US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night

July 18, 2026

The United States conducted its seventh consecutive night of military strikes against Iran after President Trump declared a temporary ceasefire over, targeting surveillance installations, weapons storage facilities, and maritime infrastructure. Iran retaliated by launching attacks on American allies including Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Syria, hitting power plants, oil facilities, and other infrastructure. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, disrupting a critical route that previously handled one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas transport.

Who is affected

U.S. military forces and service members (several injured in attacks on Jordanian bases)
Iranian civilians (seven people killed; approximately 10,000 people in 20 villages left without drinking water)
Kuwait (power plant and oil facility damaged, injuries reported)
Jordan (military intercepted missiles)
Bahrain (air defenses engaged)
Syria (targeted for the first time)
Global energy consumers (one-fifth of world's oil and LNG supply disrupted)
Residents of northern Hormozgan province, Iran (telecommunications disrupted)
International shipping companies (traffic through Strait of Hormuz largely stopped)

What action is being taken

U.S. forces are conducting strikes on Iranian military targets using fighter aircraft, aerial drones, and warships
The U.S. has re-imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports
Iran is launching retaliatory attacks on U.S. allies in the region including Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Syria
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping
Jordan, Bahrain, and other allies are intercepting Iranian missiles with air defense systems

Why it matters

This escalating military conflict threatens global energy security, as the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas—has been effectively closed to commercial shipping. The breakdown of the ceasefire demonstrates failed diplomatic efforts and risks widening regional war, with U.S. allies now under direct Iranian attack. The conflict is causing significant civilian harm and infrastructure destruction while raising concerns from international bodies like the International Energy Agency about worldwide energy supplies.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC