US-Israel War on Iran

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    US forces thwart Iranian missile barrage as region…

    WASHINGTON: A fragile pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran came to an abrupt end on Tuesday after Iranian forces launched multiple ballistic missiles toward US military positions in the Middle East, according to the US military. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the missiles were fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in what it described as a surprise attack. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM reported that all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted, preventing any reported damage or casualties. However, it did not disclose the exact locations that were targeted. The latest exchange marks a renewed escalation after several days of relative calm. Both countries had refrained from military action over the weekend following nearly two weeks of intense conflict, during which the United States carried out nightly strikes on Iranian positions while Tehran responded with repeated missile and drone attacks against US allies across the Gulf region. The recent confrontation traces back to mid-July, when Iran targeted several commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a sharp rise in regional tensions and prompting a sustained military response from Washington. The temporary ceasefire had raised hopes for diplomacy, with US President Donald Trump stating there was a strong possibility of progress in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. The lull in fighting also contributed to a decline in global oil prices, reflecting growing market optimism that the crisis could be contained. Tuesday’s missile launch, however, signals that tensions remain high, casting fresh uncertainty over diplomatic efforts and raising concerns about the potential for another round of military escalation in the Middle East.

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    Trump hails meetings with Netanyahu and Zelenskiy

    US President Donald Trump said his recent meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy went well, as the leaders visited Washington to attend a memorial service for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump met the two leaders separately and later shared brief comments on his social media platform, Truth Social. He said he discussed several important issues with both leaders but did not provide details about the conversations. Describing his meeting with Netanyahu as “very good,” Trump said the two sides discussed a range of significant matters. Netanyahu also called the talks “excellent.” The meeting came amid tensions over the conflict involving Iran and Israel. Trump had expressed frustration before meeting Netanyahu after details about the Israeli prime minister’s planned discussion points on Iran emerged publicly. Trump also held talks with Zelenskiy on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and efforts to revive peace negotiations with Russia. The two leaders discussed plans for Ukraine to produce Patriot missile interceptors as Kyiv continues to seek greater military support. Zelenskiy described his meeting with Trump as “good,” while Trump said they discussed many issues and characterized the talks as successful. The meetings took place as the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine remain major international concerns, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside ongoing military tension.

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    Over 60,000 Gaza children lose parents amid ongoing war

    More than 60,000 children in Gaza have lost at least one parent since the conflict began in October 2023, according to figures released by the Palestinian health ministry on Wednesday. The ministry reported that 60,737 children had either been orphaned or left with only one surviving parent. Of these, 52,095 children lost their fathers, while 5,929 lost their mothers. Another 2,713 children lost both parents during the conflict. The figures highlight the devastating impact of prolonged violence on children across the Gaza Strip. The ministry also reported that thousands of families had been completely erased from Gaza’s civil registry. According to its figures, 2,276 families comprising 8,858 people have been wiped out during the conflict. The overall death toll in Gaza has also exceeded 73,000 since the start of the war, the ministry said. A ceasefire reached in October has failed to end all violence in the territory. Palestinian authorities say Israeli forces have continued carrying out strikes, with more than 1,100 people reportedly killed since the truce began. The latest figures have renewed concerns over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. Thousands of children have been left without one or both parents, while many families have lost multiple members. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry has also documented serious violations involving Palestinian children. In a report released in June, the commission said Israeli authorities and security forces had deliberately targeted Palestinian children. It alleged that violations amounted to genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza, as well as war crimes in the occupied West Bank. The commission examined alleged violations against Palestinian children since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. It found that children accounted for around 30 per cent of those killed in the Gaza war. In an earlier report released in September, the commission concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and said senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had contributed to incitement. Israel has rejected the accusations, describing them as unfounded and deeply offensive. The latest Palestinian figures underline the long-term consequences of the conflict for Gaza’s youngest population. Beyond the immediate loss of life, thousands of children are now facing life without parents, while entire families have disappeared from official records.

