Middle East war: Trump calls it ‘devastating blow’; Iran targets US bases in Middle East – key takeaways
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until America’s sins end,” while warning that other oil and gas export routes serving the United States and its allies could also be shut if the conflict escalates.The warning came as the U.S. military launched a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and resumed a naval blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until the crimes of the United States end,” according to AFP, reported by Iranian state television.
Trump calls Iran’s offensive ‘devastating’
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump held a situation room meeting with top national security officials to discuss a potentially devastating military attack on Iran, Axios reported, citing three sources familiar with the negotiations. Discussions focus on expanding the reach of current operations near the Strait of Hormuz, with officials reviewing plans for attacks on strategic targets within Iran.
Iran warns of wider energy disruptions
The IRGC also warned that if Washington tried to control regional sea lanes, the consequences would extend beyond the Strait of Hormuz.“If Washington attempts to prevent oil and gas exports from the region by controlling sea lanes, other export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies may also be shut down,” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement. The group added that regional energy exports would “serve everyone, or no one.”The statement follows renewed U.S. military action in the region. At the same time, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that it had attacked U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, according to Iranian state media.
Central Command attacks Iranian facilities
U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said in a post on X that it had completed another round of strikes against Iran.“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed another round of strikes against Iran at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on July 14, hitting dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian coast.”U.S. fighter jets, drones and naval vessels conducted a seven-hour operation targeting Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defenses, Central Command said.“During the seven-hour attack, U.S. fighter jets, drones, and Navy ships fired precision munitions at Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defenses to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews.”It added that the attack coincided with the resumption of the US naval blockade. “The attack occurred on the same day that U.S. forces reinstated a naval blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade went into effect at 4 p.m. ET today.”Central Command further stated that “U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal and ready to execute operations directed by the Commander-in-Chief.”Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a reimposition of the blockade and warned of further military action unless Tehran returned to talks.“I’m going to save the energy goals for last, but eventually we’re going to hit the energy goals,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.He added, “Next week it’s going to be power plants, next week it’s going to be bridges, unless they come to the table and negotiate.”Trump also said U.S. officials had communicated directly to Tehran. “You better make a deal.”
Regional tensions rise
The latest escalation comes after the collapse of a fragile truce agreed in June between the United States and Iran after months of fighting. Tehran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again following a renewed outbreak of hostilities.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also targeted U.S. military installations in Kuwait. Earlier, state media claimed that troops attacked command and control, logistics, fuel and military equipment facilities of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.Iran’s military said the attack was in response to U.S. military operations against it and attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz and restrict shipping routes.Tehran also said its forces launched drone strikes against U.S. positions at Jordan’s Azraq air base. Jordan’s military later said it shot down three missiles from Iran.Meanwhile, Bahrain’s interior ministry said air raid sirens had been sounded across the country, urging residents to remain calm and seek shelter. Kuwait’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted the Iranian drone, while the state news agency reported that the fire was under control. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazim Garibaldi rejected suggestions that increased military pressure would force Tehran back to the negotiating table.“If the United States thinks that by intensifying measures, military operations and economic blockade against us, we will return to negotiations, it is wrong,” Garibaldi told Iranian state television.Iran has attacked seven commercial ships in the past week, leaving nearly a dozen crew members dead, injured or missing, according to the United States. Two Emirati oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards admitted that two “violating” supertankers were attacked after ignoring repeated warnings, but did not disclose the names of the specific vessels.
