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Iran hits US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan after 10 nights of US attacks

Tehran targeted US radar and air defence systems as two tankers were hit after entering routes not authorised by Iran
A screen grab released on 16 July by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Sepah News website shows a missile being launched from an undisclosed location towards US targets (AFP)

The US has completed its 10th consecutive night of attacks on Iran, widening the war it launched alongside Israel on 28 February, as Tehran retaliated against US military bases across the region and two vessels came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command said the latest bombardment lasted about five hours and ended at 9pm eastern time on Monday.

American forces struck Iranian military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, maritime capabilities and air defence systems.

The renewed assault marks a continuation of the Israel-US war that began with coordinated attacks on Iran on 28 February.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on 17 June declaring an “immediate and permanent termination” of military operations. The agreement also required the US to end its naval blockade and opened a 60-day window for negotiations.

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Washington subsequently sought to reinterpret the agreement’s provisions on control of the Strait of Hormuz and failed to stop Israel from continuing its attacks on Lebanon, despite halting those attacks being the agreement’s first provision.

On 8 July, Trump declared the agreement dead, resumed US attacks and restored the blockade of Iran.

Tehran responded by closing the strait again and resuming strikes on US military bases across the region.

Iran strikes regional US bases

Overnight Iran announced that it has struck military installations across Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it destroyed a US air defence system and radar installations in Bahrain’s Muharraq area.

'Enough is enough. End this war'

- Chuck Schumer, House Democrat leader

In a statement carried by Iran’s IRIB broadcaster, the IRGC said a coordinated missile and drone attack also destroyed a Patriot system in Al-Riffa.

Iran’s army separately told Fars that drones had struck the Sheikh Isa military base, a key facility used by the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

It said operations would continue until “the enemy is deterred from continuing its attacks on the country”.

In Kuwait, the IRGC said its forces struck US radar, telecommunications, satellite and missile defence infrastructure at the Ahmed Al-Jaber and Ali Al Salem airbases.

iran
An Iranian woman holds Iran's national flag in front of a huge anti-US billboard referring to the death of US senator Lindsey Graham at Valiasr Square in Tehran on July 19, 2026. (Atta Kenare/AFP)

Tasnim also carried an Iranian army statement saying its forces hit buildings and antennas at Camp Arifjan, a helicopter area at Camp Al-Adiri and troop accommodation at Ahmed Al-Jaber.

“Security in the region has been disrupted following the mischief of US terrorist forces, and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic are attempting to restore security and calm to the region in their battle against the US,” the statement added.

The IRGC also said it destroyed a missile defence radar and an F-15 fighter jet inside a shelter during an attack on a US military base in Jordan. Tehran said the operation sought to remove radar coverage ahead of wider missile and drone attacks.

Pressure grows in Washington

A Iranian military source told the semi-official Fars news agency that Iran would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed while US attacks continued.

“The Strait of Hormuz is in full control of the Iranian armed forces,” the source was quoted as saying.

“Any decision to reopen or continue restrictions on this passageway will be made solely based on security considerations and national interests, and this situation will not change as long as US threats and hostile actions continue.”

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The IRGC also said explosions caused “massive fires” aboard two tankers that attempted to use what it described as an unsafe southern route through the waterway close to Oman. Rescue teams began evacuating their crews.

“It is obvious that as long as America’s evils continue in the region, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed, and not even a drop of oil, gas, or a package of chemical fertiliser will be exported from the region,” it added.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for the war to end and said Democrats would force another vote on halting military operations.

“Every second Trump prolongs his war in Iran is another second our service members remain in danger,” Schumer wrote on X.

Senate Democrats will “force Senate Republicans to take another vote to end this war and bring our troops home,” he said.

“Enough is enough. End this war,” he added.

Oil prices dipped amid reports of new mediation efforts. Brent crude fell 0.4 percent to $88.87 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude for September stood at $82.47.

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