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The family of British national Craig Foreman said an Iranian judge added two years to his prison term after accusing him of speaking to the media, while he serves a 10-year sentence for espionage alongside his wife, Lindsay Foreman.

The additional penalty came after the couple were arrested in 2025 during a motorcycle trip through Iran as part of a round-the-world journey. The UK government described the original sentence as “wholly unjustifiable.”

Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son and the family’s spokesperson, said they were informed that Craig Foreman was brought before a judge and told his sentence had been increased for speaking to the press.

Bennett said Foreman had been told he was going to see his lawyer but was instead taken before a judge, where, according to the family statement, he was notified of the extra sentence.

According to the family’s account, Craig Foreman received the new penalty for contacting the media, raising his total sentence from 10 to 12 years.

Family reported lack of legal representation and translation

The spokesperson also said Foreman had no access to a lawyer or a translator and was not given any opportunity to defend himself.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman are serving 10-year sentences for espionage charges they deny. They were detained while traveling through Iran by motorcycle during their global trip.

Last month the British couple lost their appeal against the conviction.

Neither was allowed to attend the hearing or given an explanation for the appeal’s rejection. They were asked to sign documents in Persian that they could not read. “They were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing,” said Joe Bennett, Lindsay’s son.

Lawyer Haydee Dijkstal, part of the UK legal team, said the couple are “innocent tourists arbitrarily detained whose fundamental rights have been seriously and systematically violated during their detention.” The case has been referred to Iran’s Supreme Court, although the family does not know the timeline, the process, or whether effective legal representation will be available. Iran’s judiciary did not respond to requests for comment.

The couple’s communications with the outside were cut off more than a month ago after an interview they gave to the BBC. Since then, both have started hunger strikes in protest. The last consular contact occurred in December.

Craig, a carpenter by trade, has gone 25 days without eating and is consuming only sugar, milk and water. He is increasingly weak. Lindsay, a life coach, resumed the hunger strike after a short pause and has now gone 16 days without food.

Information about their condition reaches the family only through cellmates. “It is another reason why two British citizens, with no other options, are undertaking a hunger strike in protest,” Bennett said, adding that he has less information about his mother’s condition than about his stepfather’s.

The UK Foreign Office described the imprisonment as “unjustified and appalling” and expressed disappointment at the appeal outcome. It said the ambassador in Tehran visited them in prison and arranged calls with their family during the past year.

The family alleged earlier this year that the couple were being used as “human shields” amid the regional conflict. The government has long warned that holding a British passport or having ties to the UK “can be sufficient reason for Iranian authorities to detain you.”

Iran has a history of detaining Western nationals on security-related charges. Several governments and human rights organizations accuse Tehran of using such detainees as bargaining chips in diplomatic negotiations, an allegation the Iranian government denies.

The United States carried out a new wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, the Central Command of its armed forces (CENTCOM) reported, hours after Washington reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in a marked return to open conflict between the two countries.

CENTCOM said on the social network X that the offensive “further degraded Iran’s ability to attack commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.” During a 90-minute wave, U.S. forces “launched precision munitions against coastal defense systems and cruise missile storage and launch sites” on Greater Tunb island, the military command added.

The operation followed an earlier round of bombardments carried out hours before, when U.S. fighter jets, drones and ships fired precision munitions during a seven-hour nighttime operation against dozens of Iranian military targets. One strike hit a barracks of the Iranian army’s 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing at least seven soldiers and leaving more than 260 injured across the country, according to Iranian officials. Washington also resumed daytime strikes, an unusual move that reflects the increasing pace of escalation.

Blockade and reciprocal threats

The United States had first imposed the blockade in April and lifted it last month after a provisional agreement that paused the fighting and opened a 60-day window to negotiate issues such as Iran’s nuclear program. Those talks stalled as the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz intensified, and the return of the blockade this week marked the de facto collapse of the truce.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East. “The export of oil and gas from the region will be either for everyone or for no one,” the paramilitary force warned.

Iran, for its part, claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, all countries that host U.S. forces. Bahrain and Kuwait issued incoming-fire alerts in the early hours of Wednesday, while Jordan reported having shot down three Iranian missiles.

Trump’s role and the price of oil

U.S. President Donald Trump had suggested on Tuesday night, in an interview with Fox News, that attacks against Iran would continue over the next two days and that bridges and power plants could become the next targets if negotiations do not resume. The United States has already struck at least one bridge.

“You better reach an agreement, or you will have nothing left,” Trump said.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, was trading above $85 a barrel on Wednesday, more than 15% above its pre-war level, though still far from the nearly $120 reached at the conflict’s peak.

On Monday, alongside the reimposition of the blockade, Trump had announced a 20% tariff on ships transiting the strait, but he later abandoned that plan, citing requests from Gulf allies interested in investing billions of dollars in the United States.

Hormuz, the flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz, through which in peacetime one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passes, remains the epicenter of the conflict. During the provisional agreement, some ships had resumed passage along a route near Oman supervised by U.S. forces and outside Tehran’s control, but the reciprocal attacks in recent days have again disrupted that transit.

Washington has threatened to reopen the strait by force, although analysts say doing so would require a much larger navy and possibly tens of thousands of ground troops. Regional mediators continue to try to persuade the United States and Iran to resume negotiations.

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Wednesday marked a further escalation in the confrontation between the United States and Iran: Washington carried out a new wave of strikes on Iranian military targets and tightened its blockade of the country’s ports, while Tehran struck U.S. allies in the Gulf and reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until the United States ends its aggression.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces struck dozens of military targets in Iran during a seven-hour operation, using fighter jets, drones and ships to deliver precision munitions against missile and drone sites, naval assets and coastal defense systems. According to the U.S. military, the aim is to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Among the strikes, the port city of Bushehr — home to the country’s only civilian nuclear plant — was hit at three points, and a bombardment of a barracks near Iranshahr in southeastern Iran killed seven service members, Iranian forces said.

