Day 147 | Trump weighs 'massive attack' Iran attack as Hormuz tensions escalate

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he had not decided on whether to launch major strikes on Iran as Tehran was now getting "very serious" in talks with Washington.

"No I haven't," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office when asked if had made a decision, following reports that he was meeting advisors to discuss a large-scale operation.

"Look, we're talking to them right now. I think they're getting more and more serious as the days go by, for maybe the obvious reason."

Iranian state television (IRIB) claimed Friday that the United States military fired two missiles at an LPG tanker, mistakenly believing it was carrying Iranian gas.

"Today afternoon, the US military fired two missiles at an LPG tanker that was attempting to enter the region from the Gulf of Oman,” IRIB said, citing what it said was an informed source.

“The tanker was struck under the assumption that it was carrying Iranian gas. The attack killed two crew members and damaged the vessel’s engine room, forcing the ship to stop,” it added.

US President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the ongoing war with Iran, now entering its fifth month, according to a senior administration official cited by The Wall Street Journal.

What began as a swift operation has stretched on with no clear end in sight, prompting Trump to shift toward a harder line focused on military pressure rather than diplomacy, the report says.

The war erupted in late February with a series of US-‘Israeli’ strikes targeting Iranian missile, drone, and naval sites.

A June ceasefire and related deal over the Strait of Hormuz later collapsed amid mutual accusations, leading to renewed attacks on shipping, Houthi strikes in the Red Sea, and the deaths of more than a dozen American soldiers.

A senior administration official told the WSJ that Trump has grown skeptical that negotiations can produce lasting peace and is now in “revenge mode” against Tehran.

The president believes Iran “only understands military force,” the official said, as he considers expanding US options in the region.

In recent days, Trump has ramped up his rhetoric.

He threatened to hold Iran responsible for future Houthi attacks, stating on social media: “The Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.”

He has also warned of bombing bridges or power plants in response to attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway.

During a recent Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly launched into a tirade against Iranian leaders, calling them “scumbags and lunatics” and unleashing a series of expletives, according to a person familiar with the comments.

Advisers worry the prolonged conflict—driving up energy prices, denting approval ratings, and raising political risks ahead of midterm elections—is consuming the presidency.

The US is surging forces, medics, and weaponry to the Middle East to provide Trump with more military options.

Trump has floated targeting sites like Pickaxe Mountain, suspected of housing buried nuclear-enrichment centrifuges.

Some aides, including Jared Kushner, continue to advocate for negotiations, but the prevailing view in the administration appears to favor sustained pressure, the report adds.

The United States Embassy in ‘Israel’ warned its citizens on Friday of “possible flight cancellations” and “airspace closures”, as tensions continue to rise between Washington and Iran.

“Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex, with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the embassy said on X.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution, stay alert, and be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other travel disruptions,” it added.

Security Alert: Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex, with the potential for unforeseen escalation. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution, stay alert, and be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace… pic.twitter.com/wnwHP7bjvF

— U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (@usembassyjlm) July 24, 2026

The commander of Iran's top joint military command (Khatam al-Anbiya) said Friday that a “new equation” will take place, threatening that one US soldier will be “sent to hell” for every Iranian citizen killed in Washington’s strikes.

"The rule that we had previously proven to the enemy was operational is, from this moment, considered the definitive and officially declared equation of the battlefield,” said Major General Ali Abdollahi, in statements cited by Iranian media.

“…for every proud citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran who is martyred, one American servicemember will be sent to hell."

US President Donald Trump warned China and Russia on Friday against selling weapons to Iran -- while saying he believed assurances from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin that they were not yet doing so.

"Therefore, two major Countries that people speak of often in terms of Iran are, in my opinion, not participating," Trump said on his Truth Social network. "If they did, it would be very bad for them -- Certainly not in their best interests."

Trump's comment on Truth Social comes amid reports that Washington is investigating whether Moscow and Beijing are giving Iran targeting information, following a series of strikes on US bases.

The US leader said Chinese president Xi had told him when they met in Beijing in May that he would not arm Iran under any circumstances, adding: "considering our relationship, I take him at his word."

Trump added that Putin had made a similar promise despite the war in Ukraine.

"He understands that I do not sell Weapons to Ukraine, but to NATO Countries. They pay full price, and how those Weapons are distributed, I have no idea," Trump said.

