Attacks intensify in Iran, 50,000 US troops on the ground

The war situation in the Middle East is intensifying. For the seventh consecutive night, the region has witnessed deadly attacks and counterattacks between the United States and Iran. The US military has launched massive air and missile strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. In response, Iran has also launched drone attacks on US military bases in Kuwait and Jordan.

The US Central Command (Centcom) said on Saturday (July 18) that the US military had carried out its seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran, using fighter jets, drones and warships.

The strikes were carried out to destroy Iranian surveillance centers, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons depots, and maritime capabilities, according to CENTCOM. The strikes ended at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time on July 17 (1:30 a.m. GMT on July 18, 7:30 a.m. Bangladesh time).

The US command statement said, "At the direction of the US President, CENTCOM is holding Iran accountable. At the same time, the naval blockade against Iranian ports is being fully implemented. Currently, more than 50,000 US troops are deployed throughout the Middle East. They are fully prepared and alert for any situation."

Warning in Hormozgan

Local officials in Iran's southern Hormozgan province have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported, citing fears of further attacks.

Local authorities are currently assessing the damage. Work is underway to create alternative routes for the general public. Several bridges in Hormozgan have been damaged in US strikes over the past two nights. The latest strike early Saturday morning killed three people, local administration officials confirmed.

Air raid sirens have sounded in the Gulf country of Bahrain for the second time in just a few hours. The warning was issued as the war situation deteriorated. Immediately after the sirens sounded, local authorities issued an urgent order to residents to immediately seek safe shelter. Extreme panic is now prevailing in the entire area.

Iran drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Jordan

In retaliation, the Iranian military launched drone attacks on several US military bases in Kuwait and Jordan, Iran's Tasnim News Agency confirmed. According to a statement from the Iranian military, the attacks targeted specific US infrastructure.

Among the sites targeted by Iran were Camp Udayri in Kuwait, where a large ammunition depot was targeted, and the headquarters, ammunition depots and connecting bridges of the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait were also hit.

Iran also claimed to have successfully carried out a drone attack on a US military fuel tank at the Mawaffak Salti or Al Azraq airbase in Jordan. The Iranian military has issued a stern warning that those who come to test Iran's will and power will face the iron-clad determination and readiness of the armed forces.