Iran, for its part, attacked U.S. bases and targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the closure of Hormuz could spread to other regional oil and gas export routes. Meanwhile, Bahrain said it intercepted another Iranian aerial attack, authorities confirmed the death of an Indian sailor who had been missing after an attack on the ship GFS Galaxy off Oman’s coast, and Iran’s judiciary executed a protester convicted for participating in anti-government demonstrations in January.

Below is minute-by-minute coverage:

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European stocks fall as oil prices rise

European markets were lower on Wednesday despite a rise in oil, as investors monitored the Middle East conflict. At midday, the FTSE 100 was down 0.2%, the CAC 40 fell 0.2% and the DAX dropped 0.8%, while Brent rose 1.1% to $85.63 a barrel following new U.S. strikes on Iran and the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports.

In Asia, technology shares drove a strong rebound: Seoul closed up 6.2% — after trading as much as 7% higher intraday — led by an 8.8% jump in SK hynix, and a softer-than-expected U.S. inflation reading eased rate-hike concerns. Tokyo, Hong Kong and other markets also posted gains, although Shanghai fell 0.3% after China reported weaker-than-expected economic growth.

Positive momentum on Wall Street — supported by solid quarterly results from major banks — and President Trump’s shift on tariffs for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz also bolstered Asian optimism, though IBM plunged more than 25% after disappointing results.

U.S. military says it resumed daytime strikes on Iran as part of escalation

The U.S. military said it began a new wave of strikes against Iran at 10:00 GMT on Wednesday.

“The strikes are intended to further degrade the military capabilities that Iranian forces have used to attack merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Central Command said in a post on X.

At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

The full report is available at this link.

Iran executed a man arrested during January protests

Iran’s authorities executed a man on Wednesday who was accused of setting fire to government and police facilities during anti-government protests in January in Isfahan province, state-linked Mizan News reported.

The report named Mohammad Amini Dehaghani and said he was hanged after the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. Judicial authorities allege that on January 9 he threw Molotov cocktails at the office of the governor of Dehaghan and at the central police station, and incited others to attack officers.

Official accounts cite surveillance footage and the accused’s confessions, and say Amini Dehaghani tried to use a rifle taken from police during the protests.

Oil rises again amid military escalation in the Middle East

U.S. benchmark crude (WTI) rose $0.86 to $80.20 a barrel, while Brent, the international benchmark, gained $1.15 to $85.88 a barrel.

On Tuesday, oil closed up 2% and hit a one-month high, driven by strikes that exacerbated supply concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Brent and WTI have retraced higher in line with the escalation of attacks, but the size of the move will likely moderate now as the market waits to see whether the U.S. or Iran change course,” said June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities, in remarks to Reuters.

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U.S. strikes killed seven service members in southeastern Iran

The Iranian Army said it will respond to the strike on the Bambour barracks in Iranshahr, calling it “a cowardly aggression.” “A decisive response will be delivered for this crime at the appropriate time,” the statement cited by Tasnim agency said.

The military said 13 U.S. missiles struck facilities in the Bambour barracks, killing seven members of the 388th Brigade and wounding several others. The Army said “passive defense measures” limited the number of casualties.

The statement claimed the U.S. strikes “aimed to cause as many casualties as possible,” targeting a guesthouse, guard posts and accommodation areas on the base.

Death of Indian sailor missing after attack off Oman confirmed

An Indian national who had been missing after the attack on the merchant ship GFS Galaxy off Oman has died, his father-in-law confirmed on Wednesday, Reuters reported. Of the 11 Indian crew members aboard, 10 were rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

Former Iranian foreign minister called for a ground attack on a U.S. base and taking hostages

Former Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki proposed a ground offensive against a U.S. military base in the Middle East and the capture of hostages to be taken to Iranian territory.

“My proposal is to launch a ground attack on one of the U.S. bases in the region, capture 100 Americans and take them to Iran,” Mottaki, now a member of parliament, said.

Marco Rubio and Jordan’s foreign minister discussed Iranian attacks on ships in the Middle East

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss regional security issues, including “Iran’s ongoing attacks on vessels and countries in the region.”

UN Security Council votes to continue monitoring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution extending U.N. monitoring of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea for six months.

The measure passed with thirteen votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, and it requires the U.N. secretary-general to provide monthly reports to the Council on the situation.

The Yemeni Houthi rebel group began attacking vessels in the Red Sea in late 2023, saying it was targeting ships linked to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza.

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Vessels linked to Iran left the Strait of Hormuz ahead of U.S. blockade

Data from maritime trackers showed an increase in the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, most linked to Iranian trade, ahead of a U.S. blockade set to take effect Wednesday. Kpler records indicate nine of the eleven ships that crossed that day used the Iranian route.

Among vessels entering the strait were three empty tankers: one Aframax and two larger tankers. On the departures side, data showed a VLCC carried 2 million barrels of crude oil, a medium-sized tanker transported refined products, and two other ships moved liquefied petroleum gas.

Commercial flow also included a tanker loaded with methanol and a bulk carrier carrying iron ore, both departing the Gulf on Tuesday.

Jordanian Army says it shot down three missiles launched by Iran

The Jordanian Armed Forces reported that its air defenses intercepted and shot down three ballistic missiles that entered Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory. In an official statement, authorities said Royal Engineers teams managed the missile debris at multiple locations, followed technical and safety protocols, and secured affected areas to protect people and property.

“The Jordanian Armed Forces reject any violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty or the use of its airspace to threaten its security and stability,” the military said, adding that it is maintaining air surveillance at the highest level of readiness.

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck Gulf countries after CENTCOM operation

Iran’s military announced in the early hours of Wednesday that it carried out new drone strikes against U.S. facilities in the Middle East amid the latest military escalation with Washington. In a statement distributed by Tasnim, linked to the IRGC, it said Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan — where F-18s, housing and U.S. equipment depots were located — was attacked with drones.

