JPMorgan: Investment opportunities in Iraq are significant despite the challenges, and we look forward to increasing them.
The Managing Director and Head of the Government Sector Globally at JPMorgan Chase Bank confirmedMorgan, Masha Glukhovsky, fromWashingtonIn an exclusive interview with Alsumaria, he stated thatIraqIt has promising investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure projects, noting that the bank has been partnering with Iraq for more than two decades.
The company advises the government on credit ratings and participates in financing approximately 20 projects in collaboration with international credit guarantee institutions.
It added that infrastructure projects represent one of the most prominent areas of investment in the coming phase, emphasizing the continuation of...International supportFor Iraq, this will enhance the growth opportunities of these projects and increase the role of the private sector.”
Regarding the challenges, she explained that “the security and political situation in the region affects the investment environment,” expressing her hope for “improved stability in the coming months, which will support economic activity.”
She also pointed out that “the Iraqi economy’s dependence on oil presents a challenge,” emphasizing that “the government’s move towards diversifying the economy and strengthening the private sector is an important step towards building a more sustainable economy,” and expressing her aspiration to expand the partnership between GPMorganAnd Iraq during the next phase."
short summary but best to listen it's in english
In an exclusive interview Masha Glukhovsky, Managing Director and Head of Global Government Sector at JPMorgan Chase, confirmed from Washington that Iraq possesses promising investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure projects, noting that the bank has maintained its partnership with Iraq for over two decades.
A quarter of a century of agreements with Washington without any effect... Will Al-Zaidi succeed in breaking the cycle of failure?
Economic expert Basim Jamil Antoine confirmed on Wednesday that all previous agreements concluded by Iraq in the fields of energy and economy, whether with the United States or with other countries, have not been implemented as required, which has negatively affected the reality of investment, trade, economic activity and construction in the country.
Antoine told Al-Maalouma, “The decline in the level of services in various sectors is due to the non-implementation of agreements and the lack of seriousness in their application. He explained that the main problem lies in the internal situation, especially the lack of harmony among political forces and the lack of a unified position to support the implementation of agreements, as most parties work according to their partisan and private interests, which is one of the most prominent reasons for their failure.”
He added that "despite nearly a quarter of a century having passed since some American companies entered Iraq, they have not achieved tangible results, especially with regard to increasing oil production, developing fields, establishing transportation networks, and investing in associated gas."
He pointed out that "the government is required to use competencies and tools that believe in its strategy in the energy, oil, industry, agriculture and education sectors, in order to ensure that agreements are transformed into feasible projects."
Antoine stressed that "what is more important than signing the agreements is putting in place clear mechanisms for their implementation and following up on all procedures related to their application on the ground, noting that the state’s institutions have not previously shown sufficient enthusiasm and interest in completing those agreements."
He explained that "political conflicts between parties have thwarted many agreements," adding that "Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi is required to select competent individuals capable of implementing and completing what is agreed upon, to ensure tangible results that serve the Iraqi economy."
Initial government approval to return withdrawn laws to parliament
Member of Parliament, Ahmed Al-Shammari, revealed today, Thursday, that the government has given initial approval to resend a package of important and crucial laws that were withdrawn during the previous parliamentary session, most notably the laws on the salary scale and the Popular Mobilization Forces, in preparation for discussing and approving them.
Al-Shammari stated to Al-Maalomah News Agency that "the requests submitted to the Parliament's leadership, supported by the signatures of a large number of MPs, to reinstate the withdrawn laws, have been officially referred from the Presidency to the government."
He added that "the government has shown flexibility and initial agreement to resubmit all the laws that were withdrawn from Parliament during the previous session," noting that "these include, most importantly, the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, amendments to the Salary Scale Law, and amendments to the Retirement Law, in addition to other laws that affect citizens' lives and the structure of the state."
Al-Shammari explained that "reinstating these laws will allow Parliament, in its current session, to discuss them and make the necessary amendments to align with the requirements of the current phase, and to proceed with the legislative process and resolve the stalled issues."
World Bank President proposes establishing a large banking holding company in Iraq
The Economic Payment Agency is monitoring the latest developments in markets and prices through multiple media sources.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met Wednesday evening, Baghdad time, with the President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, and his accompanying delegation, which included the President of the International Finance Corporation, Makhtar Diop, and a number of senior World Bank officials.
