Speech
Ahmad al-Sharaa  ·  2026-07-13 00:00

Iran expands regional attacks as tensions with U.S. escalate

Washington, July.12 (SANA)Iran and the United States exchanged fresh missile and drone attacks on Sunday, as Tehran expanded its military operations to include several Gulf states hosting U.S. military facilities, according to the report.

Iran said it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global energy shipments, while the United States continued strikes against Iranian military targets aimed at reducing Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.

The latest escalation reportedly affected Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan and Oman, with several countries reporting missile or drone attacks, interceptions or damage. Qatar said three people were injured by falling debris and held Iran responsible for the attack.

The renewed fighting has cast doubt on the future of a recently signed interim U.S.-Iran agreement intended to ease tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he considers the ceasefire effectively over while leaving open the possibility of further negotiations.

The conflict has intensified concerns over regional security and global energy markets, as disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most important oil transit routes—have pushed energy prices higher.

Iran said its actions were aimed at asserting control over navigation through the strait, while the U.S. Navy maintained that alternative shipping routes remained open despite heightened security risks.

Iranian officials also warned that future negotiations would depend on the United States honoring its commitments, with senior officials declaring that “the era of one-sided deals is over.”