US-Iran War Live: Iran reports strikes on Qeshm Island, explosions heard in Bandar Abbas

Middle East Conflict: IRGC targets commercial ships in Hormuz, US downs missile, drone, says report
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz within the past hour, according to CNN, citing a US military official.
The report said US aircraft successfully intercepted and shot down an Iranian cruise missile and a one-way attack drone during the incident.
West Asia Crisis: Iran alleges US breached ceasefire terms, warns Gulf states against aiding attacks
Iran has accused the United States of violating the post-war understanding between the two countries, alleging that recent American strikes on Iranian infrastructure and transportation facilities amount to a breach of international law and the ceasefire framework.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said US actions had disrupted security in the Strait of Hormuz and interfered with commercial shipping. Tehran also claimed that facilities and territory in some Gulf countries were used to facilitate attacks against Iran, warning neighbouring states not to allow their land or bases to be used for military operations targeting the country.
While reiterating that it does not seek conflict, Iran said any location from which attacks are launched against it could be considered a legitimate target for self-defence. The ministry also criticised UN Secretary-General António Guterres, accusing him of taking a biased stance toward Washington.
Middle East Conflict: CENTCOM says US begins fresh strikes on Iran over Hormuz threats
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces have begun a fresh round of strikes on Iran aimed at degrading Tehran’s ability to disrupt commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump to hold Iranian forces “accountable” and safeguard maritime navigation through the strategic waterway. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region and growing concerns over the security of global shipping routes.
At 5 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching more strikes against Iran to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Commander in Chief has directed the strikes to hold Iranianâ¦
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 12, 2026
Iran War Live: Explosions reported near Bandar Abbas after US strikes on Iran
Multiple explosions were reported in southern Iran near Sirik and west of Bandar Abbas, according to Iranian state television, shortly after the US military announced a new wave of strikes on Iranian targets.
State media later reported additional blasts on Qeshm Island and in the port city of Jask, raising concerns over a widening security situation along Iran’s strategic southern coastline. No immediate details were available on casualties or the extent of damage.
West Asia Crisis: UN envoy calls for regional stability during talks with Iran's Araghchi
The United Nations’ special envoy for Lebanon, Jean Arnault, stressed the need for intensified efforts to promote peace and stability across the region during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Following the talks, Araghchi said he condemned what he described as repeated US attacks on Iran, alleged violations of arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, and continued Israeli military actions in Lebanon. He urged the United Nations to take a clear stance against what he termed US aggression.
The Iranian foreign minister also reaffirmed Tehran’s support for Lebanon, backing the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while calling for an end to Israeli military operations and occupation in Lebanese territory.
Middle East Conflict: Iraq urges restraint amid rising maritime tensions, backs de-escalation efforts
Iraq has voiced concern over escalating tensions affecting maritime security, urging all sides to avoid actions that could further inflame the situation or threaten the safety of international shipping routes. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry called for restraint and stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime navigation. Baghdad also reiterated its support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further escalation in the region.
US-Iran war: Here's what happened so far
- The United States and Iran have intensified their conflict with fresh missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.
- Iran says it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the US insists the strategic waterway remains open to commercial shipping.
- Fresh US strikes have targeted Iranian missile systems, air defence sites and military assets around the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran has responded by launching attacks on US-linked military facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan, while the UAE and Bahrain have also reported Iranian missile and drone threats.
- Explosions have been reported in Iran's Bandar Abbas and on nearby Qeshm Island following the latest US strikes.
- Iran says one maintenance worker was killed and two others were injured during the attacks in Hormozgan province.
- Tehran maintains that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain suspended until "stability and calm are restored", blaming US military activity in the region.
- Washington has rejected Iran's claim, saying commercial traffic continues to move through the international waterway and that US forces are protecting freedom of navigation.
- The renewed fighting has put last month's interim US-Iran agreement in jeopardy. The deal aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create a pathway towards a broader peace settlement.
- President Donald Trump has said he considers the ceasefire effectively over, although he has continued to say he is open to further negotiations.
- The conflict has disrupted one of the world's most important energy corridors, raising concerns over global oil supplies and higher fuel prices.
- India has reported one of its nationals missing after an attack on the container ship GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, while Omani authorities rescued 23 crew members.
- Gulf countries have reported civilian injuries, damage to military facilities and attacks on critical infrastructure as the conflict spreads across the region.
- Diplomatic efforts led by Oman, Qatar and other regional partners are continuing, but the latest escalation has raised fresh doubts over the prospects for a negotiated settlement.

