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 Tuesday's top developments here:

  • Hegseth estimates cost of Iran war at $37.5 billion
  • Trump vows to help Lebanon pursue peace with Israel
  • Trump says US 'not finished at all' with Iran
  • Trump says will 'take care of' Houthis if they blockade Saudi ports
  • Pakistan PM calls for restraint from all warring sides during talks with Iranian minister


Yemen Houthis claim strikes on two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea

Published: July 22, 2026 | 22:09 GMT | by AFP


Yemen Houthis claim strikes on two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea



US launches fresh strikes on Iranian military targets

Published: July 22, 2026 | 22:05 GMT | by AFP


U.S. forces launched a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets on Wednesday on the orders of President Donald Trump, the U.S. military said.


The strikes began at 5:30 p.m. ET and are aimed at further degrading Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters, according to a statement.



The US military said the operation is ongoing.



Tanker struck by projectile in Red Sea off Saudi Arabia: UKMTO

Published: July 22, 2026 | 22:04 GMT | by AFP


A projectile struck a tanker in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, British naval security monitor UKMTO said, after Yemen's Houthi rebels declared a maritime blockade.


"The Master of a tanker reports being struck by an unknown projectile which has caused a fire onboard that the crew are currently fighting," in an incident 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, UKMTO said in a statement.



US military disputes Iran’s assertion it controls Hormuz Strait

Published: July 22, 2026 | 21:42 GMT | by AFP


The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected Iran's claim that it controls the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying the assertion is false.


In a social media post, CENTCOM said the international waterway remains open to commercial transit despite threats and attacks by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

CENTCOM added that it has facilitated the safe passage of more than 900 commercial vessels through the strait since early May.



Iran warns of 'eye for an eye' response if infrastructure hit

Published: July 22, 2026 | 20:35 GMT | by AFP


Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that Iran would respond in kind to any attack on its infrastructure, after Washington threatened to bomb a bridge or power plant for every ship targeted in the Strait of Hormuz.


"Our defense doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response," Araghchi said on X. Iran's state broadcaster quoted the military as saying that US threats "will have no result other than the expansion of the war".



Iran parliament speaker says Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions

Published: July 22, 2026 | 17:24 GMT | by Web Desk


Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the equation of the war is clear: "either all or none.”


In a statement, Ghalibaf said that in a region where Iran does not sell oil, "no one will sell oil."


He added that if Iran's security is not ensured, "no infrastructure will be safe," and said the security of the Strait of Hormuz depends on the absence of American forces.


Ghalibaf also said Iran has repeatedly stated that "the situation of the strait will not return to pre-war conditions."



UK threats from Houthis against Saudi Arabia, plans to stop ships 

Published: July 22, 2026 | 16:27GMT | by Web Desk 



The United Kingdom strongly condemns the recent threats from the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including plans to prevent ships from passing through. 


These provocations threaten further destabilization of the region, endanger freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and undermine efforts to bring peace to Yemen.


We stand with Saudi Arabia, and with the other partners in the region, in the face of these threats, and we demand that the Houthis immediately cease their escalatory actions.


Iraq lost over $40 bn in revenue during war: govt official

Published: July 22, 2026 | 16:22 GMT | by AFP


A government official said on Wednesday that Iraq had lost more than $40 billion in revenue since the start of the Middle East war, mostly due to a sharp decline in its oil exports.


"For Iraq, due to a 90% drop in its oil exports... in addition to the decline in growth rates... the estimated loss was between $40 and $45 billion up to June 2026," said Muzhar Saleh, financial adviser to Iraq's prime minister.



Pakistan, Egypt underscore importance of de-escalation, dialogue in Middle East escalation 

Published: July 22, 2026 | 16:10 GMT | by Web Desk 


Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Egyptian counterpart Dr Badr Abdelatty underscored the importance of de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East escalation while emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. 


While talking to the Egyptian foreign minister on the eve of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, the pair held wide-ranging discussions on further strengthening Pakistan-Egypt bilateral relations, including trade, investment, economic cooperation, and enhancing collaboration at multilateral forums.


“They also discussed the broader implications of regional instability, particularly for global maritime trade, energy security, and the world economy,” Pakistan’s foreign office said.


“The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in Palestine, reiterating their rejection of violence against civilians and illegal settlement activities in the occupied West Bank,” it said, adding that the leaders also discussed the latest Regional Four consultations in Cairo and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and regional cooperation.