The military defended the operation, called “Lightning,” saying “the era of slap-in-the-face strikes is over” and that any action against Iran’s land, waters or airspace “will not go unanswered or without a proportional cost.”

The IRGC also reported naval and aerospace strikes on a U.S. storage facility at Bahrain’s Shaikh Isa base and on U.S. drones at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem base. According to the statement, “in a simultaneous missile and drone operation, naval and aerospace forces of the IRGC destroyed several weapons and spare parts depots for enemy ships and aircraft at the Shaikh Isa base in Bahrain a few hours ago.”

The military communique also said that “they attacked the ramp where enemy MQ-9 drones were deployed at Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait, destroying or damaging several of them.”

Iran: the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until “U.S. harms end”

The IRGC announced that the strategic waterway would remain closed until U.S. actions cease, according to a Tuesday statement. The military organization said the U.S. attacked Iranian bases “under the pretext of striking offending vessels” attempting to transit the strait, “to conceal its defeat and incapacity.”

The IRGC added that “no ship dared to violate [the Iranian blockade] or to accompany the United States,” and therefore “there were naturally no impacts” during the operation.

White House: “Divisions in Iran show success of Trump policy”

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said internal divisions among Iranian leaders demonstrate the success of President Donald Trump’s policy toward Tehran. Miller made the remarks in an interview with Fox News.

The official said Iran’s leadership is now facing “huge fissures the size of cannons” after decades of unity. Miller reiterated that the United States is urging Iran to support a peace program and abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Pezeshkian vows to defend “every inch” of Iran amid renewed tensions with the U.S.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country would defend “every inch” of its territory amid rising tensions with the United States, after U.S. President Donald Trump said much of Iran’s military capabilities had been eliminated. “We will defend every inch of our homeland with our actions,” Pezeshkian told state television.

The president’s comments came amid growing hostilities, following U.S. strikes in southern Iran after Tehran’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against U.S. targets in the region.

“His rhetoric continues, but the question is: have they achieved their objectives on the battlefield?” Pezeshkian asked in response to Trump’s statements and U.S. military actions.

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A Russian attack during the night of Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday on the city of Odesa in southern Ukraine caused six deaths, regional authorities reported. “The enemy has attacked the city again,” Sergiy Lysak, head of the Odesa military administration, said via Telegram, adding that the strike hit residential buildings.

Lysak specified that “for the moment, it is known that three people died as a result of the enemy attack,” and he added that three other victims were hospitalized.

In addition, another nighttime strike using cluster munitions hit a residential area on the outskirts of Sumy in northern Ukraine, causing three more deaths and several injuries and damaging private homes, regional administration head Oleg Hrygorov and the city’s military administration chief Serhiy Kryvosheyenko reported.

Authorities warned that unexploded ordnance could remain in the streets near the impact site.

More than four years after the start of the Russian invasion, both sides carry out daily attacks, resulting in a growing number of civilian casualties.

According to the United Nations, June 2026 was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since April 2022.

Later, the head of the Sumy Department of Motor Vehicles reported that seven people were injured in these incidents. Among the wounded is an 11-year-old child who suffered an acute stress reaction and received medical care at the scene. A 30-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman remain in serious condition. Two of the injured are hospitalized and two others are receiving outpatient treatment.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported on Wednesday that its military carried out strikes against the southern ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk in the Odesa region, as well as in the Dnipro-Bug area. In a statement posted on the social network MAX, the ministry said the piers targeted were “used to supply the Ukrainian armed forces.”

According to the official statement, Russian forces struck fuel storage tanks, drone production and assembly workshops, and four Ukrainian military resupply vessels. The Russian military frequently bombs Ukrainian port infrastructure, particularly in the Odesa region.

Russian air defenses shot down 36 Ukrainian drones that were heading toward Moscow during the day. Moscow’s mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, said on social media that emergency service specialists are working at the sites where debris from the destroyed drones fell.

In recent weeks, Kyiv has intensified attacks on Moscow and its surroundings; authorities reported that more than 350 hostile drones were shot down the previous day.

From Moscow, President Vladimir Putin pledged victory in Ukraine during his first campaign event ahead of the September legislative elections, where the ruling United Russia party will seek to maintain its parliamentary majority. “Our strength lies in that we always overcome all difficulties and all fears. And that makes us stronger. That is precisely why, of course, we always move forward and will continue to do so,” Putin said at the “All for Victory” forum organized by the Front Platform.

The president said Russian troops are making advances on the front and that the national economy continues to develop despite Western restrictions. According to Putin, citizens have donated nearly 70 billion rubles (about USD 913 million) to the military through the Front Platform. “And therefore, without doubt, victory awaits us,” he asserted.

The remarks were made in the presence of military personnel and their families, a day after Russia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) approved the party lists of eleven groups for the September 20 vote. The CEC must still verify the documentation of all candidates, so the final number of authorized contenders has not yet been determined.

Amid public discontent over the war, economic decline, internet restrictions and a fuel crisis, polls show United Russia’s support at historically low levels. The September elections will be the first legislative vote since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

A total of 122 strike drones, of which 101 were shot down, and two Russian missiles targeted Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported in its daily bulletin.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said it conducted strikes on the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Dnipro, which it described as “used to supply the Ukrainian armed forces.”

It also said it attacked fuel depots, drone factories and military resupply ships.

Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, have stepped up recent attacks on cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov, an important maritime route for exporting Russian agricultural products and supplying the annexed Crimea.

(With reporting from AFP and EFE)

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Un ataque ruso durante la noche del martes y la madrugada del miércoles impactó la ciudad de Odesa, en el sur de Ucrania, y según autoridades regionales dejó víctimas mortales. Sergiy Lysak, jefe de la administración militar de Odesa, informó en Telegram que la ciudad fue atacada de nuevo y que los proyectiles alcanzaron edificios residenciales.

Lysak precisó que, por el momento, se confirmaron tres fallecidos en Odesa y que otras tres personas fueron hospitalizadas.

Además, otro ataque nocturno con municiones de racimo impactó una zona residencial en las afueras de Sumy, en el norte de Ucrania, y provocó tres fallecidos, varios heridos y daños en viviendas privadas, informaron Oleg Hrygorov, jefe de la administración regional, y Serhiy Kryvosheyenko, jefe de la administración militar de la ciudad.

Las autoridades advirtieron que podrían quedar municiones sin explotar en las calles cercanas al lugar del impacto y pidieron a la población extremar las precauciones.

Más de cuatro años después del inicio de la invasión rusa, los enfrentamientos se mantienen a diario y ambos bandos continúan causando un número creciente de víctimas civiles.

La ONU indicó que junio de 2026 fue el mes más mortal para la población civil en Ucrania desde abril de 2022.

Posteriormente, el jefe del Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados de Sumy informó que siete personas resultaron heridas en esos incidentes. Entre los afectados hay un niño de 11 años que sufrió una reacción de estrés agudo y recibió atención médica en el lugar. Un hombre de 30 años y una mujer de 59 permanecen en estado grave; dos de los heridos están hospitalizados y otros dos reciben atención ambulatoria.

El Ministerio de Defensa de Rusia comunicó este miércoles que el Ejército atacó los puertos sureños de Odesa y Chornomorsk, así como la zona de Dnipró-Bug, y aseguró que los muelles atacados eran utilizados para abastecer a las fuerzas armadas ucranianas.

Según el parte oficial, las fuerzas rusas dañaron tanques de almacenamiento de combustible, talleres de producción y ensamblaje de drones, y cuatro buques de reabastecimiento del ejército ucraniano. El ejército ruso ataca con frecuencia la infraestructura portuaria ucraniana, especialmente en la región de Odesa.

Las defensas antiaéreas rusas derribaron 36 drones ucranianos que se dirigían a Moscú a lo largo de la jornada. El alcalde de la capital, Serguéi Sobianin, informó en redes sociales que los servicios de emergencia trabajan en los lugares donde cayeron los restos de los aparatos destruidos.

En las últimas semanas, Kiev intensificó los ataques contra Moscú y sus alrededores; el día anterior las autoridades reportaron el derribo de más de 350 drones enemigos.

Desde Moscú, el presidente ruso Vladímir Putin prometió la victoria en Ucrania durante su primer acto electoral de cara a las elecciones legislativas de septiembre, en las que el partido Rusia Unida buscará mantener su mayoría parlamentaria. ‘Nuestra fuerza reside en que siempre superamos todas las dificultades y todos los temores’, declaró en el foro ‘Todo para la Victoria’, organizado por el Frente Popular.

El mandatario aseguró que las tropas rusas avanzan en el frente y que la economía nacional continúa desarrollándose pese a las restricciones impuestas por Occidente. Según Putin, los ciudadanos han donado cerca de 70.000 millones de rublos (unos 913 millones de dólares) al ejército a través del Frente Popular, y afirmó que eso contribuirá a la victoria.

Las declaraciones se produjeron en presencia de militares y sus familias, un día después de que la Comisión Electoral Central (CEC) de Rusia aprobara las listas de once partidos para los comicios del 20 de septiembre. La CEC debe ahora verificar la documentación de los aspirantes, por lo que el número definitivo de candidatos no está aún definido.

En medio del descontento por la guerra, el retroceso económico, las restricciones a internet y la crisis de combustible, las encuestas sitúan la intención de voto de Rusia Unida en niveles inusualmente bajos. Estas serán las primeras elecciones legislativas desde el inicio de la invasión en febrero de 2022.

La fuerza aérea ucraniana informó en su reporte diario que durante la noche se registraron 122 drones de ataque, de los cuales 101 fueron derribados, y el lanzamiento de dos misiles rusos contra objetivos en Ucrania.

El Ministerio de Defensa ruso reiteró haber atacado los puertos de Odesa, Chornomorsk y la zona de Dnipró, afirmando que eran instalaciones utilizadas para abastecer a las fuerzas ucranianas.

También señaló haber golpeado depósitos de combustible, fábricas de drones y buques de reabastecimiento del ejército.

Por su parte, las fuerzas ucranianas han intensificado en los últimos días sus ataques contra buques de carga en el mar de Azov, una vía marítima clave para la exportación de productos agrícolas rusos y el abastecimiento de la Crimea anexionada.

(Con información de AFP y EFE)

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Autoridades regionales informaron que un ataque ruso durante la noche del martes y la madrugada del miércoles contra la ciudad de Odesa, en el sur de Ucrania, provocó víctimas. Sergiy Lysak, jefe de la administración militar de Odesa, indicó en Telegram que el enemigo atacó nuevamente y que el impacto alcanzó edificios residenciales.

Lysak señaló que, hasta el momento, se confirmaron tres muertos como consecuencia del ataque y que otras tres personas fueron hospitalizadas.

Otra ofensiva nocturna con municiones en racimo alcanzó un sector residencial en las afueras de Sumy, en el norte del país; las autoridades regionales, Oleg Hrygorov y Serhiy Kryvosheyenko, informaron de tres fallecidos, varios heridos y daños en viviendas particulares.

Las autoridades advirtieron que podrían quedar municiones sin detonar en las calles cercanas al lugar del impacto.

Más de cuatro años después del inicio de la invasión, ambos bandos mantienen ataques diarios que han incrementado las víctimas civiles.

La ONU indicó que junio de 2026 fue el mes más mortífero para civiles en Ucrania desde abril de 2022.

Posteriormente, el responsable del Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados de Sumy informó que siete personas resultaron heridas en los incidentes; entre ellas, un niño de 11 años que sufrió una reacción de estrés agudo y recibió atención médica en el lugar. Un hombre de 30 años y una mujer de 59 permanecen en estado grave; dos de los heridos están hospitalizados y otros dos reciben tratamiento ambulatorio.

