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People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran. (AP Photo)Jordan’s military on Sunday stated that it shot down three Iranian missiles targeting the kingdom, while the fourth missile fell in a remote area. The armed forces added that there were no casualties in the incident. The US military had earlier attacked an under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant site in southwest Iran.
Meanwhile, US warplanes hit Iranian targets again Saturday evening, marking an eighth straight night of strikes as President Trump ordered retaliation for the deaths of two American troops in Jordan. The strikes came hours after Tehran declared it was walking away from the truce framework reached with Washington last month, with Iran’s supreme leader dismissing Trump’s signature on the deal as meaningless.
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The Pentagon confirmed the latest round of strikes began at 6 pm ET, launched in direct response to an attack that killed two US service members and left a third missing in Jordan, the first American combat deaths from Iranian fire since March. The losses push total US military fatalities in the conflict to 16, with over 400 wounded since fighting resumed. Meanwhile, Tehran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei used a written statement to accuse Washington of repeatedly violating their prior agreements, effectively signalling Iran no longer considers itself bound by last month’s ceasefire terms.
Latest developments:
- US forces struck Iran again Saturday at Trump’s direction, the eighth consecutive night of bombing.
- Two American troops were killed and a third went missing in a Jordan attack blamed on Iranian missiles and drones.
- The Jordan deaths bring total US fatalities in the war to 16, with more than 400 wounded.
- Iran’s supreme leader called Trump’s signature “worthless,” accusing the US of breaking its word.
- Kuwaiti firefighters were injured battling blazes from Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Follow The Indian Express Global Desk live coverage for the latest updates on the conflict from West Asia and the US.
Live Updates
Jul 20, 2026 05:43 AM IST
Explosions heard in five Iranian cities
Explosions have been heard in five Iranian cities, including the major northwestern hub of Tabriz and two key ports, shortly after US Central Command announced a new wave of attacks on the Islamic Republic, Tasnim news agency is reporting
Witnesses and local reporters told Tasnim explosions were heard in Tabriz, the southeastern coastal cities of Chabahar and Konarak and the southwestern energy hubs of Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini.
Jul 20, 2026 05:41 AM IST
Iranian air defences said to have shot down drone in south: Mehr
Iranian air defence systems are said to have shot down a drone over southern Iran, according to Mehr News Agency.
Jul 20, 2026 12:55 AM IST
US service member in northern Iraq was killed in action on July 18, CENTCOM says
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday said, "A US service member in northern Iraq was killed in action July 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. A second service member was wounded and continues to receive medical treatment for a minor injury."
CENTCOM Update on Recently Fallen U.S. Service Members
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 19, 2026
TAMPA, Fla. — Yesterday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the passing of two U.S. service members and the missing status of one in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17. After a thorough search, U.S.…
Jul 19, 2026 11:41 PM IST
Kuwait condemns what it calls Iranian attack on power, water desalination facility
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry condemned on Sunday what it described as an Iranian attack on a power generation and water desalination facility, calling it a direct strike on vital civilian infrastructure.
The repeated targeting of civilian facilities amounted to a dangerous escalation and violated international law, the UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, the ministry said in a statement.
Jul 19, 2026 10:45 PM IST
Iraqi PM to visit Tehran this week, Iraqi state news agency says
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will visit Tehran within the coming week, the Iraqi state news agency reported on Sunday, adding that during the visit, the prime minister will sign memorandum of understanding in Tehran in areas of cooperation.
Jul 19, 2026 10:28 PM IST
Jordan summons Iranian diplomat over 'unjustified' attacks, ministry says
Jordan has summoned Iran's charge d'affaires in Amman over what it called "unjustified and blatant Iranian attacks" and "provocative and inflammatory statements targeting the Kingdom's territory," Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.
Over the last week, Jordan has repeatedly said that it has intercepted Iranian missiles flying over its territory, including three that it shot down on Sunday, according to the country's military.
