US-Iran War LIVE: IRGC Hits Airbases in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain; US Claims Tehran Doesn't Control Strait of Hormuz
Published: July 12, 2026 | Updated: July 12, 2026 (15:45 UTC)
The escalating military conflict between the United States and Iran has reached critical levels as Iran's Armed Forces have launched coordinated missile and drone strikes against US military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain in response to continued American assaults on southern Iran, with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Army warning that any further US action will trigger harsher retaliation. Meanwhile, Washington disputes Tehran's ability to control the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, intensifying regional tensions.
IRGC's Multi-Front Assault: Live Developments
Airbase Strikes Across the Gulf Region
According Hindustan times Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an official statement claiming responsibility for missile and drone volleys targeting US bases in the Gulf. The targets included the Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al-Jaber airbases in Kuwait, alongside the Fifth Fleet base at Port Salman and the Shaikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.
The Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan was also targeted with 12 ballistic missiles, while two oil tankers that attempted "to illegally pass through" the Strait of Hormuz were also hit.
Damage Assessment
The IRGC said it attacked 21 US targets and destroyed four of them, including an F-35 fighter jet hangar at the base in Jordan. However, regional air defense systems reported intercepting most incoming projectiles, with minimal reported casualties.
Regional Response & Air Defense Activation
Kuwait's Defense Actions
Kuwait's Defence Ministry said it intercepted three ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and 10 drones that entered the country's airspace. One person was wounded and was receiving medical treatment, with their condition reported as stable.
Kuwaiti officials condemned the strikes as flagrant violations of national sovereignty and called for international intervention to de-escalate the crisis.
Bahrain's Military Response
Bahrain's armed forces said its systems "intercepted and destroyed several treacherous Iranian aerial attacks" on Thursday morning. Air-raid sirens activated across the island nation, prompting residents to seek shelter.
Bahrain's government condemned the attacks, stating they violated sovereignty and undermined opportunities for de-escalation and regional stability.
Jordan's Air Defense Success
The Jordanian Army said its air defenses intercepted and shot down 20 missiles fired from Iran toward the Azraq area, with falling shrapnel causing no casualties or material damage.
Jordan issued a stern warning that violations of its airspace would not be tolerated by any party.
The Strait of Hormuz Dispute: Control & Commerce
US Position: Tehran Lacks Control
The Trump administration has stated unequivocally that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, despite repeated threats to close the vital waterway. The IRGC's Public Relations Office said that the United States had sought to "once again test what has already been tested" by imposing its will on the Omani government and provoking tensions through the "illegal movement" of several vessels south of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Navy, it hastened to add, thwarted the attempt with a "decisive response".
Strategic Importance
The Strait of Hormuz represents one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which approximately 20% of global oil supply transits daily. Any prolonged blockade would have catastrophic implications for:
- Global oil prices
- International shipping
- Energy markets worldwide
- Economic stability across all nations
Oil Market Response
Oil prices surged following reports of IRGC attacks and threats to commercial shipping. Markets reacted to the renewed escalation risk, with crude futures climbing as traders assess the impact on Persian Gulf petroleum supplies.
International Reactions & Diplomatic Fallout
Regional Condemnations
The United Arab Emirates said the attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain had constituted a "blatant violation" of their sovereignty and were a "threat to their security and stability." Jordan called the attacks a "dangerous escalation, and a blatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter." Oman's foreign ministry said it "renews its rejection of all actions that threaten the security and stability of the region, calling for restraint and prioritising dialogue and diplomacy".
Congressional Opposition
Democratic congressman Ro Khanna says the US military's strikes on Iran "are a blatant violation of the War Powers Resolution" that Congress passed this week. "Trump must stop this war now – or we will take him to court to compel him to do so," he said.
Trump's Warning to Iran
President Trump declared that Iran will "pay the price" for taking "too long to negotiate a deal," signaling potential for further military escalation if diplomatic channels fail.
Military Targets & Infrastructure Damage
US Strike Response
The statement further said that the United States launched airstrikes against several coastal bases and telecommunications towers along Iran's southern coastline in response to that setback.