El Ministerio de Defensa de Rusia informó el miércoles que sus fuerzas bombardearon los puertos sureños de Odesa y Chornomorsk, así como la zona de Dnipró-Bug, y aseguró en un comunicado difundido en la red social MAX que los muelles atacados eran utilizados para abastecer a las fuerzas armadas ucranianas.

Según esa versión oficial, los ataques alcanzaron tanques de almacenamiento de combustible, talleres de producción y ensamblaje de drones, y cuatro buques de reabastecimiento del ejército ucraniano. Las fuerzas rusas han atacado con frecuencia la infraestructura portuaria ucraniana, en especial en la región de Odesa.

Las defensas antiaéreas rusas derribaron 36 drones ucranianos que se dirigían a Moscú a lo largo de la jornada, informó el alcalde de la capital, Serguéi Sobianin, quien añadió que los equipos de emergencia trabajan en los lugares donde cayeron los restos de los aparatos destruidos.

En las últimas semanas, Kiev intensificó ataques contra Moscú y sus alrededores; el día anterior las autoridades reportaron el derribo de más de 350 drones enemigos.

Desde Moscú, el presidente ruso, Vladímir Putin, prometió la victoria en Ucrania durante su primer acto electoral de cara a las elecciones legislativas de septiembre, en las que el partido oficialista Rusia Unida buscará mantener su mayoría parlamentaria. En el foro ‘Todo para la Victoria’, organizado por el Frente Popular, señaló que la fortaleza del país radica en superar dificultades y temores.

El mandatario afirmó que las tropas rusas avanzan en el frente y que la economía nacional continúa desarrollándose pese a las restricciones impuestas por Occidente. Añadió que ciudadanos han donado alrededor de 70.000 millones de rublos (unos 913 millones de dólares) al ejército a través del Frente Popular y aseguró que eso contribuirá a la victoria.

Las declaraciones se produjeron en presencia de militares y sus familias, un día después de que la Comisión Electoral Central (CEC) de Rusia aprobara las listas electorales de once partidos para los comicios del 20 de septiembre. La CEC todavía debe verificar la documentación de todos los aspirantes, por lo que no está definido el número total de candidatos autorizados.

En medio del descontento por la guerra, el retroceso económico, las restricciones a internet y la crisis de combustible, las encuestas sitúan la intención de voto de Rusia Unida en niveles históricamente bajos. Estas serán las primeras elecciones legislativas desde el inicio de la invasión en febrero de 2022.

La fuerza aérea ucraniana informó en su informe diario que durante la noche fueron dirigidos contra Ucrania 122 drones de ataque, de los cuales 101 fueron derribados, además de dos misiles rusos.

El Ministerio de Defensa ruso afirmó haber llevado a cabo ataques en los puertos de Odesa, Chornomorsk y Dnipró, que según su comunicado eran utilizados para abastecer a las fuerzas armadas ucranianas.

También declaró haber atacado depósitos de combustible, fábricas de drones y buques de reabastecimiento del ejército ucraniano.

Por su parte, las fuerzas ucranianas han intensificado en los últimos días los ataques a buques de carga en el mar de Azov, una vía importante para el transporte de productos agrícolas rusos vendidos en el exterior y para el abastecimiento de la Crimea anexionada.

(Con información de AFP y EFE)

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Wednesday brought a new escalation in the United States–Iran conflict: Washington launched another series of strikes on Iranian military targets and tightened its blockade of the country’s ports, while Tehran struck U.S. partners in the Gulf and repeated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed “until the United States ends its aggression.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces hit dozens of military targets across Iran in a seven-hour operation, using fighter jets, drones and ships to deliver precision munitions against missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defense systems. CENTCOM said the strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Among the strikes, the port city of Bushehr — home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant — was struck in three locations, and an attack on a barracks near Iranshahr in southeastern Iran reportedly killed seven service members, according to Iran’s military.

Iran meanwhile attacked U.S. bases and facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could be extended to other regional oil and gas export routes. Bahrain said it intercepted another Iranian air attack. Separately, one Indian sailor who had been missing since an attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy off Oman was confirmed dead, and Iran’s judiciary executed a person convicted for participating in the January antigovernment protests.

Below is a minute-by-minute account:

U.S. military says it resumed daytime strikes against Iran as part of its escalation

The U.S. military said it began a new wave of strikes against Iran at 1000 GMT on Wednesday.

“The strikes are intended to further degrade the military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

The full report is available at the original link.

Iran executed a man arrested during the January protests

Iranian authorities executed a man on Wednesday who was accused of setting fire to government and police facilities during the antigovernment demonstrations in January in Isfahan province, Mizan News — a news outlet linked to the judiciary — reported.

The report identified the executed man as Mohammad Amini Dehaghani, saying he was hanged after the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. Judicial authorities allege that on January 9 he threw Molotov cocktails at the governor’s office in Dehaghan and at the central police station, and encouraged others to attack officers.

Officials said the conviction is based on surveillance footage and the accused’s confessions, and that he attempted to seize a rifle from police during the protests.

Oil rises again amid military escalation in the Middle East

U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $0.86 to $80.20 per barrel, while Brent advanced $1.15 to $85.88 per barrel.

On Tuesday oil closed up about 2%, hitting a one-month high as attacks increased supply concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Brent and WTI have moved up in line with the escalation in attacks, but the size of the move will likely moderate now while the market awaits any change in posture from the U.S. and Iran,” June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities, told Reuters.

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U.S. strikes killed seven service members in southeastern Iran, authorities say

Iran’s military said it would respond to the strike on the Bambour barracks near Iranshahr, calling the attack “a cowardly aggression.” A statement cited by Tasnim said a decisive response would come “at the appropriate time.”