- Reuters
Jul 19, 2026 09:03 PM IST
US Secretary Rubio meets Lebanon's president, discusses Israel-Lebanon framework agreement
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday to discuss implementation of a US-brokered framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on June 26 aimed at ending their conflict, the State Department said.
"The Secretary commended the courage of the Government of Lebanon, under President Aoun's leadership, for their determined effort to reclaim Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm (Hezbollah) and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and move towards peace," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
Jul 19, 2026 07:58 PM IST
Sounds of explosions heard in Iran's Abadan
Sounds of explosions were heard in Iran's Abadan city on Sunday as the US military continued its strikes against the Islamic Republic, Reuters reported.
Jul 19, 2026 05:56 PM IST
Israel says Iran has launched missiles toward Jordan
Israeli military on Sunday said Iran has launched missiles toward Jordan, warning that fire could spill over into its borders, AP reported.
Jul 19, 2026 05:51 PM IST
Sirens sound in Jordan's capital Amman
Warning sirens were sounded in Jordan's capital, Amman, on Sunday amid Iran's strikes at US bases in the Gulf region, state TV reported.
Jul 19, 2026 05:44 PM IST
Trump says Republicans should add Iran to Russian bill
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Republicans should add Iran to the Russian sanctions bill.
Jul 19, 2026 05:34 PM IST
Israel to receive more US refuelling planes as Iran attacks intensify, Israeli officials say
Israel is preparing to receive more US refuelling aircraft, an Israeli military official said on Sunday, as attacks launched by the United States and Iran have escalated over the past week.
The US and Iran have intensified strikes since an interim ceasefire deal signed a month ago crumbled, raising the possibility of a return to all-out war. Israel has not joined the latest US attacks.
- Reuters
Jul 19, 2026 05:11 PM IST
Iran condemns US strike on Darkhovin nuclear plant
Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) has condemned the United States for striking the under-construction Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant, describing the attack as a "terrorist and criminal" act.
In a statement, the agency accused the US of carrying out "an aggressive and barbaric act in violation of international law" and said the Darkhovin facility was "one of the symbols of the Iranian nation's dignity and scientific self-reliance". The condemnation follows Iran's earlier claim that multiple projectiles struck the nuclear plant site in Khuzestan province.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Jul 19, 2026 05:09 PM IST
Kuwait says power, desalination plant attacked again
Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said a power generation and water desalination plant was attacked for the second time in two days, resulting in a fire at parts of the facility.
The ministry said emergency teams were working to extinguish the blaze, which affected a large number of electricity generation units. Authorities did not immediately identify who was responsible for the attack or provide details on casualties or the extent of the damage.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Jul 19, 2026 05:08 PM IST
Jordan denies evacuating Aqaba airport, seaport after US embassy warning
Jordan's government has denied that Aqaba's airport and seaport were evacuated after the US embassy in Amman warned of a "specific and credible threat" at the two facilities.
Government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani told Reuters that no potential threats had been recorded by Jordanian authorities in recent hours and that both the airport and seaport were operating normally. Earlier, the US embassy had advised American citizens to avoid travelling to Aqaba airport and seaport and to follow security directives issued by Jordanian authorities. The warning came amid heightened regional tensions after an Iranian attack in Jordan killed two US military personnel and left another missing.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Jul 19, 2026 04:58 PM IST
Trump shrugs off Iran's withdrawal from interim deal
US President Donald Trump said he "couldn't care less" after Iran announced it was no longer abiding by the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last month.
