This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up on Wednesday's top developments here:
- Yemen Houthis claim strikes on two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea
- US launches fresh strikes on Iranian military targets
- Iran warns of 'eye for an eye' response if infrastructure hit
- Iraq lost over $40 bn in revenue during war: Govt official
- Pakistan, Egypt underscore importance of de-escalation, dialogue in Middle East escalation
Explosions reported in Iran’s Bushehr: Irani media
Published: July 23, 2026 | 00:21 GMT | by AFP
US forces have attacked the southern coastal city of Bushehr, causing an explosion, Al Jazeera reported, citing semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Emergency services are at the scene, and “the details of this incident are under investigation,” Tasnim reported.
Yemen Houthis claim strikes on two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea
Published: July 22, 2026 | 22:09 GMT | by AFP
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Wednesday, potentially opening a new front in the US-Iran war engulfing the region.
The claim came as the United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, marking the twelfth consecutive night of US attacks on Iran.
The Houthis said they had carried out missile and drone strikes on two Saudi tankers that "violated the blockade", naming the vessels as the Encelia and the Layla.
US launches fresh strikes on Iranian military targets
Published: July 22, 2026 | 22:05 GMT | by AFP
US forces launched a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets on Wednesday on the orders of President Donald Trump, the US military said.
The strikes began at 5:30 p.m. ET and are aimed at further degrading Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters, according to a statement.
The US military said the operation is ongoing.
For earlier developments, read our July 22 live blog here.