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    US launches strikes on Iran after attack on Jordan base

    WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated after Washington launched strikes against Iranian targets following a ballistic missile attack on a US military base in Jordan. US Central Command said its forces began the strikes at around 8pm Eastern Time on Wednesday. CENTCOM described the operation as a “powerful response” to attempted attacks against American forces in the Middle East. The strikes came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for operations targeting US military assets in Jordan. The IRGC said it had targeted an airbase and a command centre. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that Iran would face a strong military response. Trump said the United States would hit Iran “very hard” after the attack, despite reports that US forces had intercepted the missiles. The latest developments have raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Military activity has also been reported across southern Iran. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported explosions in Bushehr province, home to the country’s only nuclear power plant. Several explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island. Iranian media said a missile may have struck a residential area, although details about casualties were not immediately available. Other explosions were reported at several locations in southern Iran following the launch of the US operation. The conflict has also intensified around Iraq. Baghdad condemned US and Saudi strikes that reportedly killed members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces. The group said at least 20 of its fighters were killed and 32 others were wounded. Iranian media separately reported that four Iranian advisers were killed in the strikes. The situation around the Strait of Hormuz has also become increasingly tense. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said its naval forces targeted three oil tankers that were allegedly approaching the strategic waterway using routes not approved by Tehran. Iran has rejected an Omani proposal concerning shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has also discussed imposing charges on vessels using the strategically important passage. Iranian officials have insisted that mine-clearing operations in the waterway should be carried out by Iranian forces. Tehran has warned that any European involvement could turn those forces into potential targets. The latest escalation comes only days after Trump said Washington was holding what he described as positive talks with Iran. He had also warned that military action could resume if Tehran failed to show seriousness in negotiations. Analysts have warned that continued retaliation could create a dangerous cycle of escalation. They say repeated strikes could eventually expand beyond military targets and increase the risk to civilians and critical infrastructure.

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    Iraq demands proof over Saudi attack claims

    BAGHDAD: Iraq has rejected allegations that its territory was used to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia and has called for evidence to support the claims. A spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces said no country or organisation had presented proof that attacks on Saudi Arabia originated from Iraqi soil. The spokesperson said Iraq remained committed to protecting its sovereignty and preventing its territory from being used to threaten neighbouring countries. He added that the government was implementing measures to strengthen national security and maintain full control over the country’s borders and military activities. The statement came after reports linked Iraq to attacks on Saudi Arabia, increasing tensions in an already volatile region. Following recent US and Saudi military strikes inside Iraq, the Iraqi National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to assess the security situation. During the meeting, the council condemned the attacks and described them as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. Officials stressed that all hostile actions carried out on Iraqi territory were unacceptable. The council said the Iraqi government alone has the authority to decide how to respond to any attacks launched from within the country. It warned against any unilateral military action that could further destabilise the region. The office of Iraqi Prime Minister also issued a statement reaffirming Baghdad’s policy of keeping Iraq out of regional conflicts. The statement said the government would continue to pursue diplomatic and legal measures to protect the country’s sovereignty, security and political stability. The latest developments follow joint US and Saudi air strikes targeting locations believed to be used by Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The strikes were reportedly carried out in response to drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. According to the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), the attacks targeted its headquarters and facilities across seven Iraqi provinces. The group said at least 20 of its personnel were killed, while another 32 were injured in the air strikes. It added that the heaviest attack took place in Nineveh province, where 10 fighters lost their lives. The military action has further raised concerns about growing instability in the region and the possibility of wider confrontation involving regional and international powers.

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    US commander warns troops over social media posts

    The top US military commander overseeing American forces in the Middle East has warned troops that photos and videos shared on social media could help Iran quickly assess the damage caused by attacks on US bases. According to Reuters, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper made the warning in a July 28 letter to service members. He said Iran was using media reports, along with images and videos posted by US troops, to determine whether its attacks had succeeded or failed. Cooper urged military personnel to follow operational security rules more strictly, although he did not outline any specific measures in the letter. Reuters reported that some US troops stationed in Jordan have been told that authorities could take away their mobile phones in the coming days. Another source said officials were also considering similar measures elsewhere in the region, although no final decision has been made.   US Central Command spokesman Captain Timothy Hawkins said the message aimed to remind troops about the importance of operational security. The warning followed the appearance of a video on social media earlier this month that showed a US service member recording himself while heading toward a bunker during an Iranian attack on Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. Cooper said the soldier recorded the video using Meta smart glasses, potentially giving Iran information about the troops’ location and their response to the attack. He said that without publicly available images, videos and reports, Iran would have a harder time determining whether its strikes hit their intended targets. However, such material can effectively provide Iran with a free assessment of battlefield damage. According to Reuters, 18 US service members have been killed and more than 600 injured since the conflict with Iran began on February 28. The US Department of Defense has limited the release of information about the attacks and military casualties due to security concerns.

