Iran conflict: US launches new strikes on Iran as Gulf states intercept drones
The United States has launched a ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military assets to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, regional tensions have escalated with Kuwait intercepting drones and Iran claiming attacks on a command center in Syria.
Why it matters
The ongoing conflict threatens global oil supplies and risks a wider regional war in the Middle East.
This screengrab made on July 19, 2026 from handout video footage released by the US Central Command (Centcom) on July 18, 2026 shows US forces launching what the military says are precision strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities. Photo / Centcom / AFP
New violence shook the Middle East early on Monday as the United States announced another wave of attacks on Iran, Kuwait said it was intercepting drones and Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have hit an “enemy command centre” in Syria.
Bahrain’s interior ministry also said that its air raid sirens had sounded and urged citizens and residents to head to “the nearest safe place”.
US Central Command (Centcom) late on Sunday announced it was beginning a wave of strikes on Iran for the ninth night in a row.
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