Iran on Monday vowed to continue striking American targets “for years” if required as diplomacy slipped further out of view after a ninth consecutive day of strikes on the country.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) pushed back on Donald Trump’s recent claims that Iran is running out of munitions, as the regime continues to pound US facilities in neighbouring countries.
“[He] should know that, by God's grace, even if this war lasts for several years, until the very last day, our missiles and drones will rain down on American criminals,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, an American official familiar with internal discussions told the Washington Post that the US is still “planning for a wider war” by rushing military aircraft to the region - but could face its own shortages.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that US operations would be limited by low stockpiles of air defences and long-range munitions, however.
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Key Points
- Iran vows not ‘a single drop’ of oil or gas will transit Strait of Hormuz as US continues strikes
- Trump says US hit Iran ‘very hard’ in honour of killed troops - watch
- State department issues new travel warning for Americans as Iran war escalates
- Explosions heard in five Iranian cities as US signals latest barrage: reports
- IRGC says two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz disabled
- Oil prices climb above $90 a barrel as US-Iran tensions escalate
France threatens consequences after embassy officials detained in Tehran
17:27 , Alex CroftFrench foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot has threatened consequences after two of its embassy officials in Tehran were detained for several hours by Iranian security services.
Barrot said the French officials were detained without reason for several hours, interrogated and physically intimidated before finally being able to return to the embassy.
"I let Iran's foreign minister know that these extremely serious and unacceptable violations of the integrity of our agents could not go without consequences," he wrote in a post on social media platform X.
Iran war is America's leader popular since polls began
17:00 , James ReynoldsNet approval for Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran is now as low as -30 per cent among Americans, according to recent polling.
Among Democrats, approval of the conflict now sits at -84%. Independents sit at -52%, while MAGA Republicans buck the trend with +72%, per The Economist.
More than half only approve “somewhat” of the handling of the war, while non-MAGA Republicans have turned from supporting the war on balance (+26% in April to -25% now), per Washington Post/Ipsos.
Official Palestinian X account mocks Argentina and Israel after World Cup loss
16:30 , James ReynoldsThe official X account for the State of Palestine has mocked Israel after Spain defeated Argentina to win the Fifa World Cup on Sunday.
Spain secured a 1-0 victory thanks to an extra-time winner from Ferran Torres, ending Lionel Messi's final World Cup campaign in defeat.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made no secret of the fact that he had wanted their ally to take the trophy, saying on Saturday: “We support Argentina in so many ways, including tomorrow. I don’t hide that I’m rooting for Argentina. I think most Israeli citizens are rooting for Argentina. Good luck! Vamos Argentina.”
Official Palestinian X account mocks Argentina and Israel after World Cup loss
Recap: Trump ‘planning for wider war’ with Tehran after ninth night of strikes
16:00 , James ReynoldsThe United States is said to be preparing for greater escalation with Iran following days of strikes as both sides wrestle for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
An American official familiar with internal discussions told the Washington Post that the US is still “planning for a wider war” by rushing military aircraft to the region as hopes of a return to diplomacy fade.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that US operations would be limited by low stockpiles of air defences and long-range munitions, however.
The US will also struggle to send troops and aircraft to the region due to battle damage, the official said.
US forces hit Iran for a ninth consecutive day on Monday as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said they had targeted American assets in Jordan, Kuwait and Syria.
Sirens also sounded in Bahrain on Monday morning, as the Kuwaiti army said it was intercepting hostile drones in an Iranian attack.
Explosions heard in Shiraz, reports Fars
15:35 , James ReynoldsIran’s Fars news agency reports an explosion was heard in Shiraz.
It was not immediately clear what caused it.
Is it safe to travel to Jordan? Latest advice
15:30 , James ReynoldsTravel advice has been updated for Jordan after missiles were intercepted in the vicinity of Aqaba’s airport and seaport.
The UK government is currently advising against all but essential travel to that area.
Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait have reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles as attacks across the region have intensified.
At least two US service members were killed in action in Jordan while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.
In full:
Is it safe to travel to Jordan? Latest advice amid Iran-US war
Recap: US service member killed in Iraq during ‘controlled detonation’ of Iranian drone, military says
15:00 , James ReynoldsAt least one American service member was killed after the controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone, U.S. Central Command said on Sunday.
A second service member was also wounded during the operation on Saturday, military officials said.
