US Iran War News Live Updates: 'Offensive operations' - Explosion rocks Iran's Arak, says state media
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jul 20, 2026, 05:46:51 IST
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US Iran War News Live Updates: 'Offensive operations' - Explosion rocks Iran's Arak, says state media

The US-Iran conflict is rapidly expanding beyond the battlefield, turning the Gulf into a new front in the escalating confrontation. As Washington intensifies airstrikes against Iranian military and Revolutionary Guard targets, Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and American allies across the region. Kuwait has emerged as one of the worst-affected countries, reporting Iranian attacks and activating its air-defence systems after Tehran claimed strikes on US military facilities. Critical infrastructure, including power and desalination plants, has also come under attack, raising concerns over essential services and supply chains. The crisis has been further complicated by the collapse of an interim ceasefire arrangement, the US blockade of Iranian ports and the escalating struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint. With threats extending to Gulf airports and ports, and Iran warning of a wider offensive if American attacks continue, the conflict threatens to trigger a far broader regional war.
05:46 (IST) Jul 20
Ship catches fire in Strait of Hormuz near Oman coast, says UK maritime agency

A ship caught fire early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.



The UKMTO issued a warning to vessels in the area, saying the cause of the fire was not immediately known. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the strategically important waterway as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate.

05:21 (IST) Jul 20
Israel says Iran fires missiles toward Jordan, warns of spillover risk

Israel on Sunday said Iran had launched missiles toward Jordan, warning that the incoming fire could spill over into Israeli territory.



The Israeli military said the missile launches toward Jordan's port city of Aqaba posed a risk to Israel and added that its forces were prepared to "immediately resume combat" if required. Israeli authorities also warned residents to remain alert for possible air raid sirens as tensions in the region continue to escalate.

04:50 (IST) Jul 20
CENTCOM says US launches ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday (local time) said American forces had begun a new wave of strikes against Iran for the ninth consecutive night, targeting military capabilities used to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.



In a post on X, CENTCOM said, "CENTCOM began conducting a new wave of strikes against Iran at 7 p.m. ET today for the ninth consecutive night. The strikes will continue degrading Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz."



The latest operation comes amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, with Washington continuing its military campaign against Iranian targets following recent attacks on US forces and growing tensions in the Gulf region.

04:34 (IST) Jul 20
CENTCOM says US blockade has redirected six vessels, disabled one


US Central Command said American naval forces enforcing the blockade against Iran have redirected six commercial vessels and disabled one as of July 19 to ensure "full compliance."



The statement accompanied images of sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn, saying US Navy personnel remain "focused and vigilant" as blockade operations continue in the Persian Gulf.

04:34 (IST) Jul 20
Kuwait says air defences responding to Iranian drone attacks


Kuwait’s air defence systems are responding to hostile drone attacks launched by Iran, the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces said.



In a post on X, it said any explosions heard were caused by air defence systems intercepting incoming threats and urged the public to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

04:34 (IST) Jul 20
Iran-aligned Iraqi groups threaten US bases if attacks on Iran widen


The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has threatened to enter the conflict and target US interests and military bases in Iraq and across the region “with full force” if Washington further expands its attacks on Iran.



In a statement, the coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups said it had not carried out any military attacks against US bases in Iraq or elsewhere in the region in recent days.

02:21 (IST) Jul 20
US says another service member killed as Iran fires missiles toward Jordan

The United States on Sunday announced the death of another service member as it carried out fresh airstrikes on Iran, while Tehran fired missiles toward Jordan, raising fears that the conflict could spill further across the Middle East.



The US military said the latest fatality occurred in Iraq on Saturday during the "controlled detonation" of a downed Iranian drone. Earlier, the military had confirmed that two service members were killed in Friday's Iranian attack in Jordan and said one remained missing. A new statement said "unidentified remains" had been recovered on Sunday and were being examined. The latest death brings the number of US service members killed since the war began to 17.



US Central Command said its latest strikes targeted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, maritime capabilities, and missile and drone storage sites. The military said the operation was intended to weaken Iran's ability to control the Strait of Hormuz and "swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces."



Iran's atomic energy agency said US strikes hit the construction site of the planned Darkhovin nuclear power plant in southwestern Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the site was in the "very early stages of construction" and contained no nuclear material during its last inspection.



