Day 148 | Trump mulls escalation in Iran but says Tehran is getting ‘more serious’ in talks
US President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran remain engaged in negotiations, adding that he believes Tehran is "getting more serious." Earlier on Friday, Trump met with senior advisers and Cabinet officials at the White House to discuss possible next steps if diplomatic efforts fail, according to a source familiar with the meeting.
Trump said Washington's strategy for ending the war could be achieved either through diplomacy or military action. His comments came as the US bombing campaign against Iran entered its 13th consecutive night following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement earlier this month.
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan said they intercepted new Iranian missile and drone attacks on Friday. The strikes came hours after US airstrikes reportedly killed four people and partially damaged a facility belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iranian state media. Tehran said the attacks targeted American military assets across the region.
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Read more: Day 149 | Houthis target Saudi oil as new Middle East front
Iran says UK will be a "legitimate target” if it supports US in the war
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Saturday that the United Kingdom will be a “definite and legitimate" target if it supports Washington in the ongoing strikes.
The warning comes after US B-1 bomber planes recently took off from a RAF Fairford air base in Gloucestershire and carried out strikes on targets in Iran.
“Britain will be our definite and legitimate target if it accompanies America,” said Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesman for the IRGC, in statements carried by Iranian media.
“Any country, whether Britain, the Gulf states or others, if it supports America in war, will be our legitimate target,” he added.
Iran says it sold $18 bn of oil during war, ceasefire
Iran’s oil ministry on Saturday said it was able to sell a total of $18 billion worth of oil during the war and the ensuing ceasefire with the United States.
“The ministry sold $11.5 billion of oil during the war and $6.5 billion during the ceasefire” that collapsed earlier this month, the ministry said in a statement carried by its official website.
“This covers more than 60 percent of the oil revenues forecast in the year’s budget in the midst of the crisis,” it added.
In late June, however, Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had said that Iran was unable to export any oil during the US blockade on its ports.
US-'Israeli' strikes on Iran sparked the war on February 28, prompting Iran to retaliate against US allies in the region.
An April ceasefire largely put an end to fighting, but hostilities resumed earlier in July as the two foes battle over control of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Trump pauses US strikes on Iran as diplomacy gains momentum: Axios
US President Donald Trump directed the US military not to carry out new strikes on Iran on Friday, breaking a nearly two-week streak of daily attacks, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the decision.
The report said the move came as diplomacy gained momentum, with Omani-mediated talks progressing in Tehran over a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump said he believes "the smarter strategy" is to "make a deal" with Iran.
IRGC claims Iranian attacks destroyed US aircraft at regional bases
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims its attacks destroyed US aircraft on the ground, including drones, fighter jets, and support aircraft at bases across the region, according to a statement carried by Fars news agency.
Jordan condemns Houthi attack on Saudi vessel in Red Sea
Jordan has condemned an attack carried out by the Houthis targeting a Saudi vessel while it was transiting the Red Sea, calling it a blatant violation of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In a statement, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates expressed the kingdom’s rejection and condemnation of the attack, stressing that such actions threaten the security and safety of maritime navigation.
The ministry reaffirmed Jordan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its support for the kingdom and its right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, stability, and interests.
Channel 12: Foreign airlines cancel 'Israel' flights amid Iran tensions
'Israel's' Channel 12 reported a high state of alert as authorities await US President Donald Trump's decision on the future of the confrontation with Iran.
The channel said foreign airlines, including Italian and Austrian carriers, have begun canceling flights to and from 'Israel', calling it a possible sign of what may come next.
Iran security chief pledges continued strikes until 'complete surrender'
- Iran's top security official said military operations will continue until what he described as the enemy's "complete surrender."
- He claimed US military, security, and financial facilities remain targets of Iranian strikes.
- Zolghadr said the campaign is partly driven by retaliation for civilian casualties in southern Iranian towns.
- Iranian officials signaled no intention of halting operations in the near term.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that targeted military strikes will persist until enemy forces reach a state of complete surrender.
In an official statement carried by Iranian media, Zolghadr framed the ongoing missile and drone attacks as direct retaliation against American military and economic interests across the Middle East.
"Every column of smoke in the region means a US military, security, or financial center has been targeted," Zolghadr said, describing the military operations as the direct response of the Iranian populace against external aggression.
Vow of retaliation
Zolghadr emphasized that the offensive campaign will not cease until Iran exacts retribution for lives lost during the conflict, explicitly citing civilian casualties in southern Iranian municipalities.
"The continuous and targeted launches by our fighters are the whips of anger from the risen nation of Iran, descending upon the back of the hegemony system," Zolghadr stated.
He added that operations would continue "until the complete surrender of the enemy and avenging the blood of the innocent children of Minab, Lamerd, and other cities, by the grace of God."
The top security chief's remarks come amid continued regional exchanges involving US installations and Iranian military infrastructure, signaling Tehran's firm stance against diplomatic concessions during the current operational phase.
UKMTO reports tanker encounter in Gulf of Oman
- UKMTO reported an incident involving a tanker and military forces in the Gulf of Oman.
- The encounter occurred near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Maritime authorities advised commercial vessels in the area to exercise caution and monitor security updates.
A commercial tanker was involved in an encounter with military forces in the Gulf of Oman, according to a report issued Saturday by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.
"UKMTO have received a report of an incident involving a tanker and military forces in the Gulf of Oman," the agency stated, without providing further details regarding the identity of the vessel or the origin of the military personnel involved.
UKMTO WARNING 096-26
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) July 25, 2026
Click here to view the full product.https://t.co/mX0BINFpZT#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/ZDlHfjgJ1H
Heightened maritime security near Hormuz
The incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint vital for global energy shipping where naval presence has escalated substantially.
In response to the report, the UKMTO advised all commercial vessels navigating the regional trade route to consult the latest maritime security guidance, maintain heightened vigilance, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Araghchi: US opening separate route in Hormuz violates MoU
- Araghchi stated that Article 5 of MoU explicitly grants Iran sole authority over transit mechanisms in Strait of Hormuz.
- He accused Washington of violating terms by unilaterally opening separate transit routes without consulting Tehran.
- Araghchi noted that direct communication lines established during Switzerland talks were meant to prevent misunderstandings.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of violating the terms of the bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU), asserting that Tehran holds sole authority over transit protocols in the Strait of Hormuz under the agreed framework.
"Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding is clear and states that Iran is the entity that determines the transit mechanism for Hormuz," Araghchi stated, adding that Washington's decision to open a separate transit route directly contradicts the agreement's terms.
Direct communication lines
According to Araghchi, any modifications or additions of maritime corridors through the Strait of Hormuz required prior consultations with Tehran to comply with Article 5 provisions.
He noted that following initial maritime friction, negotiators had agreed during talks in Switzerland to open a direct hotline aimed at avoiding miscalculations and operational misunderstandings.
However, Araghchi stated that recent developments proved the dispute extended beyond simple misunderstandings.
He claimed the US side remained insistent on establishing alternative transit routes, charging that Washington actively pushed the situation toward escalation and brought the diplomatic understanding to its current state through repeated agreement violations.
US intelligence sees Mojtaba Khamenei more open to nuclear weapon than his father: NYT
- Trump warned the US military is prepared for larger strikes if necessary.
- Overnight hostilities expanded with US strikes in southern Iran and Iranian attacks targeting assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq's Kurdistan Region.
- European diplomats reduced their presence in Tehran.
US intelligence agencies believe Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, shows greater willingness than his predecessor to seek a nuclear weapon. The assessment follows the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the war.
Officials cautioned that much of the underlying intelligence predates the conflict.
While Mojtaba Khamenei has kept a low profile since taking power, US officials noted Iran has not resumed nuclear enrichment, even after relocating some equipment to the underground site at Pickaxe Mountain.
Trump weighs major strike
US President Donald Trump met with top advisors on Friday to evaluate possible escalation.
He told reporters he had not yet decided whether to launch new strikes, but warned that American forces remain "locked and loaded".
A day earlier, Trump indicated he was considering an attack "larger than all previous attacks."
Inside Iran, analysts and social media users voiced deep anxiety over the threat of wider bombardment.
International affairs analyst Amir-Ali Abolfath compared the current atmosphere to the hours before the war's opening strikes, warning that a larger confrontation could lie ahead.
Military exchanges widen across region
US Central Command carried out strikes across southern Iran, targeting military installations, logistics facilities, and air defense systems.