Trump has frequently taken a more deferential tone towards Xi and Putin than he has towards Washington's own allies, saying that they must be respected as the leaders of major world powers.

US President Donald Trump warned China and Russia on Friday against selling weapons to Iran, saying he believed assurances from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin that they were not yet doing so.

"Therefore, two major Countries that people speak of often in terms of Iran are, in my opinion, not participating," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

"If they did, it would be very bad for them -- Certainly not in their best interests."

The Kuwaiti army said Friday evening that its air defenses are currently dealing with drones fired by Iran. 

“Kuwaiti air defenses are currently intercepting hostile drone attacks following the criminal Iranian aggression,” the army said on X. 

Light flashes are seen in footage yesterday above Kuwait City and sirens ring out as Kuwaiti air defence batteries open fire on incoming Iranian missiles and drones.

"Kuwaiti air defences are currently intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks following the wrongful Iranian aggression," the general staff said in a message posted at the time.

A Houthi spokesman said on Friday that the group was not blocking traffic through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, after declaring a maritime blockade earlier this week on their foe Saudi Arabia.

"There is no closure of Bab al-Mandab as some are suggesting," said Mohammed Abdusalam, who is also a top Houthi negotiator, adding that their position was "limited to a maritime blockade that only affects the Saudi side".

His remarks came a day after the group announced they had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

Abdul Salam added that "Yemen's declared position, as announced by the Yemeni Armed Forces, is limited to a maritime ban targeting only the Saudi side, in response to its blockade of Yemen and its refusal to accept any fair approach to a solution that guarantees the security, sovereignty, and independence of the Yemeni people."

A maritime blockade could increase pressure on the Saudi economy by restricting access to the kingdom's Red Sea ports.

Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has continued exporting millions of barrels of crude oil daily through its East-West Pipeline, which links its Gulf energy facilities to export terminals on the Red Sea.

The Iran-backed Houthis announced Monday that they were imposing a maritime ban on Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions between the two sides and as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained disrupted by the intensifying fighting between Iran and the United States.

The Houthis subsequently issued warning messages to ships sailing in the region.

According to a message recorded by a vessel transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Monday, the warnings specifically targeted Saudi-affiliated ships.

The message said: "This is the Yemeni Naval Forces... We warn all vessels belonging to the Saudi enemy against sailing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Failure to comply with the decision of the Yemeni Armed Forces will make those vessels legitimate targets."

The Houthis announced Wednesday that they had targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea with missiles and drones.

Despite the attacks, shipping in the Red Sea continued on Thursday, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to its lowest level in more than two months.

The meeting will be the sixth between Netanyahu and Trump since the US president returned to the White House last year.

The two leaders have maintained a close relationship, with Netanyahu previously describing Trump as "Israel's greatest friend in the White House."

Netanyahu's visit comes amid rising tensions between the two sides over the course of the war with Iran.

Relations between Trump and Netanyahu have reportedly deteriorated in recent weeks following the United States' signing of a memorandum of understanding with Iran.

Hebrew and US media have reported that Netanyahu has been seeking a meeting with Trump for weeks, fueling speculation about disagreements between the two leaders.

The visit to the White House comes just days after Trump hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as part of US efforts to consolidate the ceasefire between ‘Israel’ and Hezbollah and advance the disarmament of the Iran-backed group.

Talks with Aoun focused on ‘Israel's’ withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a key demand of the Lebanese government under the framework agreement brokered by Washington.

Trump is also expected to discuss the Lebanon file with Netanyahu, along with the war with Iran, which began with joint US-‘Israeli’ strikes on the Islamic Republic on February 28.

Netanyahu's visit also comes nine months after Trump traveled to Jerusalem in October 2025, where he met the ‘Israeli’ prime minister during negotiations that ultimately led to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Air defense systems and Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft successfully shot down seven Iranian missiles and six drones that entered the Kingdom's airspace on Friday, according to an official military source at the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army.

The military source confirmed that the interception and shoot-down operations resulted in no human casualties or material losses.

Key Details from the Official Military Statement:

• Interceptions: Air defense systems and air force jets downed 7 missiles and 6 drones originating from Iran that targeted the Kingdom's territory.
• Casualties & damage: No human casualties or material damage were recorded as a result of the incident.
• Debris management: Teams from the Royal Engineering Corps deployed to the sites where fragments fell and handled the debris according to standard technical and security procedures.

