This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up on Thursday's top developments here:
- US strikes in Iran hit bridges and an airport: Iranian state media
- Iran talking to US, very much wants to make a deal: White House
- Qatar rejects Israeli media reports alleging agreement to military action against Iran
- US ‘seeks to hit Iran and advance its interests’: Ghalibaf
- Iran slams 'barbaric' US attack after hospital evacuated due to nearby strike
Blasts heard in Qatar capital Doha: AFP
Published: July 16, 2026 | 21:37 GMT | by AFP
AFP journalists in Doha reported hearing several blasts early Friday, as Iran attacked US allies in the renewed Middle East war.
A public safety alert warned the security threat level was "elevated" and urged residents to take shelter.
Kuwait says responding to missile, drone attacks
Published: July 17, 2026 | 00:47 GMT | by Web Desk
Kuwait said Friday it was responding to missile and drone attacks, a day after the Gulf nation faced aerial attacks from Iran.
"Kuwaiti air defenses are currently engaging hostile missiles and drone attacks following the nefarious Iranian aggression," the army wrote on X.
In Bahrain, the interior ministry said that a siren had been sounded, urging citizens to take shelter.
Iranian state media said the Islamic republic's army was targeting US helicopters and planes at an air base in Bahrain "in response to the enemy's hostile action in targeting urban infrastructure and innocent people."
US strikes in Iran hit bridges and an airport: Iranian state media
Published: July 16, 2026 | 21:37 GMT | by Web Desk
US strikes overnight hit an airport and two bridges in southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said Friday.
"Three explosions were heard around the airport and at least one American enemy projectile hit Iranshahr airport," in the southeast, state television IRIB said on Telegram. Another report spoke of airstrikes on two bridges near the village of Kohourestan and the Shor River in Bandar Khamir County.
For earlier developments, read our July 16 live blog here.
