Iran launches drone attacks on Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait after 13th consecutive night of US strikes
Tehran claimed kamikaze drone strikes on fuel depots, hangars and barracks at US-linked facilities, while Saudi Arabia bombed Houthi-held Hodeida in Yemen.
US strikes enter 13th night
The US military carried out its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran on 23–24 July, targeting eight provinces including Markazi, Yazd and Isfahan. Centcom said the campaign aims to hold Iran accountable and reduce threats to merchant shipping from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian state media reported strikes on Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm island near the Strait of Hormuz, and twice on Bushehr, home to the country's only operating nuclear power plant. Two people were killed in Chalamcheh, near the Iraqi border.
Iran retaliates with drone waves
On Friday morning, Iran's army claimed a wave of Arash kamikaze drone attacks on facilities used by the US military in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. State television quoted the army saying drones struck fuel tanks, equipment warehouses, silos and barracks at Isa Air Base in Bahrain.
This morning, Arash kamikaze drones targeted the fuel tanks, large equipment warehouses, silos and barracks of the terrorist US army forces at Isa Air Base in Bahrain.
The Revolutionary Guards separately asserted they caused "significant damage" to a US Fifth Fleet surveillance tower and destroyed an Amazon data centre in Bahrain; neither Amazon nor Bahraini authorities commented. In Jordan, Iran said it targeted aircraft hangars and maintenance facilities at Al-Azraq base; Jordan's military reported shooting down seven missiles and six Iranian drones. Kuwait confirmed it faced missile and drone launches after sirens sounded, with Iran claiming hits on Ali al-Salem air base, Camp Udairi and Camp Arifjan.
Saudi Arabia bombs Hodeida
Later on Friday, Saudi Arabia launched strikes on the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida on Yemen's Red Sea coast. The move followed Houthi claims of attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, which had drawn a sharp warning from Washington.
Trump threatens 'major punishment', seizes funds
Before the latest US strikes, President Donald Trump threatened Iran and the Houthis with "major military punishment" if attacks on shipping resumed.
If they start again, the United States will hold Iran responsible and a major military punishment will be inflicted on Iran and, of course, on the Houthis.
On Truth Social, he also said frozen Iranian assets would be used to pay for damages to vessels and cargo in the Gulf. "From now on, all damage to ships, cargo or anything related will be paid by Iranian money that the United States has in its possession and controls," Trump wrote.
UN warns of 'unimaginable' brink
UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council the Middle East situation was "out of control" and "on the brink of the unimaginable."
The situation in the Middle East is out of control and on the brink of the unimaginable.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the US attitude "irrational," and the Iranian military vowed to continue reprisals as long as American attacks persist.
- Houthi rebels claim strikes on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
- President Trump threatens Iran and Houthis with 'major military punishment' and says frozen Iranian funds will pay for ship damages.
- US launches 13th consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, hitting eight provinces including Markazi, Yazd and Isfahan; two killed in Chalamcheh.
- Iran claims Arash kamikaze drone attacks on US-linked facilities in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait; Jordan says it shot down seven missiles and six drones.
- Saudi Arabia launches strikes on Houthi-controlled Hodeida in Yemen.
- UN Secretary-General Guterres tells Security Council the Middle East is 'out of control' and 'on the brink of the unimaginable'.
