According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Amar Desh Online, Iran exported crude oil worth about $6 billion to China within 20 days after the United States temporarily lifted its export sanctions. The sanctions were lifted on June 17, 2026, following an agreement signed in Islamabad, but were reimposed on July 7 amid renewed tensions. During this brief window, Iran shipped nearly 70 million barrels of crude oil to China using around 20 tankers routed through Malaysia’s eastern coast.

The report stated that Iran took full advantage of the short sanction-free period to boost its oil exports. China remains Iran’s largest oil buyer, purchasing about 90 percent of its total exports. Even during previous sanction periods, Iranian tankers reportedly transferred oil to Chinese vessels in the Eastern Outer Port Limits area of the South China Sea.

After sanctions were reinstated on July 7, the United States also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, preventing Iranian ships from leaving and foreign vessels from entering.

Iran has claimed that its forces shot down a US MQ-9 drone in the Eslamabad-e Gharb area of Kermanshah province in western Iran. According to the state-linked Mehr News Agency, the drone was targeted and destroyed by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) using an advanced air defense system operating under an integrated air defense network.

The report did not specify when the incident occurred or provide details about the drone’s mission. The United States has not yet commented on Iran’s claim, and no independent verification of the incident has been made available. The claim comes amid a period of heightened regional tension involving Iran and the United States.

It remains unclear whether the alleged shootdown will lead to further escalation or diplomatic exchanges between the two countries, as no official response has been issued from Washington at the time of reporting.

Two oil tankers exploded in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz late Sunday night, halting their voyages, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the incident occurred in the Persian Gulf, a key global energy route. The IRGC stated that the vessels were attempting to navigate the strait under pressure from the United States.

Following the explosions, the IRGC warned that the Strait of Hormuz is now completely unsafe for transporting oil, gas, or chemical fertilizers. The force added that as long as U.S. military operations continue in the region, the maritime route will remain insecure. The report did not mention casualties or identify the tankers involved.

The incident comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, with recent reports of American military actions in Iran and the destruction of a U.S. MQ-9 drone claimed by Tehran.

US forces carried out airstrikes in Iran for the ninth consecutive night, hitting a nuclear power plant under construction in the Darkhovin region. The US Central Command confirmed that the operation targeted Iran’s military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance, naval assets, missile and drone launch sites, and communication networks. Tehran responded with attacks on US facilities in Kuwait and neighboring countries, warning of a ‘catastrophic response’ if strikes continue.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced the suspension of a memorandum of understanding signed with the US on June 17, accusing Washington of violating its terms. President Donald Trump told NewsNation that he was unconcerned by the suspension, reiterating that the US goal was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the targeted nuclear plant was in an early construction phase and is investigating the incident.

Iran’s leadership called for national unity, while regional tensions spread to Kuwait and Jordan. Analysts told Al Jazeera that the US escalation could strengthen Iranian resolve, complicating Washington’s strategic objectives.

Iran’s military has claimed that its naval air defense system shot down a US-made LUCAS drone over the country’s southern region. The announcement was made in a statement released by the Iranian army, which did not specify the exact location or timing of the incident. Iran’s state news agency IRNA also published a photo of what it said was the damaged drone.

According to the report, the LUCAS model is a low-cost, unmanned kamikaze drone designed to strike targets and self-destruct upon impact. Iran alleged that the United States has been using this type of drone since the beginning of the year. The claim was reported by Al Jazeera.

The United States has not yet commented on Iran’s statement, and no independent verification of the incident has been made available.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has strongly condemned a United States airstrike on the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant, calling it a violation of international law and describing it as a “terrorist and barbaric aggression.” In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, the organization said the attack targeted one of the symbols of Iran’s national dignity and scientific self-reliance.

The US Central Command confirmed that the strikes began on Saturday evening under President Donald Trump’s orders, targeting Iran’s coastal surveillance and air defense systems. Washington said the operation aimed to reduce Iranian threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to punish the IRGC forces responsible for a recent attack in Jordan that killed two US soldiers and left one missing. The renewed hostilities follow the collapse of a temporary ceasefire agreement last week.

In response, Iranian commander Major General Ali Abdollahi warned that any aggression would be met with a “decisive and devastating” response, pledging greater unity among Iran’s armed forces and people and vowing to impose a higher cost on the United States than in previous conflicts.

Iran has executed two men convicted in connection with anti-government protests, according to a statement from the country’s judiciary released on Sunday. The executed individuals, identified as Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, were found guilty of attacking police officers in the central city of Isfahan. The judiciary said they tied several officers to a road sign, injured them by throwing stones, and then set them on fire after pouring petrol on them.

Authorities also stated that the two men recorded the incident and sent the footage to foreign-based television channels. However, no details were provided about when they were arrested, tried, or executed, nor about their ages.

The executions come amid ongoing tensions following anti-government demonstrations that began late last December over rising living costs. The protests peaked on January 8 and 9, with Iranian officials claiming that more than 3,000 people were killed in the unrest, which they blamed on what they described as US- and Israel-backed terrorist activities.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has alleged that the United States carried out a missile attack on the construction site of the Darkhovin nuclear power plant in Khuzestan province. According to local media reports cited by the organization, the strike occurred at around 3:39 a.m. local time on Sunday. The Iranian agency strongly condemned the attack in an official statement.

