US-Iran War News Live Updates | ‘No interest in talks with Tehran’: Trump says US will hit Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain ‘soon’

President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House. (Photo: AP)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave a view of possible talks with Iran and said that until the Iranian administration is “ready to meet in a meaningful way, we have no interest in meeting.” The US president further added that American forces will be “hitting” Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain “pretty soon.”

The meeting came as United States carried out a tenth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, with Iranian state media reporting explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and other locations. The escalation comes as Iran’s president described the country as being in a “full-scale war,” even as diplomats continued talks aimed at de-escalation.

Story continues below this ad What is happening on the ground: Iranian media identified strikes near Tabriz, believed to house underground missile facilities, and Bushehr, home to Iran’s only operating civilian nuclear plant. US Central Command described the targets as covering military command centers, air-defense and coastal surveillance sites, along with missile, drone and communications infrastructure. President Trump warned on social media that Tehran would face steep consequences for American service member deaths, according to CNN. Jordan said it intercepted three Iranian missiles, while Kuwait and Bahrain also reported activity tied to Iran’s expanding attacks on US-hosting Gulf states. US is increasing its fighter jet presence in the Middle East as Trump weighs further options, with dozens of aerial refueling aircraft having arrived in Israel and more en route. Five latest developments: Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and other locations as US Central Command carried out another round of attacks.

The president said on social media that Iran would face severe consequences for the deaths of American service members.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia after the two sides exchanged fire last week for the first time in years.

Jordan said it shot down three missiles launched from Iran, while Kuwait reported intercepting “hostile targets” and air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain.

