's capacity to jeopardize freedom of navigation in the strait, a vital waterway for global energy transport. The article does not provide further details on the specific nature or targets of these strikes.

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.

The US military announced it launched airstrikes in southern Iran on Tuesday in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported in several locations in southern Iran, including the port city of Sirik and Qeshm Island, both strategically significant areas near the Strait. Iranian state TV reported multiple explosions in these regions. Following the strikes, Iran's foreign ministry stated it holds the US government responsible for the consequences of breaching a memorandum of understanding signed in June. This agreement was intended to end hostilities and involved lifting a US naval blockade in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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.

Qatar has warned Iran it will bear full legal responsibility after three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel, were struck within hours in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman. Qatar's foreign ministry called the incident a "serious and explicit violation" of international law. Iran blamed the US for the incident, claiming Washington's efforts to open new routes through the strait breached a memorandum of understanding. Iranian officials stated Iran has a right to impose fees on ships using the waterway, citing the cost of providing security. The Qatari tanker, Al Rekayyat, reported being hit by a drone. Iran rejected proposals from the UK and France to help secure the southern route through the strait.

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.