In a phone interview with US cable network NewsNation, Trump reiterated that the primary objective of the conflict is "never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon". The MoU, signed in mid-June, was intended to help end the conflict launched by the US and Israel in February. The latest escalation in fighting followed disagreements over the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Jul 19, 2026 04:56 PM IST
US embassy warns Americans against travel to Jordan's Aqaba airport, seaport
The US Embassy in Jordan has strongly advised American citizens not to travel to Aqaba's international airport or seaport after Jordanian authorities evacuated both facilities citing a "specific and credible threat." The embassy also reiterated its advisory against travel to military bases in Jordan and urged Americans to follow all security directives issued by local authorities. The warning comes as regional tensions remain high following continued US strikes on Iran and an Iranian attack in Jordan that killed two US military personnel and left another missing.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Jul 19, 2026 04:55 PM IST
Iran says US strikes under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant site
Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) said multiple projectiles struck the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant site in Khuzestan province at around 3:39 am local time, blaming the United States for the attack. The agency condemned the strike, while local media reported the projectiles hit the facility, where construction began in 2022. No immediate information on casualties or the extent of damage was released.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Jul 19, 2026 02:19 PM IST
Syria reports fresh Israeli military incursions in Quneitra
Israeli forces carried out several incursions into Syria's Quneitra countryside over the past two days, Syria's state news agency SANA reported. According to the report, Israeli troops established a temporary checkpoint, searched civilians, and fired a mortar shell and smoke grenade in separate incidents. Damascus condemned the operations as violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and called on the international community to press Israel to withdraw from southern Syria.
Jul 19, 2026 02:17 PM IST
Traffic resumes on key Iran highway after US strikes: Tasnim
Traffic has resumed on the Bandar Abbas–Kahurestan–Shiraz route after US strikes in Iran's Hormozgan province damaged six bridges in Khamir county, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported. The agency said the key transport corridor is now fully operational despite the earlier attacks.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsTraffic Normal on Bandar Abbas-Kahurestan-Shiraz Route After US Attack
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) July 19, 2026
Traffic is fully opened on the Bandar Abbas-Kahurestan-Shiraz axis.
In the aggressive US attacks on Hormozgan province at dawn on Friday, six bridges in Khamir county were hit. https://t.co/NFR36hyKDm
Jul 19, 2026 02:14 PM IST
Bahrain urges people to seek shelter after sirens sound
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior on Sunday urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place after sirens were activated amid heightened regional tensions.
In posts on X, the ministry asked people avoid panic.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsThe siren has been sounded ,, Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) July 19, 2026
Jul 19, 2026 01:53 PM IST
Israeli court freezes parts of media overhaul law
Israel's High Court has temporarily frozen parts of a contentious media overhaul law passed by the Knesset before it disbanded last week. The injunction blocks provisions that were due to take effect immediately, while leaving the rest of the legislation in force.
According to The Times of Israel, the law expands government control over the broadcast media sector by removing key oversight mechanisms and longstanding journalistic safeguards.
Jul 19, 2026 12:50 PM IST
Missiles, drones target Kuwait amid Iran-US escalation
Kuwait on Sunday said it had come under Iranian missile and drone attacks, with the country's military activating its air defences following what it called "the sinful Iranian aggression." The attack came amid escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States after the collapse of an interim ceasefire, with both sides exchanging strikes over the past week. According to AP, Kuwait has been among the Gulf states most affected by the conflict, with previous attacks targeting US military bases and critical infrastructure, including an airport, desalination plant and power facilities.
Jul 19, 2026 12:18 PM IST
Israel declares Gaza border area a 'closed military zone' ahead of settler march
The Israeli military has declared the area surrounding the Gaza Strip a "closed military zone" from 8 am Sunday to 8 am Monday local time. According to The Times of Israel, the move comes ahead of a planned march by the right-wing Nahala settler group, which advocates re-establishing Israeli settlements inside Gaza.
The report said the closure covers the entire Gaza periphery, from Yad Mordechai in the north to Route 232 in the east and Kerem Shalom in the south. Citing a military source, it added that the restriction was imposed over concerns that members of the settler group could attempt to enter the Gaza Strip illegally.
Jul 19, 2026 12:04 PM IST
Why Trump’s Saudi Arabia nuclear deal is raising proliferation concerns
The Trump administration has agreed to allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on its own soil, sidestepping the tough international safeguards countries normally must accept to keep nuclear weapons development in check, according to sources and documents reviewed by CNN.