During the meeting, Al-Zaydi affirmed that Iraq currently enjoys a high level of stability, which will positively impact the economy and investment. He pointed out that the Iraqi economy will witness remarkable growth thanks to the policies and reforms that the government has begun implementing, according to the Prime Minister's Media Office.
Al-Zaydi pointed out that the government gives special importance to reforming the banking sector and preparing a program budget to ensure that resources are directed efficiently towards achieving development, and drawing a new economic identity for Iraq based on diversification, reform and sustainability, stressing the work to increase oil production to meet the requirements of development, in parallel with developing non-oil sectors and enhancing their role in the national economy.
Al-Zaydi explained that the government is continuing to establish the Development Fund, which will finance investment projects in all governorates, and expand the scope of financing available to qualified Iraqi banks, in addition to supporting and empowering the private sector to be a key partner in development.
For his part, the President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, expressed his admiration for what Iraq has recently achieved in the field of stability and peace, stressing that Iraq possesses good potential and resources capable of bringing about a major economic transformation if they are well invested.
Banga expressed the World Bank’s readiness to provide technical and advisory support to Iraq in the areas of program budgeting and banking sector restructuring. He also called for studying the possibility of forming a large Iraqi banking holding company by merging a number of state-owned banks to enhance the efficiency of the financial sector and support economic reform.
President Al-Zaidi travels from Washington to Texas: Meeting with the head of Chevron and the president of the US Chamber of Commerce
Journalists accompanying Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on his current visit to the United States reported that he departed today (Thursday) for Andrews Airport in preparation for a visit to Houston, Texas.
They added that upon his arrival in Texas, Prime Minister al-Zaidi will proceed to Chevron headquarters for a meeting with the company's president.
They also indicated that he will meet with the president of the US-Texas Chamber of Commerce and deliver a speech according to the scheduled program.
He started with the Chevron oil company.
Al-Zaidi lands near NASA and meets the giants in Houston
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived today, Thursday (July 16, 2026), in Houston, Texas, the home of NASA, and began his economic tour with a visit to the headquarters of the giant oil company Chevron Corporation to meet with its senior officials.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement, a copy of which was received by 964 Network , that Al-Zaidi “arrived at the headquarters of Chevron Corporation in Houston, Texas, USA.”
The Prime Minister discusses long-term partnership and investment with the American company KBR.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi discussed with the American company KBR a long-term partnership and investment in oil and technological infrastructure.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement that "Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi held a meeting today, Thursday, in Houston, USA, at the headquarters of KBR, a multi-activity company in the fields of engineering and technology, in the presence of the Ministers of Oil and Electricity, the Head of the Board of Advisors in the Prime Minister's Office, a number of advisors, and the Iraqi Ambassador to Washington."
During the session, the Prime Minister explained, according to the statement, the priorities adopted by the government and its vision for development and economic reform, through targeting raising the level of oil production, enhancing Iraq’s export capabilities through multiple outlets, expanding refining capacity, and achieving self-sufficiency in various oil and chemical products and gas.
He indicated that the investment environment in Iraq has reached a level that qualifies it to receive contributions, technological solutions, and financing partnerships from American companies in various sectors.
Al-Zaydi reviewed a number of important and distinguished opportunities available for investment in the fields of energy, mining, and the exploitation of more natural resources, in addition to the breadth of the services sector and its ability to meet the needs of our people and the challenges we face.
The Prime Minister stressed that the government is committed to strengthening stability and ending any presence of weapons outside the authority of the state by the end of next September. He also stated the government's readiness to allocate land for industrial and petrochemical investment facilities along the strategic oil pipeline route, in parallel with the development road, in order to shorten the time, facilitate work and production, complete the pipeline networks, develop human resources, and attract and develop national expertise.
US report: Al-Zaidi plans to sign $60 billion worth of trade agreements in Washington
The American newspaper "Semaphore" stated that the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to America reflects a new direction for the Washington administration to reformulate relations with Iraq on the basis of economic and investment partnership, instead of focusing on military presence and security cooperation .
The newspaper explained that "Al-Zaidi will participate, on Friday, in a summit organized by the American Chamber of Commerce alongside US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, where trade and investment agreements worth $60 billion will be announced between American companies, the Iraqi government and the private sector, a figure described by the summit organizers as exceeding expectations ."