Iran’s military says US unable to locate missile production sites

Published: July 22, 2026 | 15:50 GMT | by Web Desk 


Iran’s armed forces have continued to expand their missile arsenal since the war began, despite intensifying US attacks, says a spokesman.


Abolfazl Shekarchi said the military has manufactured missiles and attack drones throughout all phases of the US-Israel conflict, including when the memorandum of understanding took effect, state-run Press TV reported.


“Missiles are moving directly from production to operational use while replenishing our stockpiles,” Shekarchi said.


He said the US has been unable to locate Iran’s various missile production sites despite its extensive intelligence operations.


Iran has been able to absorb far more US attacks than the Trump administration expected. The CIA estimated in May that Tehran retained 70 percent of its pre-war missile stockpile. Iranian weapons, particularly drones, are cheap to produce but can cost the US millions of dollars to intercept.



Fifty-three Iranian civilians killed since fighting intensified in June: Ministry

Published: July 22, 2026 | 15:41 GMT | by Web Desk 


At least 53 people have been killed in US strikes on Iran since June 27, including three children.


The Health Ministry said more than 590 others have been wounded in US attacks since the fighting flared and the Islamabad memorandum of understanding collapsed.


At least 18 US soldiers have been killed and hundreds wounded since the war began in late February, according to US Central Command.



‘Americans aren’t against the war’ on Iran, Trump alleges

Published: July 22, 2026 | 11:56 GMT | by Web Desk 


President Trump has told reporters the US public is not against the war launched on Iran while warning attacks will continue, Al Jazeera reported.


“They’re going to pay a big price; they’re being decimated,” he said.


Asked about the popularity of the US-Israel war on Iran as more US soldiers continue to die, Trump responded, “Well, Americans aren’t against the war.”


Polls have consistently shown the rising unpopularity among the US public of the unprovoked attack on the Islamic Republic in February.


“Americans don’t want to have [high] gasoline prices, but they’re not against the war. That just came out loud and clear in a [new] poll,” he added.



Trump vows tit-for-tat strikes on Iranian infrastructure over Strait of Hormuz ship attacks

Published: July 22, 2026 | 11:56 GMT | by Web Desk 

President Donald Trump warned that the United States would retaliate by bombing a bridge or power plant in Iran if Iran attacks any ship in the Strait of Hormuz.


In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that from this point forward, "any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran."



Sirens sound in Bahrain: interior ministry

Published: July 22, 2026 | 10:44 GMT | by AFP


Sirens sounded in Bahrain on Wednesday, the interior ministry said, with an AFP correspondent in Manama hearing an explosion, two weeks into renewed US-Iran hostilities that have seen daily Iranian attacks on the island kingdom.


"The siren has been sounded... Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the ministry said in a statement on X.


Iran media reports US strike on Larak island in Hormuz

Published: July 22, 2026 | 12:13 GMT | by AFP

The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported a US missile strike on the island of Larak in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday afternoon, saying residents heard a loud explosion there.

"At 2:48 pm, the island of Larak was targeted by an American missile," Tasnim said. "The competent authorities are currently carrying out an investigation to determine the scale of the attack, the exact point of impact and the extent of the potential damage."



Sirens sound in Bahrain: interior ministry

Published: July 22, 2026 | 11:50 GMT | by AFP

Sirens sounded in Bahrain on Wednesday, the interior ministry said, with an AFP correspondent in Manama hearing an explosion, two weeks into renewed US-Iran hostilities that have seen daily Iranian attacks on the island kingdom.

"The siren has been sounded... Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the ministry said in a statement on X.



Brent North Sea crude soars above $95 a barrel on Mideast war

Published: July 22, 2026 | 10:33 GMT | by AFP


World oil prices soared Wednesday, with main contract Brent North Sea crude surpassing $95 for the first time in nearly six weeks, as the United States and Iran carried out more strikes.


Brent oil jumped 4.4% to $95.02 per barrel and the key US contract, West Texas Intermediate, rallied 4.5% to $88.16.



Israel-Lebanon talks to be held in Italy on August 4: Italian foreign minister

Published: July 22, 2026 | 10:27 GMT | by AFP


A new round of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Italy on August 4, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday.


"We will host another session of dialogue on August 4," Tajani told parliament, following a round of talks between delegations from the two countries in Rome last week.



Jordan army says intercepts four Iranian missiles

Published: July 22, 2026 | 09:23 GMT | by AFP


The Jordanian army said it intercepted four Iranian missiles on Wednesday, adding that two others fell in an open area, as Tehran pressed its attacks across the region.