The military said 13 U.S. missiles struck facilities in the Bambour barracks, killing seven members of Brigade 388 and wounding others. It added that passive defensive measures helped limit casualties.

The statement accused the U.S. strikes of aiming to cause as many casualties as possible, targeting a guesthouse, guard posts and accommodation areas at the base.

Death of Indian sailor missing after attack off Oman confirmed

The family of an Indian crew member who had been missing following an attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy off Oman confirmed on Wednesday that he has died, Reuters reported. Of the 11 Indian seafarers aboard, 10 were rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

Former Iranian foreign minister urged ground attack on a U.S. base and taking hostages

Former Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki proposed a ground assault on a U.S. base in the Middle East and taking hostages to transport to Iran.

“My proposal is to carry out a ground attack on one of the U.S. bases in the region, capture 100 Americans and bring them to Iran,” Mottaki, now a member of parliament, said.

U.S. Secretary of State met with Jordan’s foreign minister to discuss Iranian attacks on shipping

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss regional security issues, including “the ongoing Iranian attacks on vessels and countries in the region.”

UN Security Council votes to continue monitoring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

The UN Security Council approved a resolution extending for six months UN monitoring of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, and calls for the UN secretary-general to submit monthly reports to the Council on the situation.

The Yemeni Houthi rebels began attacking vessels in the Red Sea in late 2023, saying they targeted ships linked to Israel in response to the Gaza conflict.

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Vessels linked to Iran transited the Strait of Hormuz ahead of U.S. blockade

Maritime data showed an increase on Tuesday in the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a U.S. blockade set to take effect on Wednesday, with most of those ships linked to Iranian trade. Kpler records indicate nine of the eleven vessels that passed that day used the Iranian route.

Among ships entering the strait were three empty tankers: an Aframax tanker and two larger vessels. Departing traffic included a VLCC carrying about 2 million barrels of crude oil, a medium tanker carrying refined products, and two vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas.

Commercial traffic that day also included a methanol tanker and a bulk carrier loaded with iron ore, both departing the Gulf on Tuesday.

Jordanian military says it shot down three missiles fired from Iran

Jordan’s armed forces said their air defenses intercepted and downed three ballistic missiles that entered Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory. An official statement said Royal Engineering Corps teams handled missile debris at several locations, following technical and safety protocols, and secured affected areas to protect people and property.

“The Jordanian Armed Forces reject any violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty or the use of its airspace to threaten its security and stability,” the military said, adding that it maintains the highest level of aerial vigilance.

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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard struck Gulf countries after CENTCOM operation

In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran’s military announced new drone strikes against U.S. military facilities in the Middle East amid the latest escalation with Washington. Tasnim, an outlet linked to the IRGC, said Al Azraq airbase in Jordan — where F-18s, accommodations and U.S. equipment were located — was struck by drones.

The IRGC described the operation, named “Lightning,” and said “the era of the slap in the face is over,” warning that any actions against Iran’s land, waters or airspace would not go unanswered and would carry proportional costs.

The IRGC also reported naval and aerospace strikes against a U.S. storage facility at Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain and against U.S. drones at Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait. Its statement said a coordinated missile-and-drone operation destroyed several weapons and spare-parts depots at Sheikh Isa and damaged or destroyed MQ-9 drone launch ramps at Ali Al Salem.

Iran: the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed “until U.S. harms end”

The IRGC said the strategic waterway would remain closed until U.S. actions ceased, in a statement released Tuesday. The military accused the U.S. of striking Iranian bases “under the pretext of attacking violator ships” to hide what it called U.S. failure and impotence.

The IRGC added that “no ship dared to violate [the Iranian blockade] or accompany the United States,” and therefore “there were naturally no impacts” during the operation.

White House: “Divisions in Iran show success of Trump policy”

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said internal divisions among Iran’s leaders reflect the success of President Donald Trump’s policy toward Tehran, in comments made on Fox News.

Miller claimed Iran’s leadership now faces “huge fissures the size of cannons” after decades of unity, and reiterated that the U.S. is urging Iran to adopt a peace program and abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Pezeshkian vowed to defend “every inch” of Iran amid new escalation with the U.S.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country would defend “every inch” of its territory amid rising tensions with the United States, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had removed much of Iran’s military capability. “We will defend every inch of our homeland with our actions,” Pezeshkian said in a state television interview.

His remarks came amid increasing hostilities after U.S. strikes in southern Iran followed Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone launches against U.S. targets in the region.

“His rhetoric continues, but the question is: have they achieved their objectives on the battlefield?” Pezeshkian asked, referring to Trump’s statements and U.S. military actions.

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Wednesday marked a further escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran: Washington carried out a new wave of strikes on Iranian military targets and tightened the blockade of the Persian country’s ports, while Tehran struck U.S. allies in the Gulf and reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed “until the United States ends its aggression.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces hit dozens of military targets in Iran during a seven-hour operation, using combat aircraft, drones and ships that fired precision munitions at missile and drone sites, naval assets and coastal defense systems. According to the U.S. command, the objective is to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Among the strikes, the port city of Bushehr, which houses the country’s only civilian nuclear plant, was hit in three locations, and a bombardment of a barracks near Iranshahr in southeastern Iran left seven military personnel dead, according to the Iranian army.

Iran, for its part, attacked U.S. bases and targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could extend to other regional oil and gas export routes. Meanwhile, Bahrain said it had intercepted another Iranian aerial attack; the death of an Indian sailor who had been missing after the attack on the GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman was confirmed; and Iran’s judiciary executed a protester convicted for participating in the antigovernment demonstrations in January.

Below is minute-by-minute coverage:

The U.S. military says it resumed daytime strikes on Iran as part of its escalation

The U.S. military said it launched a new wave of strikes against Iran at 1000 GMT on Wednesday.

“The strikes are intended to further degrade the military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Central Command said in a post on X.

At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

Full report at this link.

