Jordan’s armed forces announced that they had intercepted five Iranian missiles aimed at the kingdom on July 30, 2026, without reporting any casualties. This incident comes hours after the United States military command ended a “heavy wave of attacks” against targets in Iran, in retaliation for actions against American bases in Jordan, increasing tensions in the Middle East.
US strikes hit dozens of targets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including military command centers. American actions were concentrated in several cities in the province of Khuzestan, in southwestern Iran, as well as the island of Qeshm, in the Gulf, intensifying fears of an even greater escalation in the region.
The new series of bombings came after days of a lull in violence between the two sides, resuming clashes that have fueled concerns of a return to all-out war in the area. This complex scenario involves multiple actors and reflects growing instability.
Wave of retaliation and deepening of the regional conflict
The recent escalation of attacks took place in a context of retaliation and pre-existing tensions. Previously, on July 29, 2026, the United States, in partnership with Saudi Arabia, had already attacked Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers. Saudi Arabia had reported two days of drone attacks on oil installations before this joint action.
Recent incidents and humanitarian scenario in the region
Recent clashes have resulted in several incidents and deaths, directly impacting civilians and important infrastructure. The consequences of the attacks include:
- Casualties in Qeshm:Iranian state media IRNA reported that a couple and their son were killed in a US strike on a residential building on the island of Qeshm, with two other children injured and taken to hospital. American forces did not immediately comment on these reports.
- IRGC members killed:The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said three of its members were killed in a US strike in Zanjan province.
- Attacks in Gaza:Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least four people, including two children, in Bureij, Khan Younis and Gaza City, according to health authorities. Israeli forces said the targets were Hamas militants.
- Drone attacks in Egypt:Drones caused fires on two natural gas vessels in the Egyptian port of Damietta, according to British maritime safety firm Ambrey. The perpetrator of the attacks, which hit a US-owned storage facility and a Greek oil tanker, was not immediately clear.
- Attack on Kuwait:An Iranian attack hit a Chinese company building in northern Kuwait, resulting in the death of a worker, the country’s Defense Ministry said. The attack caused significant material damage.
Iran seeks to reinforce air defenses and impacts on the oil market
In response to the conflict scenario, Iran is expected to receive a first shipment of up to 400 Chinese anti-aircraft missile launchers in the coming weeks, sources familiar with the deal said. The purchase, valued at between 60 and 70 million dollars, represents one of Tehran’s biggest efforts to strengthen its short-range air defenses amid the conflict with the United States and Israel.
Despite the escalation of attacks in the Gulf region, oil prices reversed some of their earlier gains. Brent futures fell 1.06% to $89.78 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.76% to $83.82 per barrel. Companies like Shell reported significantly higher profits due to the rise in energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East.
Negotiations underway amid the crisis
Despite the increasing attacks, Pakistan said negotiations between the United States and Iran remain ongoing. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad is committed to bringing the parties back to the negotiating table under the memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran in June.