In response, Iranian forces launched strikes against US positions in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq's Kurdistan Region.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed strikes on a US base in Kuwait and an Amazon data center in Bahrain.
Iran's army also reported strikes on Isa Air Base in Bahrain, while the IRGC warned civilians to stay at least 500 meters away from potential targets.
Diplomats exit as mediators arrive
Britain announced the withdrawal of all diplomats from Tehran, while French and German missions adjusted operations.
Amid the escalating confrontation, an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran.
Official reports focused on shipping management in the Strait of Hormuz, but the visit prompted speculation that Muscat may be conveying messages between Washington and Tehran.
Saudi Arabia issues new alert of a potential danger in Yanbu Governorate
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense Directorate issued a new alert warning of a potential danger in Yanbu Governorate.
The directorate urged residents to remain calm and follow official instructions while monitoring updates from authorities.
Netanyahu to visit US next week, Trump says
‘Israel’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United States next week for a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Trump confirmed during his speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Netanyahu’s office said the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday and comes at Trump’s invitation.
The visit will mark Netanyahu’s seventh trip to the US to meet Trump and comes amid heightened tensions with Iran following two weeks of US strikes and threats of further action over attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu has previously expressed opposition to Iran’s nuclear negotiations and has supported renewed military action against Tehran.
During his visit, Netanyahu is also expected to attend the funeral of former US Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he described as one of ‘Israel’s’ strongest supporters.
Trump weighs in on Iran war: "It's all going extremely well"
US President Donald Trump made a stark pivot from making jokes to touching on the war in Iran during remarks at the White House Correspondents’ dinner on Friday.
“It’s all going extremely well. Don’t believe the fake news,” Trump said about the status of the war.
He went on to say that the US has “hit Iran very hard” and that it no longer has Navy and Air Force capabilities.
“They have very few drones left, despite what you see,” he said.
Trump also added that he thinks Iran would “love to make a deal” but that he doesn’t “think they’re ready to.”
“I don’t think it’s time yet, but I’m willing to to listen,” the president said.
Tehran says US breaches fueled Hormuz insecurity
Iran's Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the consequences of what Tehran described as US violations of the terms of an agreement to end the war during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
According to Iranian state media, Araghchi told the Chinese foreign minister that insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz was caused by the United States allegedly failing to honor its commitments.
Iran has repeatedly accused Washington of undermining diplomatic arrangements, while US officials have rejected Tehran's claims and defended their actions in the region.
Traffic through Strait of Hormuz ‘remains uneven’, tracking firm says
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains uneven as shipping operators continue to assess security conditions, according to monitoring firm Kpler.
The company said six crossings were confirmed through the strategic waterway on Thursday, marking a 60% decline compared with the previous day.
At the same time, traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait increased to 49 confirmed crossings, indicating a cautious return of some vessels to regional routes.
Kpler said the data suggests a "cautious but selective return to transit activity" as operators weigh security risks before resuming normal operations.
WATCH: Footage shows Saudi airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port
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Houthi foreign ministry says attack on Hodeidah a ‘major folly’
The Houthi Foreign Ministry accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out strikes on facilities belonging to the Telecommunications Corporation in the Yemeni city of Hodeidah, warning that the attacks would be met with "escalation for escalation."
In a statement reported by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV, the ministry said that "instead of complying with the legitimate and just demand to lift the blockade on Yemen, the Saudi regime committed a major folly that will cost it dearly."
The ministry also claimed that another Saudi strike targeted Kamaran Island, injuring a woman.
Separately, Al Masirah TV quoted a source in the Houthi-affiliated Ministry of Defense as claiming that Yemeni air defenses forced several Saudi combat formations to leave the country's airspace.
Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways cancel flights to 'Israel'
Austrian Airlines and ITA Airways have canceled flights to 'Israel' amid concerns over a potential escalation in regional tensions, according to 'Israel's' Channel 12.
The report said both carriers suspended their scheduled services as security concerns continue to affect air travel to and from 'Israel'.
Teenager shot during 'Israeli' raid on refugee camp in Bethlehem
A 16-year-old Palestinian boy was shot in the foot during an 'Israeli' military raid on the Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
The PRCS said its medical teams treated the teenager before transferring him to a hospital for further care. No immediate details were provided about his condition.