Iran executed a man arrested during the January protests

The Iranian authorities executed on Wednesday a man accused of setting fire to government and police facilities during the antigovernment protests in January in Isfahan province, Mizan News — a media outlet affiliated with the judiciary — reported.

The report said Mohammad Amini Dehaghani was hanged after the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. Judicial authorities allege that on January 9 he threw Molotov cocktails at the governor’s office in Dehaghan and at the central police station, and incited others to attack officers.

Official statements cite surveillance footage and the defendant’s confessions. They also claim that Amini Dehaghani attempted to use a rifle taken from police during the protests.

Oil rises again amid the military escalation in the Middle East

U.S. benchmark crude (WTI) rose $0.86 to $80.20 per barrel, while Brent, the international benchmark, advanced $1.15 to $85.88 per barrel.

On Tuesday, oil closed up 2% and reached a one-month high, driven by strikes that worsened supply concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Brent and WTI have made upward adjustments in line with the escalation of attacks, but the size of the move will likely moderate now as the market awaits any change in posture from the U.S. and Iran,” said June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities, in an interview with Reuters.

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U.S. strikes killed seven service members in southeastern Iran

The Iranian Army said it will respond to the attack on the Bambour barracks in Iranshahr, calling it “a cowardly aggression.” “A decisive response will be delivered to this crime at the appropriate time,” the statement cited by Tasnim agency said.

The military reported that 13 U.S. missiles struck facilities at the Bambour barracks, killing seven members of Brigade 388 and wounding several others. The army said that “passive defense measures” limited the number of casualties.

The statement asserted that the U.S. strikes “aimed to cause as many casualties as possible,” and were directed at a guesthouse, guard posts and the base’s accommodation areas.

Death confirmed of an Indian sailor missing after attack off Oman

A missing Indian crew member from the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy, attacked off the coast of Oman, has died, his father-in-law confirmed on Wednesday, Reuters reported. Of the 11 Indian sailors on board, 10 were rescued, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

Former Iranian foreign minister called for a ground assault on a U.S. base and seizing hostages

Former Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki proposed launching a ground offensive against a U.S. military base in the Middle East and taking hostages to transfer them to Iran.

“My proposal is to launch a ground attack on one of the U.S. bases in the region, capture 100 Americans and take them to Iran,” Mottaki, now a member of parliament, said.

Marco Rubio and Jordan’s foreign minister discussed Iranian attacks on vessels in the Middle East

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to address regional security issues, including “the ongoing Iranian attacks against vessels and countries in the region.”

UN Security Council votes to continue monitoring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution extending U.N. monitoring of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea for six months.

The measure was approved with thirteen votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, and it requires the U.N. secretary-general to report monthly to the Council on the situation.

The Yemeni Houthi rebel group began attacks on vessels in the Red Sea at the end of 2023, saying it was targeting ships linked to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza.

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Ships linked to Iran left the Strait of Hormuz ahead of the U.S. blockade

Data from maritime tracking showed an increase on Tuesday in the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, most linked to Iranian trade, ahead of a U.S. blockade set to take effect on Wednesday. Kpler records indicate that nine of the eleven ships that crossed that day did so via the Iranian route.

Among vessels entering the strait were three empty tankers — an Aframax and two other large tankers. On the departures side, the records show a VLCC carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, a medium tanker transporting refined products, and two other ships moving liquefied petroleum gas.

Commercial traffic also included a methanol tanker and a bulk carrier with iron ore, both leaving the Gulf on Tuesday.

Jordan’s army said it shot down three missiles launched by Iran

The Jordanian Army reported that its air defense systems intercepted and shot down three ballistic missiles that entered Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory. In an official statement, authorities said teams from the Royal Engineers handled debris from the downed missiles at various locations, following technical and safety protocols, and secured affected areas to protect civilians and property.

“The Jordanian Armed Forces reject any violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty or the use of its airspace to threaten its security and stability,” the military said, adding that it maintains the highest level of aerial vigilance.

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck Gulf countries after CENTCOM’s operation

In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran’s military announced new drone strikes against U.S. facilities in the Middle East amid the latest escalation between Tehran and Washington. A statement carried by Tasnim, an agency linked to the IRGC, said the Al Azraq airbase in Jordan — where F-18 fighters, billeting and equipment depots were located — was attacked with drones.

The military defended the operation, called “Lightning,” and said “the era of slaps in the face is over,” adding that any action against the country’s land, waters or airspace will not go unanswered or without a proportional cost.

The IRGC also reported that its Navy and Aerospace Force struck a U.S. warehouse at Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain and targeted U.S. drones at Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait. According to the statement, “in a simultaneous missile and drone operation, fighters from the Navy and Aerospace Force destroyed several depots of weapons and spare parts for enemy ships and aircraft at Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain.”

The military bulletin also said they “attacked the ramp where enemy MQ-9 drones were deployed at Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait, destroying or damaging several of them.”

Iran: the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until “the harms of the United States are over”

The IRGC announced that the strategic waterway will remain closed until U.S. actions cease, according to a statement released on Tuesday. The military organization said the U.S. attacked Iranian bases “under the pretext of striking violating ships” trying to transit the strait, “to hide its defeat and incapacity.”

The statement added that “no ship dared to violate [the Iranian blockade] or accompany the United States,” and therefore “naturally there were no impacts” during the operation.

White House: “Divisions in Iran show the success of Trump’s policy”

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said internal divisions among leaders of the Iranian regime reflect the success of President Donald Trump’s policy toward Tehran. Miller made the comments during an interview with Fox News.

According to the U.S. official, Iran’s leadership currently faces “huge fissures the size of cannons” after decades of unity. Miller reiterated that the United States urges Iran to support a peace program and abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Pezeshkian vowed to defend “every inch” of Iran amid the new escalation with the U.S.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country will defend “every inch” of its territory amid rising tensions with the United States, after the U.S. president said he had removed most of Iran’s military capabilities. “We will defend every inch of our homeland with our actions,” Pezeshkian told state television.