Iran also launched missiles and drones toward Jordan, prompting Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain to activate their air defence systems. Jordan's military said it intercepted several Iranian missiles without casualties or damage and later summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires in protest.



Israel warned that Iranian missiles fired toward Jordan's port city of Aqaba risked spilling into Israeli territory. The Israeli military said it was prepared to "immediately resume combat" if required, while officials warned Israelis to expect possible air raid sirens for the first time in weeks.



Kuwait said one of its power and water desalination plants was attacked for the second time in two days, causing fires, though authorities said the country's electricity grid remained stable. The Gulf Cooperation Council accused Iran of targeting civilian infrastructure.



The fighting has increasingly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping traffic has fallen sharply amid the conflict. The US has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, while a US Navy-linked maritime security organisation warned that the threat to commercial shipping remains severe.



Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of "unforgettable lessons" if US attacks continue, while an Iranian negotiator said Tehran was suspending its commitments under last month's interim agreement, accusing Washington of violating the deal.



Iranian authorities said the latest US strikes killed at least 50 people and wounded 517 others. The conflict has also disrupted global energy supplies, with reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz adding to concerns over fuel prices and broader economic impacts.

00:52 (IST) Jul 20
'Postpone travel to Iran': Indian Embassy issues advisory for nationals, asks citizens to consider leaving

The Indian Embassy in Iran on Sunday issued an advisory for nationals planning to travel to Iran, urging them to postpone their visit in light of the developing security situation and also urging Indians already in Iran to consider temporarily leaving the country.



The details were shared by the Embassy of India in Tehran in a post on X on Sunday.



Noting how the recent days have seen an increase in levels of instability and conflict in Iran, the Embassy in its revised advisory said, "Indian nationals intending to travel to Iran for any purpose should postpone travel for the time being, until the security environment improves. Indians already in Iran should consider temporarily exiting Iran, using available flight options."



It further said that Indian nationals who choose to remain in Iran should exercise the highest possible level of caution.



The Embassy urged them to carefully monitor the news to maintain full situational awareness, and should avoid locations seeing higher levels of military activity such as those along the southern coast of the country.



"Instructions issued by local authorities should be complied with carefully," the post said.



It further mentioned that any Indian nationals present in Iran who have not yet registered their details with the Embassy should do so immediately, and should regularly monitor the Embassy's website and social media handles for further updates.



It shared the emergency contact helplines of the Embassy of India in Iran, which are-



"Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109102; +989128109109; +989932179359, Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in"



This comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran escalated further on Sunday, with fresh military operations unfolding across West Asia, including reported US attacks on Iranian nuclear power plant infrastructure and military assets, with Tehran's retaliatory drone attacks against Washington allies.



The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is investigating reports of an overnight attack on the under-construction nuclear power plant in Darkhovin, in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province.



"The IAEA is looking into reports of an overnight attack on the construction site of a planned nuclear power plant in Darkhovin, Iran. The facility is in the very early stages of construction and contained no nuclear material when last visited by the IAEA," the agency said in a post on X.



The UN nuclear watchdog said the reported attack is not believed to pose any radiological risk.



"While the reported attack is not believed to pose any radiological risk, DG Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterates call for military restraint in the vicinity of all nuclear-related sites," the agency said, adding that it had contacted Iran and would provide further information as it became available.



Iran later claimed that the United States had struck the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant. According to state broadcaster IRIB, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) said the strike occurred at about 3:39 am local time.



Iran also claimed that the IRGC had intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone over Ahvaz, while the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported fresh US airstrikes on Qeshm Island, where at least two explosions were heard. Emergency, security and operational teams were deployed to assess damage and casualties.



The United States, meanwhile, announced another round of military operations against Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had completed "another round of strikes against Iran" under the direction of President Trump.



According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted Iranian coastal surveillance networks, air defence systems, maritime assets and missile and drone storage facilities to further degrade "Iranian military capabilities."



The command also said US forces struck IRGC personnel responsible for attacks on American troops in Jordan, saying the operation was intended to "swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night."



CENTCOM added that the strikes were designed to "further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz" and stressed that US forces remain "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready."

00:51 (IST) Jul 20
Qatar, Saudi foreign ministers discuss diplomacy to ease regional tensions


Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions during a phone call on Sunday, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.