During his meeting with al-Zaidi in the Oval Office, Trump praised what he described as the "great harmony" between them, stressing that Iraq possesses enormous economic potential thanks to its oil resources, and that the next phase will witness the conclusion of more economic agreements .
Trump also argued that the United States no longer needed a large military presence in Iraq, and that relations between the two countries should be based on economic and investment cooperation .
Semaphore added that “Al-Zaidi’s visit comes within the framework of a strategy pursued by the Trump administration in the Middle East, based on expanding American influence through economic diplomacy, similar to the visit made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, which witnessed the announcement of huge investments and financial pledges .”
The newspaper quoted Steve Lutes, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for Middle East Affairs, as saying that "the Iraqi government is seeking to reassure American companies that the new prime minister, who comes from the business sector, is placing economic cooperation at the forefront of the relations between Baghdad and Washington, in an unprecedented manner ."
She noted that "the agreements to be announced will focus on the oil and gas sectors, energy infrastructure, and electricity generation, with the participation of major international companies, including (General Electric Vernova), (British Petroleum), (Excelerate Energy), (ExxonMobil), and (Shell )."
She continued: "The agreements also cover the information and communications technology, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture sectors, as part of Iraq's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil ."
According to the summit agenda seen by the newspaper, the events will include the signing of agreements, memoranda of understanding and partnership frameworks in the presence of the US Secretary of Energy, while Al-Zaidi will attend the official announcement ceremony for these agreements .
The newspaper indicated that "Iraq still represents a complex environment for foreign investments, due to the continued political and military influence of Iran within the country, and the presence of armed factions supported by Tehran that have previously targeted US forces and their allies ."
In her commentary, journalist Lauren Watson, the report's author, said that "al-Zaidi pledged to President Trump to work on disarming Iranian-backed armed groups by September, but implementing this pledge will be extremely difficult given the extensive influence these groups wield and their refusal to give up their weapons ."
She argued that "the Trump administration is betting on expanding the American economic presence in Iraq before the security situation is fully stabilized, and without sufficient guarantees to protect American companies and investments
Al-Zaidi announces from Texas, USA, the launch of the "Energy City" project in Al-Faw
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi announced from Houston, Texas, a plan to launch "Energy City" projects on the waterfront of the Faw Peninsula in southern Iraq, during his participation in a joint economic dialogue forum organized by the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce .
Al-Zaydi affirmed in his speech, which was followed by Al-Sa’a Network: “The government’s determination to remove all obstacles and impediments to attracting investment, and to launch a new era of cooperation with real partners, not contractors, while providing the necessary guarantees for a safe investment environment supported by financial and banking reforms .”
The proposed "Energy City" plan includes the establishment of integrated complexes for refining and processing crude oil, gas production and collection units, and power generation stations, with these facilities to be linked to the strategic oil pipelines and the "Development Road " project route.
The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Oil and Electricity and government advisors, along with a host of representatives of American companies, businessmen, investors and bankers looking for investment opportunities in Iraq .
For his part, the president of the bilateral Chamber of Commerce, David Phillips, welcomed the visit of the Iraqi delegation, stressing the desire of the business community and the private sector in the state of Texas and throughout the United States to invest and cooperate with Iraq .
Phillips noted that "major companies are eager to seize the promising opportunities offered by Iraq's long-term plans to increase oil and gas production from invested fields, and to actively contribute to modernizing the infrastructure of Iraq's energy sector
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Development Bank: Enhancing our services to companies with integrated financial solutions that support growth and investment
The International Development Bank (IDB) affirmed on Thursday its continued commitment to solidifying its position as a trusted banking partner for the Iraqi business sector. The bank offers tailored banking solutions and services designed to meet the needs of companies of all sizes, enabling them to expand and grow both locally and regionally.
In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the bank said, "Based on its commitment to supporting the private sector, the International Development Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial and banking solutions. These include financing, letters of credit, letters of guarantee, cash management, international trade services, corporate account opening, employee payroll processing, and the provision of high-limit local credit cards and other credit cards. This empowers companies to manage their operations flexibly and efficiently, supporting their investment plans."
The statement added, "The bank also offers specialized treasury and financial advisory services, helping companies manage their financial resources efficiently, improve cash flow, and support their operational and investment plans, in accordance with best banking practices. This contributes to strengthening the growth of the private sector and driving economic development in Iraq."
