Military spokesperson says maritime blockade has forced Saudi tankers to avoid Red Sea route
Archiv: 07-07-2026 in an incredibly bonkers act of self-sabotage Iranian state leadership is ruining an extremely favorable deal with the USA by attacking three oil tankers in Omani waters
US launches strikes on Iran after Trump says itâs „our turn“ following intercepted Iranian attack
(10 hr 54 min ago)
âWeâre going to be hitting them very hard because itâs our turn to hit them. They know itâs coming,â Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday.
On Tuesday night, Iranâs Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple ballistic missiles towards US forces in the region, and Jordanâs military said it intercepted five missiles.
Der Iran wird zu einem Verlierer des Westasienkrieges
(July 19, 2026)
FĂŒr den einigermaĂen wachen Beobachter erscheint es, als ob Mossad, CIA, MI6 und BND in Teheran an der Macht wĂ€ren und sich einen ihren ĂŒblichen grausamen Scherze erlauben.
Who Is Running Iran? Mojtaba Khameneiâs Public Absence Sparks ‚Command Crisis‘ Rumours
(March 22, 2026)
Despite the expectations of CIA and Mossad for a traditional New Yearâs speech, Mojtaba Khamenei remained out of sight, issuing only a text-based statement on Telegram for Nowruz.
Sources cited by The Jerusalem Post indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may currently hold the reins of the country, with one source suggesting the Guard is controlling Mojtaba rather than following his lead.
US air base, CENTCOM headquarters in Jordan targeted: IRGC
Tehran, IRNA â The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says that its Aerospace Force has targeted a US air base and the US militaryâs CENTCOM headquarters in Jordan with ballistic missiles.
In a statement issued early Wednesday, the IRGC Aerospace Force said the attack was carried out in response to aggressive actions by the US military against Iran.
The brave combatants of the IRGC Aerospace Force targeted the US air base and the CENTCOM headquarters of the US military in Jordan with several ballistic missiles, the statement said.
Tehran says it will halt attacks as long as US maintains pause
The senior Iranian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters: „Iranâs position remains âattack for attackâ: if the attacks stop, Iran will also halt its operations. That message has already been conveyed to the United States.“
Talks between Iran and Oman have been constructive, moving in positive direction, official says
(46 min ago)
Discussions between Iranian officials and their Omani counterparts over the last two days have been constructive, one Iranian official told CBS News on Sunday. Talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are also moving in a positive direction, the official said.
Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran‘s unseen leader shadowed by late father
(July 1, 2026)
Despite the messages and activity on social media channels, there has been no concrete proof that Mojtaba Khamenei is even alive after the February 28 attack that also killed his wife Zahra Haddad Adel and other members of the Khamenei family.
Iranâs government spars with state TV as mediators push talks with US
The broadcaster, whose head is appointed by the supreme leader, issued a response on Saturday rejecting the governmentâs âaccusations and improper attributionsâ, and emphasised that it has a duty to prevent âan incorrect and unreal suggestion of duality in the countryâs leadership pillarsâ.
In his speech, Pezeshkian had pointed out that after last yearâs 12-day war with Israel, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly said there would be no negotiations with Washington â but privately had given his approval.
Trump tells Axios he‘s considering a „bigger than ever before“ attack on Iran
„I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,“ Mr. Trump told Axios, adding that he believed Iran‘s leaders „want to negotiate,“ but aren‘t yet ready to make a deal.
„They haven‘t received enough pain yet,“ he told the outlet.
U.S. forces carried out a 12th consecutive night of strikes across Iran on Wednesday, and Mr. Trump warned in a social media post Thursday that the Islamic Republic and its Houthi allies would both face „major military punishment“ if the Yemeni rebels repeat their attacks from earlier this week on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Watch: Houthi spokesperson says group targeted Saudi oil tankers
(10 hours ago)
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said its armed forces targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, claiming the vessels had violated a ban imposed by the group.
Saudi Arabia‘s state media later confirmed that one of its vessels was struck and the bow of the ship caught fire, with a source adding that all crew members onboard Encelia were safe.
