Iran

Report says Bahrain, Kuwait carried out strikes inside Iran earlier this month

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U.S. Navy warplane takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during Operation Epic Fury targeting Iran in the Gulf of Oman, on March 01, 2026. [U.S. Navy / Handout – Anadolu Agency]

Bahrain and Kuwait quietly deployed fighter jets to strike targets within Iran earlier this month, marking their first known direct military response against Tehran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing “people familiar with the matter.”

The strikes hit facilities used to store drones and missiles, along with other military installations, according to the report.

The United Arab Emirates, which had previously launched several attacks on Iran during the early stages of the conflict, reportedly contributed intelligence on potential targets and provided defensive air support, reflecting growing coordination among Arab states in countering Iran, the report said.

READ: Iran rapidly rebuilds missile sites, key infrastructure despite months of airstrikes: Report

For several weeks, Iran has concentrated its retaliatory attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, both home to US military bases.

Although the two Gulf nations maintain relatively modest air forces equipped with American and European-made fighter jets, they were unwilling to allow Tehran to continue striking them without responding, the report said.

Regional tensions have escalated over the past two weeks after US President Donald Trump announced on July 8 that the ceasefire outlined in the Islamabad MoU was no longer in effect.

Since then, the US and Iran have exchanged strikes, with Washington targeting sites inside Iran, while Tehran says it has attacked US military facilities and equipmnt across several countries in the region.

READ: Trump grows increasingly frustrated as Iran war enters 5th month: Report

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Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.

Continue ReadingReport says Bahrain, Kuwait carried out strikes inside Iran earlier this month

Omani delegation arrives in Tehran for Strait of Hormuz talks: Report

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Commercial vessels and oil tankers preparing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical strategic waterways for global trade flows, maintain their wait in the Gulf of Oman, on June 17, 2026. [Shady Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

An Omani diplomatic delegation arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials on mechanisms governing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported Friday.

The report said the delegation’s visit was part of ongoing consultations between Iran and Oman aimed at establishing appropriate mechanisms for managing ship traffic through the strategic waterway.

Separately, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi on Friday, during which they discussed the latest regional developments, maritime security, and the movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf following what Tehran described as the Iranian armed forces’ “reciprocal and proportionate” responses to US attacks against Iran.

The two ministers also stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and reviewed regional cooperation and initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation and promoting peace, stability, and security in the region, the ministry added.

No further details were immediately provided about the Omani delegation or the duration of its talks.

READ: Report says Bahrain, Kuwait carried out strikes inside Iran earlier this month

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.

Continue ReadingOmani delegation arrives in Tehran for Strait of Hormuz talks: Report

Trump weighing ‘massive’ US strikes on Iran

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US President Donald J. Trump monitors U.S. military operations in Iran: Operation Epic Fury, February 28, 2026. [White House X Account – Anadolu Agency]

US President Donald Trump is considering launching a new military operation against Iran that could surpass the scale of the US strikes from Operation Epic Fury earlier this year, Axios reported Thursday.

In an interview with the outlet, Trump said he was nearing a decision on a potential major attack but stressed that no final determination had been made. Two US officials also told Axios that no new military orders have been issued.

“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” Trump said.

He also said Israel could join the operation almost immediately if requested, but maintained that the US would not require assistance from another country to carry out a new campaign against Iran.

According to Axios, Trump said Iranian officials want to negotiate but have not yet agreed to the latest proposal presented through mediation efforts.

READ: Iraq will not allow its territory to be used to threaten Iran: Prime minister

“They haven’t received enough pain yet,” he claimed.

Citing two regional sources familiar with the mediation efforts, Axios reported that Iran’s leadership had not accepted the latest proposal.

One source said: “We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump previously warned that Washington would hold Tehran responsible for any further Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, arguing that “major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis themselves.”

The region has been on high alert since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran in February. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military assets across the Gulf.

