This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up Tuesday's top development's here
- US forces launch new round of strikes on Iran: US military
- Air raid sirens sound in Bahrain: interior ministry
- Pakistan condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia, expresses solidarity
- Trump says Iran ‘shot first’, calls it ‘big mistake’
- Gaza health officials say Israeli airstrike on police station kills 8
Kuwait says intercepting Iranian drones, Bahrain sounds sirens
Published: July 15, 2026 | 02:05 GMT | by AFP
Kuwait's military said it was intercepting Iranian attack drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens after the United States carried out more strikes against Iran.
"Kuwaiti air defenses are currently engaging hostile drone attacks following the nefarious Iranian aggression," the Kuwaiti army said. Bahrain's interior ministry urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.
US expands sanctions targeting Iran oil sector
Published: July 15, 2026 | 01:13 GMT | by AFP
The United States expanded its sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector, taking further aim at the network of petroleum shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, said the Treasury Department.
The move came after US forces carried out a fourth straight day of strikes against Iran and reimposed a naval blockade, with Iran in turn hitting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the International Maritime Organization.
"This action is part of Treasury's ongoing efforts to ramp up economic pressure on the Iranian regime after it resumed destabilizing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz," the Treasury Department said.
Air raid siren activated in Bahrain: interior ministry
Published: July 15, 2026 | 00:23 GMT | by AFP
Bahrain sounded an air raid siren, the interior ministry said on Wednesday, after the United States carried out strikes against Iran and reimposed its naval blockade.
"The siren has been sounded," the interior ministry said on X. "Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place."
Trump warns of strikes on Iran power plants next week if 'no deal'
Published: July 14, 2026 | 21:17 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump told Fox News on Tuesday he would expand US strikes on Iran next week to target power plants and bridges if Tehran does not make a deal.
"Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges," Trump said in an interview with the US broadcaster.
"We're going to knock out all their power plants. We're going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate."
For earlier developments, read our July 14 live blog here