Araghchi interview draws fire from Iran hardliners
Javan, a newspaper affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, wrote on Tuesday that confirming details surrounding the attacks, discussing the day the former leader was killed or revealing that the foreign minister had no contact with new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei were not matters that should have been disclosed publicly.
Der Iran wird zu einem Verlierer des Westasienkrieges
Irgendeine Gruppe oder Fraktion hat die StaatsfĂŒhrung des Iran ĂŒbernommen, in deren Interesse nicht der Iran selbst, sondern die FortfĂŒhrung des Krieges auf unabsehbare Zeit steht. Welche Rolle dabei der Sohn des in der ersten Angriffswelle auf den Iran am 28. Februar ermordeten âObersten FĂŒhrersâ (âSupreme Leaderâ) Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei spielt, erscheint völlig unklar. Bisher ist er nicht in der Ăffentlichkeit aufgetreten. Ausgerechnet ĂŒber israelische Medien wird gestreut, dies werde so bleiben bis zum unabsehbaren Ende des Krieges. Die formal dem âObersten FĂŒhrerâ unterstellten Revolutionsgarden agieren gegen die iranischen Interessen. Gewinner des Krieges sind u.a. Ălmagnate, Kriegsproduzenten und der internationale geheimdienstliche Komplex, nicht zuletzt in der Russischen Föderation, sowie der zum Machterhalt auf Krieg und externe Bedrohung angewiesene Machthaber in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Dabei ist das Interesse der Kriegsgewinnler auf allen Seiten den Westasienkrieg insgesamt noch auszuweiten.
Iran in âreal danger of overplaying its handâ
âTehran has repeatedly overplayed its hand throughout history, and these repeated attacks across the Gulf Cooperation Council could end up making the Strait of Hormuz redundant,â Kamrava told Al Jazeera.
He noted some Gulf countries have already invested in alternative routes to export oil and gas.
âTehran is running a real danger of overplaying its hand,â Kamrava reiterated.
High Representative of EU and Bahrain, as Presidency of GCC, issue statement on Strait of Hormuz and Freedom of Navigation
Brussels, Jul. 18 (BNA): On the occasion of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in Brussels on 13 July, co-chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas on behalf of the European Union, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in his capacity as President of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the High Representative and the Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council issued the following joint statement:
1. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirm that freedom of navigation, including the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strait used for international navigation, are guaranteed under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These rights belong to the ships of all States and cannot be suspended, impeded, or made conditional by any State.
2. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks carried out by Iran against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and against the sovereign territory of States of the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These attacks endangered civilian lives and mariners, violated international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and are wholly unjustifiable.
3. We reject as unlawful any assertion of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any State, and we oppose any regime of permits, transit tolls, or service fees imposed upon international shipping. No bilateral arrangement, understanding, or memorandum between States can unlawfully govern or restrict the right of passage through an international strait, which is guaranteed to all States under international law and cannot be subordinated to the control or permission of any State.
4. We express our full solidarity with the States affected by these attacks and with the seafarers of all nationalities placed in danger. An attack on the security of one is a concern for all who depend on the safety of this vital waterway.
5. We call upon Iran to cease immediately and unconditionally all attacks and all interference with maritime navigation; to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, sustainably and without condition, toll, or fee; and to comply fully with international law and with Security Council Resolution 2817. We reject the imposition of any unilateral or unlawful mechanism or arrangement affecting safe passage through the Strait. States must work within and support international and regional institutions responsible for maritime governance, safety, and security, particularly the International Maritime Organisation.
6. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council will continue to coordinate closely to uphold freedom of navigation, to support the protection of international shipping and seafarers, and to advance a just and durable peace and security in the region, consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
7. We continue to call for restraint and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis and to uphold freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Co-chairs Statement by the High Representative and the Kingdom of Bahrain as Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council on the Strait of Hormuz and Freedom of Navigation
13.07.2026 Brussels, 13 July 2026
EEAS Press Team
On the occasion of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in Brussels on 13 July 2026, co-chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas on behalf of the European Union, and HE Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in his capacity as President of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the High Representative and Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council issued the following joint statement:
1. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirm that freedom of navigation, including the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strait used for international navigation, are guaranteed under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These rights belong to the ships of all States and cannot be suspended, impeded, or made conditional by any State.
2. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks carried out by Iran against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and against the sovereign territory of States of the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These attacks endangered civilian lives and mariners, violated international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and are wholly unjustifiable.
3. We reject as unlawful any assertion of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any State, and we oppose any regime of permits, transit tolls, or service fees imposed upon international shipping. No bilateral arrangement, understanding, or memorandum between States can unlawfully govern or restrict the right of passage through an international strait, which is guaranteed to all States under international law and cannot be subordinated to the control or permission of any State.
4. We express our full solidarity with the States affected by these attacks and with the seafarers of all nationalities placed in danger. An attack on the security of one is a concern for all who depend on the safety of this vital waterway.
5. We call upon Iran to cease immediately and unconditionally all attacks and all interference with maritime navigation; to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, sustainably and without condition, toll, or fee; and to comply fully with international law and with Security Council Resolution 2817. We reject the imposition of any unilateral or unlawful mechanism or arrangement affecting safe passage through the Strait. States must work within and support international and regional institutions responsible for maritime governance, safety, and security, particularly the International Maritime Organisation.
6. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council will continue to coordinate closely to uphold freedom of navigation, to support the protection of international shipping and seafarers, and to advance a just and durable peace and security in the region, consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
7. We continue to call for restraint and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis and to uphold freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
EU, Gulf states call on Iran to unconditionally reopen Strait of Hormuz
CAIRO â 19 July 2026: The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Saturday called on Iran to permanently reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping without imposing any conditions or transit fees.
In a joint statement, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and the GCC presidency strongly condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the vital strait.
HE GCCSG: Treacherous Iranian Regime‘s Targeting of Infrastructure and Civilian Facilities in Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Constitutes War Crimes Requiring Immediate International Accountability
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, alongside the targeting of infrastructure and civilian facilities, which resulted in the injury of a number of civilian workers in the State of Kuwait.
„Iran‘s actions constitute a highly dangerous escalation, a grave violation of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, as well as war crimes requiring international accountability and prosecution, given the deliberate targeting of infrastructure and civilian facilities in flagrant violation of all international norms and conventions, and a persistent determination to destabilise regional security and stability,“ His Excellency underlined.
Moreover, His Excellency stressed that the GCC stands as one with the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, supporting all measures they take to protect their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while expressing his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured individuals in the State of Kuwait.â
Iran Update Special Report, July 16, 2026
2. The United States has continued its effort to degrade the Iranian ability to attack commercial traffic around the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has also conducted strikes further inland, the purpose of which is unclear.
Iran to continue attacks until „calm returns to Strait of Hormuz“
The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, Seyed Majid Mousavi, announced that Iran will continue attacks „until calm returns to the southern coastline and the Strait of Hormuzâ, according to Al Jazeera‘s reports of Iranian state media.
The statement comes as the IRGC has claimed responsibility for attacks on US military targets in Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Syria, Al Jazeera reports.
Musandam Governorate targeted by drones; Oman condemns attacks
Muscat: A security source reported that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones targeted sites in the Musandam Governorate.
The Sultanate of Oman condemned and denounced this attack and affirmed that it is taking all necessary measures to address these developments and safeguard the country and its residents, according to the official statement.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident 9NM east of Oman.
A container ship has sustained damage to the rear of the vessel, which has caused a fire on board, UKMTO said.
IRGC Strikes Targets in Oman, Blasting Key Mediatorâs Territory
(today)
The IRGC described the strikes as part of a âretaliatory operationâ and claimed that the Strait of Hormuz remains âunder the complete controlâ of its naval forces. The military branch also declared that these operations would continue.
The attack comes despite Oman serving as one of the primary mediators between Tehran and Washington in recent months, and follows previous assertions by Islamic Republic officials emphasising cooperation with Muscat regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
2026 Iranian strikes on Oman
From 28 February 2026, as part of the 2026 Iran war, Iran began launching a series of drone strikes on sites in Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, targeting the Port of Duqm and the Port of Salalah, which are used by the United States. Separate drone strikes targeted ports and industrial zones in Sohar, Bukha, and Mina Al Fahal, along with attacks in the Omani territorial waters of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The attacks killed 19 people and injured 26 others.
