LIVE BLOG19 Jul 2026 | 06:16:44 AM ISTUS Iran War Live News Updates: US launches fresh airstrikesSynopsisUS-Iran War News Live Updates: US forces on Saturday (local time) launched "new airstrikes" against Iran, targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a move aimed at reducing Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliating for attacks that killed two American service members following strikes by the Islamic Republic in Jordan.US-Iran War Live Updates: In a post on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were carried out at the direction of US President Donald Trump and were intended to "swiftly punish" IRGC forces responsible for the attacks on American personnel."Today at 6 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began launching new airstrikes against Iran at the Commander in Chief's direction. The strikes are designed to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night," CENTCOM said. Show more Show less1 New UpdateEU, Gulf states urge Iran to keep Strait of Hormuz open, reject transit feesThe European Union and Gulf states have jointly called on Iran to permanently keep the Strait of Hormuz open, opposing any permits or fees on international navigation through the strategic waterway. In a joint statement, the countries also rejected what they described as any “illegitimate claims” of sovereignty or control over the strait, reaffirming the principle of freedom of navigation along one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.US Iran War News: US issues worldwide caution over Middle East tensionsThe U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide caution for Americans, citing heightened tensions in the Middle East and the potential for unforeseen escalation. It advised U.S. citizens, particularly those in the region, to exercise increased caution, monitor local news and follow security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.