The 14-point Memorandum of Understanding collapsed between the US and Iran. The Memorandum of Misunderstanding leads to a terrible escalation in the Persian Gulf, as daily, relentless bombardments continue, and on July 23, another wave of attacks shook Iran and the Persian Gulf states.
The most important news from these attacks includes:
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On July 23, CENTCOM, the American Military Command, launched the 12th wave of attacks on Iran. Among the targets was the 7th Armored Division of Wali-Asr of the Iranian Army.
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Iran responded by demolishing the American base Ali al-Salem in Kuwait.
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Iran warned that Koh Kalang is a red line: "US, if you hit Koh Kalang, we will directly target Israel." Koh Kalang is a mountain range where Iran's main missile forces are hidden.
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The IRGC, Iran's elite forces, announced they struck a tanker that attempted to pass illegally through Hormuz.
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The US is urgently transferring special forces to the Middle East and over 150 medical personnel to Germany, where wounded American soldiers are being transported—proof that they want to address Iranian strikes on Americans on one hand, while preparing an attack that will require medical personnel on the other—a possible ground landing.
CENTCOM: The 12th wave of attacks struck Sirik, Ahvaz, Bushehr – Iran: Americans, do not dare hit Koh Kalang
With the unprecedented escalation of the military conflict, the start of a new phase of extensive attacks by the American military on Iranian cities and infrastructure is at the doorstep. The 12th wave of attacks struck Sirik, Ahvaz, and Bushehr, key cities in Iran. Iran threatens retaliatory strikes against Israel if the Americans dare hit the Koh Kalang mountains where Iranian missile forces are hidden.
CENTCOM claims it initiated the 12th wave of attacks on Iran on July 23, 2026. The Central Command of the US military (CENTCOM) claimed in a statement that it has launched a new wave of attacks on Iran by order of Trump.
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A point in the center of Bushehr province was hit, resulting in 3 explosions. An electrical substation at the Bushehr nuclear power plant was hit by a missile.
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A new explosion was heard in Sirik.
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A powerful explosion occurred in Hamidiyeh, Khuzestan.
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An asphalt warehouse around Ramshir was subjected to a missile attack.
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The 7th Armored Division of Wali-Asr was bombarded.
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A missile attack targeted a site around the city of Ahvaz.
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According to the latest field reports, Khuzestan province has suffered severe attacks. The sound of several massive explosions was heard in Ahvaz (especially in the Kianshahr area) and Bandar Mahshahr. Simultaneously, reports have also been recorded of new explosions heard in the city of Tabriz.
Iran's Red Line: US, do not dare hit Koh Kalang or we will flatten Israel
Iran has drawn a new red line for the American military. Iranian officials have warned that in the event of any attack by the US military on the strategic Koh Kalang area, they will directly attack military targets inside Israel.
American base Ali al-Salem in Kuwait turned to dust – Hell in the Persian Gulf and Jordan
The Iranian military's retaliation against the 12th wave of American attacks was shocking in the Persian Gulf. Reports indicate that the American Ali al-Salem air base in Kuwait was struck, and the host nation's military defenses were activated. Initial reports show that several explosions occurred at the Jordanian port of Aqaba.
As the conflict in the region expands, field reports indicate that US military positions in Kuwait have been targeted. The strategic base at Ali al-Salem has sustained extremely severe hits. At the same time, loud explosions were heard in areas around the base. According to these sources, a plume of smoke is visible from a distance of 10 kilometers. Following these attacks, the Kuwaiti Army issued a statement announcing that the country's air defense systems have been activated and are engaging a wave of attack drones in regional skies. The Ali al-Salem base is one of the most critical operational and support centers for the US Air Force in the Persian Gulf region.
Wall Street Journal: The US sends Special Forces, 150 doctors, and B-1s to Middle East… heading into major conflict
The United States is expanding its military footprint in the Middle East, reports the Wall Street Journal. "The United States is deploying additional troops, medical personnel, and weaponry to the Middle East to provide President Trump with broader options for a dynamic response as he considers a wider conflict with Iran."
The Wall Street Journal claims that the US is deploying special operations forces to the region, and fighter jet squadrons have been positioned at bases across the Middle East. Meanwhile, B-1 bombers stationed in the United Kingdom are reportedly preparing for large-scale combat operations. More than 150 physicians and nursing staff have arrived at the primary hospital in Germany where soldiers wounded in the Middle East receive treatment. Axios previously reported that mediators presented Washington with a 10-day ceasefire proposal. Sources indicate that the White House is already reviewing it and has urged Israel to avoid steps that could lead to escalation. However, Washington is simultaneously preparing for the potential failure of negotiations and is increasing its regional presence.
The IRGC reported an explosion on a tanker attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, 3 tankers violated orders
Three oil tankers attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian consent, resulting in an explosion and fire on one of the vessels. This was reported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, the elite unit of the Iranian Armed Forces). "Three oil tankers... intended to transit through the mined route via the Strait of Hormuz. Following an explosion and a massive fire on one of them, the other two turned around and retreated at full speed," reported the IRGC. The armed forces emphasized that as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control, no ship will be permitted to enter or exit the strait without the consent of the Islamic Republic.
The Houthis struck 2 ships in the Red Sea
The Saudi news agency SPA reported that the Saudi-owned vessel Encelia was targeted in an attack while sailing in the Red Sea. The agency cited an official source from the General Transport Authority, stating that the attack caused a fire at the ship's bow. The same source stated that all crew members are safe and that relevant authorities took necessary measures for the safety of the vessel and crew, as well as for the protection of the maritime environment.
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by Yemen's Houthis, who also struck a second ship, the Layla. Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that a ship was attacked 70 nautical miles (130 kilometers) off the coast of Saudi Arabia, resulting in an onboard fire. The Houthis stated that they struck these two oil tankers simultaneously using multiple cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones, claiming to have caused massive fiery explosions and extensive damage to the vessels.
The Houthis presented the attack as part of a retaliatory campaign against Saudi Arabia, describing it as "siege-for-siege." They claimed that for 12 years Saudi Arabia has imposed a blockade on the people of Yemen and that the time has come for Yemen and the Houthis to respond in kind. This development causes severe disruption to supply lines, this time not in the Strait of Hormuz, but at the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, another vital maritime passage for global energy supply.
Rubio (US Secretary of State): The Memorandum of Understanding with Iran is no longer workable, they do not honor agreements
US Secretary of State Rubio, alleging that Iran has voided existing agreements by violating its commitments, emphasized that Washington remains ready for diplomacy, but Iran is not serious. He also claimed that Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz led to protests from China and caused the US to target sites that launch attacks on shipping.
The new statements by the US Secretary of State point to a diplomatic rift and an intensification of accusations against Iran regarding diplomacy and maritime security. Rubio emphasized that international agreements rely on mutual commitment, alleging that Iran has breached the agreement and that it is no longer workable. He claimed that Washington remains ready to pursue diplomatic solutions and negotiations, adding that Iran lacks a serious approach to this process under current circumstances.
The US Secretary of State continued his claims, saying that the agreement between the two sides emphasized opening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring freedom of navigation, and that Iran was supposed to issue an official statement regarding this about a week and a half ago. According to Rubio, on the very day this statement was to be published, Iran targeted a vessel. Rubio also claimed that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are targeted by Iran, noting that the Chinese government is also protesting Iranian actions in the strait and the imposition of transit fees. The US Secretary of State stressed that the United States, in defense of freedom of navigation, targets sites responsible for maritime attacks.
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