Tehran, July 20, 2026: The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Sunday as Washington launched a fresh wave of airstrikes, including an attack on Iran’s under-construction Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant, while Tehran vowed a “decisive and devastating response” and expanded its military operations across the Gulf region.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation condemned the US strike on the Darkhovin nuclear facility, describing it as an act of aggression and a violation of international law. In a statement, the organisation accused Washington of carrying out a “barbaric” attack and described the nuclear facility as a symbol of Iran’s scientific progress and national dignity.
The latest strikes marked the eighth consecutive night of US military operations against Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attacks targeted Iranian coastal surveillance systems, air defence facilities and other military infrastructure to reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to respond to attacks on American forces.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that two American service members had been killed and another was missing following an Iranian attack in Jordan. According to CENTCOM, the latest casualties brought the number of US personnel killed since the conflict began to 16, while more than 420 others have been wounded.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reported an incident involving two commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that they had ignored Iranian navigation instructions after disabling their tracking systems. Tehran warned that ships entering unauthorized routes risked accidents, underscoring growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
Major-General Ali Abdullahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned that any further US military action would be met with a “decisive and devastating response.” He pledged that Iran’s armed forces would impose heavier costs on Washington while maintaining national unity.
Iranian media also reported fresh US airstrikes near Sirik, Shadegan and Qeshm Island, while Iran claimed to have launched drone attacks against US military facilities in Kuwait, including Al-Adiri Camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base.
Iranian state media further reported missile and drone strikes targeting US-linked military sites in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated emergency sirens and instructed residents to move to safe locations. Reports also indicated that Saudi Arabia’s early warning systems were activated after missile threats, although Iranian authorities did not officially confirm any attack on the kingdom.
The Israeli military said it detected missiles launched from Iran toward Jordan’s Aqaba region and warned of possible spillover into Israeli territory, urging residents in southern Israel to remain alert and seek shelter if required.
US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s announcement that it was no longer observing the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, saying Washington remained focused on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory for American citizens, warning that heightened tensions in the Middle East could lead to further military escalation, flight disruptions and airspace closures.
The conflict has increasingly centred on control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass. Iran accused the United States of attempting to dominate the strait, while Washington said its operations were intended to protect international shipping.
According to Iranian health authorities, US strikes over the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and injured more than 500. The European Union and Gulf states have jointly called for an immediate end to attacks on maritime navigation and urged all parties to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping.
