Tensions in the Gulf escalated sharply overnight into Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as the US-Iran conflict entered a new phase. The US military reimposed its naval blockade of Iranian ports after Washington declared the collapse of last month's ceasefire memorandum, launching a fourth consecutive day of strikes on Iranian military sites while Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Gulf shipping and neighboring states.
Kuwait's air defences intercepted dozens of hostile targets, including missiles and drones, with a Kuwaiti Navy vessel hit and sailors wounded, while Bahrain sounded air raid sirens across the kingdom. Adding to the volatility, President Trump threatened to expand the campaign next week to strike Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran does not return to the negotiating table. Follow this live blog for the latest updates as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and across the region continues to unfold. 06:20 AM, 16 July 2026We are closing this coverage now. For the latest updates, click here.06:18 AM, 16 July 2026Blasts heard in Tehran as US expands bombing campaignExplosions have been reported in the Tehran area amid the latest wave of US strikes on Iran, which appear to be expanding beyond previous targets.As of 5am Gulf Standard Time (GST) on Thursday (July 16, 2026), the US Central Command confirmed the latest wave of evening strikes against Iran. The command said it was "completed" at 9 pm Eastern Time on July 15 (1am GMT on July 16)."US forces struck Iranian command centres, air defence sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners crewing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz," the command stated.CentCom stated its forces "used precision munitions to hit targets in multiple locations including Bandar Abbas. Earlier this morning, American forces struck coastal defence and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island during a 90-minute wave. The US military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction."Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here04:49 AM, 16 July 2026Blockade: US military disables non-compliant vessel in Arabian Gulf US forces confirmed that they have enforced naval blockade measures against Iran from midnight on July 15, 2026 by disabling an unladen oil tanker attempting to sail toward an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf.US Central Command (CentCom) forces observed Curacao-flagged M/T Belma transiting international waters toward Kharg Island. The commercial vessel ignored multiple warnings as it attempted to violate the US blockade, according to the command.A US aircraft disabled the vessel after firing hellfire missiles into the ship’s smokestack. The ship is no longer transiting to Iran. 04:08 AM, 16 July 2026Bombs hit Iran's Rask, Chabahar garrison — 7 killed: report Projectiles reportedly struck the southeastern Iranian cities of Rask and Chabahar in Sistan and Baluchestan province late on Wednesday, with Iranian media reporting explosions. Few immediate details were provided on the damage or casualties.Subsequent reporting by Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency indicates that the Chabahar Port's maritime traffic control centre was hit in a renewed US strike, while Iranian authorities also reported attacks elsewhere in the province, including the Bampur Army garrison.Tasnim said at least seven Iranian military personnel were killed in the Bampur strike.02:47 AM, 16 July 2026Trump threatens Pickaxe Mountain, Kharg Island