The source emphasized that the Armed Forces continue to monitor the Kingdom's airspace and maintain the highest level of operational readiness to address any threat targeting the security of the Kingdom and the safety of its citizens.

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) announced on Friday, that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a number of incoming Iranian aerial attacks targeting civilians across the Kingdom.

According to an official statement issued by the BDF General Command, Iranian forces continue a "systematic hostile approach through sinful attacks targeting civilians in the Kingdom of Bahrain."

Key points from the BDF Statement:

• Interception of attacks: BDF air defense systems engaged, intercepted, and destroyed multiple aerial threats -including missiles and drones- on Friday morning.
• High alert: All BDF arms, branches, and military units remain at the highest level of defense readiness and operational preparedness to protect the nation.
• Violation of law: The BDF emphasized that the deliberate targeting of civilians and private property using missiles and drones represents a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

Public safety advisory

In light of the interceptions, the General Command urged all citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution and strictly avoid approaching any foreign, unfamiliar, or suspicious objects resulting from the debris of the attack.

Members of the public were instructed to report any findings to authorities immediately.

The statement assured that specialized personnel from the Royal Field Engineering Unit are fully prepared to conduct safe technical disposal of all intercepted remnants and debris to guarantee public safety.

The BDF concluded by expressing pride in the advanced combat readiness, high vigilance, and steadfast duty demonstrated by its service members in defending the homeland.

Multiple explosions were heard on Friday near Erbil International Airport in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region following the activation of air defense systems, according to an AFP correspondent on the ground.

Journalists observed drones hovering over the city prior to the blasts, with thick smoke seen rising from the airport area shortly after defense systems engaged the airborne threats. Erbil airport houses military advisers and forces belonging to the US-led international coalition.

This is a developing story.

• Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any Iranian attack would face a "crushing" response.
• Military officials said Israel's post-October 7 policy rejects passive deterrence.
• Intelligence assessments indicate Iran could initiate a broader confrontation.

The 'Israeli' military is in a state of full readiness across both offensive and defensive operational sectors for a potential return to combat with Iran, official Arabic language spokesperson Ella Waweya stated on Thursday night.

Speaking in an interview with Al-Arabiya, Waweya emphasized that military policy has fundamentally shifted regarding threat response and strategic posture.

"We do not wait for missiles to fall or for the enemy to knock on our door before getting ready," Waweya stated, noting that "October 7th taught the most important lesson: policies of containment, waiting for the first strike, or relying on passive deterrence are no longer acceptable."

'Crushing blow'

The spokesperson's remarks followed a high-level security consultation convened by Defense Minister 'Israel' Katz, alongside senior leadership overseeing 'Israeli' offensive capabilities, air defense networks, military intelligence, and home front readiness.

Following the meeting, Defense Minister Katz warned Tehran against initiating direct military actions against 'Israel'.

"We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks 'Israel', it will suffer a crushing blow," Katz said.

Alleged intelligence alerts 

While defense officials did not clarify whether the high-level security meeting was triggered by a specific intelligence alert, reports indicate heightened vigilance across all regional sectors.

Assessments among Western intelligence agencies indicate that Iran may seek to draw 'Israel' into a wider military confrontation and could potentially elect to initiate action first, prompting 'Israeli' forces to maintain active readiness.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warns that using frozen state assets to pay for future claims sets a dangerous global precedent.

“Seizing another nation’s assets to pay for unrelated future claims is an incendiary precedent,” Araghchi wrote on X.

He cautioned that “those who celebrate or profit from such funds should remember: once governments normalize confiscation, no one’s assets are safe. Ensuing chaos will not be pretty or peaceful.” 

Seizing another nation's assets to pay for unrelated future claims is an incendiary precedent.

Those who celebrate or profit from such funds should remember: once governments normalize confiscation, no one's assets are safe. Ensuing chaos will not be pretty or peaceful.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 24, 2026

Authorities in Iran's Khuzestan province said four people were killed and five others wounded in a US strike on the outskirts of Ahvaz early Friday.

Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that air defense systems were activated in the capital, Tehran, to intercept what it described as hostile targets.

Explosions were reported in several cities across southern Iran, with a Khuzestan provincial official saying US missile strikes targeted areas around Ahvaz, while Iranian media also reported blasts in Bandar Abbas and near Omidiyeh.

Iranian state television reported that an explosion was heard in the southwestern city of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province.