The two also stressed the need for all parties to adhere to dialogue and diplomacy and to implement the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, including ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the ministry said.

00:50 (IST) Jul 20
US service member killed in Iraq during detonation of Iranian drone ordnance: CENTCOM

A US service member was killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone, US Central Command said.



A second service member was wounded and was receiving treatment for a minor injury, CENTCOM said.



CENTCOM also said that US personnel had found unidentified remains in Jordan after an Iranian attack on July 17 that killed two US service members and left one missing. An examination to verify the remains was ongoing, CENTCOM added.

00:23 (IST) Jul 20
Kuwait blames Iran for attack on civilian infrastructure
Kuwait on Sunday said Iran bears "full responsibility" for the attack on civilian infrastructure after a desalination plant was struck for the second consecutive day. The Kuwaiti government condemned the attack, calling it a direct strike on vital civilian infrastructure, as tensions continue to escalate between Iran and the United States in the Gulf region.
00:15 (IST) Jul 20
US renews strikes on Iran after two military personnel killed by Iranian attack

The United States said it completed an eighth consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, hours after announcing that two US service members had been killed in Jordan. The latest strikes were aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and retaliating against attacks on American forces, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.



The conflict has intensified after an interim ceasefire signed a month ago collapsed, with both sides escalating military operations and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz deepening. Israeli officials said the country was preparing to receive additional US aerial refuelling aircraft amid expectations of a possible expansion of American military operations against Iran.



Iranian media reported US strikes near Sirik, Shadegan and Abadan, while Iran's Atomic Energy Organization condemned an attack on the Darkhovin nuclear power plant under construction. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was investigating reports of the strike, noting the facility was still in the early stages of construction.



In retaliation, Iran launched drone attacks on US military assets at Kuwait's Al-Adiri camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base, according to Iranian state television. Kuwait said a desalination plant was struck for a second consecutive day, causing a fire, while its military said it intercepted Iranian missiles. Bahrain also reported intercepting Iranian attacks, and Jordan said it shot down three Iranian missiles after air raid sirens sounded across the country.



The maritime confrontation also intensified, with the US enforcing a naval blockade on Iran and Tehran targeting vessels it accused of violating its navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed four vessels attempted to transit the strait via an "unsafe route" with US backing, saying two turned back while the other two were involved in an unspecified "accident."



CENTCOM said two US service members were killed on Friday and another remains missing in action, bringing total US military fatalities since the conflict began to 16, with more than 420 personnel wounded. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X, "Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."



Iran's Health Ministry said US strikes over the past three weeks had killed 50 people and injured more than 500. Overall, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, where fighting involving Hezbollah has also escalated.



Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to discuss a US-backed framework agreement signed in June. Aoun is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to present a plan to disarm Hezbollah and secure Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.



In a statement carried by Iranian state media, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said recent US actions proved President Trump's signature was "utterly worthless and devoid of credibility" and warned Washington of "even heavier costs and further humiliation." His whereabouts remain unknown, and he has not appeared in public since before his predecessor, Ali Khamenei, was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war on February 28.

23:23 (IST) Jul 19
Israel monitoring Iran developments, ready to resume fighting

Israel’s military is closely monitoring developments in Iran and maintaining a high level of readiness, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said on Sunday.



Zamir said the military had monitored a launch toward Aqaba, a Jordanian port city on the Red Sea, earlier in the day and that Israel’s air defense array was on alert to protect the country’s citizens.



“We are prepared to immediately resume fighting and will act with great force against anyone who harms us,” he said during a visit to the West Bank, according to remarks released by the military.

23:08 (IST) Jul 19
India advisory warns citizens to postpone travel to Iran, consider leaving amid escalating conflict
23:01 (IST) Jul 19
Iraq's PM to visit Tehran at end of week - Iraqi state media
Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will visit Tehran at the end of this week, Iraqi state media reported.
22:37 (IST) Jul 19
Jordan summons Iranian envoy to protest attacks, 'provocative statements'

Jordan's Foreign Ministry has summoned the chargé d'affaires of Iran's embassy in Amman to deliver "a strongly worded protest message" about Iranian attacks on the country.



Jordan's state media agency reported that the ministry also took issue with "provocative and inflammatory statements" made by official Iranian entities.



