Night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: AFP
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense on Wednesday, July 22, lifted the emergency warning issued earlier through the National Platform for Early Warning in Emergency Situations for the eastern city of Dammam, saying the danger had passed.
In a post on X, the authority urged residents to continue following Civil Defense instructions, avoid gathering or unnecessary photography during emergencies, call 911 in case of an emergency, and rely only on official sources for information. Authorities have not disclosed what prompted the brief alert.
The development comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to widen after an 11th consecutive night of US air strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the Gulf.
Follow our coverage for the latest developments.
Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that the United States carried out a missile strike on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the report, a loud explosion was heard on the island at around 2:48 pm local time after what it described as an American missile strike.
Tasnim said authorities had launched an investigation to determine the extent of the attack, identify the exact impact site and assess any potential damage. No official information on casualties or damage was immediately available.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States of violating international law through repeated attacks and threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
In a post on X, Baghaei said the strikes breached the UN Charter and insisted that all of Iran’s nuclear activities had been declared to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in line with its safeguards obligations.
He also rejected US claims regarding the Kulang region, saying the area had no nuclear activity and accusing Washington of using “a fabricated pretext” to justify military action.
Baghaei added that the Iranian people remained united and ready to respond to any attack on the country’s sovereignty or national security.
Jordan’s Armed Forces said its air defence systems intercepted four Iranian missiles after Iran launched fresh attacks targeting the kingdom.
According to the military:
Missile warning sirens sounded in the southern port city of Aqaba, with smoke trails visible over the area. Israeli officials said the missiles targeted Jordan and confirmed that no debris entered Israeli territory.
Jordan has repeatedly come under Iranian attacks because it hosts US troops and military aircraft.
Iran’s army said it had targeted Azraq Air Base in Jordan and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, both of which host US military assets.
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that any US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be regarded as an expansion of the war, adding that US interests and those of its allies would become legitimate targets.
Iranian military officials claimed drones targeted US military equipment west of Kuwait.
State broadcaster IRIB later reported that Iran had also attacked Camp Doha with drones. There was no immediate confirmation from US or Kuwaiti authorities.
The Washington Post, citing a US official, reported that Iran had stepped up attacks on Jordan because Washington was preparing to deploy additional military aircraft there.
Kuwait reported fresh Iranian attacks, with local media saying a desalination plant and power stations caught fire.
The incidents heightened concerns over the security of critical infrastructure across the Gulf.
Explosions and air defence activity were reported across several parts of Iran overnight as fresh US strikes hit military targets.
Iranian media reported:
US Central Command said American forces carried out an 11th consecutive night of strikes on military targets in western and southern Iran.
President Donald Trump said Iran was “desperate” for negotiations but warned Washington could launch a major strike on Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified site believed to be linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tehran warned that any attack on its nuclear facilities would be treated as an expansion of the war.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that allowing Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous global precedent.
Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Rubio said freedom of navigation must be protected and warned against any attempt to control or impose tolls on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
He said Washington remained open to diplomacy if Tehran honoured its commitments but would protect US interests and those of its allies if necessary.
Iran has restored parts of its missile capability despite months of US and Israeli attacks, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing military analysts and satellite imagery.
The report said Tehran had resumed operations at several underground missile facilities while continuing missile and drone attacks against US forces and regional allies.
Oil prices rose in early Wednesday trading amid concerns over further supply disruptions.
Markets remained focused on developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the expanding regional conflict.
Several airlines continued adjusting operations because of the deteriorating security situation.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia suspended or cancelled services on routes involving Kuwait, Bahrain and other Gulf destinations.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before travelling and allow extra time at airports.
Yemen’s Houthi movement warned shipping companies that vessels using Saudi Arabian ports could be attacked as it moved to enforce its recently announced naval blockade.
The warning prompted several tankers carrying Saudi crude bound for China and India to reverse course in the Red Sea, increasing concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Zawtar al-Gharbiya, one of several pilot areas where the Lebanese army is working to remove Hezbollah weapons under a US-backed agreement with Israel.
Salam reiterated that Lebanon would continue diplomatic efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The United Nations said more than 400,000 people remain displaced across Lebanon because of continued insecurity.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said many families remained unable to return home because of ongoing attacks, damaged infrastructure and limited access to essential services. He added that many displaced people were increasingly relying on loans to pay for food, medicines and other basic necessities.
This post was last modified on July 22, 2026 6:09 pm