Tensions rise as US-Iran strikes escalate, Houthis threaten Saudi shipping
2026-07-21 10:16:12 source：CGTN
July21, 2026
Tensions across the Middle East intensified on Monday as Iran and the United States exchanged fresh attacks, while Yemen's Houthi group threatened Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, raising concerns over further disruption to regional security and global energy flows.
The US military said it carried out another round of strikes on Iran on Monday, after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched a multi-stage operation targeting US positions in the Gulf, including facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Iran said the attacks were in retaliation for US military actions, while Washington said its operations were directed at countering Iranian threats. Several Gulf states reported air defense alerts, with Kuwait saying its forces intercepted missiles and drones entering its airspace. Jordan also said it had shot down three missiles launched from Iran toward targets in Jordanian territory.
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