The announcement brings the U.S. death toll from the months-long war in Iran to at least 17 service members.
More than 400 troops have been wounded throughout the campaign.
Read the full story:
US service member killed in Iraq during ‘controlled detonation’ of Iranian drone
Kuwait says intercepting missiles and drones
14:41 , James ReynoldsKuwait’s army says in a new statement that it is intercepting missiles and drones.
Sirens are sounding across the small country, the state news agency says on X.
Watch: Strikes hit Iraq's Kurdish region as US-Iran tensions escalate
14:30 , James ReynoldsRecap: Pentagon withheld dozens of US military injuries during Iran war - report
14:00 , James ReynoldsDozens of US service members were injured in a fresh Iranian attack on Friday, several US officials have said, despite no announcement from the Pentagon.
The attacks injured US forces and damaged helicopters, they told the New York Times on condition of anonymity.
Those strikes were not disclosed by the Pentagon, however, which an official said is not required to release information about injured service members.
The NYT cast the revelation as the latest example of friction between the Pentagon’s insistence on security versus the government’s obligation to be transparent with the public about its war conduct.
In full: Oil prices surpass 90 dollars a barrel after fresh attacks in US-Iran war
13:30 , James ReynoldsOil prices have risen above 90 dollars a barrel for the first time in nearly six weeks as investor hopes of an effective peace deal between the US and Iran crumble.
The US carrying out a new round of airstrikes targeting Iran early on Monday helped spark fresh volatility in the world’s energy markets.
The price of Brent crude oil rose by about 1.5% to surpass 90 US dollars a barrel on Monday morning for the first time since early June.
Read the full story:
Oil prices surpass 90 dollars a barrel after fresh attacks in US-Iran war
Burnham says first calls will be to Trump and Zelensky
13:11 , James ReynoldsBritain’s new prime minister said on Monday that among his first calls to foreign leaders will be to US president Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.
He said he would make clear to Zelenskiy that there would be "no change" in Britain's backing for Ukraine and that he would support the Ukrainian leader "100%" as his predecessor Keir Starmer had done.
Trump had criticised the UK’s policy on Iran under Starmer, saying Britain should be more involved in trying to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Watch: Video appears to show moment Iran missiles hit Jordan base
13:00 , James ReynoldsRyanair profits slump as Iran war sends jet fuel prices soaring
12:30 , James ReynoldsRyanair has reported a significant slump in its quarterly profits, with figures falling by more than a third, as the budget airline grappled with a doubling of jet fuel prices and a strategic decision to lower fares.
The Irish carrier announced a 34 per cent drop in after-tax profits, reaching €538 million (£457 million) for the three months ending in June.
This downturn was primarily attributed to surging jet fuel costs, which impacted the 20 per cent of its fuel requirements not covered by hedging agreements, alongside a 6 per cent reduction in average fares.
Ryanair profits slump as Iran war sends jet fuel prices soaring
Pentagon withheld dozens of US military injuries during Iran war: report
12:00 , James ReynoldsDozens of US service members were injured in a fresh Iranian attack on Friday, several US officials have said, despite no announcement from the Pentagon.
The attacks injured US forces and damaged helicopters, they told the New York Times on condition of anonymity.
Those strikes were not disclosed by the Pentagon, however, which an official said is not required to release information about injured service members.
The NYT cast the revelation as the latest example of friction between the Pentagon’s insistence on security versus the government’s obligation to be transparent with the public about its war conduct.
Oil prices up 2 per cent as Iran and US inch closer to all out war
11:30 , James ReynoldsOil prices jumped more than 2% on Monday, with Brent crude above $90 a barrel as the U.S. and Iran moved closer to resuming an all-out war.
Brent crude, the international standard, rose 2.6% to $90.40 per barrel and benchmark U.S. crude climbed 2.2% to $83.58 per barrel.
Early Monday, the U.S. announced more attacks for a ninth straight night. Iran has been responding to strikes by hitting U.S.-allies across the Middle East.
“The U.S. and Iran continue to exchange strikes, which are proving to be deadly for both sides,” ING commodities strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote in a commentary Monday.
“If this escalation goes unchecked, we could return to an environment of wide-scale attacks across the Persian Gulf.”
Read the full story:
South Korea's Kospi drops nearly 5% as some AI stocks swoon, while oil keeps climbing
Iran congratulates 'friendly' Spain on World Cup win
11:00 , James ReynoldsIranian president Masoud Pezeshian took to social media to congratulate Spain on their World Cup win.