The Pentagon is boosting fighter jet numbers in the region and sending additional refueling aircraft to Israel, as officials disclosed nearly 100 US troops have suffered mostly minor injuries since July 7. Follow The Indian Express Global Desk live coverage for the latest updates on the conflict from West Asia and the US. Live Updates Jul 22, 2026 04:28 AM IST Kuwaiti air defences respond to drone attacks Kuwait’s air defences are responding to attacks by what the military described as hostile drones following Iranian attacks, the Kuwaiti army says. The army’s General Staff said any explosions heard were caused by air defence systems intercepting the drones. It urged the public to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities. Jul 22, 2026 12:45 AM IST New UK PM Burnham approves use of UK bases for US strikes on Iran: Report The new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has approved the use of the UK bases for some US strikes on Iran, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Jul 22, 2026 12:24 AM IST US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces questions from senators over funding for the Iran war Senators are preparing to grill Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday over the US war against Iran, as Republicans push a $95 billion budget package to fund the military, along with aid to farmers and voting law changes that are top White House priorities. Hegseth, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins are set to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee days after the military announced that three more American service members have died in the conflict, bringing the death toll to 17, and that more than 100 have been injured since early July. (AP) Jul 21, 2026 10:50 PM IST Iran's army says it shot down a one-way attack drone in northwest Iran's military on Tuesday said that its forces shot down a one-way attack drone in the country's northwest, Tehran's Tasnim news agency reported. Jul 21, 2026 10:08 PM IST Trump promises US help for Lebanon during a White House meeting with its president US President Donald Trump pledged to help Lebanon “a lot” during a White House meeting on Tuesday with the country's leader, Joseph Aoun, who came to push for long-term calm after months of war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. “It’s been a very badly treated place and country, and we’re going to have it properly treated and treated with the respect it deserves,” Trump told Aoun during a meeting. (AP) Jul 21, 2026 09:40 PM IST Trump says US has 'no interest' in Iran talks for now US President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave a view on the possible talks with Iran to end the war. "I will tell you, they want to desperately meet. And until they're ready to meet in a meaningful way, we have no interest in meeting," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office. Jul 21, 2026 09:06 PM IST Iran warns Bulgaria against aiding US military operations after move to station US aircraft Iran's foreign ministry spokesman warned Bulgaria on Tuesday against allowing the US to use its territory for military operations against Iran. The Bulgarian government has said it will seek ⁠parliamentary approval ​to station up to eight US tanker aircraft at an air base in the Balkan ​country, which ​is a member ⁠of NATO and the European Union. Jul 21, 2026 08:53 PM IST US soldier killed in Iraq was a 30-year-old father from North Carolina A US soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from North Carolina who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family. Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, of Fayetteville, will receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be promoted posthumously to staff sergeant. - AP Jul 21, 2026 08:07 PM IST Iranian delegation holds talks with Pakistan PM Sharif, Field Marshal Munir A high-level Iranian delegation led by Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on Tuesday held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, amid an ongoing escalation with the US. Momeni met PM Sharif at his official residence, the PM's Office (PMO) said in a post on X, without giving details. Ahead of his talks with Sharif, Momeni met Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Munir, Iran's official media reported. Momeni will also hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi, who had invited him to visit Islamabad. His visit comes as the situation in West Asia has deteriorated due to the continued US attacks against Iran, which in retaliation has been hitting American interests in the region. Despite a massive bombing campaign, it is believed that mediators, including Pakistan, were making behind-the-scenes efforts to arrange a halt in the attacks and start negotiations between the two sides. PTI Jul 21, 2026 08:01 PM IST Saudi crude tankers turn back as Houthis open new front in US-Iran war Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia reversed course in the Red Sea on Tuesday after threats from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, as a widening Middle East conflict disrupted shipping through two of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. The diversions came as U.S. forces bombed targets in the south and west of Iran overnight, Tehran targeted U.S. sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan and at least one tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz in the latest escalation of violence that has all but wrecked an interim peace deal signed last month. The Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia on Monday, opening a potential new front in the war and raising the threat to global energy supplies and trade beyond the Gulf. The two tankers, which loaded Saudi ⁠crude bound ​for China and India this