Manila: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to Tehran in a speech on July 23, following Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's vow of retaliation against President Trump's threats. Rubio's comments, made at the Association of South Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings, emphasized a strong response to Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, outlining the US's stance on the escalating conflict.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Iran's military, along with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), claimed responsibility for strikes on several US bases in Kuwait. These attacks were in retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian targets, marking the twelfth consecutive night of US bombing. The IRGC specifically targeted Ali Al Salem air base, Camp Udairi, and a telecommunications tower, while Iran's army reported hits on Camp Doha, Ali Al Salem, and Camp Arifjan.
Kuwait's military reported intercepting drone threats as Iranian strikes continued. In a related development, Jordan intercepted three missiles, with a fourth landing in an unpopulated area. Meanwhile, Saudi state media reported attacks on Saudi-flagged vessels in the Red Sea, attributed to Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The rebels had previously threatened to blockade Saudi ports, potentially exacerbating the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump, during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, indicated the US's readiness to respond to any blockade by the Houthis. He referenced past air campaigns as a potential strategy, highlighting the extensive US strikes on Houthi targets earlier in the year.
In the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC turned back three oil tankers, challenging President Trump's warnings of bombing Iranian infrastructure in response to any aggression in the strait. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed targeting Iranian maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage, and other strategic sites, aiming to weaken Iran's threat to commercial shipping.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant financial costs, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reporting a $37.5 billion expenditure by the United States. Despite these developments, President Trump expressed skepticism about Iran's readiness for negotiations, citing Tehran's attempts to renegotiate any agreements.
The Wall Street Journal disclosed that the US has deployed additional troops and resources to the region, supported by flight-tracking data and US officials. Jordan, reacting to the heightened tensions, reported downing four missiles and drones, as air-raid sirens sounded in Bahrain.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of four US service members, further escalating the situation. In discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Rubio addressed concerns about Moscow's potential involvement in supporting Iran's targeting of US forces. However, Rubio refrained from commenting on intelligence matters, emphasizing Iran's independent development of missile and drone capabilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not provide a direct response to these allegations, maintaining a neutral stance when questioned by journalists.