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    Iran vows retaliation after fresh US strikes

    Iran has vowed to retaliate after the United States launched fresh overnight air strikes on multiple locations across the country, further escalating the conflict that has increasingly drawn several Middle Eastern nations into the fighting. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning, saying those responsible for the attacks would face punishment. Iranian media quoted the force as saying that the “aggressor” would be held accountable. The latest US strikes reportedly targeted several areas in southern Iran, including Bushehr province, which is home to the country’s only nuclear power plant. Explosions were also reported in Qeshm, Kish, Bandar Abbas, Abadan and other nearby locations. Iranian officials said a residential building on Qeshm Island was struck during the attacks. Local authorities confirmed that three members of the same family, including a child, were killed. Two other children from the same family were injured and shifted to hospital for treatment. The US military said the strikes were launched in response to recent Iranian missile attacks targeting American forces stationed in Jordan. Washington described the operation as a powerful response aimed at deterring further attacks on its troops in the region. The military action came shortly after US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences following attacks on American military facilities. Meanwhile, Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles heading toward its territory. Officials said this was the fourth consecutive day that missiles or drones launched from Iran had been intercepted. No casualties or property damage were reported. Iran also strongly condemned recent joint US-Saudi air strikes carried out in Iraq. Tehran described the attacks as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It accused Washington of widening the regional conflict and expressed support for the Iraqi government. The Iraqi government also criticised the strikes and called on all parties to avoid further escalation. Iraqi officials stressed that the country should not become a battleground for regional disputes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was difficult to predict Iran’s next moves regarding the Strait of Hormuz. However, he argued that alternative energy routes could eventually reduce the strategic importance of the vital shipping lane. The United Nations expressed deep concern over the renewed fighting. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both the United States and Iran to end hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations. He also welcomed mediation efforts by regional countries seeking to reduce tensions. The IRGC claimed that two oil tankers attempting to sail through what it described as an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz turned back after a fire reportedly broke out on one vessel. Iranian officials insisted the country maintained control over the strategic waterway and warned that restrictions would remain as long as foreign military threats continued. The United Arab Emirates also condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities from Iraqi territory, calling them a serious violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security. The conflict has expanded rapidly over recent days, with military activity reported in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf region. The growing instability has increased concerns over regional security and disrupted global energy markets. Oil prices climbed sharply as investors reacted to fears of further escalation and possible disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy trade routes.

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    Iranian strike hits Chinese company building in Ku…

    KUWAIT CITY: A building belonging to a Chinese company in northern Kuwait was struck during an alleged Iranian attack, leaving one worker dead and causing extensive structural damage, according to Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense. The ministry confirmed the incident in an official statement on Wednesday, saying emergency response teams and security agencies were immediately dispatched to the affected site to secure the area, assess the damage, and launch rescue operations. Authorities said one worker was killed in the strike, but did not immediately disclose the victim’s identity or nationality. Officials added that investigations are continuing to determine whether there were additional casualties or injuries and to establish the full extent of the damage caused by the attack. Images from the scene showed emergency personnel working around the damaged building as security forces cordoned off the area. Officials have yet to release further details regarding the type of weapon used or the circumstances surrounding the strike. In its statement, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense stressed that the country’s armed forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to safeguard Kuwait’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security against any external threat. The ministry also urged the public to rely only on official government statements for updates, warning citizens against spreading or believing unverified reports and rumors circulating on social media. The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing confrontation between Iran and the United States, which has fueled growing security concerns across the Gulf region. In recent weeks, military facilities, energy infrastructure, commercial shipping routes, and strategic installations have increasingly come under threat, raising fears of a wider regional escalation. Security analysts say the latest strike demonstrates how the conflict is expanding beyond its primary actors, with neighboring Gulf states facing increasing risks from the deteriorating security environment. Kuwait, which has traditionally sought to maintain balanced regional relations, now finds itself confronting the possibility of being directly affected by the broader conflict. The incident is expected to intensify security measures across the country, particularly around critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, and foreign-owned commercial sites. Regional governments have already strengthened surveillance and emergency preparedness in response to the growing threat of cross-border attacks. No immediate statement was issued by Iranian authorities regarding the alleged strike. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti officials said investigations remain underway and pledged to provide further information as more details become available. The latest incident underscores the widening regional impact of the Iran-US confrontation and highlights growing concerns that escalating hostilities could increasingly affect civilian infrastructure and foreign businesses operating across the Gulf.

