US launches new strikes on Iran as Tehran suspends interim deal commitments

On July 18 the United States began a fresh wave of airstrikes against Iranian targets, the seventh night of attacks, with CENTCOM saying the strikes aim to curb Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to punish IRGC forces that hit U.S. personnel in Jordan. Tehran announced it is suspending its obligations under the interim nuclear‑related agreement with Washington. The raids hit surveillance sites, logistics hubs and infrastructure, including a desalination plant and oil facility in Kuwait and electricity and water facilities in Iran’s Hormozgan province, causing dozens of civilian deaths and injuries. Iran’s health ministry reports more than 50 killed and over 500 wounded, while the U.S. says additional service members have been injured. Oil prices rose above $86 a barrel as tanker traffic through the strait fell to a three‑week low.