US-Iran war live: Kuwait Airways reschedules flights as air defences confront new Iranian attacks; Latest updates

Iran suspends commitments to Islamabad MoU, citing US violations

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran has suspended its commitments to the recent memorandum of understanding, accusing the US of violating and suspending its own obligations under the Islamabad MoU first.

He said Iran is likewise not implementing its commitments and is instead focused on defending the country.

The development comes amid heightened tensions as the US and Iran continue exchanging attacks, despite the Pakistan-brokered MoU signed in June aimed at ending the war and reaching a lasting peace agreement.

Bahrain says it intercepted Iranian attacks on Saturday

Bahrain’s Defence Force said its air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a number of treacherous Iranian aerial attacks on Saturday.

It said Iran is continuing a systematic pattern of hostility through its attacks targeting civilians in Bahrain, and stressed that deliberately using missiles and drones to target civilians and private property is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

Kuwait condemns Iranian strike on power, desalination facility

Kuwait strongly condemned the Iranian attack on its territory and another power generation and water desalination facility, stressing that repeated attacks on vital infrastructure threaten civilians and violate international law.

The Foreign Ministry said the attacks reflect a systematic pattern of hostility targeting civilian facilities and essential infrastructure, holding Iran fully responsible for the aggression and its consequences, and demanded an immediate halt.

It affirmed Kuwait’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its security and defend its territory and vital facilities against any threats, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

UAE prosecution expands probe into false Dubai explosions report

UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the Public Prosecution is continuing its investigation into the publication of a news report falsely claiming explosions were heard in central Dubai.

He said prosecutors have heard the reporter’s statement and summoned those responsible for preparing, approving and publishing the report at the news agency to examine their roles and whether legal and professional standards for verifying information were followed.

He said these steps are being taken to determine responsibility and take necessary legal action based on the investigation’s findings.

He added that the agency’s decision to withdraw the report and issue an apology does not end the investigation, which will continue to determine legal responsibility and the appropriate action under the law.

UAE strongly condemns renewed Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan

The UAE strongly condemned the renewed Iranian attacks with missiles and drones targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that these hostile attacks represent a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly nations and a threat to their security and stability.

The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, and its support for all measures aimed at safeguarding their security and stability.

Kuwait fire force battles two blazes from Iranian attacks, firefighters hurt

Kuwait’s General Fire Force said its teams are dealing with two fires that broke out at separate locations after sites were targeted in the latest Iranian attacks on the country.

Five firefighting teams, supported by oil sector firefighting units, responded to the first site, while three teams responded to the second.

The force said a number of firefighters and a worker were injured during the operation at the first site, prompting evacuation and transport for medical treatment. It said further updates would be announced as they become available.

Kuwait air defences confronting new Iranian missile, drone attacks

Kuwait’s General Staff of the Army said its air defences are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks following what it called sinful Iranian aggression.

It said any explosion sounds heard are the result of air defence systems intercepting the attacks, and asked everyone to follow the security and safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

IRGC claims strike on US hub in Arifjan, radar at Ali Al Salem

Iran’s IRGC Ground Force said that in the 18th wave of “Operation Nasr 2,” it struck what it called the enemy’s ground support hub in Arifjan, Kuwait, claiming numerous fatalities.

It also said a drone attack destroyed the radar system at the US’s Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait.

Kuwait: Army personnel hurt, power station hit in latest Iranian attack

Ministry of Defense spokesman Major General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said the armed forces detected and intercepted hostile ballistic missiles and drones within Kuwaiti airspace since dawn.

He said the Iranian aggression targeted several Kuwaiti Army facilities and camps with drones, injuring a number of Land Force personnel while on duty; the injured received necessary medical care and are in stable condition.

He added that several vital and civilian facilities were also hit, including a power station and a water distillation plant, causing a fire and damage to station facilities and power generation units, while shrapnel falling across various locations caused material damage but no human injuries.

He affirmed that the armed forces continue carrying out their duties with high efficiency, maintaining constant readiness and taking all necessary measures, in coordination with relevant authorities, to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Bahrain activates warning sirens again

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said it activated warning sirens, urging citizens and residents to remain calm, head to the nearest safe place, and follow updates through official channels.

Kuwait Airways reschedules flights after airport ops suspended

Kuwait Airways said it is rescheduling most of its flights following the temporary suspension of takeoff and landing operations at Kuwait International Airport, caused by hostile missile and drone attacks amid the Iranian aggression today, Saturday, July 18.

The airline urged passengers to follow updates on their flights, noting that notifications and texts will be sent to the phone numbers on their bookings.

For further inquiries, it directed customers to its customer service lines – 171 within Kuwait, +965 24345555 or 171 from abroad – or via WhatsApp at +965 1802050. Kuwait Airways thanked customers for their understanding and cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to traveler safety.

Reuters apologises, retracts July 16 report on Dubai blast sounds

Reuters apologised for its July 16 report on witnesses in central Dubai hearing loud explosions, which it said did not meet its editorial standards.

It said it was unable to immediately verify the source or significance of the sounds and did not provide sufficient context within the report.

Reuters said that in line with its commitment to publishing neutral, reliable news under Trust Principles, it has withdrawn the story and issued a statement from its Dubai media office that night denying the accuracy of the original report.

CENTCOM completes seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran

US Central Command said US forces ended the seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran at 9:30 p.m. ET on July 17, hitting surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities.

It said US forces used fighter aircraft, aerial drones, warships and other assets in the operation.

CENTCOM said it continues to hold Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief’s direction while fully enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports, and noted that more than 50,000 American service members remain deployed across the Middle East, staying vigilant, lethal and ready.