Trump still hasn’t signed off on the draft deal covering Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme, even though the US and Saudi negotiating teams finished hammering out terms back in October 2025. Read more
Jul 19, 2026 11:11 AM IST
Nigerian children pay the price for Iran war as malnutrition, poverty surge
Key Points
Jul 19, 2026 10:20 AM IST
US ends eighth consecutive night of Iran strikes, Central Command says
The US military completed its eighth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, the US Central Command said on Saturday, hitting Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defense facilities.
It also targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces that launched attacks against US service members in Jordan on July 17, CENTCOM said in a statement.
Jul 19, 2026 10:05 AM IST
What to know so far as strikes enter 8th night
Key Points
Jul 19, 2026 09:35 AM IST
US military claims attacks on IRGC forces involved in deadly Jordan strikes
US forces said they successfully struck Iranian coastal surveillance sites, air defence facilities, naval capabilities, and missile and drone storage in the latest round of attacks, adding that American assets also targeted IRGC forces responsible for the July 17 attack on US service members in Jordan a strike that killed at least two Americans and left another still missing.
Jul 19, 2026 09:21 AM IST
US military says eighth night of strikes against Iran now over
The Central Command says it has completed the eighth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, at the commander-in-chief’s direction.
Jul 19, 2026 08:40 AM IST
American woman arrives home after 566 days in Iranian detention
American Dena Karari, who spent 566 days wrongfully detained in Iran over accusations of espionage tied to her work with a US nonprofit helping impoverished children, returned home Saturday.
Her attorney, Jared Genser, announced her arrival on X, thanking those who made it possible and calling for renewed efforts to free the remaining Americans held in Iran. Her release, days after Trump said Iran had freed a wrongfully detained American woman as a goodwill gesture, marks the first known freeing of an American from Iranian custody since 2023.
Welcome home #denakarari from #iran to the land of the free and the home of the brave 🇺🇸 — after 566 days wrongly detained by the Iranian regime. THANK YOU to all who made this day possible, known and unknown. We must now redouble our efforts to get all the other Americans out! pic.twitter.com/g0huxfhZN3
— Jared Genser (@JaredGenser) July 19, 2026
Jul 19, 2026 08:31 AM IST
Top Iranian commander warns US of ‘devastating response’ to aggression
Major General Ali Abdullahi, the commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, has warned the US, saying “any aggression or barbarism will be met with a decisive and devastating response” from the country’s armed forces.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media, Abdullahi described the US “the great Satan” as well as “the criminal, treacherous, and deceitful enemy”.
He pledged to strengthen unity between the armed forces, the Iranian public and officials and pledged to “impose heavier costs” on the US than in the previous wars.
“The enemy, following successive defeats in the military conflict, has taken comfort in creating division and discord between the people and their leaders,” Abdullahi said.
Jul 19, 2026 08:30 AM IST
State Department issues worldwide caution amid escalating Middle East tensions
The State Department issued a worldwide caution for Americans Saturday, pointing to rising tensions in the Middle East and the risk of further escalation. It urged Americans everywhere especially those in the region to stay alert, track local developments, and follow security alerts from the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Jul 19, 2026 08:24 AM IST
New US strikes reported on Iran’s Qeshm Island
US fighter jets carried out another round of attacks on Iran’s Qeshm Island, according to the Tasnim news agency.
Tasnim said at least two explosions were heard in parts of the island. Emergency, security and operational teams were deployed to identify the locations hit and assess any casualties or damage.
Jul 19, 2026 08:21 AM IST
US strike hits location near Shadegan in southwestern Iran: Official
US fighter jets have struck a location near the city of Shadegan in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, according to the province’s deputy governor for security, as cited by the Tasnim news agency.
The official said emergency teams were at the scene and would provide further information about the situation and the extent of any damage.
Jul 19, 2026 08:12 AM IST
‘Great Satan’: Mojtaba Khamenei says broken peace deal proves Trump’s signature ‘worthless’
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Saturday that the US has broken its promise and will face consequences if it keeps attacking Iran. Khamenei’s statement came as the renewed hostilities between the US and Iran entered their eighth consecutive day.
