The United States military conducted a new wave of air strikes against targets across Iran on July 23, 2026.
The attacks mark the 13th consecutive night of operations aimed at dismantling Iran's ability to threaten commercial vessels in regional waters.
Explosions were reported in Iranian locations including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Andimeshk, and Omidiyeh.
Oil prices surged over 6 percent past $100 a barrel following attacks on global energy routes.
Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
The escalation expanded to the Red Sea after Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed strikes on two Saudi Arabian oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi state media confirmed a fire aboard the Encelia, while maritime authorities acknowledged an attack southwest of Al Shuqaiq.
The strikes put energy shipments from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port at risk.
They severely disrupted international maritime trade routes already damaged by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Warns Foreign Bases
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stern warning through the Tasnim news agency regarding foreign military installations aiding the American offensive.
"Any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces," the IRGC stated, specifically highlighting RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after American bombing missions allegedly launched from the British site.
Iranian military officials also denounced the British monarchy regime as the "primary cause of hardships in our region."
They warned the government "not to weigh down its record any further."
In response, British authorities reaffirmed their national defense readiness without altering their operational agreements with Washington.
"Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks," a British government spokesperson said.
Spokespersons reiterated that London maintains a robust defense network alongside international partners.
"This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our Nato allies," the spokesperson added.
Officials emphasized that British forces remain focused on protecting coalition interests while avoiding direct entrapment in the broader military campaign.
"We are committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict," the spokesperson stated.
Trump Threatens Financial and Military Action
US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would execute financial countermeasures using seized Iranian assets to pay for commercial maritime damages.
"Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls," Trump posted on social media.
Addressing the ongoing offensive operations against Tehran, Trump signaled that additional military actions remained under active evaluation.
"I am close to making a decision," Trump said, adding that "we're all set for it."
The US president also threatened retaliation if Houthi maritime offensives persist in the Red Sea.
"If they do this again, the US will hold Iran responsible, in that 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," Trump stated.
International Calls for Diplomacy
Diplomatic figures expressed severe alarm over the rapid military expansion across vital international trade corridors.
"Diplomacy is the only way forward," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council, warning that the region is being pulled "into an ever-widening circle of confrontation" and calling for mediation efforts to be strengthened.
Diplomatic discussions continue as Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited Tehran to urge peaceful dialogue.
He promised that Iraqi territory would not be utilized to stage strikes against Iran.
