Iran Hits U.S. Allies as U.S. Completes 13th Night of Strikes
Updated
Updated · Haaretz · Jul 24
Iran Hits U.S. Allies as U.S. Completes 13th Night of Strikes
3 articles · Updated · Haaretz · Jul 24
Summary
Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted hostile drones Friday after what it called Iranian aggression, as Iranian media reported attacks on U.S.-linked military sites in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.
13 consecutive nights of U.S. strikes have now hit Iranian command centers, drone storage, communications, coastal surveillance and maritime assets, while Tehran says no cease-fire is possible unless its Strait of Hormuz demands are met.
Pakistan, backed by China, is trying to reopen stalled U.S.-Iran talks after a June memorandum failed, but Pakistani officials say any renewed channel would require Iranian-backed attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to stop.
4 people and 9 companies tied to Iranian financier Babak Zanjani were hit with new U.S. sanctions, underscoring Washington's parallel effort to squeeze Tehran financially as the regional conflict widens.
U.S. officials also warned Americans across the Middle East to expect possible flight disruptions and further escalation, highlighting fears that Iran or aligned groups could target additional U.S. interests overseas.
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.