The report did not provide details about the extent of damage or any casualties resulting from the incident. The Darkhovin nuclear power plant, whose construction began in 2022, is described as one of Iran’s key nuclear energy projects. The organization emphasized the strategic importance of the facility but did not elaborate on potential operational impacts.

The incident adds tension to ongoing regional developments, though immediate consequences or international responses were not mentioned in the report.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that four ships were involved in accidents in the Strait of Hormuz after failing to follow the country’s designated maritime routes. According to the IRGC, two vessels attempted to leave the strait using what it described as an unsafe route and subsequently stopped after encountering accidents. Two other ships reportedly refused to continue along the same route. Iran did not provide details about the nature or extent of the incidents.

The IRGC further alleged that the ships had turned off their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and ignored warnings from Iranian authorities. Tehran maintains that all vessels carrying oil, gas, or fertilizer must obtain permission and use its approved routes, warning that any deviation poses a risk of accidents. Since signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington in mid-June, Iran has asserted its authority over the strategically vital waterway.

Iran’s directive requires ships to sail closer to its coastline rather than along the traditional international route near Oman. The country has previously stated that it has taken action against vessels that violated these instructions.

Iran has claimed that it captured and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone in the eastern Khuzestan region near Ahvaz, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The MQ-9 is a large unmanned aerial vehicle primarily used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and airstrikes.

The report comes as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. In Jordan, an Iranian attack reportedly killed two US soldiers and left another missing. In response, the United States has carried out strikes against Iran for eight consecutive days. The developments highlight a continuing cycle of military actions and counteractions between the two countries.

The situation underscores the growing volatility in the region, with both sides engaged in sustained military operations that could further strain regional stability.

Iran has warned that it will deliver a devastating response to any act of aggression or brutality by the United States. Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued the warning on July 19, 2026, emphasizing that any U.S. attack would be met with a decisive and destructive reply.

Abdollahi pledged to strengthen unity among Iran’s armed forces, citizens, and officials, asserting that the country would make the United States pay a heavier price than in past conflicts. In a statement, he accused Iran’s enemies of attempting to sow division and discord between the Iranian people and their leaders following a series of military setbacks.

The remarks, reported by Middle East Eye, reflect Tehran’s continued stance of resistance amid tensions with Washington, underscoring its readiness to respond forcefully to perceived threats.

At least 50 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in new US airstrikes across Iran since June 27, according to the Iranian Ministry of Health. The ministry’s public relations chief, Hossein Kermanpour, stated on social media that the victims include five women and two minors under 18. Among the injured are 32 women and 18 children or adolescents.

The attacks come amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, with both sides carrying out strikes targeting each other’s interests across the Middle East. Despite a memorandum of understanding signed in June under Pakistan’s mediation aimed at ending the conflict and achieving a lasting peace agreement, military confrontations have continued.

In response to the US strikes, Iran’s military has launched missile and drone attacks on US allies in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman for seven consecutive days, causing significant damage to oil and gas facilities in those countries.

Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, issued a stern warning to the United States, saying any act of aggression or brutality would be met with a decisive and destructive response. In a statement published by Iranian state media, he described the United States as the 'Great Satan' and an 'enemy that is criminal, treacherous, and deceitful.'

Abdollahi emphasized strengthening unity among Iran’s armed forces, citizens, and government officials. He pledged that the United States would be forced to pay a higher price than in past conflicts. According to him, after repeated failures in military confrontations, the enemy is now attempting to create division and discord between the Iranian people and their leadership.

He further stated that Iran’s defense capabilities form the solid foundation of peace and security for the nation’s courageous people across all regions, from south to north and east to west.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the United States would face an “unforgettable lesson” from Tehran and its regional allies. His statement, broadcast on state television and reported by Al Jazeera on Saturday, accused Washington of violating last month’s memorandum of understanding, calling President Donald Trump’s signature “worthless and ineffective.” Khamenei said repeated breaches by the “Great Satan” proved that pressure and dominance were inherent to American policy.

The warning came as US forces intensified attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges, railways, and water treatment plants, despite the Islamabad agreement. Since February 28, US strikes have reportedly targeted a school in Minab, killing over a hundred children, and also hit Iran’s nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Tehran launched successful strikes on Kuwaiti infrastructure, prompting Kuwait to urge residents to conserve electricity.

The US Central Command confirmed on social media that its operations in Iran had continued for seven consecutive nights under President Trump’s orders, now entering the eighth day. Iranian officials have demanded an immediate halt to air raids, warning that continued attacks could trigger a full-scale war across the Gulf region.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated, raising fears of a full-scale war in the Middle East. Both countries have withdrawn from a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2026 to halt hostilities and ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has conducted seven consecutive days of airstrikes on Iranian targets, while Iran has retaliated by attacking American military facilities across the Gulf region.

Iranian officials accused Washington of repeatedly violating the agreement, calling the US president’s commitments meaningless. Tehran suspended all obligations under the deal and warned of a “comprehensive operation” if attacks continue. The US Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian surveillance systems, underground arsenals, and naval sites, while Iran claimed civilian infrastructure such as airports and bridges were also hit, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched counterstrikes on US-linked sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Analysts warned that the conflict is expanding regionally, with limited international intervention and growing concern over the absence of effective diplomatic measures.