Iran war live latest news – July 20
- The US military carried out a ninth straight night of attacks on Iran, while Washington warned of a “swift” response to any further American military casualties.
- An American service member was killed in Iraq while disposing of a downed Iranian drone. The US also recovered unidentified remains in Jordan after an earlier attack that killed two troops.
- The latest death raises the total number of US military personnel killed in the conflict to 17. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the deaths “only stiffens our resolve.”
- Fresh attacks were reported across the Middle East, with Kuwait’s power and desalination plant hit again, while Jordan and Bahrain intercepted incoming aerial threats.
- The US struck Iranian coastal surveillance, air defence sites and IRGC positions linked to attacks on American forces in Jordan.
- The US is deploying F-16s from Germany, F-35s from Britain and additional aerial refuelling aircraft to strengthen its presence in the region.
- Brent crude climbed above $90 a barrel after the US-Iran conflict intensified, while WTI rose to around $84.
- Rising tensions, fewer ships in the Strait of Hormuz and fresh attacks on energy infrastructure are increasing fears of supply disruptions.
- American forces redirected six commercial vessels and disabled one as part of the renewed blockade on Iranian ports.
- Much of Iran’s oil continues to be sold to Chinese “teapot” refineries through its shadow fleet, helping Tehran bypass sanctions.
Trump says Netanyahu will not be arrested in the United States
U.S. President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form" while in the United States. Trump's remarks came after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was consulting city authorities about the possibility of arresting Netanyahu if he attends the U.N. General Assembly in September.
Trump warns Iran over US troop deaths, vows overwhelming retaliation
US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would "pay for that killing many times over" whenever an American soldier is killed. In a social media post, he said he had passed the directive to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, and US military leaders, signaling a tougher US response to future attacks on American forces.
Iranian military officer killed in Tabriz strike: Report
Iran's Fars news agency reported that an Iranian military officer was killed in a U.S. strike on the northwestern city of Tabriz. Fars identified the officer as Mahdad Pashae and said the attack took place on Monday in East Azerbaijan province. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities beyond the Fars report or comment from the United States.
Iranian state media says US attacked industrial facility in Khomein
Iran's Press TV reported that a U.S. attack targeted an industrial facility in the central Iranian city of Khomein. The state broadcaster did not immediately provide details on casualties or the extent of the damage. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. military on the reported strike.
Crew abandons Greek-owned tanker after fire in Strait of Hormuz
The crew of a Greek-owned tanker abandoned ship after a fire broke out following a reported projectile strike in the Strait of Hormuz. The Maltese-flagged Kavomaleas, owned by Greece's Dynacom Tankers, was evacuated and the crew rescued by a tugboat. The incident follows UKMTO's earlier report of a fire aboard the vessel north of Khasab, Oman, amid heightened tensions in the Gulf.
Gold steadies as Iran conflict, Fed rate outlook offset safe-haven demand
Gold held steady as investors weighed heightened U.S.-Iran tensions against expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer. Rising oil prices fueled inflation concerns, while stronger Treasury yields and a firmer dollar limited gains in the non-yielding metal. Spot gold edged down 0.1% to $4,014.39 an ounce, while U.S. gold futures were little changed at $4,019.00.
Iran says US airstrike hits Shiraz, reports no casualties
Iran said the United States carried out an airstrike on an area in the southern city of Shiraz, according to the deputy governor of Fars province. State media IRIB quoted the official as saying the attack caused no casualties and that the situation was under control. There was no immediate comment from the United States.
France says two embassy officials intimidated by Iranian security services
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said two officials from France's embassy in Iran were "seriously intimidated" by Iranian security services on Sunday. Barrot did not immediately provide further details about the incident. The comments add to growing diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Western governments amid the escalating regional conflict.
Iranian interior minister visits Pakistan amid renewed peace efforts
Iranian Interior Minister Esmail Mokhtarian is leading a high-level delegation to Pakistan for talks on border security, trade and agriculture. The visit comes as mediators continue exchanging proposals to revive Iran-U.S. peace talks following nearly two weeks of hostilities. Iranian officials also said the two neighbours aim to boost bilateral trade from $3 billion to $10 billion.
IDF to withdraw from pilot zones in south Lebanon Tuesday: Report
Israeli forces will withdraw from the pilot zones in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to an Axios report. The move comes as implementation of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire framework gathers pace after pilot operations began in several southern Lebanese villages. There was no immediate official confirmation from Israel.
Iran's IRGC claims 'heavy blows' against US military in Gulf
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed their navy carried out three simultaneous attacks on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, including sites at Al-Sakhir Airport, Salman Port and the Arifjan base. The IRGC said the strikes caused heavy damage and destroyed U.S. military infrastructure, though the claims could not be independently verified. The group also asserted Iran has enough missiles and drones to sustain a prolonged conflict despite President Donald Trump's remarks.
Iran's IRGC claims fresh strikes on US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said their navy carried out three simultaneous attacks on U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, claiming to have destroyed drone facilities at Al-Sakhir Airport, damaged infrastructure at Salman Port and hit the Arifjan base in Kuwait. The claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate response from U.S., Bahraini or Kuwaiti authorities. The IRGC also said Iran has sufficient missiles and drones to sustain a prolonged conflict.
Warning sirens sound again in Bahrain amid Iranian attack
Warning sirens sounded again across Bahrain as Iran's attacks on Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases continued. Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place. The renewed alert comes amid escalating exchanges between Iran and the United States across the region.
