US launches seventh straight night of strikes on Iran

The US military has conducted a seventh consecutive night of strikes in Iran, which CENTCOM states are intended to degrade Iranian military capabilities. These strikes, which began Friday evening GMT, have been reported in Yazd, Sirik, and other southern provinces, with explosions heard in the early hours of Saturday. Iran accuses the US of targeting civilian infrastructure, presenting evidence of damaged bridges and railway lines, and has warned of retaliatory strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Gulf region. In response to the ongoing US attacks, Iran has targeted what it claims are US-linked assets, including a drone depot in Bahrain. An adviser to Iran's supreme leader has warned that Tehran will initiate "offence and complete destruction" if US attacks persist.

The US military launched its seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting military capabilities and infrastructure, including bridges, a port tower, electrical facilities, and an airport. These actions, which began Friday evening GMT, are intended to degrade Iranian military capabilities and are part of an escalated conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported at least seven deaths from earlier airstrikes on bridges. The US military stated the strikes were designed to continue degrading Iranian military capabilities. Iran's energy ministry urged citizens to conserve electricity due to strain on the power grid. The renewed fighting has resulted in at least 38 deaths and over 400 wounded in Iran by Friday morning, according to Iran's health ministry. The IRGC threatened a "devastating price" for countries hosting US bases if attacks on infrastructure continue.

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.

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 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 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 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.

NATO leaders are meeting in Ankara to address US-Europe tensions, defense gaps, and support for Ukraine. The summit is overshadowed by US President Donald Trump's criticism of NATO and threats to withdraw US troops from Europe, citing a lack of reciprocity. While Trump's skepticism is not new, recent conflicts have deepened alliance strains, particularly regarding military spending and responses to international crises. European allies are pushing for greater strategic autonomy and increased defense investment to fill potential capability gaps, though a complete US withdrawal is considered unlikely due to legal and political hurdles. The focus remains on increasing defense spending, expanding Europe's defense industrial base, and ensuring long-term military support for Ukraine.

Arriving at the NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump revived his proposal for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, stating that Denmark's refusal has "hurt" his relationship with the alliance. He also threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe, citing concerns over immigration and energy policies and suggesting European allies do not contribute enough to defense. Trump criticized the UK's stance on the Iran conflict, implying it contributed to the Prime Minister's downfall. He reiterated his belief that NATO allies are not spending enough on defense and are too reliant on the U.S. European allies are attempting to address defense spending concerns through multi-billion-pound collaborations.

NATO leaders are convening in Ankara, Turkey, for a summit marked by the United States' perceived withdrawal from its traditional security role in Europe. President Trump is demanding "loyalty" from allies, particularly after some countries refused to allow U.S. forces to use their bases for attacks on Iran. The summit's theme is a "stronger Europe in a stronger NATO," with discussions expected to focus on defense spending, industry boosts, and continued support for Ukraine. The U.S. is also reviewing its troop presence in Europe, contingent on European defense efforts and base access. The meeting aims to clarify the vision for a "NATO 3.0" and address the evolving trans-Atlantic bond.

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.

European nations are increasingly concerned that the United States may be unable to fulfill its arms supply commitments to NATO allies. Depleted US stockpiles, due to conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, have led to delays and cancellations of key weapon deliveries, including Tomahawk missiles and Patriot PAC-3 interceptors. This situation, highlighted by Ukraine's inability to intercept numerous Russian missiles, forces European countries to consider alternative methods for their defense. While the US has pushed for increased European defense spending, questions arise about the future reliability of American arms shipments. European diplomats acknowledge that building new defense production lines will take years, creating a vulnerable period of self-reliance.

Nato chief Mark Rutte stated that comments from Donald Trump regarding the alliance should be viewed as a "family argument," emphasizing that Nato is stronger than ever. Rutte expressed 100% conviction in the US president's commitment to Nato. He highlighted Nato's crucial role in collective security, particularly in monitoring Russian nuclear submarine bases near Nordic countries, which he described as an early warning system for Washington. The recent Nato summit focused on translating European defense spending pledges into tangible actions, aiming to bolster the continent's industrial capacity against Russia's military arsenal. Rutte noted a significant increase in defense spending by Canada and European nations, totaling a quarter of a trillion dollars in two years, and stressed the need to further ramp up defense industrial production and maintain support for Ukraine.