week, made U-turns and were headed toward the Suez, shipping data on LSEG showed. However, sources said Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu was operating normally. Reuters Jul 21, 2026 07:41 PM IST Oil prices rise over 2% on fresh attacks by US and Iran Oil prices gained more than 2% on Tuesday on fresh attacks exchanged by the U.S. and Iran as well as threats of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthis. Brent crude futures rose $1.89, or 2.12%, to $91.11 a barrel by 0112 GMT. The front-month ⁠U.S. ​West Texas Intermediate crude contract , which expires on Tuesday, was up $2.07, or 2.49%, at $85.30. The more active contract for September delivery rose $2, or 2.42%, to $84.48. "Lower exports through the Strait of Hormuz and concerns of potential supply disruption from oil coming through the Red Sea are moderately supporting oil prices," said ​UBS ​analyst Giovanni Staunovo. U.S. forces bombed targets in southern Iran overnight ⁠after President Donald Trump said that Tehran would pay dearly for the deaths of American soldiers. Iran, meanwhile, struck U.S. sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Reuters Jul 21, 2026 07:05 PM IST Lebanon's president will meet with Trump in Washington to push for Israeli troop withdrawal Lebanon's president will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday to wrap up a four-day visit to Washington, in a bid for long-term calm after months of war at home between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.Joseph Aoun's first-ever meeting with Trump comes as Lebanon and Israel hold rare direct talks mediated by Washington. This is the first visit by a Lebanese president to the White House since 2009. Lebanon hopes the talks will result in Israeli troops withdrawing from large swaths of southern Lebanon that they currently occupy, and the Lebanese military receiving support to assert full control in areas where Hezbollah militants had held sway. AP Jul 21, 2026 07:04 PM IST Kuwait says it is responding to Iranian drone and missile attack The Kuwaiti Army said the country is currently responding to Iranian drones and missiles targeting its territory. No further details were immediately provided. Reuters Jul 21, 2026 06:37 PM IST Air raid sirens sounded in Qatar as Iran targets US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, says report Air raid sirens were sounded in Qatar as Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency. Tasnim also reported that multiple explosions were heard near the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Sirens were activated in the Bahraini capital, Manama, and residents were instructed to move to shelters. Jul 21, 2026 06:24 PM IST France summons Iranian Chargé d'Affaires over detention of French embassy staff France's Foreign Ministry said it has summoned the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires following the detention of French embassy staff in Iran, according to a ministry statement. Reuters Jul 21, 2026 05:47 PM IST US treasury secretary says China has significantly reduced purchase of Iranian oil US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking in an interview with the Fox Business Network, said the United States has observed a substantial decline in China's purchases of Iranian oil. Jul 21, 2026 04:37 PM IST Iran claims to have shot down US cruise missile over southeastern city of Rudbar-e Jonub Iran on Tuesday claimed that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed a US cruise missile over the skies of Rudbar-e Jonub, a city in the country's southeastern region, the Tasnim News Agency reported. According to the claim, the missile was successfully shot down before it could reach its intended target. Jul 21, 2026 04:20 PM IST Iranian army claims drone strike on US forces at Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Base The Iranian Army on Tuesday claimed that it had carried out drone strikes targeting areas used by US forces at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain as part of the 20th phase of Operation Thunder, the IRNA News Agency reported. In a statement, the Iranian Army said the operation was conducted in multiple waves using Arash one-way attack drones, targeting what it described as housing and staging areas of US military personnel. The statement identified Sheikh Isa Air Base as one of the key facilities supporting the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, alleging that it functions as an operational hub for US military air operations and drone activities in the region. The Iranian Army further stated that its military campaign would continue, saying offensive operations would proceed "with full force" until what it called further aggression against Iran is halted. Jul 21, 2026 04:05 PM IST Iranian official meets mediators in Pakistan as Iran and US keep up a 10th day of attacks An Iranian official began meetings Tuesday with mediators in Pakistan as diplomats sought to salvage the collapsed interim deal between Iran and the United States, even as both countries continued to launch attacks for a 10th day of renewed fighting. The visit by Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni comes as Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts in recent days to resuscitate the deal. However, it remains unclear just what new arrangement could be reached to end the fighting. Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, forcing its crew to abandon the ship, while the United States conducted yet another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic. The 10 consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes haven’t compelled Tehran to loosen its grip on the strait, through which about a fifth of all crude oil and natural gas traded once passed in peacetime. The interim deal signed last month that was meant to end the fighting has crumbled. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled. And as fighting intensifies, both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. AP Jul 21, 2026 03:16 PM IST Bahrain sounds missile alert sirens as Iran targets island kingdom Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens Tuesday as Iran targeted the island kingdom with a new barrage. The attack came as Iran's interior minister was in Pakistan to meet with mediators following the collapse of the interim deal between Tehran and the United States. Iran and the US have been exchanging fire for 10 days now as the nations vie over the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas passes in peacetime. AP Jul 21, 2026 02:48 PM IST Dollar softens as investors weigh Middle East jitters against inflation data The U.S. dollar ticked lower on Tuesday as markets balanced conflicting signals from the Middle East against lingering optimism from softer inflation data last week. The euro rose 0.09% against the dollar to $1.1424 while the yen declined 0.09% against the dollar to 162.63 yen. The moves highlight the risks that markets are grappling with as they attempt to price in the latest developments in the Middle East. The U.S. military has struck Iran for ten straight nights, reigniting tensions ⁠and prompting ​investors to dial back hopes that the conflict would end soon. That kind of escalation typically drives flows into havens such as the dollar. At the same time, efforts to find a diplomatic solution remain active. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran had received a proposal from mediators for a 10-day ceasefire. Reuters Jul 21, 2026 01:35 PM IST Five Iranian drones intercepted by Jordan Jordan said it neutralised five incoming drones from Iran, Al Jazeera reported, citing the country's state news agency on Tuesday. Iran’s IRGC had already claimed several strikes against US military targets in Jordan. This included targeting a missile defence radar system and an F-15 jet. Jul 21, 2026 12:28 PM IST Lebanon army begin deployment to 'pilot zone' in southern Lebanese village Lebanon's army has started deploying troops to Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, a southern village designated as part of a "pilot zone" under a US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, according to Reuters. The US State Department said the villages of Froun and Srifa will also trial the programme, which signed by Lebanon, Israel and the US on 26 June envisions a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Lebanese army oversight of Hezbollah's disarmament, though it sets no withdrawal timeline and has been rejected by Hezbollah, which insists Lebanon's fate should be tied to broader US-Iran talks. Jul 21, 2026 11:25 AM IST IRGC claims strike on Amazon data infrastructure in Bahrain Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has targeted an American commercial target in Bahrain, using cruise missiles. In a statement carried by semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC claimed its Aerospace Force destroyed the central data infrastructure of Amazon using several cruise missiles. The group added that the strike was conducted in response to recent US attacks on civilian infrastructure in Darkhovin. Jul 21, 2026 11:22 AM IST Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is saying it has launched an attack on a US military site in Jordan. Earlier Jordanian state TV reported that three missiles launched from Iran overnight had been intercepted, citing the armed forces, while sirens had sounded in the capital of Amman on Monday evening. Jul 21, 2026 10:25 AM IST Iran says it hit US military targets in Bahrain and Kuwait Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said on Tuesday it struck US military targets including air defence systems in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to state media. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it hit two air defence systems and a radar installation at two different US outposts in Bahrain, as well as missile defence systems and radars and satellite reception systems in Kuwait. The Guard also warned in the statement carried by state news agency Irna: "With this radar sweep, the enemy should prepare for even more decisive and powerful waves of drone and missile attacks." Jul 21, 2026 09:56 AM IST What are the latest developments US Central Command confirmed another round of strikes on Iran late Monday, hours after Trump warned Tehran would face consequences for the deaths of three US service members, as Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple locations. The US is boosting fighter jet numbers in the Middle East as Trump weighs his next move, with dozens of refueling aircraft having arrived in Israel and more on the way. The Pentagon said nearly 100 US troops have suffered mostly minor injuries since July 7, though CNN reports the military has been slow to disclose casualty figures. Kuwait intercepted "hostile targets," air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, and Jordan said it downed Iranian missiles, as Iran escalates attacks on the three US-hosting Gulf states. Jul 21, 2026 09:16 AM IST US issues 'worldwide caution' alert for American citizens The US State Department has issued a "worldwide caution" alert for American citizens abroad, warning of heightened Middle East tensions and the "potential for unforeseen escalation," according to a notice posted on TravelGov's social media. The alert states that US diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have already been targeted, and warns that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests or locations associated with the United States and Americans worldwide. Worldwide Caution: Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.

Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for possible… pic.twitter.com/jaXOwKyuWW — TravelGov (@TravelGov) July 21, 2026 Jul 21, 2026 08:30 AM IST Explosions heard in Iran’s Abdanan Mehr News Agency reported that several explosions were heard Tuesday morning in Abdanan, a city in Iran's western Ilam province, citing Governor Behzad Nourmohammadi, who said a facility in the Dinar Kuh area had been targeted. The governor added that the incident caused no casualties and that authorities are investigating further. Jul 21, 2026 08:02 AM IST Crew abandons tanker in Strait of Hormuz after attack The UK Maritime Operations (UKMTO) agency says it has received multiple reports that a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman’s Limah, has been struck by an unknown projectile. “The CSO of the tanker has reported to UKMTO that the crew have abandoned the vessel and are currently embarked in a lifeboat”, it added. The report came shortly after Iran’s IRGC said “massive fires” had broken out on two oil tankers that attempted to “pass through the unsafe southern route in the Strait of Hormuz” following an explosion. UKMTO WARNING 094-26 - UPDATE 001

Click here to view the full product⤵️https://t.co/bYWX7EUf2X#maritimesecurity #marsec pic.twitter.com/hbM1vG8Wbl — UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) July 21, 2026 Jul 21, 2026 08:01 AM IST Iran says blasts as it stopped two tankers crossing Hormuz strait Iran's Revolutionary Guard said two oil tankers caught fire after explosions while attempting to transit the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, warning the waterway would stay closed as long as US military action in the region continues a claim the US disputed, with the military saying commercial vessel transits are ongoing despite a 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran and vowing to hold Tehran accountable for any "unwarranted aggression toward civilian mariners." Jul 21, 2026 07:58 AM IST US says latest strikes hit Iran sites including military command centres The US military says it has completed its latest round of strikes against Iran and asserts that transits through the strait of Hormuz “continue”. Central Command (Centcom) said in a statement in a post on X. https://t.co/6Rxb5oxz0I — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 21, 2026 Jul 21, 2026 07:54 AM IST IRGC claims more attacks on US military assets in Kuwait The IRGC has issued a second statement claiming additional strikes against US military targets in Kuwait. In a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, the IRGC claimed its forces hit and destroyed an early warning radar, a missile defence radar system, an FPS-117 radar, a Patriot defence system, and an air defence satellite communication system at the Ahmed Al-Jaber base. Jul 21, 2026 06:53 AM IST Yemen's Houthis declare naval blockade against Saudi Arabia Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have announced a maritime embargo of Saudi Arabia. The rebels “declare a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based on the equation of ‘an eye for an eye’ effective immediately upon the issuance of this statement,” military spokesperson Yahya Saree said. The territory controlled by the Houthis in Yemen sits alongside the critical Bab al-Mandab strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and is vulnerable to Houthi attacks by drones missiles and small boats. The Red Sea route is responsible for about 15% of global naval shipping trade. Jul 21, 2026 06:21 AM IST UN concerned over Houthi Red Sea blockade threats The United Nations is concerned at Houthi threats to impose a ‘maritime embargo’ on Saudi Arabia. “It’s obviously another chokepoint. We’re already seeing the impact of the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and what impact that is having on the global economy,” said spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Jul 21, 2026 06:16 AM IST White House says strikes on Iran will continue The US military has launched a 10th consecutive night of attacks on Iran, targeting missile and drone sites as well as other military facilities. President Trump has increasingly framed the campaign as retaliation. In recent social media posts, he repeated an earlier warning that attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would be met with a much stronger response. He has also vowed to avenge the deaths of three US soldiers over the weekend. The statements appear aimed not only at setting policy but also at explaining the escalation to the American public. Trump had previously promised not to draw the US into prolonged “forever wars”, but his administration now argues that the expanding military campaign is justified. Jul 21, 2026 06:08 AM IST Iranian army claims strike on ‘US HIMARS systems’ in Kuwait Iran’s army says it targeted “US HIMARS missile systems” stationed at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait with ground-to-ground missiles. In a statement carried by IRIB, the army said the attack was part of the 18th phase of its “Thunder” operation and was launched in response to US strikes on Iran. Jul 21, 2026 06:07 AM IST Tanker hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO reports A tanker has been hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. The incident eight nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman, was reported around 4:10 p.m. ET on Monday. “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the British shipping monitor said in its report. Earlier, UKMTO reported that two vessels were struck Sunday by projectiles off the coasts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Jul 21, 2026 06:07 AM IST Nearly 100 US service members have been injured over the last two weeks, Pentagon says Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X that nearly 100 US service members have suffered some degree of injury since July 7, with 96% already back on duty and most injuries limited to minor concussions a statement issued to counter a New York Times report alleging the Pentagon concealed dozens of injuries from the Iran war. While nearly 100 service members were deemed to have some degree of injury since July 7, 2026, 96% have returned duty. They are determined to get back in the fight.

The vast majority of injuries experienced were minor concussions. Further updates will be posted on the Defense… https://t.co/mWczpvwGSQ — Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) July 20, 2026 Jul 21, 2026 06:05 AM IST What has happened so far Tenth night of US strikes on Iran: Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and other locations as US Central Command carried out another round of attacks. Trump's warning to Tehran: The president said on social media that Iran would face severe consequences for the deaths of American service members. Houthi embargo on Saudi Arabia: Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia after the two sides exchanged fire last week for the first time in years. Missiles intercepted over Jordan: Jordan said it shot down three missiles launched from Iran, while Kuwait reported intercepting "hostile targets" and air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain. US reinforcements and injuries mount: Pentagon is boosting fighter jet numbers in the region and sending additional refueling aircraft to Israel, as officials disclosed nearly 100 US troops have suffered mostly minor injuries since July 7.

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