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    US strikes IRGC bases after Iran missile attack

    The Middle East moved a step closer to a broader regional conflict after the United States launched large-scale airstrikes against dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities across Iran in retaliation for Tehran’s ballistic missile attack targeting American forces stationed in the region. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted military command centers, drone infrastructure, weapons depots and other strategic IRGC installations during a coordinated two-hour campaign. US officials said the strikes were intended to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten American troops, commercial shipping lanes and allied Gulf nations. Iranian state media reported that at least three people were killed during strikes on Qeshm Island, while authorities vowed that the country would continue defending its territory against what it described as “American aggression.” The crisis quickly spread beyond Iran’s borders. Jordan announced that its air defence systems intercepted five missiles following Iran’s confirmed launch toward US military installations in the kingdom. Washington maintained that all missiles directed at American bases were successfully intercepted, preventing casualties among US personnel. In another major development, US and Saudi forces carried out coordinated strikes against Iran-backed armed groups operating in eastern Iraq after drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory targeted Saudi oil facilities. The joint operation marked the first publicly acknowledged military action conducted together by Washington and Riyadh against Iran-aligned militias. Regional instability deepened further after a fire broke out aboard a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta. Although maritime security experts suggested the blaze may have resulted from a drone strike, Egyptian officials confirmed only the fire and said investigations into its cause were continuing. The latest escalation comes against the backdrop of months of confrontation between Iran, the United States and Israel. Fighting resumed after disputes over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz ended a short-lived ceasefire reached in June. US President Donald Trump reiterated that America would respond decisively to attacks on its forces while insisting diplomatic efforts remained active. However, continued military exchanges around the Strait of Hormuz have complicated negotiations and increased concerns over global energy supplies. Iran has claimed it targeted three tankers attempting to pass through what it called an unauthorized route in the strait, while rejecting an Omani-backed proposal supported by Gulf states for joint management of the crucial waterway. The conflict has also rattled global energy markets, with Brent crude prices climbing above $90 per barrel before easing later in trading. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces said at least 20 of their fighters were killed in the US-Saudi strikes, prompting Baghdad to condemn the attacks as a violation of its sovereignty while urging all armed groups to halt cross-border military operations. Saudi Arabia has also intensified diplomatic efforts, with Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meeting US Vice President JD Vance in Washington to urge restraint. Saudi officials reportedly warned that expanding military operations against Yemen’s Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq could trigger unpredictable consequences across the Middle East, highlighting growing fears that the conflict could widen even further.

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    US launches heavy strikes on Iran after missile at…

    The United States has resumed large-scale military operations against Iran, launching what officials described as a “heavy wave” of precision strikes after a five-night pause, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the overnight operation targeted dozens of sites linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal defence systems and maritime infrastructure. The strikes came in response to Iranian missile attacks a day earlier on American forces stationed at a US military base in Jordan. US President Donald Trump had warned that Washington would respond “very hard” to any attack on American troops, and the latest operation marked one of the most extensive US offensives since the conflict intensified earlier this year. Iranian state media reported that at least three civilians were killed in the strikes, including a couple and their two-year-old child after a residential building on Qeshm Island was hit. The IRGC also confirmed that three of its personnel were killed during the attacks. Explosions were reported across several southern Iranian cities, including Ahvaz, Abadan, Bushehr, Kazerun and Farashband. Iranian media said power outages affected parts of Ahvaz following strikes in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, while local officials confirmed that multiple locations in Abadan had also been targeted. The confrontation quickly spread beyond Iran. Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted five Iranian missiles launched toward its territory after Tehran targeted a US airbase and command headquarters inside the kingdom. No casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Kuwait confirmed that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the country’s north, killing one worker and causing significant damage. Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s attacks on Jordan, describing them as a violation of international law and regional stability. Despite the renewed fighting, diplomatic contacts continue behind the scenes. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain active, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to reduce tensions. Iranian officials also confirmed that discussions with Omani mediators regarding the future of the strategic waterway are continuing. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the crisis. Iran insists the waterway remains closed because of US military actions, while Washington accuses Tehran of threatening global shipping and using maritime pressure to strengthen the IRGC’s influence. Adding economic pressure, the US Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on two Iranian companies accused of supporting an IRGC-backed maritime insurance network. Security analysts say Washington now faces a critical decision: continue targeting Iran’s military infrastructure around Hormuz or expand attacks on key national infrastructure. While the latest strikes signal a tougher military posture, experts believe both sides still have incentives to leave the door open for diplomacy, even as the risk of a wider regional war continues to grow.