“I congratulate the people and government of Spain on the national football team's success and well-deserved championship title in the World Cup,” he said this morning.
“The joy of the friendly people and government of Spain is the joy of the people and government of Iran.”
Iran still hearing from mediators: foreign ministry
10:30 , James ReynoldsIran continues to receive messages from intermediaries despite the apparent halt to talks aimed at ending the war, the foreign ministry said today.
Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected the dichotomy of war or diplomacy and said Iran would use both as a “tool” to pursue its national interests.
Iran to 'pursue diplomacy based on its national interests'
10:00 , James ReynoldsTehran pursues war and diplomacy based on its national interests, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, after being asked whether the door to talks with the U.S. was now closed.
“I reject the duality of either war or diplomacy. Diplomacy is a tool through which we pursue our national interests, just like war,” Esmaeil Baghaei said.
Recap: Two US service members killed by Iranian attacks in Jordan, military says
09:30 , James ReynoldsAt least two U.S. service members were killed in action while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan, marking the first American deaths in the aftermath of a tenuous ceasefire agreement earlier this year, according to U.S. Central Command.
Another service member is missing after Friday’s attacks, according to the Department of Defense.
Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged, Central Command announced Saturday.
Two US service members killed by Iranian attacks in Jordan, military says
Oil prices up 2 per cent as Iran and US inch closer to all out war
09:00 , James ReynoldsOil prices jumped more than 2% on Monday, with Brent crude above $90 a barrel as the U.S. and Iran moved closer to resuming an all-out war.
Brent crude, the international standard, rose 2.6% to $90.40 per barrel and benchmark U.S. crude climbed 2.2% to $83.58 per barrel.
Early Monday, the U.S. announced more attacks for a ninth straight night. Iran has been responding to strikes by hitting U.S.-allies across the Middle East.
“The U.S. and Iran continue to exchange strikes, which are proving to be deadly for both sides,” ING commodities strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote in a commentary Monday.
“If this escalation goes unchecked, we could return to an environment of wide-scale attacks across the Persian Gulf.”
Read the full story:
South Korea's Kospi drops nearly 5% as some AI stocks swoon, while oil keeps climbing
Latest: US and Iran trade strikes for a ninth day
08:30 , James ReynoldsHere’s the latest on Monday morning:
- The United States said it had struck Iran for a ninth consecutive day.
- Explosions were heard in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
- The IRGC said meanwhile that they had targeted US aircraft in Jordan, as well as US military assets and equipment in Kuwait and in Syria. Sirens also sounded in Bahrain.
- The UKMTO reported on an attack on a ship off Oman. It was not immediately reported what hit it, but the crew made it off safely.
- Oil rose by more than 2 per cent on Monday as both sides inched closer to all out war.
Trump 'planning return to wider war': US official
08:00 , James ReynoldsAn American official familiar with internal talks tells the Washington Post that the US is preparing for a return to a “wider war” following days of escalatory strikes.
The official cautions that any operations will be limited by stockpile shortages of air defences and long-range munitions, however.
“We do not have enough to safely sustain operations, and I don’t think the White House is aware of that,” the official says.
New: Vessel struck with unknown projectile off Oman, says UKMTO
07:53 , James ReynoldsThe UKMTO agency is reporting that a vessel has been struck off Oman’s Kumzar.
They say it was hit by an as yet unknown projectile, and that the crew has safely abandoned the ship.
The vessel is currently adrift and the fire on board is yet to be extinguished, they say.
Gulf states intercept drones and missiles as attacks intensify
07:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarBahrain, Kuwait and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles as attacks across the region intensified.
Bahrain’s ministry of interior activated warning sirens and urged residents to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place”, while the US embassy in Manama warned American citizens that Iran may be planning attacks on the capital and advised them to take precautionary measures.
Kuwait’s military said it was responding to a series of drone attacks, while Jordan reported intercepting at least three missiles, with another landing in an open area.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had targeted a weapons depot and air defence radar system in Kuwait, though Kuwaiti authorities have not confirmed those claims and instead said they were dealing with the aftermath of an attack on a power and water desalination facility.
The strike on civilian infrastructure has drawn condemnation from countries across the region.
