The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified further on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with Kuwait reporting another attack on one of its power and water plants, while Tehran warned it could launch a "full-scale offensive" if US military operations continue. The developments came as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed its seventh consecutive night of strikes targeting Iran's military infrastructure, raising fears of a broader conflict across the Gulf region.

Kuwait Reports Second Attack on Power and Water Plant

Kuwait said Iran struck another electricity and water desalination facility on Saturday, just one day after a similar attack. According to Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, the strike caused a fire inside one of the plant's components, forcing authorities to shut down several power generation units. In a statement, the ministry said, "Another electricity and water distillation plant was targeted by a hostile attack that led to a fire erupting in one of the plant’s components." Officials were assessing the extent of the damage, while emergency teams worked to restore affected services.

Iran Says It Targeted US Military Sites in Kuwait and Jordan

Iran's military said it had launched attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait and Jordan, describing the strikes as retaliation for continued American military operations against Iran. The statement, carried by Iran's state broadcaster, said the attacks were directed at US military targets in response to recent US airstrikes. Independent verification of the claims was not immediately available.

Iran Claims Tanker Explosions in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that two oil tankers exploded after striking mines allegedly planted by what it described as "deceptive American intelligence agencies" in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC also claimed it had stopped four vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway. However, the US military denied any involvement in the reported tanker explosions, and the Iranian claims have not been independently verified.

CENTCOM Confirms Seventh Night of Strikes

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out a seventh consecutive night of military operations against Iran on Friday. According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities and maritime capabilities aimed at reducing Iran's military strength. In a post on X, CENTCOM said, "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hit surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities."

Bahrain Activates Air Raid Sirens Again

Authorities in Bahrain activated air raid sirens for the second time on Saturday, warning residents to seek shelter after detecting possible incoming drones or missiles. The repeated alerts underscored growing concerns that the conflict could spread further across the Gulf, where several countries host US military bases.

Tehran Warns of 'Full-Scale Offensive Operations'

Senior Iranian official Major General Mohsen Rezaei warned that Tehran could escalate its military response if US strikes continue in the coming days. According to Iran's state-run IRIB news agency, Rezaei said, "Iran will no longer limit itself to retaliatory, like-for-like responses... and no political border will be safe." The remarks signal a tougher stance from Tehran amid the continuing exchange of attacks.

US Strikes Reportedly Kill Three in Southern Iran

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that recent US strikes killed three people and injured eight others in Hormozgan Province in southern Iran. The agency also reported that five explosions were heard in the central city of Yazd shortly after the strikes. Meanwhile, state-affiliated Mehr News Agency said explosions were reported in several southern provinces. These casualty figures and damage reports have not been independently verified.

Gulf Tensions Continue to Rise

The latest attacks mark another major escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with Gulf countries increasingly caught in the crossfire. As both Washington and Tehran continue military operations and exchange competing claims, regional governments remain on high alert over the growing risk of a wider conflict affecting critical energy infrastructure, shipping routes and civilian populations.