Iran Launches Drone and Missile Strikes After U.S. Airstrikes; Hormuz Strait Traffic Halted on July 19

According to Jin10 and regional military sources, U.S. and Iranian forces intensified military operations on July 18–19, with Iran conducting drone and missile strikes on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Iraq, while the U.S. military struck Iranian positions including Qeshm Island and near Abadan. A U.S. serviceman died on July 18 executing combat operations in northern Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command. Iran reported destroying two major U.S. bases in Kuwait via drone attacks and released satellite imagery of damage to a U.S. fighter hangar in Jordan.

Meanwhile, Iranian maritime activity disrupted Gulf shipping: Iran stated Hormuz Strait transit volume dropped to zero, with vessels sustaining accidents on southern routes. U.S. Central Command reported redirecting six commercial vessels and disabling one as of July 19 to enforce blockade compliance. In diplomatic developments, Iranian officials announced a high-level delegation would visit Islamabad starting July 20 for talks, signaling potential negotiations amid escalating military tensions.