US-Iran War Escalates on Multiple Fronts: Iran struck US bases in Kuwait and other Gulf locations in retaliation for the 12th consecutive night of American airstrikes, while the IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and turned back tankers.

Houthi Threats Add Red Sea Pressure: Iran-backed Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi tankers and threatened a blockade of Saudi ports and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, prompting rerouting of vessels and higher oil prices.

Trump Administration Signals Further Retaliation: Rubio warned Iran would “pay a very heavy price,” while Trump reiterated threats to bomb Iranian infrastructure (bridges, power plants) for any attacks on shipping, as the US continues military buildup in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a sharp rebuttal to Tehran on July 23, escalating the war of words a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi vowed an “eye for an eye” response to President Trump’s threat to bomb Iranian infrastructure over attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The president’s policy is a head for an eye,” Rubio told reporters on the sidelines of Association of South Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Manila on July 23. “They will pay a very heavy price for the things they’re doing. They’re already paying a very heavy price.”

Rubio’s comments came as the conflict expanded on multiple fronts overnight.

Iran’s army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) have said they........

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