Iran risks its most valuable Arab partner over Hormuz
(July 14, 2026)
Iran‘s attack on facilities supporting US naval operations in Oman has plunged relations with one of Tehran‘s closest regional partners into their deepest crisis in decades, turning a dispute over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz into a direct military confrontation.
Relations deteriorated sharply after Iran‘s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they had launched a „heavy and surprise attack“ on logistical support facilities and aircraft carrier refueling infrastructure at the Omani port of Duqm on Sunday.
Oman condemned what it described as „irresponsible acts“ and summoned Iran‘s ambassador in protest, marking a dramatic deterioration in relations between the two countries.
Iran criticises Oman over announcement of southern shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz
According to Iranian officials, Tehran considers itself responsible for managing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz under its interpretation of the memorandum of understanding with the United States and maintains that it has the authority to designate approved shipping routes.
Omanâs announcement that vessels could use a southern corridor within Omani territorial waters prompted criticism from Tehran.
According to the report, Iranâs Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it could take action against vessels using routes outside those designated by Iranian authorities.
Overnight US strikes in Iran kill eight, raising monthly death toll to 38
Eight people were killed and 20 injured in overnight US attacks on Iranian infrastructure, according to state media. The health ministry said the monthly death toll has reached 38, including three women and one minor, as US strikes continue for a sixth consecutive night.
Iran says 38 killed, at least 400 injured since US resumed strikes
At least 38 people have been killed and over 400 have been injured since the US resumed strikes on Iran in July, according to the Head of Public Relations of Iran‘s Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
In a post on X, Hossein Kermanpour said that as of July 17, „the number of injured from US attacks has exceeded 400, and 38 compatriots have been martyred; among them are 22 injured women, 3 martyred women, 9 injured under 18, and 1 martyr under 18.“
„Health is the first victim of war,“ he said.
Iran asks Houthis to block Red Sea if US hits energy sites: Reports
Iranian officials have asked Yemenâs Houthis to block the Red Sea if the U.S. carries out strikes on Tehranâs energy sites, according to Reuters.
Two senior Iranian sources and a regional source familiar with the matter reportedly told the outlet that the Houthis had been informed of the request, which was discussed within the Islamic Republicâs leadership.
Three Oil Tankers targeted in successive attacks Off Omani Coast
Muscat: The Maritime Security Centre has reported that three oil tankers were targeted in separate attacks off the Omani coast, with one crew member confirmed killed and three others still missing, as authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Indian sailor killed in Iranian strike on oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz
One Indian crew member was killed, and eight others were wounded in an Iranian missile strike targeting two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emiratesâ Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Companyâs (Adnoc) shipping arm confirmed that two of its very large crude carriers were struck and sustained âsignificant damageâ while passing through the strait.
Pakistan engages Tehran as US-Iran Conflict escalates across Middle East
ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN â Pakistan on Sunday stepped up diplomatic engagement with Iran as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate amid fresh US military strikes and growing security concerns in Strait of Hormuz.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which both leaders discussed the deteriorating regional situation.
Oman summons Iran‘s ambassador, hands over a protest note
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has summoned Mousa Farhang, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Sultanate of Oman, to hand him a formal note of protest following the targeting of sites in the Governorates of Musandam and Al Wusta by unmanned aerial vehicles.
The note of protest was handed over by Shaikh Khalid bin Hashil al Musalhi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, when he received the Iranian Ambassador in Muscat today.
Iranian General Ahmad Vahidi reappears after months of concealment before Ali Khameneiâs funeral
(July 3, 2026)
His last public appearance was on February 8, mere weeks before he was reportedly missing after the deaths of Khamenei and other Revolutionary Guards officials during Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
Iran‘s Revolutionary Guard shadow leader resurfaced at a funeral after months
(July 4, 2026)
The fate of General Vahidi, who disappeared before the February 28 operation that killed Ayatollah Khamenei and many senior Revolutionary Guard officials, including former commander Mohammad Pakpour, had long been a subject of debate. Vahidi, attending Khamenei‘s funeral ceremony held ahead of the 40-day national mourning period starting this weekend, was captured by Iranian state media cameras mourning at the side of the coffin.