The summoning comes after Iran launched missile attacks on Jordan, with the country's armed forces intercepting three of four missiles, while a fourth fell in a remote area. Sirens had earlier sounded in Jordan following Israeli detection of Iranian missile fire towards the city of Aqaba.

22:10 (IST) Jul 19
Iran 'highly prepared', no divisions among officials over defense, lawmaker says

Iran is highly prepared and there are no divisions among officials over defense and security, the head of the Iranian parliament's defense committee said on Sunday, adding that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's message was the "final word."



Salar Velayatmadar said officials' actions should not be portrayed in a way that cast "loyal servants as traitors or traitors as loyal servants."

22:09 (IST) Jul 19
Israeli forces drop sound bomb over southern Lebanese town, NNA reports

Israeli forces dropped a sound bomb over the southern Lebanese town of Haris, Lebanon's National News Agency reported on Sunday.



NNA added that the towns of Shamaa, Majdal Zoun and Byout al-Siyad were subjected to Israeli artillery shelling.

22:06 (IST) Jul 19
US senator backs further strikes on Iran after two troops killed in Jordan attacks

US Senator Tom Cotton has backed further strikes on Iran after US Central Command said two American service members were killed and another was missing following Iranian missile and drone attacks in Jordan.



In a post on X, Cotton said President Donald Trump was right to "unleash hell" on those responsible.



CENTCOM confirmed the casualties but did not provide further details on the missing service member or the exact location of the attacks.



The remarks come amid escalating US-Iran tensions, with Iran's IRGC claiming to have delivered "heavy blows" to US bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Oman.

21:35 (IST) Jul 19
Qaani says 'resistance' will continue under Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership

RGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani said on Sunday that the "glorious" path of the "resistance" would continue under the leadership of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.



Qaani's remarks come amid escalating US-Iran tensions and reports of internal divisions within Iran's leadership, with some hardliners accusing the visible administration of executing a "soft coup."



Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader after his father was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has had no public appearances and has communicated exclusively through written statements since taking office.



21:11 (IST) Jul 19
Rubio meets Lebanon's Aoun, discusses US-backed framework, disarmament of Hezbollah

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday, with the two discussing the implementation of the US-backed Trilateral Framework and Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah.



In a statement, the US State Department said Rubio commended "the courage" of the Lebanese government, under Aoun's leadership, for its "determined effort to reclaim Lebanon's sovereignty" and "disarm" Hezbollah.



Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting the implementation of the Trilateral Framework and backing Lebanon's efforts to achieve "peace, economic recovery, and a better future for the Lebanese people."



Aoun is expected to meet President Donald Trump on Tuesday during the first visit to Washington by a Lebanese president since 2009.

20:45 (IST) Jul 19
Iran says it shot down US LUCAS drone in south of country

Iran's military said its navy's air defence systems intercepted and shot down a US LUCAS drone in the south of the country, state news agency IRNA reported on Sunday.



IRNA shared a photograph of what appeared to be a damaged drone.



The LUCAS drone is a low-cost uncrewed combat attack system suicide drone. The US first started using these on Iran early this year.

20:36 (IST) Jul 19
Lebanon's Aoun meets US Secretary of State Rubio in Washington ahead of Trump talks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has arrived at the State Department in Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, concluding his official engagements in the US capital, Lebanon's presidency said on Sunday.



Aoun is expected to meet President Donald Trump on Tuesday during the first visit to Washington by a Lebanese president since 2009.



The trip comes amid US-backed direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, and just days after officials from the two countries concluded another round of US-mediated negotiations in Rome.



According to the presidency, Aoun's meetings in Washington are expected to focus on strengthening the ceasefire, securing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and efforts to "restore security and stability" across the country.



20:04 (IST) Jul 19
UAE condemns renewed Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan

The United Arab Emirates has condemned renewed Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, calling them a flagrant violation of the countries' sovereignty and a threat to their security and stability, the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.



The ministry reaffirmed the UAE's solidarity with the affected countries and support for steps taken to protect their sovereignty and security.

19:26 (IST) Jul 19
Explosion heard in Iran's Abadan, state TV reports

Iran's state broadcaster reported that the sound of an explosion was heard in the southwestern city of Abadan on Sunday.



There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, or details on the cause of the blast.