"Air defense systems today detected six missiles coming from Iranian territory," the army said in a statement, adding that they "intercepted and downed four missiles, while the other two fell in two remote, uninhabited areas, without causing any human casualties or material damage".



Lebanon PM says Beirut working for 'complete Israeli withdrawal'

Published: July 22, 2026 | 07:45 GMT | by Web Desk


Beirut is working towards a "complete Israeli withdrawal" from areas it occupies, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Wednesday on a visit to a village where Lebanon's army recently deployed.


"We will continue mobilizing our political and diplomatic efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from the south," he said in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, one of several "pilot zones" intended to demonstrate that the Lebanese army can remove and disarm Hezbollah as part of a Washington-sponsored deal with Israel.



Pakistan, Russia FMs exchange views on 'key regional developments'

Published: July 22, 2026 | 07:13 GMT | by Web Desk


Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov exchanged views on key regional and international developments, according to a post shared on X by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. 


The post stated: "The two leaders reviewed Pakistan–Russia  bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, and other key areas, as well as enhancing coordination at multilateral forums."

"They underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in advancing the Pakistan–Russia partnership," it added. 



US conducts strikes on Iran, says war cost at $37.5B

Published: July 22, 2026 | 05:15 GMT | by AFP


Fresh US strikes triggered air defenses in Tehran on Wednesday after President Donald Trump warned he was "not finished" with a war with Iran that has already cost his nation $37.5 billion.


The US military said its latest attacks hit targets such as "military logistics infrastructure", while Iranian state media reported strikes around the country, including Bushehr, which hosts a nuclear power plant.


"News sources reported minutes ago that air defense activity was heard in the west, east and northeast of Tehran," state TV posted on Telegram.


As the war nears the five-month mark and November legislative elections approach, Trump has faced intense political pressure to end the conflict, which is unpopular even with segments of his base.


Critics have pointed to the cost of the war that Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said Tuesday had soared to $37.5 billion, defending a request for tens of billions in additional funding for the military.


The US military said Tuesday it had launched an eleventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran, saying it targeted military sites to "further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.



Allowing Iran control of Hormuz 'dangerous precedent', Rubio tells ASEAN

Published: July 22, 2026 | 02:51 GMT | by AFP


US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Southeast Asian foreign ministers on Wednesday that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent with repercussions beyond the Middle East.


His comments came as US Central Command said it had begun striking military targets in Iran for the "11th consecutive night" in a bid to degrade the country's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the waterway.


"If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state can decide to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and blow up your ships if you don't pay, we have created a very dangerous precedent that will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including this region," Rubio told envoys at a Manila gathering of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).


US attacks target areas near Iran’s Behbahan and Omidiyeh

Published: July 22, 2026 | 00:31 GMT | by Web Desk


US missile attacks have targeted areas near the cities of Behbahan and Omidiyeh in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, Al Jazeera reported, citing Fars news agency.



US military says begins 11th straight night of strikes on Iran

Published: July 22, 2026 | 00:31 GMT | by AFP


US Central Command said Tuesday it has begun striking military targets in Iran for the "11th consecutive night," as attacks in the Middle East war intensify.


"The strikes are designed to continue degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said in a post on X, adding strikes began at 2300 GMT.


Hegseth estimates cost of Iran war at $37.5 billion

Published: July 21, 2026 | 19:45 GMT | by AFP


Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Iran war has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far, up from a previous estimate of nearly $29 billion in mid-May.


"The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion," Hegseth testified during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing at which he defended a request for some $67 billion in supplemental funding for the Pentagon.



Trump vows to help Lebanon pursue peace with Israel

Published: July 21, 2026 | 19:45 GMT | by AFP


US President Donald Trump vowed Tuesday to help Lebanon "a lot" as its president, Joseph Aoun, sought Washington's backing for a fragile effort to disarm Hezbollah and forge a path to peace with Israel.

Meeting Aoun at the White House, Trump said Lebanon had been "a very mistreated country" that had been "hit hard" for decades.


"It's probably a dangerous place in a lot of ways," Trump told reporters. "But they love the country... and we're going to help it. We're going to help it a lot."


Aoun, the first Lebanese president invited to Washington since 2009, asked Trump for political support and continued backing for the Lebanese army, which has begun deploying in southern areas under a US-backed framework agreement with Israel.


"We need to support the LAF," Aoun said, referring to the Lebanese Armed Forces. "Without the LAF, everything will collapse."


For earlier developments, read our July 21 live blog here.