U.S. Launches 13th Night of Iran Strikes as Brent Briefly Tops $100
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jul 24
U.S. Launches 13th Night of Iran Strikes as Brent Briefly Tops $100
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jul 24
Summary
CENTCOM said it completed a 13th straight night of strikes on Iran, hitting command centers, drone storage, communications, coastal surveillance and maritime sites; Iranian media reported four dead and five injured near Ahvaz.
Trump paired the barrage with a threat of a "massive attack," saying Iran and the Houthis would face "major military punishment" after Tehran-backed rebels struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Iran answered with new attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait, while Bahrain activated sirens and explosions were reported near a base hosting U.S. forces in northern Iraq.
Oil and shipping disruption deepened as Brent briefly rose above $100 before easing to about $97, and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to a near-standstill with only one tanker fully crossing Thursday.
Regional strain is widening: Arab officials told NBC News they are frustrated by daily escalation and scant diplomacy, while Trump said Iran wants talks but "hasn't received enough pain yet."
Will Iraq's delicate balancing act collapse as it deepens economic ties with Tehran during a massive regional military confrontation?
Could the closure of two major Middle East maritime chokepoints trigger a global supply chain collapse and send oil past $120?
Double Blockade, Rising Death Toll: The 2026 U.S.-Iran War and Its Global Consequences
Overview
The collapse of the June 2026 peace negotiations triggered a rapid military escalation in the Middle East, with the U.S. launching sustained airstrikes against Iran and reinstating a naval blockade. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and, together with Houthi allies, blocked the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, causing global oil supply disruptions and a sharp rise in energy prices. The resulting economic shock led to higher fuel costs worldwide and soaring shipping insurance. Diplomatic efforts failed over disputes about the strait and Iran’s nuclear program, while regional fighting and infrastructure attacks caused mass displacement, civilian casualties, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.