US resumes strikes on Iran; Trump threatens to escalate to nuclear site
The US military completed its 11th night of strikes on Iran as President Trump warned of heavier attacks, including on the fortified nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain. The conflict complicates diplomatic efforts, while Yemen's Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The United States military conducted its 11th consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting aircraft hangars and drone storage sites. President Donald Trump has warned that the strikes will intensify and that the US will soon hit the area near Pickaxe Mountain 'very heavily' – a fortified underground complex adjacent to one of Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities. Iranian military leaders have said such an attack would be a major escalation.
In a new development, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi forces, who control the Red Sea coast, announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, Saudi Arabia has been relying on a pipeline to the Red Sea to export millions of barrels of oil.
Before the latest strikes, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a key mediator, but no new agreement has been reached.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, with the number of wounded US personnel now exceeding 500. Oil prices rose: Brent crude hit $92.09 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate reached $85.23.
Trump has reportedly approved a deal with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear program, involving US companies and a joint feasibility study – though the agreement may not include the IAEA's Additional Protocol for inspections.
Additionally, Trump announced he would authorize US airlines to resume direct flights to Lebanon, which have been suspended since the 1985 hijacking of a TWA flight.
/nginx/o/2026/07/22/17798228t1ha233.jpg)