According to the statement, the Managing Director of the International Development Bank (IDB), Saed Zureikat, said, “The success of companies begins with having a banking partner that understands their business requirements and keeps pace with their aspirations. From this perspective, we continue to develop integrated banking solutions that enable companies to manage their operations efficiently, enhance their ability to expand and invest, and provide them with the necessary flexibility to adapt to market changes, thereby strengthening their access to regional and global markets.”
The IDB bases its provision of these services on a strong capital base and high capital adequacy ratios, in addition to its full commitment to the regulatory controls issued by the Central Bank of Iraq. This has enabled it to build a solid track record in issuing letters of guarantee and letters of credit that enjoy the trust and confidence of local and international companies and government institutions.
The Prime Minister arrives at ExxonMobil headquarters in Houston.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived today, Friday, Baghdad time, at the headquarters of ExxonMobil in Houston, Texas.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a press release received by Mawazin News that "Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived at the headquarters of ExxonMobil in Houston, Texas."
Al-Zaidi meets with top CEOs of American companies in Washington
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi held a series of meetings with the CEOs of several major American companies on the sidelines of the US Chamber of Commerce conference in Washington.
The meetings included:
- HKN
- GE Vernova
- Vantive
- Commerce PLC
During the meetings, opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between Iraq and these companies were discussed, with the aim of strengthening partnerships in the fields of energy, technology, infrastructure, and digital transformation, in addition to developing the business and investment environment in Iraq.
Al-Zaydi affirmed that the Iraqi government is committed to opening new horizons for cooperation with the American private sector, stressing that these meetings represent an important step towards expanding economic partnerships and providing job opportunities, in a way that serves the interests of both the Iraqi and American people.
Al-Zaidi, after signing the agreements in Washington: Baghdad's doors are open to you.
On Friday, following the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding with American companies during the investment summit held in Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced Iraq's intention to adopt an "open door" policy.
Al-Zaydi said in a speech during the signing ceremony, which was attended by a correspondent from Shafaq News Agency, that this policy is to facilitate the work of foreign investments, stressing that these agreements represent the fruit of mutual trust between the Iraqi government and American companies.
He added that the signed memoranda of understanding reflect Baghdad’s confidence in the competence of American companies, and in return, the confidence of those companies in the promising future and economic prospects of Iraq, promising them to achieve their investment aspirations on the ground.
Al-Zaydi also extended an official invitation to American companies to visit the capital, Baghdad, as soon as possible, with the aim of developing a roadmap and a clear practical plan for implementing joint projects.
He stressed at the end of his speech that the doors of all Iraqi ministries and sectoral bodies will remain fully open to investors to overcome all obstacles and provide the necessary support to make their projects a success.
Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem al-Abadi signed an agreement with Syria to extend oil pipelines and another with American companies, according to what Shafaq News Agency correspondent Mustafa Hashim told Washington, D.C.
Earlier today, Adam Cortese, CEO of the American renewable energy companies Sun Africa and UGTR, revealed to Shafaq News Agency that the executive steps for developing a strategic solar energy project in Iraq have begun in cooperation with the Iraqi Kar Group, confirming the opening of an office in Baghdad to manage the planned project.
An informed source revealed to Shafaq News Agency last Tuesday that Iraq will sign more than 18 agreements with the United States in various fields, including politics, economy, industry, energy, oil, education, health, investment and armament.
This comes as part of the agenda of the official visit that began last Monday by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and his accompanying delegation, which included a number of ministers, senior officials, investors, business owners, and Iraqi capitalists.
Last Tuesday, during his meeting with al-Zaidi at the White House, US President Donald Trump announced that this week would see the unveiling of a major oil partnership with Iraq, in addition to extensive trade deals in various sectors.
READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent's Meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Ali Al-Zaidi
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. Secretary Bessent congratulated Prime Minister Al-Zaidi on his recent designation as Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq and reaffirmed the longstanding partnership among the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Government of Iraq, and the Central Bank of Iraq to combat illicit finance and strengthen Iraq’s financial sector.
Secretary Bessent emphasized the importance of close coordination with the Trump Administration to counter the threat posed by Iran. The Secretary also underscored Treasury’s support for the Government of Iraq’s efforts to deliver prosperity and freedom for the Iraqi people and reaffirmed continued cooperation to advance the shared security and economic interests of the United States and Iraq.