Kyiv was attacked by ballistic missiles and drones overnight and into Thursday morning, resulting in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries. The strikes targeted approximately three dozen locations across the city, damaging residential buildings and trapping people. This attack followed a warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had cut short a visit to Ireland, anticipating a "massive Russian strike." Kyiv's military administration confirmed the casualties, while the mayor reported injuries and people trapped in damaged structures. Ukrainian forces defended against the incoming missiles and drones.

Russia launched one of its heaviest overnight attacks on Kyiv, firing 74 missiles and 496 drones, resulting in at least 18 deaths and over 90 injuries. The strikes damaged over 20 sites, including residential buildings, diplomatic accommodation, and the National Institute of Biochemistry. Ukrainian officials described the assault as the most horrific since the full-scale invasion and highlighted critical shortages of air defense missiles. Ukraine's ambassador to the UN called for Russia's expulsion from the UN Security Council. Russia's Defense Ministry stated the attack was retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia, while Ukraine reported hitting an oil refinery in Russia. Poland and Finland briefly scrambled fighter jets in response to the incident.

Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, using missiles and drones. The strikes hit residential buildings and a hotel on a central boulevard, causing fires and injuring at least 11 people. Some residents were trapped in damaged buildings, and the roofs of others caught fire. The attack affected all 10 districts of the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to stay in shelters during what he described as a "furious enemy attack." This comes as Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks. NATO member Poland scrambled fighter jets as a preventive measure to protect its airspace.

European NATO allies have largely compensated for US asset reductions in war contingency plans for Europe, according to Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe John Stringer. This assurance comes before the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, where allies aim to address recent US signals of a pivot away from the continent. Stringer stated that European allies have "stepped up" to fill the gaps left by adjustments in US forces in Europe. He characterized this as a sign of a "stronger Europe in a stronger Nato."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his country's NATO defense spending following renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump. Trump had previously called the spending balance within NATO "ridiculous" and "one-sided," specifically noting Germany's spending as "MUCH LOWER." In response, Merz stated that Germany plans to double its defense budget within four years, calling it the nation's greatest effort to strengthen defense capabilities. This exchange occurs as NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara next week. The article also mentions that NATO leaders previously agreed to spend 3.5 percent of their GDP on core defense items by 2035, an increase from the prior 2 percent goal.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Germany's defense spending, responding to US President Donald Trump's criticism. Merz stated that Germany is doubling its defense budget within four years, calling it the greatest effort ever made to strengthen defense capabilities. This statement was made on Friday as NATO leaders prepare to meet in Ankara next week. The upcoming meeting aims for European nations to demonstrate increased commitment to continental defense, potentially setting aside disagreements with Trump on issues like Iran and Greenland. Merz asserted that Germany has no reason to shy away from discussing its defense spending record.

Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, Donald Trump has criticized the US relationship with the alliance, calling it "ridiculous" and "one sided." He stated on Truth Social that NATO is "not reciprocal" and that allies "were not there for us," particularly regarding the war in Iran where some countries restricted US base usage. Trump advocates for European nations to lead their own defense and has already reduced US commitments. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted Trump's disappointment with NATO allies' response to US operations in the Middle East, a point expected to be a significant topic at the upcoming summit of 32 member states.

The upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, beginning Tuesday, is anticipated to be a low-key event for European members focused on defense spending goals, with China observing from a distance. However, the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump introduces a significant variable, as it remains uncertain whether he will adopt a cooperative or confrontational stance. Early indications suggest Trump, who has previously criticized NATO's purpose and threatened U.S. withdrawal, will be the more critical version. Trump recently stated the U.S. spends more on NATO than any other country without receiving benefits, calling it "ridiculous." His unpredictable nature and past criticisms have left other NATO members apprehensive about the July 7-8 gathering in Ankara.