The president’s remarks came against a backdrop of escalating hostilities, after the United States carried out bombings in southern Iran following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against U.S. targets in the region.

“Their rhetoric continues, but the question is: have they achieved their objectives on the battlefield?” Pezeshkian asked, responding to statements by Trump and U.S. military actions.

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Iranian attacks intercepted against targets linked to the United States in Kuwait and Bahrain marked a new escalation between Washington and Tehran on Wednesday, nearly a month after the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties aimed at bringing an end to the war that began in February.

Iran said it struck U.S. targets in Kuwait and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, but both countries reported that they intercepted those offensives. Tehran also argued that the renewed U.S. naval blockade has, in some respect, nullified the Islamabad memorandum signed last month.

Kuwait’s Armed Forces said they intercepted attack drones and attributed the offensive to Iranian aggression. Later, Bahrain’s army said it intercepted and destroyed several Iranian aerial attacks.

In the early morning, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry sounded alert sirens and asked citizens and residents to remain calm and go to the nearest safe location. Iranian state media reported that Tehran had launched separate attacks on U.S. targets in Kuwait and on the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its target in Bahrain was that U.S. naval force. Bahraini authorities, however, said their interceptors acted against attacks aimed at civilian targets.

Jordan’s Armed Forces also reported that they shot down three Iranian missiles.

Threats after failed attacks

The escalation continued with warnings from both sides about expanding operations. President Donald Trump warned he would extend the offensive next week to target power plants and bridges if Tehran does not return to the negotiating table.

“Next week will be very tough for them,” Trump told Fox News. Despite the return of hostilities, mediated talks between the parties have not formally ended.

The confrontation centers largely on the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the global flow of oil and gas. Since the start of the war, Iran has asserted control over the passage and has fired on ships it considers to be using unauthorized routes.

The Revolutionary Guard made clear it will maintain retaliatory operations and that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed while the United States does not cease what it describes as acts of aggression.

Dispute over the memorandum and the Strait of Hormuz

Iran blocked Hormuz after the U.S. and Israeli attack on February 28 and used it for months as a pressure tool before briefly reopening it. It later vowed again to keep it closed until U.S. aggression stops.

The United States in turn reinstated its blockade of Iranian ports. Trump also withdrew a planned 20% surcharge for ships crossing the strait and said it would be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf allies.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that the renewed blockade “has, in some way, dismantled the Islamabad memorandum.” He was referring to the interim agreement reached last month to curb hostilities and open peace talks.

Consequences of the new escalation

Five days after the return to war, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck dozens of Iranian military targets near the strait and along the coast. According to the command, the strikes aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews.

Iranian state media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, on Qeshm Island, and in Bandar Imam Khomeini. They later reported new U.S. strikes on Bushehr, a southern port city that hosts the country’s only civilian nuclear power plant.

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, said Tuesday that over the past week Iran attacked seven commercial vessels and left nearly a dozen civilian crew members dead, missing, or injured. The U.S. command added that its forces were holding Iran accountable for aggression that continued to put civilian lives at risk.

The new phase of the conflict also reached Kuwait, a repeated target during the war. Kuwaiti authorities said one of their naval vessels was hit during an Iranian barrage of missiles and drones, leaving four crew members wounded.

In Iran, renewed U.S. attacks have caused at least 30 deaths since last week, according to government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani. The Iranian military separately said seven of its personnel were killed in Wednesday’s bombings in the southeast.

Tensions also impacted commercial shipping in the area. A crisis response company reported that a Norwegian tanker suffered an explosion caused by an unidentified device off the coast of Oman early Tuesday.

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The United States launched a new wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported, hours after Washington reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in a clear return to open confrontation between the two countries.

U.S. forces “began launching a wave of strikes… designed to further degrade the military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026

The offensive followed an earlier round of bombardments carried out hours before, when fighter jets, drones and U.S. ships fired precision munitions during a seven-hour nighttime operation against dozens of Iranian military targets. One strike hit the barracks of the Iranian army’s 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing at least seven soldiers and leaving more than 260 injured across the country, according to Iranian officials. Washington also resumed daytime strikes, an uncommon move that underscores the accelerating pace of the escalation.

Blockade and reciprocal threats

The United States first imposed the blockade in April and lifted it last month after a provisional agreement that paused fighting and set a 60-day period to negotiate issues such as Iran’s nuclear program. Those talks stalled as the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz intensified, and the reinstatement of the blockade this week effectively marked the collapse of the truce.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East. “The export of oil and gas from the region will be for everyone or for no one,” the paramilitary force warned.

Iran also claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, all countries hosting U.S. forces. Bahrain and Kuwait issued incoming-fire alerts in the early hours of Wednesday, while Jordan said it had shot down three Iranian missiles.

Trump’s role and the price of oil

President Donald Trump said in a Fox News interview Tuesday night that strikes against Iran would continue over the next two days and that bridges and power plants could be targeted if negotiations do not resume. The United States had already attacked at least one bridge.

“They better reach an agreement, or they will be left with nothing,” Trump said.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, traded above $85 per barrel on Wednesday — more than 15% higher than before the war, though still below the nearly $120 reached at the conflict’s peak.

On Monday, alongside the reinstatement of the blockade, Trump announced a 20% tariff on ships transiting the strait, but he later dropped the plan, citing requests from Gulf allies interested in investing billions of dollars in the United States.

Hormuz, the flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passes in peacetime, remains the epicenter of the conflict. During the provisional agreement, some ships had resumed transit along a route near Oman supervised by U.S. forces and outside Tehran’s control, but recent reciprocal attacks have again disrupted that passage.

Washington has threatened to reopen the strait by force, though analysts say doing so would require a far larger navy and possibly tens of thousands of ground troops. Regional mediators continue efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table.

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