Abadan is a major oil refining city in Khuzestan province, near the border with Iraq.

19:00 (IST) Jul 19
UN nuclear watchdog investigating reported attack on Iran's Darkhovin nuclear site

The International Atomic Energy Agency said it is looking into reports of an overnight attack on the construction site of a planned nuclear power plant in Darkhovin, in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province.



"The facility is in the very early stages of construction and contained no nuclear material when last visited by the IAEA," the UN agency said in a statement.



The reported attack is not believed to pose any radiological risk, the IAEA said, but Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated a call for "military restraint in the vicinity of all nuclear-related sites."



The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran earlier said the construction site was attacked by US projectiles on Sunday, condemning the attack as "a violation of international law."

18:30 (IST) Jul 19
Jordan says it intercepted three of four Iranian missiles, fourth fell in remote area

ordanian Armed Forces intercepted and shot down three out of four Iranian missiles, the country's state news agency reported on Sunday. The fourth missile fell in a remote area in the south, it said.



No casualties or damage were reported.



The interception comes after Israel earlier detected Iranian missile fire towards Jordan's Aqaba city, warning that some projectiles may fall within Israeli territory and that sirens could be activated in southern Israel.

18:24 (IST) Jul 19
Iran executes two men convicted of killing police officers during January unrest

Iran has executed two men convicted of killing four police officers during violent unrest in the central city of Isfahan in January, the judiciary-linked news outlet Mizan reported on Sunday.



Mizan identified the men as Erfan Esfandiyari and Golmohammad Mohammadi, adding that their death sentences were carried out after a court process. They were found guilty of "tying police officers to a road sign with ropes, injuring them with stones, dousing them with gasoline, and setting them on fire."



Thousands of people were killed during January's nationwide anti-government demonstrations. Iran has carried out multiple executions in connection with the unrest.

18:14 (IST) Jul 19
Israel detects Iranian missile fire towards Jordan's Aqaba; some may fall in Israeli territory

Israel has detected missiles launched from Iran towards the city of Aqaba in Jordan, an Israeli military spokesperson said on Sunday.



Some projectiles may fall within Israel's territory and sirens may be activated in southern Israel, the army spokesperson said.



"In the event of a siren sounding, it is required to enter protected spaces and remain there until further notice," he said in a statement.

18:04 (IST) Jul 19
Trump says Republicans should add Iran to Russian sanctions bill

President Donald Trump has called on Republicans to add Iran to the Russian Sanctions Bill, saying it was what the late Senator Lindsey Graham wanted and that it "was going to happen."



"Republicans should add Iran to the Russian Sanctions Bill. That's what Lindsey wanted to do, and it was going to happen. IMPORTANT!!!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

17:46 (IST) Jul 19
Sirens sound in Jordan, state TV reports

Sirens have sounded in Jordan, state television reported on Sunday.



The alert comes hours after Jordanian authorities denied evacuating Aqaba's airport and seaport, following a US embassy warning about a "specific and credible threat" in the area.

17:43 (IST) Jul 19
Iran's speaker urges unity for 'national resistance' as US strikes continue

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called on Iranians to maintain unity during American attacks on the country, saying cohesion was a necessary condition for victory in the struggle against the enemy.



"Insisting on sacred unity is not just a moral or social recommendation, it is rather a necessary condition for victory in the field of struggle against the enemy," Ghalibaf said in a social media post.



"We should consider obedience to this religious and national command of the supreme leader of the revolution as an important part of our historical role in this national resistance and in the administration of the country."



17:02 (IST) Jul 19
Kuwait says power and water desalination plant attacked for second time in two days

Kuwait's Electricity Ministry said a power and water desalination plant has been attacked for the second time in two days, in a post on X.



The ministry did not provide details on the extent of damage or casualties. The plant is critical for Kuwait's water and electricity supply.



16:44 (IST) Jul 19
IRGC says it shot down fourth US MQ-9 Reaper drone in eight days over Ahvaz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone over the province of Ahvaz on Sunday, marking the fourth such downing in the last eight days, according to Iranian authorities.



The MQ-9 Reaper is an expensive and sophisticated drone used for both surveillance and attack missions. Iran claims to have downed more than 150 US drones since the beginning of the war, with about 30 of them being MQ-9s.