Civilian Infrastructure Impact
The IRGC said the US also targeted two bridges on a railway route leading to the city of Mashhad in eastern Iran. Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei was due to be buried in Mashhad after a week-long funeral procession. Iran's railway authority said train services between Tehran and Mashhad were suspended after part of the line was damaged in the US strikes.
This targeting of civilian transportation infrastructure drew additional international criticism regarding adherence to international humanitarian law.
Live Coverage by Geographic Region
Middle East Region (UTC+3)
- Lebanon/Syria/Palestine: Al Jazeera Arabic, LBCI, MTV
- UAE/Saudi Arabia/Qatar: Al Arabiya, Rotana, beIN Sports News
- Iran: IRINN, Islamic Republic News Network (live commentary)
- Kuwait/Bahrain/Jordan: National TV channels, local news services
European Coverage (UTC+1 to UTC+2)
- BBC World: Comprehensive live updates and analysis
- France 24: International perspective and diplomacy angles
- Deutsche Welle: German and European coverage
- Sky News UK: Continuous live reporting
- Euronews: Multi-language coverage
North American Coverage (UTC-4 to UTC-7)
- CNN International: Continuous breaking news coverage
- Fox News: Military analysis and commentary
- MSNBC: Political implications and congressional reaction
- ABC News: Live updates and diplomatic analysis
- CBSNews: Military correspondent reports from the region
Asia-Pacific Coverage (UTC+5:30 to UTC+8)
- Al Jazeera English (India): Regional impact analysis
- BBC Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh perspectives
- Reuters Asia: Economics and trade implications
- CGTN: Chinese government perspective
- NHK World: Japanese and Asian analysis
Impact on Global Trade & Energy Markets
Oil & Shipping Markets
The escalation threatens to disrupt:
- Petroleum futures markets (WTI Crude, Brent Crude)
- Tanker shipping rates
- Marine insurance costs
- LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) deliveries
Economic Implications
- Global inflation concerns due to energy price spikes
- Supply chain disruptions for goods transiting the Gulf
- Airline fuel surcharges and travel cost increases
- Manufacturing sector uncertainty in energy-dependent industries
Ceasefire Status & Negotiations
The fragile ceasefire agreed upon in mid-June 2026 has effectively collapsed following this latest escalation. Diplomatic channels remain theoretically open, but military commanders on both sides have issued escalatory rhetoric and renewed threats.
International mediators from Oman, Qatar, and UN representatives are attempting to broker renewed negotiations, but current momentum suggests a prolonged military conflict rather than imminent peace settlement.
What Comes Next: Potential Scenarios
Immediate Escalation (Next 48-72 Hours)
- Further Iranian strikes on US bases across Gulf states
- Additional US retaliatory strikes on Iranian military infrastructure
- Possible closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces
- Regional allies increasing defense readiness
Medium-Term Outlook (Next 2-4 Weeks)
- Possible expansion to include Israeli military involvement
- Increased drone and missile warfare from both sides
- Economic sanctions escalation
- UN Security Council emergency sessions
Long-Term Implications (Beyond August 2026)
- Potential for regional proxy war expansion
- Energy market disruption affecting global economy
- Increased defense spending across Persian Gulf states
- Possible shift in international alliances and trade relationships
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Middle East Stability
The ongoing US-Iran military conflict represents a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Iran launched attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan - home to US military bases - after American forces launched a second round of strikes on the Islamic republic, in an escalation that threatens to derail efforts to end the war.
The dispute over Strait of Hormuz control, combined with air base strikes across three nations and threats to global shipping, has escalated tensions to levels not seen since the conflict began in February 2026. Whether diplomatic resolution or continued military escalation prevails will determine not just the region's future, but global economic stability for months to come.
Live News Resources & Further Coverage
- Al Jazeera: Iran and US War Live Coverage
- MSN News: US-Iran War LIVE Updates
- The National: Iran Attacks Gulf Bases
- Reuters: Middle East Conflict Updates
- BBC News: Iran-US Military Conflict
- CNN International: Breaking News Coverage
- Iran International: Iranian Military Announcements
Relevant searches
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