The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for an attack on Kuwait, according to Iranian state media. The semi-official Fars news agency reported that the IRGC struck the Ali al-Salem airbase in Kuwait this morning, destroying two drone hangars, a fuel tank for aircraft, and military helicopters. The IRGC also stated that three of its members were killed in a US attack on the north-western Zanjan province this morning, as reported by state media.
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Four, Including Two Children
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least four people, including two children, according to health officials. An eight-year-old girl and an 18-month-old child were among the victims in attacks on the Bureij refugee camp, Khan Younis, and Gaza City, Reuters reported, citing Gaza health officials.
Pakistan Says US-Iran Negotiations Ongoing
Pakistan stated that negotiations between the US and Iran are “ongoing” despite escalating attacks in the Middle East. Foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad was doing its “utmost” to bring the warring parties back to the negotiating table under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the US and Iran in June.
Drone Strike on Egyptian Port Signals High Risk for US Interests
A drone strike on the Egyptian port of Damietta, the first attack on the country since the US-Iran war broke out, could be a high-risk message for American interests everywhere in the Middle East, analysts say. No party has claimed the strike on the Mediterranean port, which hit an American-owned and operated floating gas storage vessel, according to AFP. Egypt has not assigned blame for the attack.
Shell Profit More Than Doubles Amid Middle East War
Shell more than doubled its profit in the second quarter of the year, as Europe’s biggest oil and gas company benefited from the jump in oil and gas prices triggered by war in the Middle East. The FTSE 100 company’s net profit hit $9.84bn (£7.4bn) in the three months to June, more than double compared with the same period last year.
US Completes Heavy Wave of Strikes Against Iran
The US military said it completed a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran on Thursday in retaliation for Tehran targeting American bases in Jordan, as intensified fighting fueled the risk of a return to all-out war. The new strikes were launched hours after Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran “very hard” after a days-long pause in violence. Jordan’s military later said it had foiled an Iranian attempt to target the kingdom with five missiles, with no casualties reported.
US forces struck dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets, including military command centers, US Central Command said. Iran’s state news agency Irna reported strikes on several cities in the south-western Khuzestan province, as well as on Qeshm island in the Gulf. Areas around the cities of Abadan, Shadegan, Arvandkenar, and Ahvaz were struck, Irna said, citing provincial authorities.
US and Saudi Arabia Strike Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq
Earlier, the US partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Iran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq on Wednesday, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers. Saudi Arabia had reported two days of drone attacks targeting crude facilities.
Israel Accuses Hezbollah of Truce Violation
The Israeli military accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of a truce violation in Lebanon, saying it had fired a drone at an Israeli vehicle.