16:27 (IST) Jul 19
Iran says US attacked under-construction Darkhovin nuclear plant in Khuzestan

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said a construction site of the Darkhovin nuclear power plant in southwestern Khuzestan province was attacked by US projectiles on Sunday, condemning the attack as "a violation of international law."



The attack comes amid escalating US-Iran tensions, with both sides exchanging strikes in recent days and President Donald Trump threatening further attacks on Iranian infrastructure.

16:18 (IST) Jul 19
Jordan says no threat detected, denies Aqaba airport and seaport evacuation

Jordanian authorities have not detected any potential threats in recent hours and have not ordered the evacuation of Aqaba's airport or seaport, the state news agency reported on Sunday, citing a government spokesperson.



The statement followed an earlier warning by the US Embassy in Jordan advising Americans to avoid travel to Aqaba airport and the seaport because of what it described as a "specific and credible threat."



16:04 (IST) Jul 19
Araghchi says Supreme Leader has final say on war or ceasefire as Iran weighs next move

ranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Supreme Leader holds the final authority to decide whether Iran goes to war or agrees to a ceasefire, as Tehran weighs its options amid escalating US military pressure.



"The Supreme National Security Council is responsible for assessing the situation regarding war or a ceasefire, but the final decision rests with the Supreme Leader," Araghchi said in an interview with a YouTube channel.



Araghchi, who has faced criticism from rival political factions following the temporary understanding with the United States, said Iran agreed to resume negotiations after Washington again demanded zero uranium enrichment and threatened military action.



"The decision was made to restart negotiations to make clear that Iran had exhausted diplomatic options," he said.



In the same interview, Araghchi said he had never met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in person. "Only a handful of people have met him," he said.

15:45 (IST) Jul 19
Bahrain says air defences intercepted 'treacherous' Iranian missile, drone attacks

Bahrain's military said its air-defence systems intercepted and destroyed several missile and drone attacks launched from Iran on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported.



The Bahrain defence force said the attacks were thwarted amid "high combat readiness" and warned residents against approaching unidentified or suspicious objects that may have fallen as debris. Bahrain also accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians and private property, calling the use of missiles and drones in such attacks a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law", according to the report.

15:43 (IST) Jul 19
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they downed US MQ-9 drone near Iraq border

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone over Ahvaz in the southwestern Khuzestan province, state-run Press TV reported.



The city lies near Iran's border with Iraq. The MQ-9 Reaper is a large remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicle used primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as airstrikes, according to the US Air Force.



The reported incident comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and escalating military operations across the region.

15:40 (IST) Jul 19
Iran executes two men convicted of killing four police officers during 2026 protests
Iran has executed two men convicted of killing four police officers during protests earlier this year, the judiciary's Mizan news agency reported. The executions come amid heightened tensions in Iran following the protests and the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Mizan did not immediately provide further details on the identities of the men or the circumstances of their convictions.
15:40 (IST) Jul 19
Iran says vessels have 'accident' while transiting Strait of Hormuz, two others abandon route
Two vessels attempting to transit the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz were involved in an "accident", while two other vessels abandoned their attempt to pass through the route, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The development comes amid heightened tensions over the strategic waterway, as Iran continues to warn vessels against using routes it considers unsafe.
15:34 (IST) Jul 19
Iran War: Airport and seaport in Jordan's Aqaba evacuated over 'specific and credible threat', US embassy says

The international airport and seaport in Aqaba in southern Jordan have been evacuated because of a "specific and credible threat," the US embassy said on Sunday.



"We strongly advise all Americans to refrain from travelling to either the airport or seaport. Continue to follow all Jordanian authorities' security directives," the embassy said on X, without providing further details.



Jordanian authorities have not yet released a statement on the matter. The Jordanian information minister did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

15:29 (IST) Jul 19
IRGC say two ships involved in 'accident' after defying Hormuz warnings

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards said that two ships were involved in an "accident" after attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz via what it described as an unsafe route, Reuters reported, citing semi-official Tasnim news agency.



The Guards said two other vessels abandoned the route after the four ships ignored Iranian warnings and acted with US backing. The development comes amid heightened tensions over the strategic waterway, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments, as the US-Iran conflict continues to escalate.