Although the two sides last month signed a Pakistani-mediated framework agreement to end the conflict, tensions were sparked again in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a new exchange of strikes and renewed US threats of military action against Iran.

READ: A Reading of US National Security Strategies

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingTrump weighing ‘massive’ US strikes on Iran

Iraq will not allow its territory to be used to threaten Iran: Prime minister

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (L) meets with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) in Tehran, Iran on July 23, 2026. [Iranian Presidency / Handout – Anadolu Agency]

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Thursday Baghdad will never allow the use of Iraqi territory to threaten Iran, reaffirming his country’s commitment to security cooperation with Tehran, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a joint meeting of senior Iranian and Iraqi delegations in Tehran, al-Zaidi said Iraq will not accept hostile action against Iran by any party.

“Iraq will never forget Iran’s support in the fight against the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group,” he said, as cited by a statement from Iran’s presidential office.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, for his part, said that a comprehensive strategic cooperation plan would serve as a roadmap for expanding relations between Tehran and Baghdad, stressing that the security of the two neighboring countries was closely linked.

Pezeshkian called for the rapid implementation of bilateral agreements and the expansion of economic, infrastructure, and security cooperation.

He said regional countries should facilitate the movement of people, trade and investment “based on their shared historical, cultural and religious ties.”

READ: Tehran warns any UK base used by US to attack Iran will become ‘legitimate target’

The Iranian president said Tehran had begun developing transport links with neighboring countries and hoped Iraq would join the network to establish an integrated transportation system that would promote transit, investment, joint markets and port development.

He stressed that insecurity in either country would directly affect the other, underscoring the strategic importance of security cooperation.

Pezeshkian also called for the full implementation of the Iran-Iraq security agreement, particularly the clearing of border areas of anti-Iran armed groups, while emphasizing that Tehran preferred to resolve the issue through cooperation and peaceful means.

During al-Zaidi’s official visit to Tehran, senior officials from the two countries signed four cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding in the presence of the two leaders.

The documents included an agreement on the road transport of goods, a memorandum on the construction of the Khosravi-Khanaqin-Baghdad railway, a sister-city agreement between Tehran and Baghdad, and a memorandum on public administration, training and human resources.

Al-Zaidi met Pezeshkian earlier Thursday during his first official visit to Iran since taking office in May.

The Iraqi premier’s media office said the two leaders held a bilateral meeting, without providing further details.

READ: Islamic resistance in Iraq threatens to target US interests if conflict with Iran escalates

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIraq will not allow its territory to be used to threaten Iran: Prime minister

After Trump’s threat, Iran warns no one will sell oil if Tehran can’t

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Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran, Iran on April 16, 2026. [Iranian Parliament Speaker Office – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Wednesday that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz would not return to its pre-war state, warning that no country in the region would be able to sell oil if Iran was prevented from doing so, Anadolu reports.

In a post on the US social media platform X, Qalibaf said the conflict had become an “all or nothing” equation.

“In a region where we cannot sell oil, no one will sell oil,” he warned.

Qalibaf also warned that if Iran’s security was not guaranteed, “no infrastructure will remain secure.”

He further argued that security in the Strait of Hormuz depends on the absence of US forces, adding that Iran had repeatedly stated that conditions in the strategic waterway would not revert to those that existed before the war.

READ: Trump says 18 US troops killed during war with Iran

The remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb an Iranian bridge or power plant each time Tehran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has repeatedly insisted that commercial shipping through the strait will remain safe if vessels coordinate with Tehran under its new maritime arrangements, while warning that it will continue exercising control over the waterway as part of what it describes as safeguarding its long-term security.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes, has become a focal point of tensions since the outbreak of the Iran-US war in February and subsequent disputes over navigation through the strategic waterway.

READ: Trump warns US will bomb bridge or power plant for every attack on ship in Hormuz

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingAfter Trump’s threat, Iran warns no one will sell oil if Tehran can’t