US Envoy Tom Barrack Praises Kurdistan Region's Role in Regional Stability
The US special envoy praised the Kurdistan Region's contribution to peace and prosperity while welcoming a senior Kurdish official to Washington.
US Special Envoy for Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack said on Friday that the Kurdistan Region continues to play a vital role in advancing stability, peace, and prosperity across Iraq and the wider region.
In a post published on X, Barrack said he was pleased to meet Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman in Washington as part of the Iraqi delegation led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
"I am delighted to see my friend Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman in Washington as part of the Iraqi delegation headed by PM Zaidi," Barrack wrote. "The Kurdistan Region continues to play a vital role in advancing stability, peace, and prosperity across Iraq and the wider region."
Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman serves as senior adviser to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for Foreign Affairs and Climate Change. She previously served as the Kurdistan Regional Government's representative to the United States and the United Kingdom.
Part of a broader US vision
Barrack's remarks come hours after he outlined a broader US strategy for the Middle East centered on economic cooperation, trade, and regional integration instead of military intervention.
Speaking at the US-Iraq Business Summit, Barrack said decades of attempts to reshape the Middle East through regime change had failed to produce lasting stability.
"We have learned that diplomacy, intelligence, and military power alone cannot create peace," he said. "Only economic investment and trade can deliver lasting success."
He also presented Iraq as a central pillar of a new regional partnership linking Mesopotamia, Syria, and the Gulf through infrastructure, energy, and transportation projects.
Barrack said the proposed initiative includes a new energy corridor extending through Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, across Central Asia and onward to Europe, with Iraq positioned at the heart of the emerging regional network.
Barrack's latest remarks underscore the role he sees for the Kurdistan Region within a broader US vision that prioritizes economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and long-term stability across Iraq and the Middle East.
Security concerns prompt Washington to tighten protection measures for al-Zaidi
Tight security measures imposed to protect Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi during his visit to Washington caused flight operations to be suspended for hours at Ronald Reagan Airport, and hundreds of flights to be canceled or delayed.
A report by the American network “CBS News” stated that commercial flights were halted from taking off and landing at the airport on Tuesday, from 11 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. Washington time, due to security arrangements related to the movements of the Iraqi Prime Minister in the American capital.
The restrictions led to the delay of more than 300 flights and the cancellation of at least 126 others, according to data from FlightAware, a website specializing in tracking air traffic, amid cascading repercussions that affected the flight schedule in one of the busiest and most tightly controlled airspaces in the United States.
A senior U.S. administration official said the White House and the Federal Aviation Administration exchanged updates on al-Zaidi's movements in an effort to limit the impact of security measures, and authorities allowed some planes that were waiting in the air to land, and others that were on the ground to take off.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation declined to comment on the reasons for the disruptions or the nature of the security threats that prompted the flight suspensions.
According to the report, al-Zaidi’s convoy left the White House for the Pentagon at 1:30 p.m., later than expected, while a security helicopter hovered above the convoy as it passed through the airspace near the airport.
US President Donald Trump had received al-Zaidi at the White House to discuss the future of relations between Iraq and the United States, in the Iraqi prime minister's first visit to Washington since taking office last May.
Trump extended his meeting with al-Zaidi and extended an unscheduled invitation for lunch, saying the meeting showed a “great rapport” between them, which led to an adjustment in the Iraqi delegation’s schedule and a delay in their move to the Pentagon.
The heightened security measures come amid the ongoing four-month-long US-Iranian war, fears that Iran or its affiliates might carry out operations inside the United States, as well as increased security warnings following attempts to assassinate President Trump, according to the report.
The airspace surrounding Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has been under strict restrictions since the 2025 mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a Black Hawk military helicopter, which killed 67 people and led to new rules on helicopter routes near the airport and the Pentagon.
A New Iraq After This Coming September 30th
The American-Iraqi businessmen’s conference at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I can say that most of the people I met — especially the Iraqis who came with the delegation from Iraq, as well as those who came from Canada or from other states to the capital, Washington — yes, everyone was in an atmosphere of genuine optimism.0:25
Everyone is saying that this is an important opportunity for Iraq and that it must not be missed. Moreover, there is a belief — if we can say that — that this government will be able to bring about real change at the level of infrastructure, in fighting corruption, and in addressing internal contradictions.0:51
This will open the door for these opportunities to expand and turn into job opportunities and real investment opportunities.
