The United States has launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iran, according to a U.S. official who confirmed to ABC News that American military operations began late Tuesday evening, July 14, 2026 — around 7 p.m. local time. The timing underscores the continued high level of regional tension.
Naval Blockade Imposed as Pressure Mounts
Late Tuesday, a naval blockade on Iran came into effect, marking another escalation in Washington’s military pressure on Tehran. The move follows a shift in U.S. strategy under former President Donald Trump, who has abandoned plans to impose a 20% tariff on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, Trump is pursuing major trade and investment agreements with Gulf states.
Air Raid Sirens Sound Again in Bahrain
A new air raid alert sounded in Bahrain just hours after authorities announced they had intercepted several Iranian attacks earlier in the day. According to a government statement shared on social media, “The siren has sounded… Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe location.”
Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed explosions heard earlier in the city of Ahvaz were not linked to any attack but resulted from scheduled demolition work — described by local authorities as “controlled blasts” and explicitly ruled out as hostile action.
Kuwait Reports Interceptions and Casualties
Kuwait also reported incoming aerial threats, stating its airspace was targeted amid Iran’s intensified military activity across the Gulf region. The Kuwaiti Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that its armed forces intercepted hostile aerial assets, including one ballistic missile, five cruise missiles, and 33 drones — all reportedly aimed at non-military critical infrastructure. Debris from the intercepted projectiles caused material damage.
In a related incident, a Kuwaiti Navy vessel came under Iranian attack, leaving four service members wounded. All have received medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Iranian President Vows Defiance
In response to recent U.S. rhetoric — including Trump’s claim that Washington has “destroyed” the 2015 nuclear deal — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated: “We will defend every inch of our homeland with our actions.”