Supreme leader says Iran will teach US 'unforgettable lessons'

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 Friday's top developments here:

• Five blasts heard in Yazd, in center of Iran: state news agency
• Iran Guards say struck US aircraft in Jordan with missiles, drones
• Overnight US attacks killed eight Iranians, injured 20: State media
• Iran says 38 killed, more than 400 injured in US strikes since June 22
• US strikes in Iran hit bridges and an airport: Iranian state media

US forces launch new airstrikes against Iran, says CENTCOM

Published: July 18, 2026 | 22:17 GMT | by Web Desk

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said U.S. forces began launching new airstrikes against Iran at 6 p.m. ET on the direction of the Commander in Chief.

According to the statement, the strikes are intended to further “degrade” Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly “punish” Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces that launched attacks against American service members in Jordan the previous night.

Israeli strike kills woman in Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City

Published: July 18, 2026 | 20:50 GMT | by Web Desk

A Palestinian woman has been killed and several people wounded in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City, after Israeli forces fired artillery at a group of people, Al-Jazeera reported citing its source in the ambulance and emergency service.

Iranian envoy says US lacked serious intent for deal

Published: July 18, 2026 | 19:38 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said the United States did not even wait 60 days before violating the memorandum of understanding (MOU), which he said indicates that the US side "lacked serious determination, will and intention" for any deal to succeed.

In his statement, the ambassador said the US "didn't care any for peace and stability," describing such claims as "mere rhetorics."

He added that there was "no intention for peace or so-called DEAL," and asserted that the basic intention was "to destabilize without deal, within deal or via deal."

UAE expresses deep concern over regional developments, calls for immediate de-escalation

Published: July 18, 2026 | 19:33 GMT | by Web Desk

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed “deep concern” over the developments witnessed across the region over the past few days and called for an immediate halt to the escalation to avoid exacerbating tensions and instability.

In a statement issued by its Foreign Office, it urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to prevent dangerous repercussions and avoid the region being pulled into new levels of violence and instability.

The statement also called for an immediate end to hostilities and a swift return to negotiations, while stressing the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as vital to the global economy.

Furthermore, the UAE emphasized that the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilian facilities in the region, including schools, universities, hospitals, desalination plants, energy facilities, transportation hubs, and residential areas, constitutes a “flagrant and grave violation” of the established principles and provisions of international law and cannot, under any circumstances, be accepted or justified.

Gaza health officials say children among 10 killed in Israeli strikes

Published: July 18, 2026 | 18:18 GMT | by AFP

Gaza's civil defense and hospitals said Israeli attacks on Saturday killed 10 people across the territory, among them three children and their parents.

A family of five — three children and their parents — were killed when an Israeli strike hit a residential apartment in northwest Gaza City, according to the territory's civil defense agency.

"The family's only surviving member is one child, who was not inside the house at the time of the strike," Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman for the agency, told AFP.

Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital confirmed it had received the five bodies.

NY mayor says still mulling Netanyahu arrest during UN meet

Published: July 18, 2026 | 17:41 GMT | by AFP

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is in talks over whether to try to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an upcoming UN summit, he said in an interview published Saturday -- prompting a sharp rebuke from Netanyahu's camp.

"I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague," Mamdani told The New York Times. "He's a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court."

The leftist Mamdani, who has called Israel an "apartheid regime," added: "That is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years."

Mamdani admitted he was not sure if he has the power to order the New York Police Department to detain a foreign leader but is discussing the matter with the city's legal team.

"Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do," he said.

Supreme leader says Iran will teach US 'unforgettable lessons'

Published: July 18, 2026 | 17:40 GMT | by AFP

Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to teach the US "unforgettable lessons" as renewed hostilities flared on Saturday, saying Washington's attacks in spite of a framework deal to end the war showed Donald Trump's signature to be worthless.

"Now that the American enemy seeks to incite war and bear its most serious consequences, it should know that the dear Iranian nation and the axis of resistance have unforgettable lessons to offer it," he said, in a statement carried by state TV, adding that US violations of the deal "once again demonstrated to everyone the worthlessness of the American president's signature."

CENTCOM says two service members killed in Jordan, on missing 

Published: July 18, 2026 | 16:10 GMT | by Web Desk

US Central Command said that two service members in Jordan were killed in action as forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks, adding that one service member was missing in action.

In a post on X, it said that four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and had been since been discharged. 

“Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty,” it added.

Saudi Arabia slams ‘brutal Iranian aggression’ against Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan

Published: July 18, 2026 | 16:10 GMT | by Web Desk

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has said it strongly condemns “the continued brutal Iranian aggression” against Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

In a statement, the ministry said it fully supports the measures those countries take against Iran’s attacks, which “violate international law and the principles of good neighbourliness”.

The Saudi statement follows earlier condemnations of Iran’s recent attacks on Gulf neighbours by Qatar and GCC chief Jassim al-Budaiwi.

GCC condemns Iran 'war crimes'

Published: July 18, 2026 | 16:10 GMT | by AFP

The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned recent Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, saying strikes on civilian infrastructure amounted to "war crimes".

"Iran's actions constitute a highly dangerous escalation, a grave violation of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, as well as war crimes," Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said.

Russia’s Lavrov speaks with Emirati counterpart about Gulf developments

Published: July 18, 2026 | 16:10 GMT | by Web Desk

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has spoken by phone with his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Russia’s Ria Novosti news agency cited Russia’s foreign ministry as saying.

The ministry said the two officials exchanged views on the situation in the Gulf, and both stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire between the US and Iran and a return to negotiations.

Qatar condemns Iran’s attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait

Published: July 18, 2026 | 15:26 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the attacks, calling them a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the targeted countries, and a blatant breach of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the principles of good neighborliness.”

It described these attacks as a “dangerous escalation” that would “complicate efforts to contain tensions and undermine political and diplomatic endeavours aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.”

Three US strikes hit Iran’s Hormozgan province today: Iranian media

Published: July 18, 2026 | 15:26 GMT | by Web Desk

Three US air strikes have targeted areas near Sirik in Iran’s Hormozgan province today, reports Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.

The latest of the strikes occurred at 16:40pm (13:10 GMT), reported Mehr.

Absence of UN, international law has placed ‘heavy responsibility’ on US and Iran

Published: July 18, 2026 | 13:24 GMT | by Web Desk

Zeidon Alkinani, founding director of the Arab Perspectives Institute in Doha, says that where the war is heading is “very concerning” and it is turning into a much more expanded conflict.

“It was very evident that it would reach this level if it were to continue. I think one of the concerning, alarming flags that we’re noticing is the absence of international institutions, the absence of international law despite the regional mediatory efforts,” Alkinani told Al Jazeera.

“We’re noticing the UN not being able to play the role it has committed to play for many years, which is why the direct confrontation and the direct responsibility is very heavy on both the US and Iran.”

Alkinani explained that the MoU has “always been seen as a temporary ceasefire”, adding that Trump is trying to “reassess” what concessions can be given so that it does not seem “as if Iran won this war and he didn’t.”

US attacks killed at least 50 people in Iran since July 6: Health Ministry

Published: July 18, 2026 | 12:25 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Health Ministry says US attacks on the country since July 6 have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500.

Pakistan, Kuwait stress restraint, implementation of Islamabad MoU

Published: July 18, 2026 | 12:25 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan and Kuwait on Saturday called for the full implementation of the Islamabad MoU and urged restraint amid ongoing regional tensions during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

According to the Foreign Office, Kuwait expressed concern over continued attacks on its territory and appreciated "Pakistan’s constructive and mediatory role in promoting dialogue and regional stability".

FM Dar reiterated the need for de-escalation, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and adherence to ceasefire commitments under the Islamabad MoU. The two ministers agreed to remain in close contact.

‘Around 10,000 people across 20 Iranian villages’ without water after US attack

Published: July 18, 2026 | 08:01 GMT | by Web Desk

The US strike on a water desalination facility in the coastal village of Bunji, in Iran’s Jask County, has “completely disrupted drinking water supplies for 20 villages with a combined population of around 10,000 people,” Hamzeh Pour, CEO of the Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company, was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying, citing Tasnim.

Pour described the US attacks as “a series of crimes and terrorist acts,” claiming that the pumping station used to draw seawater and the power transformer at the Bunji desalination facility were “completely destroyed.”

He added that “these villages are now experiencing a serious water shortage.”