Rockets fell inside Kuwait, near Umm Qasr, one kilometer from the Iraqi border.
A private security source told Al-Mirbad that a number of missiles fell this evening, Thursday, inside Kuwaiti territory in the area opposite the Iraqi naval force command in the Umm Qasr district, south of Basra, at a distance estimated at about 1 kilometer from the border, without any damage or projectiles falling inside Iraqi territory, without mentioning further details.
Iranian media: US airstrikes targeted infrastructure and bridges
Mehr News Agency stated, "Ten new explosions were heard on Qeshm Island in southern Iran following US airstrikes," while Tasnim News Agency reported that seven people were injured in a US attack on an area in Bandar Abbas.
The agency also indicated that US airstrikes targeted the airport in Iranshahr, Sistan and Baluchestan province, in southeastern Iran, and that the US attacks damaged the bridge connecting Bandar Abbas and Shiraz.
It further reported the closure of the Bandar Abbas-Khorestan-Lar road after a US attack on the Shur River bridge in Hormozgan province.
As reported by Tasnim News Agency: "Three powerful explosions occurred near Iranshahr Airport in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. The US military attacked Bandar Khamir and the Kahristan region in Hormozgan Province.
Iranian television also reported six consecutive explosions in Hamidieh, Khuzestan Province, in the southwest of the country.
It further reported that two bridges in Bandar Khamir, Hormozgan Province, were targeted, and that a driver was killed while crossing one of the targeted bridges.
CENTCOM Strikes Iran for Sixth Straight Night, Targeting air Defenses, Coastal Sites, and Maritime Capabilities this is from Kurdish news
More than 50,000 US service members remain deployed across the Middle East as Washington pursues an intensifying military campaign against Iranian military infrastructure in response to continued Hormuz ship attacks
US Central Command completed its sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iran on Thursday, announcing at 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time that American forces had hit dozens of Iranian military targets in a sustained precision campaign that has now stretched nearly a week without interruption.
CENTCOM confirmed in a statement Thursday night that US forces, including fighter jets, aerial drones, and warships, launched precision munitions against a range of Iranian military installations, striking coastal surveillance and air defense sites, military logistics infrastructure, and maritime capabilities. The command said the operation was carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief and was aimed at further degrading Iranian military capabilities while holding Tehran accountable for its attacks on commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
"More than 50,000 US service members are operating across the Middle East and remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," CENTCOM stated.
Six Nights of Sustained Military Pressure
The sixth consecutive night of strikes represents the most sustained American military campaign against Iran since the conflict began on Feb. 28, 2026, and marks a significant escalation in the tempo and geographic scope of US military action following the collapse of the ceasefire framework established under the June 17 memorandum of understanding.
The campaign began on July 7, 2026, when CENTCOM struck approximately 80 Iranian military targets, including more than 60 IRGC boats, in retaliation for Iran's attacks on three commercial vessels on July 6. A second night of strikes followed on July 8, after President Trump declared the ceasefire "over." CENTCOM conducted additional rounds of strikes on July 9, targeting what the command described as Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites. The campaign has continued nightly since, with each round targeting progressively deeper layers of Iran's coastal military infrastructure.
Targeting the Architecture of Iran's Maritime War
The categories of targets struck Thursday night reflect a deliberate and systematic effort to dismantle the military architecture Iran has used to wage its campaign against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Coastal surveillance sites provide Iran with the real-time maritime picture it needs to identify, track, and direct attacks against vessels transiting the waterway. Air defense systems protect those operational assets from American airpower. Military logistics infrastructure sustains the flow of weapons, fuel, and personnel to Iran's forward maritime positions. Maritime capabilities encompass the IRGC Navy's fast boats, drone launch platforms, and missile systems that have been the primary instruments of Tehran's Hormuz interdiction campaign.
The destruction of these systems across six consecutive nights suggests that CENTCOM is pursuing not a series of discrete retaliatory strikes but a rolling degradation campaign designed to systematically eliminate Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping, regardless of whether a diplomatic resolution emerges.
