Trump warns US 'not finished' with Iran as Mideast hostilities escalate

The United States is intensifying its military campaign against Iran, with President Donald Trump vowing that the operation is far from complete. For the eleventh night in a row, U.S. forces launched airstrikes on July 21, 2026, targeting Iran. Central Command confirmed the strikes, which were met with Iran activating its air defense systems. Reports indicated explosions in northwest and southern Iran, including near the nuclear facility in Bushehr.

Trump specifically threatened to strike a subterranean nuclear complex known as "Pickaxe Mountain" near Natanz, which Western intelligence suspects is used for undeclared enrichment activities. The escalating conflict has already impacted global markets, with oil prices surging above $90 per barrel. This rise is attributed to Iran's actions, including imposing a blockade in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has retaliated by targeting U.S. allies such as Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Additionally, Houthi rebels in Yemen announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally. Trump also issued a warning to the Houthis, stating he would deal with them if they advanced their blockade. This exchange risks breaking a 2022 truce between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who had largely remained uninvolved since late February when Iran was attacked by Israel and the U.S.

The U.S. military has reported 17 service members killed and nearly 100 wounded in the ongoing hostilities. The Secretary of Defense indicated that the war has cost $37.5 billion to date, a significant increase from mid-May. The conflict's expansion into the Red Sea, with two vessels reportedly turning back after loading in Saudi Arabia, further highlights the growing regional instability.