Both sides are heightening their attacks and expanding the scope of their targets. Read more
Jul 19, 2026 08:07 AM IST
US launches new airstrikes to 'swiftly punish' Iran after service members killed
The US military on Saturday said it began launching new airstrikes against Iran to “swiftly punish” it for killing American service members.
“The strikes are designed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
Jul 19, 2026 07:27 AM IST
2 US troops killed, 1 missing in Jordan as Iran strikes Washington allies across Gulf
Two US troops were killed and one remains missing in Jordan after Iran launched a wave of attacks on US allies in the Middle East, as the renewed US bombing campaign against Iran entered its second week.
Sirens sounded in Bahrain, and Kuwait accused Tehran of targeting civilian sites and infrastructure, including a power and desalination plant the country depends on for most of its drinking water. Read more
Jul 19, 2026 06:54 AM IST
Multiple explosions reported in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, Iranian media say
Explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island early Sunday local time, Iranian state-run news agency IRNA reported, citing local residents.
Several locations on Qeshm Island appeared to have been hit, Tasnim news agency said, citing residents on the island, located in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tasnim said US planes had targeted Qeshm multiple times in recent days and had damaged “parts of the island and its infrastructure.”
IRNA reported that multiple explosions were also heard in the port city of Bandar Abbas.
Jul 19, 2026 06:37 AM IST
At least six missiles hit outskirts of Qeshm
The Tasnim news agency is reporting that at least six missiles have struck areas on the outskirts of Qeshm Island.
Citing its correspondent on the island, Tasnim said security officials and relevant authorities have not yet made any statements on the incident. It added that no information has been released about the extent of potential damage or casualties.
Jul 19, 2026 06:04 AM IST
US renews strikes on Iran after two military personnel killed by Iranian attack
Key Points
Jul 19, 2026 05:49 AM IST
Explosion sounds heard in Iranian ports
Explosion sounds were heard in the southern Iranian port cities of Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Provincial authorities in Hormozgan province confirmed the audible blasts but said they had no information on any missile impact or attack by US aircraft.
Bandar Abbas has come under repeated US air strikes in recent days, causing damage to city infrastructure.
Jul 19, 2026 05:17 AM IST
US launches new strikes on Iran after deaths of service members in Jordan
US forces have begun launching new air strikes against Iran at President Donald Trump’s direction, according to US Central Command.
CENTCOM said the attacks were intended to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to “swiftly punish” Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces it accused of killing US service members in Jordan last night.
Today at 6 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began launching new airstrikes against Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. The strikes are designed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 18, 2026
Jul 19, 2026 05:15 AM IST
Iran lawmaker warns US troops to ‘flee’
Ebrahim Azizi, the chairman of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, issued a direct warning to American forces via social media, citing the supreme leader’s earlier threats of retaliatory strikes.
“If US troops truly understood what our wise Supreme Leader meant by ‘unforgettable lessons,’ they wouldn’t waste a single second fleeing,” Azizi wrote.
If US troops truly understood what our wise Supreme Leader meant by ‘unforgettable lessons,’ they wouldn’t waste a single second fleeing.
— ابراهیم عزیزی (@Ebrahimazizi33) July 18, 2026
Jul 19, 2026 05:07 AM IST
Iran attacks Kurdish opposition group bases in northern Iraq
Iran has launched heavy attacks on bases belonging to the Kurdistan Freedom Party in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
Jul 19, 2026 05:07 AM IST
Explosion sounds heard in Iranian ports
Explosion sounds were heard in the southern Iranian port cities of Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Provincial authorities in Hormozgan province confirmed the audible blasts but said they had no information on any missile impact or attack by US aircraft.
Bandar Abbas has come under repeated US air strikes in recent days, causing damage to city infrastructure.
Hormozgan provincial officials later pushed back against social media speculation, saying no collision or impact had been reported in Bandar Lengeh, according to the official Mehr news agency.
Jul 19, 2026 05:05 AM IST
Recap of what's happened so far:
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