50,000 Troops, a Region on Edge
The confirmation that more than 50,000 US service members are deployed across the Middle East underlines the scale of the American military presence now activated in the region. The figure encompasses forces aboard naval vessels in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea, air assets deployed at bases across the Gulf Cooperation Council states, ground forces in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, and specialized units supporting the broader campaign against Iranian maritime and missile capabilities.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has responded to the nightly American strikes with its own escalatory actions throughout the week, including the firing of 10 ballistic missiles at the US air base at Al-Azraq in Jordan on July 9, with Jordan's military intercepting eight of the missiles, and the continued firing of missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, most recently striking a cargo ship on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in direct defiance of a US ultimatum to halt attacks.
A Diplomatic Track Still Technically Alive
Despite the nightly military exchanges, back-channel diplomatic activity has not entirely ceased. Qatari mediators had expressed hope that talks could resume after the funeral procession for Iran's Supreme Leader concluded on July 10, 2026. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Muscat on Saturday, July 11, to meet Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in discussions focused on maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz. A US official told Axios on Friday, July 10, that Washington and Tehran had made meaningful progress toward a nuclear deal during three weeks of direct and indirect negotiations, saying "we are talking to people with authority there who say they want a deal," even as the same officials acknowledged that Iran's repeated ceasefire violations had raised serious doubts about whether any agreement would hold.
Whether six nights of American strikes have sufficiently degraded Iran's military capabilities to alter Tehran's calculus, or hardened Iranian resolve in ways that make a diplomatic resolution more difficult, is the central question now facing both governments as the conflict enters what may be its most dangerous and consequential phase.
| BRIEF: CENTCOM completed its sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iran on Thursday, hitting dozens of targets including coastal surveillance sites, air defense installations, and maritime infrastructure. More than 50,000 US service members remain deployed across the Middle East. |
A power and water desalination plant in Kuwait was damaged in an Iranian attack.
Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy announced on Friday that one of its power and water desalination plants was damaged in an Iranian attack, according to Reuters.
The ministry stated, "One of our power and water desalination plants was attacked, resulting in damage to the plant's facilities, a fire, and damage to a large number of electricity generating units."
Meanwhile, the United States expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran early Friday morning, targeting more bridges, part of President Donald Trump's threats to begin striking infrastructure to pressure Tehran to loosen its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, Iran launched new missile attacks against neighboring countries in the region and warned that its attacks would escalate. Iranian missiles and drones targeted Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Syria.
US bombing of southern Iran leaves casualties
The Mehr news agency reported that the American attack on the city of Bandar Abbas resulted in seven people being injured.
For its part, Iranian television reported hearing eight explosions near the village of Masan on Qeshm Island in the south of the country, following US airstrikes.
In this context, the IRNA news agency reported hearing two explosions in the city of Bushehr in southern Iran.
For its part, Tasnim News Agency reported that the attack targeted a communications tower on a hill in the city of Bandar Abbas, which led to a power outage in the targeted area.
New US strikes target railway and two bridges in Iran
Iranian state television announced on Thursday evening that two bridges in the city of Bandar Khamir in Hormozgan province were targeted, and that a car driver was killed while crossing one of the targeted bridges.
Iranian television reported four explosions on the southern coast of Qeshm Island in the south of the country, while the Fars news agency reported one death and eight injuries in an American attack on a residential neighborhood in the city of Bandar Abbas.
He also reported that two people were injured in an American attack on a railway branch station in Bandar Abbas in the south of the country.
Earlier this evening, Iranian television reported that eight explosions occurred on Qeshm Island as a result of "hostile" US airstrikes targeting the south of the country, while the Mehr news agency indicated that seven people were injured in the attack on Bandar Abbas.
Meanwhile, the IRNA news agency reported two explosions in the southern Iranian city of Bushehr, while the governor of Bushehr confirmed that the explosions were a result of "American attacks".
For its part, Tasnim News Agency said that "the enemy targeted a communications tower on a hill in the city of Bandar Abbas, and the electricity was cut off in that area."
She added that US airstrikes targeted the airport in the city of Iranshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan province in the southeast of the country.
According to Tasnim, the American attacks also targeted the bridge linking Bandar Abbas and Shiraz in the south of the country.
She pointed to the closure of traffic on the “Bandar Abbas - Kahristan - Lar” axis after an American attack on the Shur River bridge in Hormozgan province.
This comes at a time when the spokesman for the US Central Command, Timothy Hawkins , announced the targeting of reconnaissance and radar assets in Greater Tunb and the vicinity of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.
Earlier this evening, the US Central Command ( CENTCOM ) announced that US forces had launched a new wave of strikes against Iran for the fifth night in a row.
