Middle East Crisis: Iran Threatens Total Offensive Following New US Strikes

Saturday 18 July 2026 - 09:29

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a new phase of escalation, marked by intensified military operations and expanded tensions across several countries in the Gulf and Levant. Despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at paving the way for diplomatic discussions, clashes continue, raising concerns within the international community about the risk of lasting destabilization in the region.

New American Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure

According to the US Central Command (Centcom), American forces have conducted new strikes against several Iranian military infrastructures, including surveillance facilities, logistics centers, underground weapons depots, and maritime capabilities. Washington claims to have exclusively targeted military objectives.

On the Iranian side, local authorities report that several provinces have been affected, including Hormozgan, Ahvaz, Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Lar, Darab, and Yazd. Iranian officials report civilian casualties as well as damage to some road infrastructures, including bridges and a tunnel.

Iran Claims Strikes on Regional Military Bases

In response to the American operations, Iranian military authorities claim to have targeted several installations used by American forces in the region. Bases located in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain are among the announced targets by Tehran.

Jordanian authorities indicate that they intercepted several missiles aimed at their territory, without reporting casualties or material damage. In Kuwait, the armed forces report having activated their defense systems in response to hostile drones, while Bahrain has triggered air alerts as a precaution.

These developments illustrate Tehran's willingness to extend the conflict beyond its borders while targeting military infrastructures associated with the United States in the region.

Tehran Mentions a 'Total Offensive'

Iranian officials are making increasingly aggressive statements. Representatives close to the government believe that if American operations continue, Iran could enter a phase described as a 'total offensive', indicating an intensification of military operations.

The Revolutionary Guards also state that their actions will continue as long as the situation remains unstable in the Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz, which has become one of the main hotspots of the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Point in the Crisis

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major strategic concern. This maritime route constitutes one of the main global corridors for the transport of oil and natural gas. Any disruption of navigation there exerts immediate pressure on international energy markets.

Iranian authorities announce that they have intercepted several vessels that they accuse of attempting to cross the strait without authorization. They also claim that two oil tankers may have been damaged in a mined area. However, these statements are contested by the American Command, which denies these claims and denounces a communication aimed at increasing psychological pressure.

The uncertainty surrounding maritime security in this area fuels concerns among shipping companies and international markets.

A Crisis with Regional and Economic Consequences

Since the resumption of hostilities at the beginning of July, clashes between Washington and Tehran have reached a level rarely seen in recent years. The exchanges of strikes, maritime incidents, and mutual threats increase the risk of the conflict expanding to other states in the Middle East.

Beyond the military aspect, this situation weighs on trade, maritime transport, and energy prices. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz, as a prolonged closure could disrupt global supply chains.

Several analysts believe that the accumulation of military operations is gradually reducing diplomatic maneuvering space and increasing the risk of a large-scale regional confrontation, with potentially major consequences for international economic stability.