Oil prices climb above $90 a barrel as US-Iran tensions escalate
07:11 , Maroosha MuzaffarOil prices climbed above $90 a barrel as escalating US-Iran tensions disrupted concerns over crude supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
Brent crude rose more than 2 per cent to $90.19 a barrel, reaching its highest level since 11 June, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also gained to $84.20 a barrel.
The latest surge followed the US carrying out a ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran, along with reports of fresh Iranian attacks on Gulf states.
Shipping data shows traffic through Strait of Hormuz remains limited
07:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarShipping data showed that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited over the weekend as the US and Iran intensified their attacks, according to Sky News.
According to LSEG data, only four vessels crossed the strategic waterway on Sunday, down from eight the previous day.
Since Friday, at least three oil tankers and one Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) have entered the strait to load oil.
The LSEG data tracks the movement of various types of vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, vehicle carriers, and tankers transporting oil, gas and chemicals.
Iran reports explosions in multiple cities as US strikes continue for ninth night
06:50 , Maroosha MuzaffarDuring the ninth night of US strikes on Iran, Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini.
Iranian authorities have not yet provided details on any casualties or the extent of damage caused by the attacks.
A reported strike on Tabriz, located in north-western Iran, would represent a broader expansion of US targets, which in recent days have mainly focused on areas in southern Iran and locations near the Strait of Hormuz, the Guardian reported.
Iran to end conflict with US only when it has ‘the upper hand’, foreign minister says
06:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarIran will only seek to end its war with the US once it has secured “the upper hand in the field”, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said.
He argued that negotiations should begin only after achieving “a reliable field and strategic achievement on the military front”.
In an interview with state news agency IRNA, Araghchi said wars end either through “absolute military victory or through negotiations”.
“The end of the war is possible either through absolute military victory or through negotiations. The right time to negotiate is precisely when you have achieved a reliable field and strategic achievement on the military front.
“You cannot take risks with the lives of the people and the fate of the entire country. Decisions must be made based on accurate and complete calculations,” Araghchi said.
He added that leaders must weigh whether continuing the conflict would bring greater gains or higher human and national costs, while claiming that “despite some losses, we emerged as a decisive international player in this war and demonstrated the strength of the system”.
Strikes hit Iraq's Kurdish region as US-Iran tensions escalate
06:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarIRGC says two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz disabled
05:50 , Maroosha MuzaffarIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said two oil tankers were disabled after attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz via a route that Tehran had warned ships against using, claiming “both vessels exploded and were forced to cease movement”.
The Guards did not identify the vessels, provide casualty details or explicitly claim responsibility.
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel was on fire off the coast of Oman, though the cause of the incident remains unknown.
Iran vows not ‘a single drop’ of oil or gas will transit Strait of Hormuz as US continues strikes
05:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarIran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that “this passage will not be safe for the transit of petrochemical products, nor even a single drop of oil and gas” if what it called US “aggression” continues, after claiming it had targeted US aircraft in Jordan and that two oil tankers had exploded in the Strait of Hormuz, though those claims could not be independently verified.
The warning came as the US military said it had completed its ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, coastal surveillance systems and maritime capabilities to “further diminish Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz”, adding that “the US military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief’s direction”.
Meanwhile, air raid sirens sounded again in Bahrain, Kuwait said its air defences responded to hostile Iranian drones, and oil prices climbed above $90 a barrel amid fears of further disruption to shipping through the vital waterway.
Security concerns across the Gulf intensify
05:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarA vessel caught fire off the coast of Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, though the cause and identity of the ship remain unknown.
In Bahrain, warning sirens sounded after the US embassy warned that Iran could target locations in central Manama, although no attack was confirmed.
Jordan said several missiles were launched, with most intercepted, while Iran claimed it struck US-linked military facilities in Kuwait.
Kuwaiti authorities, however, denied those claims and said the attacks instead hit civilian infrastructure, including a water desalination plant, prompting regional condemnation and renewed fears over the vulnerability of critical water and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.
Trump says US hit Iran ‘very hard’ in honour of killed troops
04:50 , Maroosha MuzaffarRubio urges other global powers to play a bigger role in protecting shipping through Strait of Hormuz
04:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has urged other countries to play a bigger role in protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran is using the strategic waterway as leverage in the ongoing regional conflict.
Speaking to reporters before departing for the Philippines, Rubio said the United States would continue working to keep maritime routes secure.
However, he said other nations should also help by providing equipment or financial support instead of leaving the responsibility largely to Washington.