US says pilot ceasefire operations begin in southern Lebanon
The United States said operations have begun in the first "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon as part of efforts to implement the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire framework. The initial operations cover the villages of Froun, Srifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiya under the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon. Washington said the move follows discussions between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Rome last week.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they targeted bases in Bahrain, Kuwait
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they targeted Al-Sakhir Air Base and Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, along with Arifjan Base in Kuwait, according to Iran's Fars news agency. The claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate confirmation from Bahrain, Kuwait or the United States. The announcement follows another round of U.S. strikes on Iran and escalating regional retaliation.
Houthis impose naval blockade on Saudi Arabia amid Iran-US war
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said they were imposing an immediate naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, opening a new front in the Iran-US conflict and raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies. The announcement came as mediators pushed a proposed 10-day ceasefire to revive the Iran-US interim agreement. Oil prices pared earlier gains after signs that diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington remain active.
Sirens sound again in Bahrain, interior ministry says
Air raid sirens sounded again across Bahrain, the country's interior ministry said on Monday. The ministry did not immediately provide further details on the cause of the alert or report any casualties or damage. The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf as hostilities between the United States and Iran continue.
Iran expects to recover 100 mcm/day of gas production
Iran expects to restore around 100 million cubic metres per day of natural gas production capacity within the coming months, a senior government official said. The country has lost about 230 million cubic metres per day of output since the war began in late February, worsening existing supply shortages. Tehran said restoring production would help stabilise energy supplies as summer power demand continues to strain the electricity grid.
Oil steadies as Iran talks offset Hormuz shipping fears
Oil prices steadied on Monday after earlier climbing to more than one-month highs, as hopes of renewed US-Iran negotiations offset concerns over disruptions to Gulf shipping. Brent crude traded up 0.2% at $88.28 a barrel, while WTI slipped 0.4% to $82.15. Markets continued to monitor thinning tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Houthis' declaration of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, which kept supply concerns elevated.
Pezeshkian defends Iran-US deal, says it benefits Iran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States largely favours Tehran and does not compromise the country's core interests. He said none of the agreement's 14 clauses required Iran to back down from its rights, principles or national interests. His remarks come after hostilities between the US and Iran resumed in the Gulf this month despite the agreement signed in June.
Iran's Pezeshkian says country in 'full-scale war' with US
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country is engaged in a "full-scale war" with the United States and must accept the consequences of the conflict. "The reality is that today the Islamic Republic of Iran is engaged in a full-scale war. We must be realistic and accept the natural consequences of this resistance," he said, according to a statement from the presidency.
Dozens of US troops wounded in Iranian strikes on Jordan: Report
Dozens of US military personnel were wounded and helicopters were damaged in three Iranian strikes on American forces in Jordan last week, The New York Times reported, citing anonymous US officials. The report said the Pentagon did not disclose the casualties or damage from the attacks. The strikes occurred before Iran's attack on Friday that killed two US soldiers and left one missing in Jordan.
10-day pause proposed to revive Iran-US interim agreement
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that mediators have proposed a 10-day cessation of strikes to create space for efforts to revive the interim Iran-US agreement. The proposed pause is aimed at restarting negotiations after renewed fighting threatened the fragile deal. There has been no immediate confirmation from Washington or the mediators.
Bahrain says Iran attacked air navigation systems; flights unaffected
Bahrain's Civil Aviation Authority said Iran attacked the country's civil air navigation systems, but operations were not affected. The authority said flights and air traffic transiting through Bahrain continue to operate normally. No disruption to civil aviation services has been reported, according to the state news agency.
IRGC says ground forces at 'highest level of readiness'
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said its ground forces are at the "highest level of readiness" to counter any potential US infiltration. The IRGC said its forces rely on updated equipment, continuous training and improved operational capacity to ensure national security. Deputy Ground Forces Commander Brigadier-General Ruhollah Nouri said Iranian troops are prepared to "neutralize any enemy incursion immediately."
Iran attacked Bahrain's air navigation systems, operations unaffected
Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs said Iran attacked the country's civil air navigation systems, according to the state news agency. Authorities said air navigation operations were not affected despite the attack. Bahrain did not immediately provide further details on the incident or the extent of the damage.
Why oil prices haven't surged despite the US-Iran war
Analysts had warned the US-Iran war could push crude oil prices to $150–$200 a barrel if the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted. Instead, Brent crude peaked at about $126 before easing, due to weaker Chinese demand, record US oil production, Trump's diplomatic signals, alternative export routes and ample physical crude supplies, reported Reuters. These factors have helped keep global oil markets relatively stable despite the ongoing conflict.
Rubio says US remains open to diplomacy with Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to diplomacy with Iran despite intensifying its military campaign. "I think we're always open to diplomacy. It has to be real. It has to be a deal that they're willing to live by," Rubio said, reiterating that any future agreement must be credible and enforceable.
Iran warns US against move to seize Kharg Island
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei warned the United States would face the "consequences of any adventure" to seize Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub. He also said Iran's leadership was prepared for any US ground invasion. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize the strategic island during the conflict.
Iran urges IAEA to condemn US strike on Darkhovin plant
Iran has urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to condemn the US air strike on the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran expects the IAEA's Board of Governors and Director General to clearly denounce what he called a US "crime." He maintained that the Darkhovin facility was intended for peaceful purposes and criticised the UN nuclear watchdog's previous stance on Iran's nuclear programme.