Middle East

The US government is set to announce a landmark agreement allowing Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program, reshaping Middle East geopolitics.

The US expands military strikes on Iran, triggering chain retaliation across the Gulf. Three US troops killed and dozens wounded in repeated attacks on Jordan base. Iran retaliates in Syria and Jordan, two ships explode in Strait of Hormuz, oil prices surge past $90 a barrel.

Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes and further escalate regional tensions.

International oil prices break through $90 per barrel, hitting a nearly two-year high. Escalating US-Iran military conflict raises concerns about Hormuz Strait shipping security and global energy supply stability.

Core Summary Iran launched a missile strike on a US military base in Jordan, killing two American service members and leaving one missing. This marks the first time US troops have been killed by direct Iranian military action since the escalation of US-Iran tensions, pushing the conflict into a dangerous new phase. Event Details According to CBS News, Iran struck a US military installation in Jordan on July 18, resulting in the deaths of two American soldiers, with a third currently listed as missing. This represents the first confirmed US fatalities from direct Iranian military action since the current round of hostilities began. ...

Core Summary The US military carried out its seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran early on July 18, with targets expanding to key bridge infrastructure to sever supply lines. Tehran has threatened a “full-scale” counter-offensive as Middle East tensions continue to escalate. Event Details US Central Command confirmed completion of the seventh straight night of strikes against Iran. Unlike previous rounds that focused primarily on military installations and radar sites, this phase targeted transportation bridges connecting key military nodes within Iran. The Wall Street Journal quoted US defense officials saying the move aims to “cut the arteries” of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard logistics network. ...

Core Summary The United States has launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran, with explosions reported in multiple locations across the country. In a remarkable development, Vice President JD Vance publicly accused Israel of “manipulating” American public opinion to prolong the Iran conflict, sending shockwaves through Washington and raising questions about the future of US-Israel relations. Event Details According to BBC reporting, explosions have been heard across Iran as the US initiates another round of military action. This follows previous US airstrikes on Iranian targets and the reinstatement of a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. ...

Core Summary Iran has launched large-scale retaliatory attacks on US military bases across multiple countries in the Middle East. Explosions were heard across Iran overnight, and neighboring Gulf states began reporting attacks. This marks the latest dramatic escalation in US-Iran tensions, following US strikes on Iranian targets and a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Event Details According to BBC reporting, Iran launched overnight retaliatory strikes against US bases in the Middle East, with multiple Gulf states reporting attacks. Explosions were heard across Iran, and the situation deteriorated rapidly over several hours. ...

Core Summary Iran issued its most forceful warning yet on July 15, threatening to halt all energy exports across the Middle East after the United States reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The statement escalates the US-Iran confrontation to dangerous new heights, directly threatening global oil supply stability. International crude prices surged sharply following the announcement, with Brent crude briefly exceeding $130 per barrel. Analysts warn that continued deterioration could trigger a severe global energy supply shock. ...

President Trump reverses plan to impose 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz cargo just 24 hours after announcement, while maintaining blockade on Iranian ports.