Iran war latest news- July 18
- The US carried fresh airstrikes, targeting bridges, rail links, ports and transport infrastructure across Iran.
- Attacks reportedly damaged a railway station near the Bandar Abbas naval base and destroyed a control tower at Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman.
- Iran’s state media also reported strikes on Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Ahvaz, Lar, Darab and the outskirts of Yazd overnight.
- Explosions were heard in Sirik, a strategic port city on the Strait of Hormuz that hosts Iranian naval facilities.
- Fresh strikes also hit the Shahid Mirzaei Tunnel and at least two bridges in Hormozgan province, forcing the tunnel to close in both directions.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of killing civilians, including a child, in a bridge attack near Bandar Khamir.
- Trump has threatened to expand attacks to more civilian infrastructure unless Iran agrees to a deal, raising concerns over possible war crimes.
- Iran said it retaliated by targeting countries hosting US military facilities, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
- Iran’s navy claimed it carried out drone and missile operations against four ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz with US support.
- Brent crude rose about 1.5% to around $85-$86 per barrel as renewed fighting disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Warnings blare as Qatar intercepts fresh barrage of air attacks
Qatar has just warned the public to seek shelter for a second time on Friday morning over an Iranian attack. Sirens also sounded in neighbouring Bahrain.
“Qatar armed forces continue intercepting a number of air attacks targeting the country,” read an X statement from the Ministry of Defence.
IEA warns of global energy security risks
International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could threaten global energy security, with Asian economies such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan and South Korea likely to be hit the hardest.
Republicans advance $95 billion Iran war spending package
Republicans in the US House Budget Committee approved a $95 billion spending package that includes $60 billion for defence, $13 billion for intelligence, and funding to replenish weapons stockpiles and strengthen military readiness amid the Iran conflict.
Oil prices extend rally as Brent climbs above $85
Brent crude rose above $85 a barrel, while WTI climbed close to $80, extending weekly gains as fresh US-Iran fighting and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of tighter global oil supplies.
Trump says benefits of Iran war will ‘soon’ be visible
President Donald Trump said the US is “winning big in Iran” and that the benefits of its military campaign will become evident “very shortly,” even as American forces expanded airstrikes by targeting bridges and other critical infrastructure to increase pressure on Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Kuwait intercepts 32 Iranian drones
Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted 32 Iranian drones on Thursday. While debris damaged several residential areas and vital facilities, authorities said there were no deaths or injuries.
Kuwait intercepts 32 Iranian drones
Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted 32 Iranian drones on Thursday. While debris damaged several residential areas and vital facilities, authorities said there were no deaths or injuries.
Iran accuses US of targeting civilian infrastructure
Tehran accused the United States of committing “war crimes” by striking civilian infrastructure, saying the attacks violate international law. Iran, however, defended its own regional military actions as legitimate self-defence.
White House dismisses oil price spike as temporary
The White House said recent gains in oil and fuel prices are only “temporary disruptions,” crediting President Donald Trump’s energy policies for preventing a much bigger surge despite the escalating conflict.
Shipping through Strait of Hormuz slows dramatically
Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply, with only three ships passing through in the last 24 hours compared with a pre-war daily average of about 110 vessels. The renewed US naval blockade has further disrupted one of the world’s busiest oil routes.
US launches another wave of strikes across Iran
The US military carried out its sixth consecutive night of airstrikes, targeting multiple locations including Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Bandar Khamir, Ahvaz, Bushehr, Iranshahr and Hamidiyeh. Washington said the attacks were aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities.
Brent crude climbs above $85 as war fuels supply fears
Brent crude traded above $85 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI crossed $80, as renewed fighting between the US and Iran stoked fears of supply disruptions. The ongoing conflict around the Strait of Hormuz continues to keep global energy markets on edge.