Lebanon's Aoun departed for Washington to meet Trump: Presidency

Published: July 18, 2026 | 07:31 GMT | by AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday left Beirut for Washington, where he is expected to meet Donald Trump, the Lebanese presidency said, after talks between Lebanon and Israel wrapped up in Italy.

Aoun will hold discussions "with several American officials on the situation in Lebanon and ways to strengthen the ceasefire", particularly in Lebanon's south, as well as on "the withdrawal of Israel from the Lebanese regions it occupies", the presidency said.

Bahrain says 'thwarted' new wave of Iranian attacks

Published: July 18, 2026 | 07:03 GMT | by AFP

Bahrain's army said its air defenses repelled on Saturday a wave of Iranian attacks, as an AFP journalist in Manama reported hearing blasts after sirens sounded.

"Air defense systems thwarted" the attacks, the army said in a statement, adding that they "intercepted and destroyed a number of treacherous Iranian aerial assaults".

Kuwait says Iran hit second power, water plant 

Published: July 18, 2026 | 07:01 GMT | by AFP

Kuwait on Saturday said Iran struck another of its power and water plants, leading to the deactivation of several power generation units, a day after a similar attack.

"Another electricity and water distillation plant was targeted by a hostile attack that led to a fire erupting in one of the plant's components," which resulted in the deactivation of some power generation units, the ministry of electricity and water said in a statement.

US launches 7th night of strikes as Iran attacks military sites

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:33 GMT | by AFP

Bombing intensified in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive night, with Iran threatening a "full-scale offensive" in response to American strikes and hitting several US military sites in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that two oil tankers directed by "deceptive American intelligence agencies" exploded after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which the US military quickly denied.

The Revolutionary Guards also said on state television they "stopped" four ships trying to transit the critical waterway.

Major General Mohsen Rezaei, a senior military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said Tehran will resume "full-scale offensive operations" if US strikes against it continue for another two or three days.

"Iran will no longer limit itself to retaliatory, like-for-like responses... and no political border will be safe," Rezaei said, according to the Iranian news agency IRIB.

US forces reported striking Iran with attacks designed to "continue degrading Iranian military capabilities", according to a statement on X by US Central Command.

Operations suspended at Kuwait International Airport

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Kuwait Airways announced that takeoff and landing operations at Kuwait International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to the latest wave of Iranian attacks, according to Al Jazeera.

Israel conducts air strikes on southern Lebanon 

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:20 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli warplanes launched two waves of air strikes at dawn, targeting the Masha’ al-Mansouri area in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Kuwait Airways flights rescheduled as airspace closes

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:15 GMT | by Web Desk

Kuwait Airways announced that most flights have been rescheduled because of today's airspace closure following the latest Iranian attacks, the airline said in a post on X on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera.

The airline urged passengers to monitor updates to their flights, saying notifications and text messages would be sent to the phone numbers provided during booking to inform them of any changes.

Air raid sirens sound for fourth time in Kuwait

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:10 GMT | by Web Desk

Air raid sirens sounded for a fourth time as efforts to intercept incoming missiles continued, according to Al Jazeera.

In a statement, the Kuwaiti army said its air defense systems were responding to what it described as hostile missile and drone attacks following the latest Iranian strikes.

The military added that any explosions heard were the result of its air defense systems intercepting the incoming threats.

Kuwait says responding to Iranian missile, drone attacks for third time

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:10 GMT | by Web Desk

The Kuwaiti army said it is once again responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks, urging the public to follow the safety and security instructions issued by the authorities, according to Al Jazeera.

In a statement posted on X, the army added that any explosions heard were caused by air defense systems intercepting the incoming attacks.

US warns citizens to reconsider Mideast travel amid rising tensions

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:10 GMT | by Web Desk

The US State Department is calling for increased caution as tensions across the region continue to rise.

In a statement posted on X, the department said that “due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation”, and urged Americans to reassess their travel plans, adding that “Americans should reconsider travel to/through the Middle East”.

The department also reminded US citizens already in the region of the “continued need for caution” and encouraged them to “monitor the news for breaking developments”. It further advised travellers to “check with their air carriers to make sure their flights are still scheduled”.