State department issues new travel warning for Americans as Iran war escalates
04:08 , Holly BancroftThe US Department of State issued a worldwide advisory on July 18, 2026, urging Americans to exercise increased caution worldwide due to heightened tensions in the Middle East and the potential for unforeseen escalation.
“Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the advisory states. “We remind Americans in the region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments. The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution.”
The state department said US diplomatic facilities, both within and outside the Middle East, have been targeted, and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests or locations associated with the United States and Americans globally.
State department issues new travel warning for Americans as Iran war escalates
UK defence secretary pays tribute to US service personnel killed in Jordan
03:11 , Holly BancroftUK defence secretary Dan Jarvis has commented on the deaths of two US service personnel killed in action in Jordan, saying: “My thoughts are with the families and friends of the US service personnel killed and injured in Jordan.”
Four service members were evacuated to Jordanian hospitals for treatment and one service member is missing.
My thoughts are with the families and friends of the US service personnel killed and injured in Jordan.
— Dan Jarvis MP (@DanJarvisMBE) July 19, 2026
Our UK forces are working to help protect partners in the region – their safety remains my highest priority. https://t.co/hlEshzMePG
US 'planning for a wider war' but lacks munitions: report
02:41 , Josh Marcus
Sunday’s round of US strikes on Iran likely won’t be the last, amid renewed hostilities and a string of American military deaths.
“The US is planning for a wider war,” an unnamed US official familiar with the Trump administration’s strategy told The Washington Post.
The official added that these plans come despite dwindling stores of air defense and long-range munitions, as well as degraded capacities to surge troops and aircraft.
“We do not have enough to safely sustain operations, and I don’t think the White House is aware of that,” the official said.
Trump defends delays in ending Iran conflict: 'This is a far bigger job'
02:08 , Josh Marcus
President Donald Trump on Sunday fired back at a journalist who asked about his prior claim the Iran conflict would be finished in a matter of weeks.
“This is a far bigger job that we’re doing,” the Republican said from the tarmac as he returned from the World Cup final.
“It’s really not the same thing,” he added of the evolving mission in the Iran conflict, which began in February. “What we’re doing now is we’re ending any chance where they could have a nuclear missile.”
The US previously claimed its June 2025 strikes on Iran “obliterated” the country’s nuclear program.
On Sunday, the president painted a modestly different picture of Tehran’s military capacities.
“They’ve lost everything, almost, military,” he said. “They’ve got very little left. They’ve got some missiles. They’ve got some drones. They’ve got some manufacturing ability, not much. But we control the Strait. They don’t control anything.”
UAE strongly condemns the renewed Iran attacks
02:07 , Holly BancroftThe United Arab Emirates issued a further statement on Sunday condemning the escalating strikes by Iran on Gulf states and Jordan.
In a post on X, the ministry of foreign affairs said that the “hostile attacks” on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan “constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly nations and a threat to their security and stability”.
الإمارات تُدين بشدة تجدد الهجمات الإيرانية العدوانية على البحرين والكويت والأردن
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) July 19, 2026
UAE Strongly Condemns Renewed Iranian Hostile Attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan pic.twitter.com/HDBOKkkIPk
Trump claims Iran strikes in honor of slain US service members
01:50 , Josh MarcusPresident Donald Trump provided a brief update on Sunday about the latest round of strikes against Iran as he headed back to the White House after attending the World Cup final.
“We hit them very hard again tonight, and we did that in honor of the probably three — it’s probably three, as opposed to two — great patriots,” Trump said from the tarmac.
U.S. Central Command has announced three service member deaths in recent days, including two military members dead after an Iranian attack on Friday in Jordan and a third fatality in Iraq as personnel sought to disable unexploded Iranian ordnance.
A fourth service member is missing as a result of the attack in Jordan.
“We feel very badly, but you know those great people, great patriots, were out there fighting [so] that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said of the deaths.
The resulting retaliatory strikes have left Iran “very, very badly damaged,” Trump added, though he often insists Iran has been all but decimated.
Explosions heard in five Iranian cities as US signals latest barrage: reports
01:10 , Josh MarcusExplosions were heard across at least five Iranian cities today, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim, as the US announced another night of attacks.
Witnesses and local reporters told Tasnim of explosions in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini.
US Central Command said earlier Sunday that renewed strikes began around 7 p.m. Eastern time.
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