15:29 (IST) Jul 19
Drone attack in Iraq, 8 Iranian Kurdish opposition members wounded

At least eight members of the exiled Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) were wounded in a drone attack on the group's camp in northwest Iraq, an official said, in the latest strike targeting Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the region. PAK member Adib Khaldian told that Iranian forces carried out the attack at around 2am local time on a camp in the Darashakran area of Erbil.



The attack came two days after drone and rocket strikes blamed on Iran killed nine members of the Komala Party, another Iranian-Kurdish opposition group. Several Iranian-Kurdish groups have long opposed Tehran from bases in northern Iraq and along the Iraq-Iran border, while maintaining close ties with Iraqi Kurdish groups.



The attacks come amid heightened regional tensions following the launch of US and Israeli strikes against Iran in February. News reports had earlier suggested that US President Donald Trump was in discussions with Iranian and Iraqi Kurdish groups, with Washington reportedly hoping they could help fuel a popular uprising against Tehran.

13:07 (IST) Jul 19
Kuwait military says responding to Iranian missile, drone attacks amid escalating Gulf conflict

Kuwait's military said it was responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks after Tehran claimed to have launched large-scale kamikaze drone strikes against two US military installations in the country.



Iran said it targeted a US ammunition depot at Camp Udairi and Patriot and air-surveillance radar systems at Ali Al Salem Air Base in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian territory.



Kuwait has been repeatedly drawn into the widening conflict, with Iranian attacks also reportedly hitting critical infrastructure, including power and desalination facilities, as US-Iran hostilities intensify across the region.

13:06 (IST) Jul 19
Sirens sound in Kuwait after Iranian strikes on key infrastructure, state news agency says

Sirens sounded across Kuwait after a fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks, the country's state news agency reported on X.



Kuwait's military had earlier said it was responding to Iranian strikes, which reportedly hit an oil facility, a power plant and a desalination facility.



The latest development comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and the United States, with Tehran expanding retaliatory attacks across the Gulf.

13:05 (IST) Jul 19
Iran says it launched drone strikes on two US military bases in Kuwait

Iran's military said it launched targeted drone strikes on two US military installations in Kuwait in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian territory, marking a sharp escalation in regional hostilities.



In a statement broadcast by Iranian state media, the Islamic Republic's armed forces said it carried out "large-scale attacks with kamikaze drones" targeting a US ammunition depot at Camp Udairi and Patriot and air-surveillance radar systems at Ali Al Salem Air Base.

13:04 (IST) Jul 19
Kuwait says Iran launched missile, drone strikes as Gulf crossfire intensifies

Kuwait said that Iran had launched missile and drone strikes against the country, prompting its air defences to activate in response to what the army called “sinful Iranian aggression”.



The attacks came as the US and Iran traded strikes for more than a week, and an interim ceasefire deal collapsed. Kuwait has been among the Gulf states most affected by the conflict, with attacks hitting US bases and critical infrastructure including an airport, desalination plant and power facilities.

13:04 (IST) Jul 19
US strikes Iran's Revolutionary Guard after Jordan attack as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate

The US military launched fresh airstrikes against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Sunday in retaliation for an attack in Jordan that killed two American service members, left one missing and injured four others.



US Central Command said the strikes targeted Iranian coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, maritime capabilities and missile and drone storage sites, marking the first time in the campaign that Washington specifically said it had targeted the Revolutionary Guard.



The latest strikes came as the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz widened, with Iran attacking US-allied Gulf states and the US intensifying its bombing campaign across Iran.

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase, with the widening military confrontation spilling across the Gulf and drawing in American allies and military installations. Fresh US airstrikes have targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including coastal surveillance and air-defence facilities, maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage sites and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Washington says the campaign is aimed at weakening Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and retaliating for the killing of US service members in Jordan. Iran, in turn, has expanded its retaliation across the region, launching missile and drone attacks against US-linked targets and critical infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Tehran has also claimed large-scale kamikaze drone strikes on US military installations at Camp Udairi and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Kuwait says its air defences were activated in response to Iranian attacks, while residents have reported fears of disruptions to essential supplies and services after strikes hit power and water infrastructure. The escalation has also triggered warnings from the UAE amid threats to major airports and ports. With the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the confrontation, the conflict now risks destabilising the wider Gulf and threatening vital global energy routes.