Missiles targeted US military assets and fuel tanks in Bahrain, says Iran’s military

Published: July 18, 2026 | 06:05 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian military assets claimed that US military facilities and fuel storage tanks were hit during missile strikes on a US base in Bahrain, Al Jazeera reported, quoting  a military statement carried by the Tasnim news agency.

In the statement, Iran's military said that “in response to the crimes of global arrogance”, it had targeted the “aircraft hangar and parking lot”, as well as “fuel tanks” at the Sheikh Isa Air Base, along with several communication bridges in Bahrain.

The statement added that the US had used the base to launch “operations against regional targets, especially our country”.

Jordan's army says shot down 10 Iranian missiles

Published: July 18, 2026 | 05:25 GMT | by AFP

Jordan's army said on Saturday it had shot down 10 Iranian missiles with no casualties or damage, as Tehran retaliated against American strikes by pressing attacks on US allies.

"Air defense systems... intercepted 10 Iranian missiles that had entered Jordanian airspace and were targeting the Kingdom's territory (which) were intercepted and shot down," the army said in a statement, adding that there were no casualties or material damage.

Iran army says targeted Bahrain air base: State TV

Published: July 18, 2026 | 05:23 GMT | by AFP

The Iranian army said on Saturday that it had targeted an air base in Bahrain used by the United States in response to American strikes, according to Iran's state broadcaster.

Attack drones targeted "aircraft shelters and parking areas, fuel storage tanks of the US military at Sheikh Isa Air Base, as well as several connecting bridges in Bahrain," the army said, adding that the base in southern Bahrain is "one of the most important operational and logistical centres" for the US military in the region.

US military says struck military, maritime sites in Iran

Published: July 18, 2026 | 02:03 GMT | by AFP

The US military said it had concluded strikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night Friday, adding that it had hit several targets aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities.

"US Central Command (CENTCOM) hit surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities," the military said in a post on X.

Iranian army says struck US targets in Kuwait, Jordan: State TV

Published: July 18, 2026 | 01:21 GMT | by AFP

Iran's army said it struck US military targets in Kuwait and Jordan in response to American attacks, according to a statement carried by the Iranian state broadcaster on Saturday.

In Kuwait, Iranian forces targeted an ammunition depot in the Al-Adiri camp, the headquarters buildings and ammunition depots in the Ali Al-Salem base and several communication bridges.

In Jordan, fuel tanks at the Al-Azraq base were also targeted, the state broadcaster said on Telegram.

Iran's Guards say two oil tankers explode after hitting mines in Hormuz

Published: July 18, 2026 | 00:36 GMT | by AFP

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday that two oil tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz hit mines and exploded, a claim disputed by the US military.

"An hour ago, two oil tankers, which were trying to pass through the minefield south of the Strait of Hormuz by deceptive American intelligence agencies, exploded and caught fire," the Guards said in a statement published by state news agency IRNA, without identifying the tankers.

"To protect their capital and, more importantly, their lives, the sailors should not be deceived and enter the minefield," they said.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a brief denial, saying on X, "Like most IRGC claims, this is false."

US strikes kill 3, wound 8 in southern Iran: Iranian state media

Published: July 18, 2026 | 00:36 GMT | by AFP

US attacks killed three people and wounded eight in the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan, state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.

"The deputy political, security and social affairs governor of Hormozgan announced the martyrdom of three people and the injury of eight people following enemy attacks on some parts of Hormozgan province this morning," IRNA said on Telegram.

Iran's Guards say 'stopped' 4 ships trying to transit Hormuz: state TV

Published: July 17, 2026 | 23:36 GMT | by AFP

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they had "stopped" four ships trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

"In the past hours, four violating ships with the support of the terrorist US army were trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and all four ships were stopped in place during a combined missile and drone operation," the Guards said in a statement carried by the state broadcaster.

Five blasts heard in Yazd, in center of Iran: state news agency

Published: July 17, 2026 | 23:05 GMT | by AFP 

Five explosions were heard in the early hours of Saturday in Yazd, in central Iran, the state news agency IRNA reported, after the US military announced a seventh night of strikes against the country.

Another Iranian news agency, Mehr, reported that explosions were heard "in several provinces in the south" of Iran.

For earlier developments, read our July 17 live blog here.