As per reports, the updates on tensions in the Middle East as of Thursday (16 July) are as follows:

• US: On Wednesday (15 July), the US Department of the Treasury imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities allegedly involved in an international procurement network supporting Iran’s weapons programmes. The measures target Iranian and Russian nationals, as well as entities based in Iran, Russia, and Nigeria, which the Treasury alleges facilitated procurement activities for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) through the use of foreign aviation and transport companies, financial intermediaries, and travel coordinators to conceal the movement of personnel and materials.
• Iraq: Iraqi air defence systems reportedly intercepted three drones in the vicinity of the US Consulate in Erbil, located in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, on Wednesday (15 July). Explosions were reported in Erbil, with witnesses indicating that blasts were heard near the US diplomatic compound. However, no casualties or damage have been officially confirmed, and the circumstances surrounding the drone launches remain under investigation.
• Kuwait: The Kuwait Ministry of Defence announced that Kuwaiti air defence systems intercepted at least four cruise missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran on Wednesday (16 July). According to the ministry, the attack targeted several vital facilities, resulting in material damage, although no injuries were reported.
• US, Iran: The US military launched a second wave of strikes against Iran at 1500 hours Eastern Time (1900 hours UTC) on Wednesday (15 July), targeting Iranian military capabilities that the US states have been used to threaten commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to US CENTOM, the operation was conducted under the direction of the US President to degrade Iran’s ability to disrupt freedom of navigation through the strategically significant international waterway and to hold Iran accountable for actions affecting maritime security.
• Iran: According to reports as of Wednesday (15 July), three explosions occurred in Chabahar, southeastern Iran. Additionally, reports indicate that the explosions followed reported US missile strikes targeting a naval watchtower in the city.
• Morroco: Morocco has signed an agreement with the Gaza Board of Peace, a US-backed initiative supported by US President Donald Trump, to join the proposed International Stabilization Force for Gaza. According to the reports, the agreement is intended to support humanitarian and security efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in the region through coordinated international action.
• As of Wednesday (15 July), several international airlines have extended or implemented flight suspensions to destinations across the Middle East amid ongoing regional security concerns. Air Canada has cancelled scheduled services to Tel Aviv and Dubai until 24 October. Aegean Airlines has suspended flights to Dubai until 31 August, and to Erbil and Baghdad until 30 September.
• Additionally, Air France has extended the suspension of flights to Beirut until 02 August, while KLM has suspended services to Riyadh, Dammam, and Dubai until 15 July. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific plans to resume flights to Dubai and Riyadh from 01 September, subject to operational and security conditions.
• Iran, UK: On Wednesday (15 July), Iran summoned the British Ambassador in Tehran in protest against the UK’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026.
• Strait of Hormuz: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) as of Wednesday (15 July) stated that US forces disabled the Curaçao-flagged oil tanker M/T Belma in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessel allegedly attempted to sail toward Kharg Island, Iran, in violation of a US-imposed naval blockade. According to CENTCOM, the tanker ignored multiple warnings while transiting international waters, prompting a US aircraft to fire Hellfire missiles into the vessel’s smokestack, rendering it unable to continue its voyage. CENTCOM stated that the vessel was unladen and is no longer transiting toward Iran.
• Iran: Iran’s Ministry of Health reported that the area surrounding Baqaei Hospital in Ahvaz, southwestern Iran, was struck in a missile attack on Wednesday (15 July). According to Hossein Kermanpour, head of the ministry’s Public Relations and Information Centre, loud explosions and strong vibrations triggered panic among patients and visitors, prompting some cancer patients and their relatives to evacuate the hospital.